Hiking Shoshone Point Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
This week we’re in northern Arizona heading out on a beautiful secluded hike along the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Join me as we head out on the trail to Shoshone Point.
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 2.25 miles RT
• Elevation Change: 100 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Shoshone Point views of Grand Canyon and Isis Temple
Shoshone Point cliff top views of Grand Canyon
Location
The Shoshone Point Trailhead can be found just west of mile marker 246 along the south rim’s Desert View Drive (about 3 miles east of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center). It’s imperative to keep an eye out for the unsigned pullout, otherwise it’s easy to miss the parking area.
Easy dirt path along Shoshone Point Trail
Shoshone Point picnic area
Hike
This gentle out and back hike starts off on an old dirt road into a ponderosa pine forest. The entire trail is a dirt path, and while a bit bumpy in spots, this is an easy trail to follow….and due to the shade provided by the surrounding trees, this is a great hike even on hot sunny Summer days. Interestingly, the pine trees grow shorter the closer you hike out towards the rim due to high winds and exposed conditions here. Just under a mile into this hike, you reach a clearing with a covered picnic pavilion with tables and grills. This is the only spot in the entire park that can be reserved for events, such as weddings or reunions, so if you do come across an event happening as you hike through, please be respectful and try not to disturb anyone who has gone through the permitting process here. Just past the picnic area the cliffs start to open up and you get your first glimpse at the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon views near the Shoshone Point picnic area
Rock formation at Shoshone Point
Shoshone Point
The name sake Shoshone Point overlook is easily reached about a tenth of a mile past the picnic area. Shoshone Point is named after the North American Indian group (today the Shoshone live on reservations throughout the west in the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada). The unique rock formation overlooking the cliff here is a favorite of photographers. You are welcome to scramble around and explore the overlook area, but please be wise and adventure at your own skill and safety level… there are no railings or guardrails here, and a fall here would most certainly be catastrophic. This is an excellent south rim spot to escape the crowds – the hike is short and easy, but because it’s slightly off the beaten path, it’s far less crowded than most south rim spots. This spot also makes a great location for sunset or sunrise with it’s vast panoramic views to both the east and west.
Shoshone Point in Grand Canyon National Park
Know Before You Go
• Wildlife is abundant in this area…specifically elk and big horn sheep. Please remember to always give wildlife plenty of space and view from a distance.
• If the gate blocking the use of the road/trail is open or unlocked, please reconsider visiting the site. This means there is likely an event going on in the picnic area. If you’re interested in obtaining an event permit for this area, visit the NPS page here.
• Trash cans and vault toilets can be found at the picnic area. This is also a great spot to rest in the shade while hydrating and enjoying a bite to eat.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit to this spot, leaving it better than you found it.
• For a great glamping experience just outside Grand Canyon National Park, check out my full blog post on Under Canvas Grand Canyon.
Top 10 Grand Canyon Highlights
Desert View Road
Shoshone Point Trail
Desert View Watchtower
Bright Angel Trail
Hermit Road & Hermits Rest
Ooh Aah Point
Lipan Point
Powell Memorial Point
Big Horn sheep lamb climbing up the cliff sides
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Grand Canyon National Park. For a virtual visit of Shoshone Point, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog YouTube Video at the top of this post! Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
…and check out these IG Reels below for more Grand Canyon views!
Grand Canyon National Park views from Shoshone Point
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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