Hopi Point, Scenic viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona
Hopi Point is a scenic viewpoint on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, jutting further into the canyon than most other overlooks along Hermit Road. From here, the Colorado River is visible from up to five different spots, giving a wide and open view of the canyon walls and the river far below.
The viewpoint was originally known as Rowes Point, named after Sanford Rowe, who in the late 1800s was among the first to lead guided trips into the canyon from this area. In the early 1900s, a wooden fire lookout tower was built here, later replaced by a steel one, believed to be the first fire tower in Arizona.
Hopi Point is a popular spot for watching sunrise and sunset over the Grand Canyon. The shifting light turns the rock layers red, orange, and brown, changing the look of the canyon from one minute to the next.
Hopi Point is reachable for most of the year only by the free park shuttle bus, as private cars are not allowed on Hermit Road. Visitors who prefer to walk can reach it along the Rim Trail from Grand Canyon Village, and the elevated viewing platform is accessible for wheelchairs.
The fire lookout towers that once stood at Hopi Point were used to spot wildfires across the region, and the first one built here is believed to be the earliest fire tower in Arizona. The Kolb brothers, early photographers and canyon explorers, also used this spot as a base for capturing sunrise and sunset images that helped bring the canyon to wider attention.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
