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Powell Point: Awe-Inspiring Vistas and History

Experience breathtaking Grand Canyon views from Powell Point, a tribute to explorer John Wesley Powell and a site of historical significance.

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Powell Point, located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offers stunning panoramic views and commemorates Major John Wesley Powell's expeditions down the Colorado River. A granite memorial honors Powell, and the point provides vistas of the Bright Angel Trail and remnants of the Orphan Uranium Mine.

A brief summary to Powell Point

Local tips

  • Arrive early or stay late to witness the spectacular sunrise or sunset views from Powell Point.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the paved Powell Point Trail to enjoy the scenery and read the informative historical markers.
  • Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the Bright Angel Trail and the mule trains descending into the canyon.
  • Combine your visit to Powell Point with a walk or shuttle ride along Hermit Road to explore other viewpoints.
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Getting There

  • Shuttle Bus

    To reach Powell Point, take the free Hermit Road (Red) Route shuttle bus from Grand Canyon Village. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March 1st to November 30th. The Red Route operates from May 24th through September 5th, with buses arriving every 10-15 minutes. From the Powell Point shuttle stop, it's a short, easy walk along a paved path to the viewpoint and Powell Memorial. The shuttle is free; it is included with your park entrance fee.

  • Walking

    If you're already exploring the South Rim, you can walk to Powell Point along the Rim Trail. From Maricopa Point, it's a scenic 10-minute walk through the pine woods to Powell Point. Follow the paved path west, passing the historic Orphan Mine. Remember that eastbound shuttle buses do not stop at Powell Point.

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Discover more about Powell Point

Powell Point is a breathtaking overlook on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, offering nearly 360-degree views of the vast canyon landscape. Named in honor of Major John Wesley Powell, the one-armed Civil War veteran and explorer who led the first expeditions down the Colorado River in 1869 and 1872, the point provides a unique perspective on the Grand Canyon's grandeur. The Powell Memorial, a granite structure, stands as a tribute to Powell's groundbreaking explorations. Visitors can climb the memorial for even more expansive views, especially stunning during sunrise and sunset. From Powell Point, you can see the Bright Angel Trail winding down the canyon walls and the remains of the Orphan Uranium Mine, a Superfund Environmental Cleanup Site. Powell Point also holds historical significance as the location where Grand Canyon National Park was dedicated in 1920. The paved Powell Point Trail makes the viewpoint accessible to all visitors, and interpretive markers along the trail offer insights into the area's history and geology. It's a less crowded alternative to nearby Hopi Point, offering a more serene experience.

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