Powell Point Trail
A short rim walk to the memorial where the park itself was dedicated.
About
Powell Point sits on the South Rim's Hermit Road, a short, paved walk through pinyon-juniper woods from Maricopa Point and reachable by a quarter-mile stroll from Hopi Point on the other side. The Rim Trail here stays level and easy, making it accessible to anyone regardless of hiking experience. It's also a stop on the free Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle, though only in the westbound direction — there's no eastbound pickup here.
What's there
A granite memorial marks the spot where Grand Canyon National Park was formally dedicated in 1920. The monument honors Major John Wesley Powell, the one-armed Civil War veteran and geologist who led the first documented boat expeditions through the canyon on the Colorado River in 1869 and again in 1871–72. Visitors can climb onto the memorial's base for a wider view west across the canyon, though the river itself stays hidden deep in the inner gorge from this angle.
- Level, paved walking from either Maricopa Point or Hopi Point
- Vehicle access restricted March 1–November 30 — shuttle, foot, or bike only on Hermit Road
- Known for good sunset light with lighter crowds than Hopi Point
Best Time to Visit
Known for good sunset light with lighter crowds than Hopi Point. Vehicle access is restricted March 1–November 30 — shuttle, foot, or bike only on Hermit Road during that window.
Trail Tips
- Visitors can climb onto the memorial's base for a wider view west across the canyon, though the river itself stays hidden deep in the inner gorge from this angle.
- Level, paved walking makes this accessible to anyone regardless of hiking experience.
- Remember the westbound-only shuttle pickup when planning your return.
Getting to Powell Point Trail
It's a stop on the free Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle, though only in the westbound direction — there's no eastbound pickup here. The Rim Trail here stays level and easy from either Maricopa Point or Hopi Point.
What to Expect on Powell Point Trail
Powell Point sits on the South Rim's Hermit Road, a short, paved walk through pinyon-juniper woods from Maricopa Point and reachable by a quarter-mile stroll from Hopi Point on the other side. A granite memorial marks the spot where Grand Canyon National Park was formally dedicated in 1920, honoring Major John Wesley Powell, who led the first documented boat expeditions through the canyon in 1869 and again in 1871–72.
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