File:Grand Caynon Mohave Point Shuttle Stop 20100612 5732 (4701863468).jpg

Hermit Road east-bound and west-bound buses meet at Mohave Point in Grand Canyon National Park. NPS Photo by Michael Quinn.

The newly improved Hermit Road has some of the best Grand Canyon views that you can see anywhere. Once you get out to Hopi Point, the Colorado River comes into view, and on a quiet day at Pima Point, you can hear the roar of the Colorado River as it crashes through Granite Rapid.

Access is by commercial tour bus or free park shuttle bus, (Service between March 1 – November 30) which gives you the chance to look at the scenery, while someone else does the driving. The shuttle buses are great when you use them in conjunction with the rim trail —you can get off at one stop, enjoy a scenic walk along the rim, and then get back on the bus at the next stop. Or if you feel like taking a longer walk, fill a backpack with food and water, then take the shuttle bus out to Hermit’s Rest and day hike the Rim Trail the 8 miles (11 km) back to the Village.

If you enjoy bicycling, Hermit Road is probably the best place in the park. There is far less traffic out here because of the limitations on private vehicles. The three miles of new Greenway Trail are also a great addition for cyclists as well as hikers.