Maricopa Point Trail

Best Time to Visit

Time your trip around the shuttle schedule March through November, or take advantage of the winter open-road window if visiting December through February.

Trail Tips

• Directly below the viewpoint are the remains of the Orphan Lode Mine, worked first for copper starting in 1891 and later for some of the richest uranium ore in the country until 1967; rusted equipment and cable line supports are still visible in the canyon wall.
• Stay on the trail near the old mine site — the National Park Service continues restoration work there and residual radioactive material remains in spots.
• Use the paved Rim Trail connection to combine this stop with Trailview Overlook or Powell Point.

Getting to Maricopa Point

Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles March through November, when the free shuttle (Maricopa Point is a marked stop) is the only way in; personal cars are allowed only in December, January, and February.

What to Expect on Maricopa Point Trail

Maricopa Point sits on Hermit Road at the South Rim, a short paved walk from the parking and shuttle stop to an open overlook with more than 180 degrees of canyon view. From the rim edge you can trace several miles of the Tonto Trail below and pick out glimpses of the Colorado River. The point also connects to the Rim Trail, a paved path running 0.7 miles east to Trailview Overlook and 0.5 miles west to Powell Point.