Mohave Point

Mohave Point sits along Hermit Road on the South Rim, and regulars will tell you it's the sunset spot to know about — rated an outstanding 4.9 out of nearly 2,000 Google reviews, among the best marks of any overlook on this drive. The view faces west, which is exactly why it draws a crowd right before golden hour.

What you'll see

From several outlooks along the point, you get a wide, largely unobstructed look at the Colorado River far below, with terraced cliffs and sandstone mesas stacking up in front of you. Reviewers consistently point to the depth and shadow play here at sunrise and sunset, and more than one visitor has called it a quieter alternative to the more crowded Hopi Point down the road, while still delivering a nearly 180-degree view of the basin.

Getting there

Mohave Point is on Hermit Road, which is closed to private vehicles for most of the year — the free park shuttle covers the route, with roughly 15-20 minutes between stops, and drivers are known for pointing photographers toward the better angles. The overlook itself has no set hours; it's part of the open park landscape, so early risers and sunset chasers can time it however they like.

• Rating: 4.9 stars (1,962+ Google reviews)
• Access: free Hermit Road shuttle, or on foot via the Rim Trail
• Best for: sunset, and a less-crowded alternative to Hopi Point

Stick to the marked paths near the edge — the terrain drops off fast — but a short walk in either direction opens up different angles on the river below.