Tour Scenic Hermit Road in Your Vehicle (Under 22 feet)

Scenic Hermit Road is open to private vehicles only during December, January and February.

Photo courtesy of Aerial Filmworks (all rights reserved)

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.

This extremely popular road is accessed by free park shuttle bus, foot, bicycle, or commercial bus tour most of the year. Hermit Road is only open to private vehicles during the winter months of December, January and February. There is no shuttle bus service during these months. Parking is limited along Hermit Road, especially during Christmas and New Year's weeks

Because of the narrow roadways, vehicle length is limited to less than 22 feet (total length).

The Canyon Rim Trail also follows the rim of the canyon for 7.8 miles (12.6 km) alongside Hermit Road and offers the opportunity for short or long walks between viewpoints on both paved and dirt trails.

• Hermit Road provides some of the best Grand Canyon views that you can see anywhere. Once you get out to Hopi Point, the Colorado River comes into view, and on a quiet day at Pima Point, you can hear the roar of the Colorado River as it crashes through Granite Rapid.  

 

• Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles between March 1 and November 30. During this 9 month period, most visitors access the road via the free Hermits Rest (Red) Route Shuttle >  

 

• Commercial Bus Tours are available throughout the year.

Details

Duration

90-200 Minutes

Allow 90 minutes for a round-trip drive out to Hermits Rest and back (14 miles - 22.5 km). 

One can easily spend 3-4 hours, depending how many stops you make along the road to get out to stretch, experience the scenic views, and to walk portions of the Canyon Rim Trail between the scenic overlooks

Activity

Scenic Driving

During December, January and February, private vehicles (under 22 feet total length) may tour scenic Hermit Road. Parking is limited along Hermit Road, especially during Christmas and New Year's weeks.The best time to tour is in the morning, before 10:30 am. Paring is not available for RVs over 22 feet in lengh. 

 

• The Canyon Rim Trail follows the rim of the canyon for 7.8 miles (12.6 km) alongside Hermit Road. Hermit Road is also accessed throughout the year by hikers, runners and bicyclists.

 

• During winter months, motorists must be on the lookout for bicyclists, especially when the road is icy. 

Age(s)

All ages are welcome, however, minors must be with an adult parent or guardian at scenic overlooks, or when walking along the Canyon Rim Trail.. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Leashed pets are allowed at the scenic overlooks and along the trail. Pets are not allowed on Hermit Trail, or on any other trails the descend into the depths of Grand Canyon. (With the exception of service dogs (as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act)

Activity Fee

No

There is no fee or toll required to tour scenic Hermit Road. 

Location

Hermit Road Interchange

Scenic Hermit Road begins at the interchange, on the west side of the Village Historic District, near Bright Angel Lodge. During winter months, the gate arms will be open when Hermit Road is open. If you find the gate arms closed, that means that the road and overlooks are being cleared of ice and snow by work crews.

From the interchange, the road climbs a steep hill, then follows the canyon rim for 7 miles (11 km) out to Hermits Rest, and the Hermit Trailhead.

Reservations

No

No reservations are required to tour Hermit Road, however during the Christmas and New Year's holiday weeks. the road often becomes congested after 12 noon, and through sunset. The best time to tour Hermit Road is from sunrise until 10:30 am. 

Season

Winter

Hermit Road is only open to private vehicles during the three winter months of December, January and February, when there is no shuttle service. 

The Hermits Rest (Red) Route shuttle is in operation between March 1, and November 30. During those nine months, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. 

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

During winter months, snow storms can close Hermit Road for days at a time. it is best to plan on touring the road during the day, when there is greater visibility and warmer temperatures. 
 

Accessibility Information

• Many of the paths between scenic overlooks meet accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas, provided they have not been closed by a recent snowstorm.
• There are a number of windshield views of Grand Canyon available from some of the smaller roadside pullouts along the length of Hermit Road. 
• Vault toilets are available at Hopi Point and Hermits Rest.  
• Water and a snackbar are available at Hermits Rest.