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 Road (Red) Route
In service March 1, through November 30, 2023
Provides transportation between Grand Canyon Village and Hermits Rest along a 7 mile road near the rim of the canyon.
The bus stops at 9 exceptional scenic overlooks.
Between March 1, and November 30, Hermit Road can only be accessed by the free Hermit Road (Red) Route shuttle bus, on foot, bicycle, or by commercial tour.
Hermit Road is open to private vehicles only during the months of December, January and Februay.
Last stop on the Hermit Road (Red) Route, historic Hermits Rest
80 Minutes Round-trip
(without getting off the bus)
Fall Bus Schedule
(September 10, through November 30, 2023)
First Bus: 5 am
Every 30 minutes: 5 am to 6:30 am
Every 15 minutes: 6:30 am until sunset
Last bus is 30 minutes after sunset
(September 7:30 pm; October 6:45 pm; November 6 pm)
Be at a bus stop no later then 30 minutes after sunset
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 30 Minutes after sunset.
(September 7:30 pm; October 6:45 pm; November 6 pm)
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.
Three shuttle bus routes operate from September 10 through November 30, 2023. 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, upper left, travels a 7-mile scenic road for great views. Tusayan (Purple) Route will resume service duing 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.
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.
