Rim Trail to Mohave Point

Thanks to the free and frequent shuttle bus service along Hermit's Rest Road (March-November), there are many ways you can complete a hike along the western portion of the Rim Trail. The route shown here is a one-way hike from Bright Angel trailhead to Mohave Point -- one of the best places to see sunset from the canyon rim.From the start you'll have amazing views of the Bright Angel Trail as it switchbacks down into the canyon. At this point the Rim Trail is paved, and has just a few steep but short sections. You can easily step off the pavement for better views through the trees. Whether at a named overlook or not, the views are always incredible.The first named overlook you'll come to is Maricopa Point, about 2 miles from the start. It grants a 180-degree panorama over Grand Canyon, and you can even spot a sliver of the Colorado River far below. Keep hiking westward from here, and you might notice relics of a mining operation on the canyon rim. Copper and later uranium were once extracted here.The next named overlook is Powell Point, which commemorates John Wesley Powell -- Civil War hero and geologist who led the first successful expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. At Powell Point there is a two-way shuttle stop, so you could decide to catch the bus back from here.West of Powell Point, the Rim Trail's pavement ends and it becomes a 3-foot wide dirt trail, making an even better hiking experience. Just half a mile farther is Hopi Point, an ideal location for sunrise or sunset. From this overlook you can clearly see the Colorado River in multiple stretches as it flows through the bottom of the canyon.About one mile beyond Hopi Point is Mohave Point, another spectacular place for watching sunset. This point also offers excellent views of the Colorado River. With a keen eye you can spot the Salt Creek, Granite, and Hermit rapids. Mohave Point is another two-way shuttle stop, so after watching the sunset you can catch the bus back to your start.Rim Trail keeps going west of Mohave Point, however, to even more overlooks and less crowded trail. Consider leaving time to explore The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, or Pima Point farther on.