Maricopa Point

Maricopa Point sits along Hermit Road, one of the first pull-offs west of Grand Canyon Village, and it's the kind of stop that rewards people who don't just chase the famous names. The paved path from the shuttle stop is short and easy, leading to a platform that juts out into the canyon for a sweeping, largely unobstructed view.

What you'll see

The point looks deep into the canyon toward the Colorado River, with the layered rock walls catching light differently through the day. On the west side, look for the remains of the old Orphan Mine, once one of the richest uranium and copper mines in the country. There's no restroom here, so plan around that if you're stringing together several Hermit Road stops.

• Location: Hermit Road, Grand Canyon Village
• Access: free shuttle bus (runs March through November) or the paved Rim Trail on foot
• Best for: sunrise or midday light, and travelers looking to skip the crowds at Hopi and Mohave Points

Reviewers consistently point to how quiet it stays even in peak season — a calm, photo-friendly overlook that holds its own against the more famous stops nearby.