Grand Canyon National Park South Rim overlooks and scenic visitor attractions

Yaki Point At The Grand Canyon South Rim

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 8, 2026

View From Yaki Point

Yaki Point is a scenic overlook on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon known for expansive canyon views and excellent sunrise and sunset viewing. Unlike most South Rim overlooks, Yaki Point is closed to private vehicles and is normally reached by the free Kaibab Rim Orange Route shuttle, on foot or by bicycle. Its location near the South Kaibab Trail provides impressive views into the canyon while offering an often quieter alternative to some of the busiest Grand Canyon Village overlooks.

Views From Yaki Point
Sunrise & Sunset
Getting To Yaki Point
Orange Route Shuttle
South Kaibab Trail Views
Accessibility & Facilities
Photo Gallery
Visitor Tips
FAQ

Views From Yaki Point

Yaki Point projects outward from the South Rim, creating broad views across the Grand Canyon and into the surrounding side canyons. The perspective differs from nearby Mather Point and Yavapai Point, with especially good views toward the South Kaibab Trail and its switchbacks descending below the rim.

Sunset over the Grand Canyon viewed from Yaki Point on the South Rim

Sunrise & Sunset At Yaki Point

Yaki Point is particularly popular around sunrise and sunset, when low-angle sunlight highlights the canyon's cliffs, ridges and layered rock formations. The open viewpoint provides photographers and sightseers with changing light across a broad section of the canyon without requiring a long hike.

Because shuttle operating times and sunrise and sunset times change throughout the year, check the current Grand Canyon National Park shuttle schedule before planning an early-morning or evening visit.

Getting To Yaki Point

Yaki Point is closed to private vehicle traffic. Visitors can reach the overlook using the free Grand Canyon shuttle system, by walking or by bicycle. For most visitors, the easiest option is to park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and ride the eastbound Kaibab Rim Orange Route.

The restricted road helps reduce vehicle congestion at the overlook and makes Yaki Point different from most other scenic viewpoints along Desert View Drive.

Kaibab Rim Orange Route Shuttle

The eastbound Kaibab Rim Orange Route travels from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point and Pipe Creek Vista before returning to the Visitor Center. Shuttle service is free and is included with park admission.

The Orange Route operates year-round, but first-bus times, last-bus times and service frequency change by season. Check the current Grand Canyon National Park shuttle schedule before your visit, particularly when planning to see sunrise or sunset.

Views Of The South Kaibab Trail

Yaki Point is close to the South Kaibab Trailhead and provides views toward portions of the trail as it descends into the Grand Canyon. The trail's steep switchbacks and exposed route offer a dramatic sense of scale when viewed from the rim.

Visitors planning to hike below the rim should prepare separately for the demands of Grand Canyon hiking. Yaki Point itself can be enjoyed as a scenic overlook without hiking into the canyon.

Accessibility & Facilities At Yaki Point

The National Park Service lists the Yaki Point shuttle stop as wheelchair accessible. Vault toilets are available near the scenic overlook, but visitor services are limited compared with the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village.

Bring drinking water, sun protection and appropriate clothing for the season. The South Rim is approximately 7,000 feet above sea level, and weather conditions can change quickly.

Yaki Point Photo Gallery

Expansive Grand Canyon panorama from Yaki Point overlook

Yaki Point. Credit NPS

Westward Grand Canyon panorama from Yaki Point toward the Bright Angel area

View West of Bright Angel Trail From Yaki Point. © Martin Konopacki

South Kaibab Trail switchbacks descending into the Grand Canyon from Yaki Point

View of Kaibab Trail Switchbacks From Yaki Point

Sunrise illuminating the Grand Canyon from Yaki Point on the South Rim

Sunrise at Yaki Point. © Anita Ritenour

Tips For Visiting Yaki Point

Use the Kaibab Rim Orange Route rather than attempting to drive to Yaki Point.
Check the current shuttle schedule before planning a sunrise or sunset visit.
Allow extra time during busy periods because shuttle buses can fill quickly.
Bring drinking water because services at the overlook are limited.
Wear sun protection during the day and carry an extra layer for cool mornings and evenings.
Stay behind railings and away from exposed cliff edges while sightseeing and taking photographs.
Check current Grand Canyon weather and trail conditions before visiting.

Yaki Point Grand Canyon FAQ

Where is Yaki Point at the Grand Canyon?

Yaki Point is a scenic overlook on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park near the South Kaibab Trailhead and east of the main Grand Canyon Village area.

Can you drive to Yaki Point?

No. The road to Yaki Point is closed to private vehicles. Visitors normally reach the overlook by the free Kaibab Rim Orange Route shuttle, on foot or by bicycle.

Which shuttle goes to Yaki Point?

The eastbound Kaibab Rim Orange Route serves Yaki Point. It travels from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point and Pipe Creek Vista before returning to the Visitor Center.

Does the Yaki Point shuttle run year-round?

Yes. The Kaibab Rim Orange Route operates year-round, although schedules and service frequency change by season.

Is Yaki Point good for sunrise?

Yes. Yaki Point is known for broad canyon views and is a popular place to watch sunrise. Early shuttle schedules vary by season, so check current service before planning an early-morning visit.

Is Yaki Point good for sunset?

Yes. Yaki Point offers wide views across the Grand Canyon and is a popular sunset viewpoint. Visitors using the shuttle should verify the last departure time before their visit.

Can you see the South Kaibab Trail from Yaki Point?

Yes. Yaki Point provides views toward the South Kaibab Trail and portions of its switchbacks as the trail descends below the South Rim.

Is there parking at Yaki Point?

No public vehicle parking is available for ordinary visitors because the access road is closed to private vehicles. Most visitors park near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and ride the Orange Route shuttle.