
Yaki Point
Remote lookout on the South Rim, accessible by shuttle, offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the Grand Canyon.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds for sunrise

Yaki Point
Best Time
Beat the crowds for sunrise

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Remote lookout on the South Rim, accessible by shuttle, offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the Grand Canyon.
"Amazing location to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon! A must see!!"

🚗 Shuttle is Key
No private cars allowed! Use the free Orange Route shuttle. Arrive early for the best seats.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Bring your camera! Yaki Point offers incredible angles for sunrise & sunset shots.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunrise Spectacle
Yaki Point
Witness the Grand Canyon awaken in a symphony of color. An unforgettable start to your day.

Sunset Serenity
Yaki Point
Watch the canyon glow as the sun dips below the horizon. A truly magical and peaceful experience.

Panoramic South Rim Views
Yaki Point
Expansive vistas of the Grand Canyon's vastness. Perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Yaki Point
Safety First at Yaki Point
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Grand Canyon visit
🚗 Shuttle is Key
No private cars allowed! Use the free Orange Route shuttle. Arrive early for the best seats.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Bring your camera! Yaki Point offers incredible angles for sunrise & sunset shots.
Full day at Grand Canyon
5 hours at the grand canyon
⚠️ Safety First!
Limited guardrails. Be cautious, especially with kids. Stay on paths.
🚶♀️ Walk the Rim Trail
Enjoy a scenic walk along the South Rim Trail from Yaki Point.
Advice For First Time Travelers?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle is Key
No private cars allowed! Use the free Orange Route shuttle. Arrive early for the best seats.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Bring your camera! Yaki Point offers incredible angles for sunrise & sunset shots.
⚠️ Safety First!
Limited guardrails. Be cautious, especially with kids. Stay on paths.
🚶♀️ Walk the Rim Trail
Enjoy a scenic walk along the South Rim Trail from Yaki Point.
💧 Pack Water
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Restrooms are available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Yaki Point for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, calling it a 'must-see' and 'amazing.' The panoramic vistas are a major draw, offering incredible photo opportunities. However, many caution about the lack of guardrails, urging visitors to be extremely careful, especially when taking selfies. Access via shuttle bus is noted as convenient but requires planning to avoid crowds.
"Breathtaking views. Be careful when taking selfies because there are no guard rails except for a few spots and people have been known to have accidentally fallen off when taking selfies. Keep toddlers on a short physical leash if possible"
Siamak Manzarpour
"It is one of the great views which is only available through the Shuttle Tours. It has wonderful options for your camera in this quiet and calming point. A must see!!"
James Balogh
"Amazing location to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon! Just be aware that you can’t drive your own vehicle here. There are a couple of pull offs that you can park at, but you will have to walk approximately 1.2 miles up a very slight incline to get to Yaki point.
There is a nice trail that follows the southern rim with plenty of good photo opportunities. No guard rails here though so be careful!"
Ryan Wallace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yaki Point is exclusively accessible via the free Grand Canyon National Park shuttle bus system. Take the Orange Route shuttle, which departs from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Private vehicles are not allowed to drive to Yaki Point.
No, private vehicles are prohibited at Yaki Point. The only ways to access it are by the park's shuttle bus or by bicycle.
While you cannot drive directly to Yaki Point, there are parking lots available at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where you can catch the shuttle bus.
The shuttle ride from the Visitor Center to Yaki Point is relatively short, typically around 10-15 minutes, depending on stops.
Yes, Yaki Point is accessible by bicycle. The paved trail along the South Rim offers a scenic route for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yaki Point is located within Grand Canyon National Park. You will need a valid park entrance pass to enter the park. The shuttle bus service to Yaki Point is free once inside the park.
Yaki Point itself is an open viewpoint. However, access via the shuttle bus is seasonal and has specific operating hours. It's best to check the official Grand Canyon National Park website for the current shuttle schedule.
There is no separate fee for Yaki Point. The standard Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee applies.
To avoid crowds, aim for early morning for sunrise or very late afternoon for sunset. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
There are no specific restrictions on photography at Yaki Point, but always be mindful of safety and do not venture into unsafe areas for a photo.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography at Yaki Point. The canyon walls glow with warm hues during these times.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise/sunset.
From Yaki Point, you can see parts of the canyon that reveal the immense scale, but direct, clear views of the Colorado River itself might be limited compared to other viewpoints.
The most critical safety consideration is the lack of guardrails in many areas. Photographers should maintain a safe distance from the edge and never compromise safety for a shot.
Yes, you can take selfies, but extreme caution is advised. Many reviewers mention the danger of falling while taking selfies due to the lack of railings.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Yaki Point has restrooms available for visitors. There are also some pull-off areas for parking if you are cycling or walking.
The shuttle bus is generally accessible. The viewpoint itself is relatively flat, but the paved trail can have some gentle inclines. Check with the park for specific accessibility details.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the views, take photos, and perhaps walk a portion of the Rim Trail. If you're there for sunrise or sunset, factor in travel time and waiting.
Yaki Point is a stop on the South Rim Trail, a paved, relatively flat path that allows you to walk to other viewpoints. It's not a strenuous hike but offers beautiful scenery.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the sheer scale of the canyon is awe-inspiring for all ages, emphasize the importance of staying safe and on marked paths. The shuttle ride itself can be an adventure for kids. Remember to bring layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly at the rim.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To maximize your photography experience, plan to take the shuttle early. This allows you to scout the best angles and set up your gear before the main crowds arrive. Be mindful of the safety warnings regarding the lack of guardrails, and always prioritize a secure position for your tripod and yourself. The South Rim Trail offers various perspectives, so take time to explore the immediate vicinity for unique shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Yaki Point Shuttle Experience
This shuttle system not only manages traffic but also preserves the tranquility of the viewpoints. The ride itself offers glimpses of the surrounding landscape, building anticipation for the grand reveal at Yaki Point. It's a practical and eco-friendly way to explore the South Rim, allowing you to focus on the natural beauty rather than parking hassles.
Safety and Photography at the Edge
For photographers, Yaki Point is a dream, especially during sunrise and sunset when the canyon walls are bathed in warm, dramatic light. While the expansive vistas are incredible, remember that safety should always be the priority. Avoid risky maneuvers for the perfect shot. Instead, focus on the stunning natural beauty from secure vantage points. A tripod can be beneficial for capturing the best of the low-light conditions.
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