Hermit Road (Red) Route Shuttle Bus

 
Map showing Hermit Road, indicated by a red line, and 9 scenic overlooks along the 7.5 mile road.
Hermit Road can only be accessed by the free Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle bus, on foot, or bicycle from March 1, through November 30, of each year.  The road is open to private vehicles only during the months of December, January and February. If you stay on the bus the entire round trip takes 80 minutes.
 
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Hermit Rest (Red) Route

Between March 1, and November 30 (when the Hermit Rest Route is in service) Hermit Road can only be accessed by this free shuttle bus, on foot, bicycle, or by commercial tour.

  • The route provides transportation between Grand Canyon Village and Hermits Rest along a scenic, 7-mile road near the rim of the canyon.
  • The bus stops at 9 exceptional scenic overlooks.
  • Hermit Road is open to private vehicles only during the months of December, January and Februay, when there is no bus service.
 
Shuttle bus passengers boarding at Hermits Rest. Grand Canyon beyond.
Last stop on the Hermit Road (Red) Route, historic Hermits Rest

80 Minutes Round-trip

(without getting off the bus)

Spring Bus Schedule

(March 1, through November 30, 2024)

  • First bus is a 8 am. Last bus is one hour after sunset.
  • 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (every 15 minutes)
  • 11:00 AM to one hour after sunset (every 10 minutes)
  • To ride the last bus, be at a bus stop 30 minutes after sunset.
 

Hermit Rest Route - Need to Know

  • Outbound buses stop at all nine overlooks.

  • Return trip buses stop only at these 4 stops:
    Hermits Rest, Pima, Mohave, and Powell Points (see loop map below).

  • The last outbound bus leaves the Village Transfer Station 1 hour before sunset.

  • The last return bus leaves Hermits Rest at sunset.

  • The last return bus stops at all Hermit Road bus stops on the way back to the village.

  • During the busy seasons, the line can be long at the Hermit Road Transfer Station – you may have to wait for two to three buses.

  • If you don't want to wait in the shuttle line, and are capable of a short, but strenuous hike on a paved footpath, walk 0.7 mi (1.1 km) up to Trailview Overlook, where you can board an outbound shuttle buse —or continue walking along the Canyon Rim Trail as far as Hermits Rest, 7.1 miles (11.4 km).

  • The shuttle buses are great when you use them in conjunction with the Canyon Rim Trail. You can get off at one stop, enjoy a scenic walk along the rim, then get back on the bus at the next stop.

 
Hermit Road Route (red) shuttle bus loop map
 

Points of Interest

 

Spring 2024 — South Rim Shuttle Bus Route Map

 
Map showing South Rim Grand Canyon Village and Vicinity showing three shuttle bus routes that are in service during spring 2024
This spring, three shuttle bus routes are in service from March 1, through May 24, 2024. Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route, right, transports visitors to S. Kaibab Trailhead and outstanding views at Yaki Point. Village (Blue) Route, center, connects Visitor Center with lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (market, outdoor ATM, post office). Hermit Road (Red) Route travels a 7-mile scenic road with spectacular overlooks. Tusayan (Purple) Route resumes service summer 2024.
 

Inclement Weather Operations on Hermit Road

  • During summer thunderstorms or other inclement weather, shuttle bus service will be suspended on Hermit Road.
  • Visitors will not be transported via shuttle bus from the Village Route Transfer Station, westward to viewpoints along Hermit Road.
  • However, shuttle bus drivers along this route will do all they can to either shuttle visitors along Hermit Road east to the Transfer or become standing shelters out along the route.
  • When service is suspended due to inclement weather, shuttle buses with additional capacity will stop anywhere along the Hermit Road it is safe to do so, and pick up visitors.
 

Additional Shuttle Bus Routes

Shuttle Bus Home Page

 

When walking or cycling at the Grand Canyon, make sure to take your time and carry food and water with you. The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7,000 feet / 2,134 meters above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Exercising at this elevation can be strenuous.

Last updated: March 5, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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