Maricopa Point
A wide-open South Rim overlook with a uranium-mining past
About
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.
Best Time to Visit
Hermit Road's shuttle runs seasonally; outside that window personal vehicles are allowed, so check current access before planning your route here.
Good to Know: Orphan Mine
- The clearing and old equipment near the point mark the site of the Orphan Mine, which started as a copper claim in 1891 and later became one of the richest uranium sources in the country before it was shut down.
- Derelict cable line and mining structures are still visible from the rim, and uranium "hot spots" remain in unmined ground nearby — stay on the established trail rather than wandering past the barriers.
- This history adds real context to what looks like ordinary rubble near the overlook.
Getting to Maricopa Point
It's an easy stop on the Hermit Road shuttle route, making it a good add-on to a West Rim visit without committing to a longer hike.
What to Expect at Maricopa Point
Maricopa Point sits on Hermit Road on the South Rim, reached by a short walk from the parking area or along the Rim Trail. The rim narrows here to a thin promontory extending roughly 100 feet before it drops away vertically, opening up a view of more than 180 degrees with almost nothing blocking the canyon in front of you. You can trace long stretches of the Tonto Trail below and pick out the Colorado River itself.
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