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Grand Canyon
   A little history
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   South Rim West
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The west rim is nine miles in length from the Grand Canyon Village in the east to Hermits Rest in the west. From Memorial Day in May through September the road is closed to private vehicles. To travel along this route, free park shuttles are provided for your transportation. For physically disadvantaged people a pass may be issued to you at the Visitor's Center to allow passage in your vehicle.

Trailview Overlook 1 & 2

This is a great place to get a view of the Kolb and  Lookout Studio rim side. The Bright Angel trail were mule riders are can be seen most of the day.

Maricopa Point (7,040 feet or 2,145 meters above sea level)

You will have a spectacular view directly to the north. The straight Bright Angel canyon was carved into the north rim due to the Bright Angel Fault line. The North Kaibab Trail follows the canyon from Phantom Ranch up to the north rim. In the bottom of this crevice lies the Bright Angel Creek.

Powell Point and Memorial (7,000 feet or 2,133 meters above sea level)

This memorial was established in honor of John Wesley Powell, the first man to lead an exploration on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The documentation he made during the two trips he journeyed into the canyon, the first in 1869 and the second in 1871, allowed this area to be placed on the United States map. Also, you may see from this point the 1893 orphane mine headframe.

Hopi Point ( 7,071 feet or 2,155 meters above sea level)

You can view across from this point on the north side an isolated flat-topped butte, Shiva Temple. At one time it was thought that this butte would have different species from the north and south rim wildlife. After an exploration in 1937 led by Harold E. Anthony, people found there was no new species living there. The amusing item found by the team was a cardboard box with the words "Eastman Kodak" printed on it.

Mohave Point (6,974 feet or 2,125 meters above sea level)

Just below this point on the Colorado River are the three largest rapids within the canyon - Hermit, Granite and Salt Creek rapids. On a still, quiet day you can hear Hermit rapid's roaring waters.

The Abyss

When you driving south from Mohave Point the road will turn west. At this point you will be going around the Abyss. Looking down you will see a shear cliff dropping 3,000 feet (914 meters) to Tonto Platform.

Pima Point (6,720 feet or 2,048 meters above sea level)

Looking down from the west side onto Tonto Platform, there will be a view of old building foundations. They are the remains of Hermit Camp built in 1911 by the Santa Fe Railroad Company to accommodate tourist who desire to sleep inside the canyon. A very strenuous hike down Hermit Trail was the only access to this camp.
Your view on the east side of the point is Monument Creek.

Hermits Rest (6,650 feet or 2,027 meters above sea level)

This beautifully designed rustic building was created by Mary Jane Colter in 1914. You will find a unique gift shop, snack bar and restrooms. The Hermits Trailhead is located next to the building.

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