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Find stillness at Hermit's Rest | Grand Canyon’s hidden corner

Tucked away at the far end of Hermit Road, Hermit's Rest is a peaceful spot with a touch of history and sweeping views of the Canyon. Originally built in 1914 as a rest stop for stagecoach passengers, it now serves as a scenic and quiet finale to the South Rim’s westbound journey. Designed by famed architect Mary Colter, this stone building blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape, making it a great place to pause, reflect, and take in the stillness of the canyon.

Things to do on your visit

Grab a snack at grand canynon
Hermit's Rest stone building with bell tower at South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
Grand Canyon Hermit's Rest viewpoint at sunset with vibrant sky.
Hermit Creek Canyon view at sundown from Hermit Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona.
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Grab a snack or a souvenir

Inside, there’s a small gift shop and snack bar with drinks, signature cookies, sandwiches, and canyon-themed keepsakes. It’s a charming stop before heading back along Hermit Road.

Admire the architecture

Hermit's Rest was designed by Mary Colter, the designer of eight other unique Grand Canyon buildings, to resemble an old miner’s cabin. Don’t miss the massive stone fireplace inside — it’s as cozy as it is impressive.

Enjoy the view

An unsaid recommendation, but the viewpoint just outside Hermits Rest offers wide canyon vistas. While not as dramatic as Hopi or Mather Point, it’s quiet and uncrowded — a perfect spot for relaxed photos.

Walk a portion of the rim trail

The 7.8-mile trail starts at an elevation of 6,860 feet and descends 3,100 feet into the Canyon. If you’re an experienced hiker, you can hike this steep and rocky trail in 3–4 hours; otherwise, you can simply walk a section of it to get a feel of the trail ahead.

Plan your visit

Hermit's rest

It is open year-round, but timings vary by season:

  • 8am–8pm during summer (June–August)
  • 9am–5pm during winter (December–February)

Address: Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps

It sits at the western end of Hermit Road on the South Rim, about 7 miles west of Grand Canyon Village. It’s the final stop on the red shuttle route.

accessible washroom

Access varies by the season:

  • During the spring (March–May), summer (June–August), and fall (September–November) seasons, it is only accessible by the free Hermit Road Shuttle. Park your vehicle at the Grand Canyon Village and board the shuttle.
  • During the winter (December–February), private vehicles are allowed on Hermit Road.
  • The shuttle buses and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
  • The building has a paved, level entrance.
  • Although the viewpoint is nearby, the path to it is uneven and not wheelchair-friendly.
water refill station
  • Gift shop
  • Snack bar
  • Restrooms
  • Water bottle filling stations

A brief history

A brief history about hermit's rest

Hermit's Rest was built in 1914 as a resting spot for tourists visiting by stagecoach. It was designed by Mary Colter, one of the few female architects working in the Southwest at the time. Her goal was to make it look like it had always been there: rugged, aged, and part of the land. The giant fireplace, stone walls, and rustic details are all part of that illusion. Despite its “old” look, it was purpose-built for comfort and tourism.

Frequently asked questions about Hermit's Rest

No. Once you’re inside the Grand Canyon National Park (which requires an entrance fee), there’s no extra fee to visit Hermits Rest.

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