Hermits Rest - Grand Canyon Village

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- Environmental Action at Grand Canyon South Rim
- 2011 Sustainability Report

Hermits Rest

Categories: Shopping

Location: Grand Canyon Village

Intensity: 1

Duration: .5-1 hours

Directions:

Hermits Rest is located at the end of Hermit Road on the west side of Grand Canyon National Park. This road is closed to private vehicles March through November, and is served by free shuttle bus during that time. (The road is sometimes closed to all traffic in the winter due to inclement weather.) The Rim Trail offers a great hiking experience, with many photographic opportunities along the way. Bicycle riding is a popular mode of transportation to Hermits Rest as well.

From the South: From Grand Canyon's south entrance gate on Hwy. 64, continue north and follow the signs to Grand Canyon. Road will loop past the Mather Point and Visitors Information Center parking areas, and the Yavapai Point turnoff. Stay on this road, known as Village Loop, until you are at a stop sign with a clear view of the log Train Depot straight ahead, and the El Tovar Hotel, a large brown building up on the hill to your right. If it's between December and March, continue straight ahead on Village Loop until you reach the Hermits Road interchange, then continue on to Hermits Rest by that road.

If it's between March and November, you will have to park in one of the Park's lots, and take the Blue Route shuttle to the Hermits Road Interchange, where you will transfer to the Red Route that goes out Hermit Road.

From the East: If you come into the park from Cameron on Hwy. 64, you'll go 23 miles past Desert View, following signs to Grand Canyon Village. When you come to the "T" intersection with Highway 64, turn right. Go past the Visitors' Information Center, Mather Point, and Shrine of Ages, until you are at a stop sign with a clear view of the log Train Depot straight ahead, and the El Tovar Hotel, a large brown building up on the hill to your right. If it's between December and March, continue straight ahead on Village Loop until you reach the Hermits Road interchange, then continue on to Hermits Rest by that road.

Maps: Printable Map

Hermits Rest, perched at the edge of the Grand Canyon 8 miles west of the village, is much more than a gift store and snack bar. Located at the end of Hermits Road, this building has been a resting and gathering place for more than 100 years. Enjoy awesome views of the Grand Canyon, meet the resident ravens, relax by the enormous fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate and browse the unique merchandise in the gift shop area of this historic building.

Intensity: 1, Duration: .5-1 hours, Location: Grand Canyon Village

Description

Hermits Rest is a resting place for weary hikers and travelers where they can find food, drink and shelter. Many delicious menu items are offered, including ice cream, hot chocolate, water, candy and sandwiches. The gift shop offers apparel, hats, caps, camera supplies and hiking sticks for the nearby Hermits Trail. Don't miss the unique Hermits Rest t-shirts available only at this location. There is also a large selection of Native American jewelry and handcrafts. Just west is the Hermits Trail trail head.

All Xanterra stores at the South Rim are longtime members of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, promoting authentic Native American creations. You can be assured that you are purchasing authentic Native American arts and handcrafts in our stores.

Merchandise Offered

Native American handcrafts
Jewelry
Southwestern gifts
Apparel and hiking items
Exclusive Hermits Rest merchandise
T-shirts, sweatshirts and caps
Books and postcards
Native American music CDs

History

Between 1910 and 1912, the Santa Fe Railroad constructed Hermits Road, stretching 8 miles to the west from the El Tovar Hotel and the Train Depot. Hermits Rest was built in 1914 as a resting and gathering place for the tourists arriving in horse drawn carriages. This unusual rock structure was designed by famed architect Mary Colter, who also designed many other buildings at the Grand Canyon, including Hopi House, Lookout Studio and the Desert View Watchtower. Hermits Rest is built into a low hillside at the canyon's edge. Upon entering the building, the visitor is surprised by an enormous arched fireplace. Visitors are encouraged to sit in the historical chairs, and marvel at the beauty of the building and the amazing views of the Grand Canyon visible through immense picture windows.

For archive photos of Mary Colter's architectural work at Grand Canyon, see the Park Service photo collection.

Season

Open year-round. Occasional road closures due to inclement weather.

Contact Information

928.638.2351

Hours of Operation

Hermits Rest is open year round. Hermit Road is accessible by free shuttle bus March through November, and open to private vehicles from December 1 through February. Road may be closed in inclement weather.

2009-2010 Dates of Operation	Minimum Hours
May 14 - September 2, 2009	8:00 a.m. - Sunset
September 3 - October 21	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
October 22, 2009 - May 12, 2010	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
May 13 - September 1	8:00 a.m. - Sunset
September 2 - February 23, 2011	9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Online Gift Store

Take home a Grand Canyon South Rim memory today. Just visit any Xanterra gift shop or visit our Grand Canyon South Rim Online Gift Store.

Fred Harvey Trading Company

Resources

Related Information

Additional Maps

Additional printable maps of the Grand Canyon area are available courtesy of the National Park Service. Visit our general Maps page for more information.

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