Shoshone Point
A quiet rim walk away from the crowds
About
Shoshone Point is the South Rim's best-kept secret, and the reason is simple: it doesn't appear on the park's official visitor map. That omission keeps the crowds away and the parking lot practically empty, even on busy summer days. Reviewers consistently rate it among the best views in the canyon, and with a 4.9 rating from 182 reviews, the word is clearly getting out anyway.
What to expect
The walk in is an easy, mostly flat 1 to 1.6 miles each way along an old dirt park service road shaded by ponderosa pine, gaining just enough elevation that a few reviewers call it a gentle uphill on the way out. At the end, the trail opens onto a point jutting into the canyon with sweeping panoramic views and, at one spot, a short step down that requires a bit of upper-body effort. Wildlife sightings are common — several visitors mention elk near the trailhead or parking area.
- Distance: roughly 1-1.6 miles one-way, flat to gentle grade
- Facilities: restrooms and picnic tables near the viewpoint
- Best for: sunset, when reviewers say the changing light and near-solitude make it a standout
- Access: open 24 hours, no shuttle stop — pack a flashlight for the walk back after dark
Plan on 45 minutes to an hour round trip if you're lingering for the view. It's an easy add-on for anyone craving a quiet, uncrowded alternative to the main rim overlooks.
Best Time to Visit
The path can turn muddy during spring snowmelt, so plan footwear accordingly if visiting in that season.
Trail Tips
- A covered pavilion, picnic tables, grills, trash cans, and a vault toilet sit near the point, but no water or electricity.
- This is the only spot in the park available for reserved private events (weddings, reunions); a gate closes public access when it's booked, so check before planning a visit.
- Named for the Shoshone tribe of the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain region.
Getting to Shoshone Point
The route passes through ponderosa forest that gives way to pinyon-juniper woodland as it nears the canyon edge, with no signage marking the trailhead — look for the small dirt parking area off Desert View Drive.
What to Expect at Shoshone Point
Shoshone Point is a quiet rim viewpoint reached by an easy, roughly 2-mile round-trip walk along an unsigned dirt road on the South Rim, well away from the crowds at the paved overlooks. The point sits on a narrow peninsula facing north-northeast, with open views across to Desert View Watchtower and the North Rim in the distance. Unlike most South Rim overlooks, there's no guardrail crowd — just a quiet stretch of rim.
Reviews
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