Mather Point

Whether you arrive on your own or with a tour, Mather Point is the jumping-off point for exploring the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Departing from Las Vegas, you can visit on a bus tour that stops at sites such as Hoover Dam. Other tours spend time trekking around the rim learning history and geology. For an aerial view, take a plane from Las Vegas to see the iconic canyon from above.

• Mather Point is a must-see on any US road trip.

• You can take a free shuttle bus from the visitor center to Mather Point.

• There is a store, cafe, and Wi-Fi at the adjacent Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

• The area is wheelchair accessible with paved walkways and a ramp onto Mather Point.

• Sunrise is the best time to photograph the Grand Canyon from Mather Point.

Mather Point is located just inside the Grand Canyon’s South Rim Entrance, which is accessible by car, bus, tours, and plane. The nearest major airports are in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. You can take a tour to the park from any of these cities. Once inside the park, you can take the shuttle bus or make the less than quarter-mile (.3 kilometer) walk from the visitor center to Mather Point.

The South Rim of the park is open year-round, but for the best weather visit in spring or fall. Mather Point can become extremely crowded over holidays and school breaks. At these times, the visitor center parking lot is often full by 9:30am daily, so arrive early to find parking. Photographers should arrive extra early to secure a spot at sunrise or sunset.

If you want to see the Grand Canyon on foot, follow the Rim Trail from Mather Point in either direction. The wide path is paved in places and leads to several overlooks as well as other trails. By using the free shuttle bus system you can make a hike along the Rim Trail as long or short as desired. Other nearby (and more challenging) trails include Bright Angel Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and Hermit Trail.