Natural Attraction

Mohave Point

Natural Attraction
From behind a curved guardrail, a view of a river within a mile-deep canyon of peaks and cliffs.

From Mohave Point, the Colorado River ribbons 4,000 feet below, with Granite and Hermit rapids carving white lines through the inner gorge. Named formations—'The Alligator', 'Tower of Set', 'Tower of Ra', and the Horus and Osiris temples—rise as sculptured peaks where differential erosion attacks fracture-prone rock more readily than resistant blocks. These Precambrian and Paleozoic strata tell a 1.8 billion-year story of tectonic uplift and river incision. At sunset, the low light reveals the full chromatic range of the canyon—reds, purples, and deep shadows that make this South Rim's premier viewing platform.

Access & viewing

GPS Coordinates
36.0724904075, -112.166404666

Planning advice

Nearby Attractions
Hopi Point, Hermits Rest, and The Abyss overlook are nearby on Hermit Road. These overlooks offer different geological perspectives and sunset views within a short drive.
Nearby Facilities
Grand Canyon Village (east) has lodging, dining, shopping, and services. Desert View (east) has a gas station, market, and trading post. No facilities at Mohave Point.
Best Time To Visit
Sunset is the premier viewing window—the low-angle light reveals the full chromatic range of strata in reds, purples, and oranges. Arrive 1–2 hours before sunset for photography and to secure parking.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive early (before 3 pm) on peak days—the parking lot fills quickly before sunset.
  • Bring water and snacks; no facilities at the viewpoint.
  • Wear sunscreen and a hat; the overlook is fully exposed.
  • Watch closely for sudden wind gusts.
  • Never turn your back on the canyon edge for selfies.
  • Binoculars help identify the named formations ('The Alligator', 'Tower of Ra').
  • Visit during clear weather for best colors; skip if clouds blanket the canyon.

More details

Family Friendly Notes
The overlook is designed for all ages, but this is a fatal-drop environment. Keep young children within arm's reach and teach them the boundary rules before arrival. Older kids enjoy spotting named formations and understanding geological layers. No specific facilities for families (no shaded areas, restrooms, or water).
Attraction Type
Scenic Overlook
How To Get There
Located on Hermit Road on the South Rim, west of Grand Canyon Village. Accessible via NPS Red Route shuttle bus or private vehicle. Parking available at the pullout. Hermit Road is paved and open year-round. Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle (valid 7 days, as of 2026).
Parking Availability
Pullout with designated parking for auto and RV/bus. Typically fills by late afternoon on peak season days (May–September). NPS Red Route shuttle provides parking-free access.
Road Type
Paved scenic drive
Main Features
Colorado River flowing through the inner gorge 4,000+ feet below, creating white-water Granite and Hermit rapids; distinctive rock formations including 'The Alligator', 'Tower of Set', 'Tower of Ra', Horus and Osiris temples, and Isis Temple shaped by differential erosion of Precambrian and Paleozoic strata; panoramic view of the canyon's full geological column.
What Youll See
The Colorado River 4,000 feet below with white-water Granite and Hermit rapids. Named rock formations: The Alligator, Tower of Set, Tower of Ra, and Horus and Osiris temples. The full geological column—Precambrian basement rock and Paleozoic sedimentary strata in reds, purples, and oranges.
Unique Characteristics
Distinctive named formations visible from no other South Rim viewpoint: The Alligator, Tower of Set, Tower of Ra, and the Horus and Osiris temples. Perhaps the South Rim's most dramatic sunset viewpoint.
Safety Considerations
Exposed cliff edge with 4,000+ ft drop—fatal if you fall. Stay behind all barriers and never approach the edge for photos. Keep children within arm's reach at all times. Do not lean over railings. Wind gusts can be strong at the overlook; secure loose items. Avoid the area during afternoon thunderstorms (July–September); lightning is a risk on exposed points. Never turn your back to the canyon edge for selfies.
Best Viewpoints
Stand along the full length of the pullout for different angles. The central viewing platform offers the best river perspective. The overlook's edges allow viewing of different named formations (The Alligator on the right, Tower of Set and Ra to the left).
Photo Opportunities
Sunset-lit strata on the canyon walls; white-water rapids in the inner gorge; named formations (The Alligator, Tower of Set, temple peaks). Early morning light also works for photographing the formations. Wide vista panoramas are possible from multiple spots along the pullout.
Sunrise Sunset Quality
Sunset is spectacular—perhaps the South Rim's finest. Low-angle light reveals the full chromatic range of strata. Sunrise offers cooler, clearer light but less dramatic color.
Visitor Center Present
0
Restrooms Available
0
Picnic Areas
1
Interpretive Signs
1
Water Available
0
Guided Tours Available
0
Geological Formation Type
River-cut canyon with erosional towers and ridges
Scientific Interest
Excellent exposure of Precambrian Vishnu basement rock and Paleozoic sedimentary strata. Demonstrates differential erosion patterns where fracture-prone layers erode faster than resistant blocks, creating named temple-shaped formations. The Colorado River's ongoing erosion is visible in the river profile.
Review Summary
Visitors consistently rate this as one of Grand Canyon's best sunset viewpoints. Most are impressed by the scale (4,000 ft drop), the named formations, and the chromatic range of strata at dusk. Some note the lot fills quickly before sunset and facilities are minimal. The experience justifies the short drive from Grand Canyon Village.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is Mohave Point worth driving to from Grand Canyon Village?

Yes—the sunset views are among the South Rim's finest. The 4,000-foot exposure to the river and named formations justify the drive.

What facilities are at the overlook?

Parking, picnic tables, and interpretive signs. No restrooms, water, or shade. Bring water and use facilities in Grand Canyon Village before driving out.

Does the parking lot usually fill up?

On clear days May–September, the lot fills by 4:30 pm. Arrive by 3 pm or use the NPS Red Route shuttle bus.

Why are the rocks so colorful at sunset?

Iron oxides in the Precambrian and Paleozoic strata are lit by low-angle sun. These layers appear gray at noon. Sunset angle reveals the full color spectrum.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes, for supervised children. Keep kids within arm's reach; the edge is a 4,000-foot fatal drop. Teach boundary rules before arrival.

Does Hermit Road close in winter?

No, it's open year-round. Snow and ice are possible; drive carefully and check NPS road conditions.

Hopi Point

Five distinct views of the Colorado River from one overlook. Sunrise and sunset reveal canyon layers in warm tones.

Lipan Point

South Rim's widest panorama. Ancient tilted bedrock and Colorado River at canyon's base, 1,000 feet below.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.