Yaki Point

Why go

If you want a big South Rim view without the crush of Mather and Yavapai, Yaki Point delivers. From here you look straight into the South Kaibab corridor—O’Neill Butte, Cedar Ridge, and the layered maze of buttes and mesas—plus distant features like the Desert View Watchtower. It’s a classic sunrise/sunset perch with fewer people thanks to the shuttle-only access.

What you’ll see

• Sweeping vistas west and east, with the South Kaibab Trail etched below and O’Neill Butte front-and-center.
• Cedar Ridge and the Cremation Creek drainage, plus an ocean of ridgelines and mesas that change color with the light.

Getting there

No private vehicles. Ride the free Kaibab/Rim (Orange) Route shuttle from the Visitor Center area, bike the road, or walk from the shuttle-accessible parking areas. The South Kaibab Trailhead lies along the same access road, so hikers often pair both stops.

Amenities on-site

Minimal by design: vault/composting toilets, picnic tables, and trash. There’s no water, food, or store—come prepared.

Quick history

This area is tightly tied to the birth of the South Kaibab Trail—originally dubbed the Yaki Trail when the park set out to create its own rim-to-river route. During the CCC era, the Army’s 7th Pack Train even stationed here to support Grand Canyon projects.

Wildlife

Typical South Rim neighbors—mule deer, elk, ravens, and (if you’re lucky) condors—may turn up along the approach or at the overlook. Keep distance and enjoy with binoculars.

Best time to visit

Sunrise is the star here: clear eastern exposure and soft, angled light across the buttes. Sunset also shines, catching warm glow on O’Neill Butte and beyond. Midday is fine for a quick look, but the light is flatter and shuttle buses can be busier. Aim for early morning or late afternoon on weekdays for the calmest experience.