Shoshone Point

The Shoshone Point Trail starts at a gate and unsigned parking pullout just west of mile marker 246 on Desert View Drive. The quiet trail is a nearly level dirt road that gains only 100 feet over its mile length. Cross the plateau hiking through a wooded area covered with ponderosa pine. After a mile, emerge at the turn around a loop where there are benches, grills, mule hitching posts and pit toilets. The covered pavilion can be rented for events, but you don't need a permit just to visit the overlook. The views of the eastern Grand Canyon area from the rim here are great, but thrill seekers press on to the very edge of Shoshone Point. Be careful with the loose rock and narrow ledges, a fall would be deadly. Check out the cool mushroom/headstone rock formation at the point. See if you can identify Hance Rapids, Desert View Tower, Vishnu Temple, Horseshoe Mesa and many other landmarks. Enjoy the solitude of this unpopulated gem, then retrace your steps back to the parking area. This is also a popular place to watch the sunset (bring a headlamp for the hike back).