What is Hermit Road?
Hermit Road is a seven mile road that hugs the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It links several of the most popular viewpoints on the Grand Canyon, including Hopi Point, Mohave Point and Pima Point.
Hermit Road runs from the western edge of Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest, where there’s a small snack bar and gift shop.
The problem is that Hermit Road is popular, and the National Park Service has closed it off to vehicles.
Well, most vehicles, most of the time.
Grand Canyon South Rim shuttle bus
Most visitors to the Grand Canyon South Rim will see the lookouts and viewpoints of Hermit Road using the shuttle bus. This bus is provided by the National Park Service and runs frequently throughout the day. It is by far the best option for most visitors.
When can you drive Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon?
However, the Hermit Road shuttle bus at Grand Canyon South Rim only runs between March 1 and November 30.
If you visit in December, January or February, self-driving along Hermit Road is permitted.
Walking and cycling Hermit Road
For the rest of the year, you have a few options. The first is to walk along the 13-mile Canyon Rim Trail, which covers the same stops, but hugs the canyon rim even closer. It’s a fairly flat walk, albeit with little shade.
The second option for seeing Hermit Road without taking the shuttle bus is going by bike. Bright Angel Bicycles in Grand Canyon Village offers both bike tours and rentals.
Grand Canyon tours that include Hermit Road
Option three is to go on a Grand Canyon tour with a commercial operator. Check the itinerary details before booking, however, as not all tours go down Hermit Road. Most stick to the equally impressive Desert View Drive, but you can drive along that yourself.
Grand Canyon accessibility permits
For travellers with mobility issues, however, there is another option for driving along Hermit Road. The National Park Service offers accessibility permits for scenic drives within the national park – including along Hermit Road.
To get an accessibility permit, you need to ask at the national park entry gate when paying the $35 park entry fee. Eligibility criteria are vague – probably deliberately so – but there is no requirement to show a state-issued parking pass or Blue Badge equivalent.
These accessibility permits are free of charge, and come with a code to open the barrier to Hermit Road at Grand Canyon Village. They are designed for those who genuinely need it, however – don’t potentially spoil it for travellers who do need the extra help if you do not.
It should also be noted that the Hermit Road shuttle buses are wheelchair-accessible.
More Arizona travel
For more things to do in Arizona, head here.
Other articles about Arizona on Planet Whitley include:
- Driving across London Bridge in… Lake Havasu City.
- Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?
- Where to see bears in Arizona.
- The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
- How scary is the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
- Red Rock Crossing in Sedona – nature’s greatest swimming pool?
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