![[Pasted image 20250824184229.png]] ## 1) Red: Hermits Rest Route ##### This will be our first shuttle tour of the Grand Canyon on Monday, Sep, 29th. This trail is recommended as a must-see for the best views! We will prioritize seeing Hopi Point, Mohave Point, The Abyss, Pima Point, and Hermit's Rest for a 2–3 hr experience. We can eat lunch at Hermit's Rest. --- **May 24, through September 5, 2025** (will update our times if necessary when Fall Schedule is available) **80 minutes round trip (without getting off the bus)** This route provides transportation between **Grand Canyon Village** and **Hermits Rest** along a 7 mile road along the rim of the canyon with bus stops at 9 exceptional scenic overlooks. **First bus is at 8:00 am** **—Service ends 1 hour after sunset. ►** Be at a bus stop no later than 30 minutes after sunset - Every 15 minutes: 8:00 am to 11:00 am - Every 10 minutes: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm - **Outbound buses stop at [all nine overlooks.](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-road.htm)** - **Return trip buses stop only at these 4 stops:** **Hermits Rest, Pima, Mohave,** and **Powell Points** (see loop map below). - **The last outbound bus** leaves the Village Transfer Station **at sunset.** - **The last return bus** sweeps one hour after sunset. - **The last return bus** stops at **all Hermit Road bus stops** on the way back to the village. - **During the busy seasons, the line can be long at the Hermit Road Transfer Station – you may have to wait in line for two to three buses.** - **If you don't want to wait in the shuttle line, and are capable of a short, but strenuous hike on a paved footpath,** **walk 0.7 mi (1.1 km) up to Trailview Overlook,** where you can board an outbound shuttle buse —or continue walking along the **[Canyon Rim Trail](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/RimTrail.pdf)** as far as Hermits Rest, 7.1 miles (11.4 km). - _The shuttle buses are great when you use them in conjunction with the Canyon Rim Trail. You can get off at one stop, enjoy a scenic walk along the rim, then get back on the bus at the next stop._ ![[Pasted image 20250824145003.png]] ► **[List of Bus Stops,](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm)[Scenic Overlooks and Route Map >](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hermit-red-route.htm)** - NOTE: Hermit Road is CLOSED to private vehicles from March 1, through November 30, 2025. The Hermit Road Shuttle and commercial tours provide the only motorized access to this area during those months. **Foot and bicycle traffic is allowed throughout the year.** --- ## 2a) Blue: Village Route ##### If we have energy after touring the Red Route, then lunch afterward, this is an option. This route provides a relaxing way to explore the village area with easy access to amenities, shops, dining, and historic buildings. It offers pleasant canyon views and allows for short walks around the village and rim trail sections. --- **May 24, through September 5, 2025 Schedule** (will update our times if necessary when Fall Schedule is available) **50 minutes round trip** (without getting off the bus) **First bus is at 6:30 am —Service ends at 9:30 pm. ► Be at a bus stop no later than 9:15 pm.** - Every 15 minutes: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM - Every 10 minutes: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM - Every 15 minutes: 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM This loop route connects the **Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal** with **lodges, campgrounds, the Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (general store, and post office).** Canyon views are a short walk from some of the stops. ►**[Village Route Bus Stops, What to See, and Route Map](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/village-blue-route.htm)** **Canyon views are a short walk from the following bus stops:** - **[Train Depot](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/train-depot-village-blue-route.htm) -** follow the paved footpath up the hill behind the bus stop. - **[Bright Angel Lodge](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/bright-angel-lodge-village-blue-route.htm) -** the canyon is just behind the bus stop, beyond the buildings. - **[Hermit Road Transfer Station](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/hermits-rest-route-transfer-village-blue-route.htm) -** as you exit the bus, walk to your left to the overlook. - **The Canyon Rim Trail and greenway trails** can be accessed via this route – but be aware of ice and snow during winter months (and sometimes during spring) along these trails. Please refer to the loop diagram below, along with the **["South Rim Pocket Map and Services Guide](https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/upload/sr-pocket-map.pdf)** (1.1 MB PDF file) for more information about this route.  Map showing the Village Loop (blue) shuttle bus stops --- ## 2b) Orange: Kaibab Rim Route ##### Alternative for the afternoon (after the Red Route and lunch) if we have energy to see more views. Yavapai Point (that also has the musuem) is recommended as the best view on this route. Est. 30–45 min if just stopping at Yavapai Point and exploring a bit. --- **May 24 – September 5, 2025 Schedule** (will update our times if necessary when Fall Schedule is available) **50 minutes round trip** (without getting off the bus) **First bus is at 5:00 am —Service ends 1 hour after sunset. ►** Be at a bus stop no later than 30 minutes after sunset - Every 15 minutes: 5:00 am to 30 minutes after sunset **EASTBOUND** buses start at the **Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal,** with direct service to **South Kaibab Trailhead,** continue to **Yaki Point** and **Pipe Creek Overlook**, then return to the Visitor Center. **WESTBOUND** buses start at the **Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal,** travel to **Mather Point** and **Yavapai Geology Museum,** then return to the Visitor Center. ►**[List of Bus Stops](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm) [- What to See and Route Map](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/kaibab-orange-route.htm)** **Need access to or from South Kaibab Trailhead when the buses are not running? Please contact Xanterra Taxi Service at (928) 638-2631.