10 Best Viewpoints at the Grand Canyon South Rim

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is nothing short of remarkable. However, while the Grand Canyon deserves its “World Wonder” status, stopping at every overlook as you drive around the park will start to leave you with canyon fatigue. Overdo it, and the stunning vistas all start blending together. You want every moment you spend at Grand Canyon National Park to feel awe-inspiring, so stick to these ten best viewpoints along the South Rim and you’ll leave feeling wow-ed (no hiking required).

These are the 10 best viewpoints at the Grand Canyon South Rim that you shouldn’t miss.

The Best Viewpoints at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Yavapai Point View at sunrise in the Grand Canyon South Rim

1. Yavapai Point

Yavapai Point is the northernmost overlook on the Grand Canyon South Rim. Because of its location, you’ll get nearly unobstructed views of the gorge below. Be sure to walk up near the Yavapai Museum of Geology as well where you’ll see more stunning panoramas.

This is a great spot for sunrise or sunset.

Mather Point Overlook at the Grand Canyon

View from Mather Point in the Grand Canyon

2. Mather Point

Look closely and you’ll be able to spot Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon from Mather Point. Located near the entrance of the park, this overlook is often the first stop for visitors to the Grand Canyon. As such, you’ll find it swarmed with crowds at nearly all parts of the day. Getting here before 9am is your best bet for avoiding the masses.

Lush greenery and the view from Grandview Point at the Grand Canyon

3. Grandview Point

They don’t call it “Grandview” for nothing. This stunning overlook will give you sweeping panoramic views of the canyon. Grandview Point is the highest elevation overlook on the South Rim, so the vegetation here is more lush and varied than in other areas of the park.

View from Yaki Point at the Grand Canyon South Rim

4. Yaki Point

This is the only point in the park that can’t be accessed by private vehicles year-round. You’ll need to hop on a short shuttle ride to get here, but it’s well worth it. Visitors tend to shy away from the shuttle requirement, which means Yaki Point can be a good spot to escape the crowds as well.

This is a great overlook to catch the sunset with fewer crowds.

5. Hopi Point

Located along Hermit Road, Hopi Point is one of the most visited viewpoints in the Grand Canyon. This is the first spot along the South Rim where the western part of the Grand Canyon becomes visible. Here, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the Colorado River and several prominent mesas.

This is a very popular spot for sunset, but note that there aren’t any return shuttles that leave from Hopi Point. To catch the shuttle back, you’ll need to walk over to nearby Powell Point.

Colorado River view from Mohave Point at the Grand Canyon

Looking out over Mohave Point at the Grand Canyon

6. Mohave Point

Mohave Point is another beautiful viewpoint along Hermit Road. It has one of the best views of the Colorado River and what’s known as The Abyss – the longest vertical drop found along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This is also a great sunset spot that’s slightly less crowded than Hopi Point.

Colorado River view from Pima Point at the Grand Canyon

7. Pima Point

Pima Point is one of the best spots for views of the Colorado River. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a quiet day in the park, you might even hear the sound of the river rapids in the distance. It’s the last major viewpoint along Hermit Road. The final stop on Hermit Road, Hermit’s Rest, is just a rest stop. There are restrooms, snacks for sale, and a gift shop, but there’s no overlook there.

Colorful rock striations from Moran Point at the Grand Canyon

8. Moran Point

Calling all geology nerds! At Moran Point, you’ll be able to see all three of the Grand Canyon’s main rock groups. The different colors, layers, and striations of the canyon are particularly prominent here.

Lipan Point View at the Grand Canyon South Rim

9. Lipan Point

Lipan Point offers one of the widest views of the Grand Canyon. The westward views seem to stretch on forever. The colors here also shine, with the canyon’s beautiful layers on full display. Due to its distance from the Visitor Center, Lipan Point tends to be less crowded as well.

With its expansive westward views, this is a gorgeous spot for sunset.

Desert View Watchtower overlook at the Grand Canyon

Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon

10. Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower is one of the more unique viewpoints in the Grand Canyon. Beyond sweeping views of the canyon, it also features a stone watchtower that’s become an iconic structure in the park. It was built in 1932 and inspired by the architecture of the Ancestral Puebloan people.

There’s really no viewpoint of the Grand Canyon that will leave you disappointed. It truly is one of the wonders of the world. There’s an almost overwhelming number of epic views here, but stick to these ten and you’ll be sure to catch the best of them.