Last updated: April 21, 2023
Article
Enjoy the View Like Mark Meyer
How do you enjoy the view?
The Enjoy the View Like Us series invites National Park Service employees to share their stories about their favorite park views. The ways to enjoy the view are as unique as parks and their visitors. We hope these stories inspire you to enjoy the view! Learn more about scenic views in national parks.
NPS Photo / Mark Meyer
“Multiple layers of the canyon showing the variety of colors and landforms...”
This is how Mark Meyer describes his favorite view: Hermits Rest at Grand Canyon National Park. Hermit Road is a scenic route along the west end of Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim which follows the rim for 7 miles (11 km) out to Hermits Rest. Hermits Rest is an iconic and historic stop, and the conclusion to the Rim Trail and Hermit Road. It also serves as the gateway to magnificent backcountry hiking trails that originate from the Hermit Trail, a steeply winding path into the canyon
Mark is a Visual Resource Specialist with the National Park Service’s Air Resource Division. He helps park managers understand and evaluate the important characteristics of the views in their parks.
This information helps park managers when they need to make decisions about protecting those views. The National Park Service is responsible for preserving important natural, cultural, and historic views into the future.
NPS Photo / Mark Meyer
What makes this view so special?
Mark says, “I consider the Grand Canyon to be my "home park", having spent most of my life in Arizona and visiting the canyon many times. Any view of the canyon is special and this one because of the company.” Many views of the canyon are expansive, giving you a sense of its vast scale. This one from the patio at the snack bar is framed by a couple of trees and focuses your attention to limited area with a glimpse of the Colorado River.
Mark spent warm days hiking in the sun working with his fellow NPS team members. As he reflects on those days he smiles at the memory of enjoying the view while eating ice cream from the snack shop at the end of the trail.
What should visitors know?
Hermits Rest is on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This area is extremely popular and can be very busy, especially in the summer. You can access Hermit's rest by free shuttle bus, foot, bicycle, or commercial bus tour most of the year. Private vehicles are only allowed during winter months. Visit Grand Canyon National Park’s website for information to help you plan your trip.