** **The Eastbound bus provides direct service from the Visitor Center to South Kaibab Trailhead, then it continues on to Yaki Point and Pipe Creek Overlook, before returning to the Visitor Center.** - The eastbound bus and the early morning Hikers' Express Shuttle offer the only motorized access to the South Kaibab Trailhead, since the road is closed to private vehicles. **The Westbound bus starts from the Visitor Center, travels to Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum, then it returns to the Visitor Center.** - It is possible to begin a walk on the paved rim trail from Yavapai Geology Museum, Mather Point, Pipe Creek Vista, or the South Kaibab Trailhead, walk for a while, then catch the bus at any of these locations, for a ride back to your starting point. ![[Pasted image 20250824145737.png]] This diagram shows the Kaibab Rim (Orange Route) bus stops. Starting at the Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal, then moving counter clockwise to the South Kaibab Trailhead, continuing to Yaki Point, then Pipe Creek Vista, and returning back to the Visitor Center terminal before heading to Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum - then back to the Visitor Center terminal. --- ## N/A) Hikers' Express Shuttle ##### We probably won't use this, since this shuttle is one-way and does not return hikers from South Kaibab Trailhead to the village. The hikes are long if you complete the entire trail. --- **May 24, through September 5, 2025 Schedule** (will update our times if necessary when Fall Schedule is available) Year-round early morning service from Grand Canyon Village to South Kaibab Trailhead. **Departs Bright Angel Lodge at 4:00 am, 5:00 am, and 6:00 am,** stopping at the Backcountry Information Center and Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal en route. **Bus Stops** - **Departs** [Bright Angel Lodge](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/bright-angel-lodge-village-blue-route.htm) bus stop **on the hour** - **Second stop:** [Backcountry Information Center](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/backcountry-information-center-village-blue-route.htm) - **Third stop:** [Visitor Center Shuttle Bus Terminal](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/grand-canyon-visitor-center-shuttle-bus-terminal.htm) - **Arrival** at [South Kaibab Trailhead](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/south-kaibab-trailhead-kaibab-rim-orange-route.htm) ►**[Hikers' Express - Additional Information](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hiker-express-shuttle.htm)** **When walking or cycling at the Grand Canyon, make sure to take your time and carry food and water with you. The South Rim of Grand Canyon averages 7,000 feet / 2,134 meters above sea level. Visitors with respiratory or heart problems may experience difficulties. Exercising at this elevation can be strenuous.** --- ## N/A) Purple: Tusayan Route ##### **This one won't be available during our trip**, which is hopefully a good sign that it'll be less busy! It is used to alleviate congestion when getting into the park and parking by bussing people in from Tusayan. We will just park ourselves in one of the lots. --- ## Bathrooms along routes - Grand Canyon Visitor Center - **Blue Route:** Lodges and Campgrounds in Grand Canyon Village - **Orange Route:** South Kaibab Trailhead (also drinking water), Yaki Point, Mather Point, Yavapai Geology Museum - **Red Route:** Hermit's Rest (also water refill station, snack bar), Pima Point (inbound), Mohave Point (inbound), Powell Point (inbound) - Bright Angel Trailhead - Desert View Parking Lot - Tusayan Museum and Ruin --- ## General Things to Know When Riding Park Shuttle Buses - Visitors should expect lines causing delays to board a bus during busier times of the day. - Buses are white with a green stripe and display the route name on the front and the side. - No tickets are required; a portion of your entrance fee pays for this important service. - Buses arrive every 15-30 minutes. - Bus stops are clearly marked throughout the park. - The routes interconnect, but do not overlap. - Bus stops are also in proximity to great cycling opportunities. Bicycle the Greenway Trail to South Kaibab Trailhead or ride Hermit Road to Hermits Rest and then get on a shuttle bus to come back. - Service may be suspended during inclement weather. --- ## Shuttle Bus Etiquette - **No eating or open drink containers** - **No pets allowed on shuttle buses.** Service dogs are permitted (as defined by the [Americans With Disabilities Act](https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm#CP_JUMP_5925024)). - **Collapse strollers** before entering the shuttle bus. No oversized or jogging strollers. Remove baby-back carriers when seated - **Shuttle buses can accommodate two or three bicycles**, but not tag alongs, baby trailers, or children's bicycles with wheels less than 16 inches (41 cm). Riders must load and unload their bicycles - **Shuttle buses are equipped with ramps and space to carry passengers in wheelchairs.**Please note: wheelchairs larger than 30 inches wide by 48 inches long (76 cm x 122 cm) cannot be accommodated on shuttle buses and most motorized scooters will not fit - Shuttle buses only stop at designated bus stops **All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, however, the park does offer a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit, which allows entry for visitors with mobility issues to some areas closed to public traffic.** The permit is available at entrance stations and National Park Service visitor centers. --- **Need access to or from the South Kaibab Trailhead when the shuttle buses are not running? Please contact Xanterra Taxi Service at (928) 638-2631.**