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On our last day in Grand Canyon National Park, we decided to take the Hermit Road shuttle to the Western edge of the park and Hermit’s Rest.
Hermit Road follows the rim trail for 7 miles, with several stops along the way at scenic overlooks. We rode the bus to the end of the road to Hermit’s Rest, part of the Mary Jane Colter Buildings National Historic Landmark. Hermits Rest was constructed in 1914 as a rest stop on a stage-coach line. Mary Colter was one of very few female architects in her day and perhaps the only successful one. Her buildings throughout the park are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings. Hermit’s Rest was designed to look like something a hermit would build with boulders from the canyon.
Inside is a visitors center with some artifacts displayed, a snack bar and a gift shop. The views of the canyon from here are largely obstructed by brush and trees. Ravens, which are common in Grand Canyon National Park, love Hermit’s Rest. There were a lot of them here and they were friendly enough to pose for photos with us (though once they figured out we weren’t going to feed them, they moved on to the next tourist.)
We decided to walk the rim trail part of the way back to Grand Canyon Village. Along the way we found stunning views of the canyon from Yuma and Pima Points. We were the only people on the trail and at the lookouts…this was the peaceful and awesome Grand Canyon experience we’d been longing for! At Pima Point, about a mile and a half East of Hermit’s Rest, the sun was getting low and we were able to hop on the last shuttle back to the village.
Location: Arizona
Designation: National Park
Date NPS designation declared: 1/11/1908
Date of my visit: 8/21/2014
We also walked much of the trail. Loved the views and even late May 2017 were delighted to have the trail to ourselves. No crowds on the trails. Surprised and grateful. Beautiful and peaceful.
Such a nice surprise to find peace in such a busy park
It is as if I was just there. Great to now know what people are talking about. Allan
Thanks! Writing the blog is like visiting these places all over again
That visit and trail walk without crowds sounds heavenly! Beautiful pics!
Thanks! It was the highlight of the trip!
Beautiful ❤️
Thanks!
Somehow I have never made it to see this. They say to be prepared to be blown away when you see it in person. Great photos!
Thanks! Yes it’s true…photos don’t hold a candle to the real thing.
Great photos! I’ll have to put Hermit’s Rest on my “someday” list.
Thanks! Absolutely!
Beautiful photos and I enjoy reading your insight on the places you have visited! Safe travels😃
Thanks so much!
I do love the Grand Canyon! Last time we were there, we drove east, where we saw the tower Mary Colter had designed. From there, we got beautiful views of the canyon. It was the first time I had been there after a snowfall, which gave it such a peaceful quality! That didn’t bother the ravens though! They seem to have no fear of humans!
Ah yes…desert view tower. I still have to write that post, dig those photos out of the files. Soon…
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