Mather Point
Mather Point
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Mather Point
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
17 within 5 kms
Attractions
41 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,611 reviews
Excellent
1,250
Very good
284
Average
64
Poor
11
Terrible
2
Nancy K
Salisbury, NC220 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This is the place to go for a sunset view of the Grand Canyon. There’s a vantage point with steps that take you down closer to the Canyon. To me, this is a must see area for sunset & many must agree since there were several tour buses & lots of people taking pictures here.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann Z
Phoenixville, PA71 contributions
Sept 2020
We found this to be a great place to view the sunrise as there is plenty of parking at the Visitor Center and then just a short walk to Mather Point. It is easy to find in the dark and plenty of room for everyone to have their own little space to enjoy. If you come to the Grand Canyon, a sunrise at Mather Point should be in the itinerary!
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MayfieldParrish
Denver, CO1,092 contributions
Jun 2020
Mather Point is fairly close to the parking lots 1-3 and the visitors center. It is a great place to start your Rim Trail hiking. We went during sunset as well as the day as the colors change considerably. Path is paved and fairly level.
Written June 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R. Traveler
Oak Ridge, NC1,093 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
This scenic overlook is easily accessible from the visitor center parking lot - and has railings to help prevent falls.
Obviously a popular area because of all of the above - but even with the crowds there were no issues - and you can easily find someone to take a photo for you.
Highly recommend this as a starting point for anyone looking to walk around the low impact rim of the canyon.
Obviously a popular area because of all of the above - but even with the crowds there were no issues - and you can easily find someone to take a photo for you.
Highly recommend this as a starting point for anyone looking to walk around the low impact rim of the canyon.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL5,463 contributions
Nov 2020 • Solo
Mather Point was my first stop at Grand Canyon National Park. It is only a short walk from the South Rim Visitor’s Center. The view is absolutely jaw dropping! Pictures of the Grand Canyon simply cannot do it justice! I was fortunate to arrive on a cold day with light crowds. Also, the cliffs were covered in a light snow which added to the beauty of the scene before me. This is by far the most accessible location to see the Canyon.
Written December 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gottalovepink
McAllen, TX97 contributions
Aug 2019
Mather Point gave me the first view of the Grand Canyon. I was awestruck with the views. Although it had great views, since this point is the easiest and closest access it is also the most populated point. Upon my visit this was the point with more people since it seems to be everyone's first stop.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN5,872 contributions
Oct 2020
Spectacular views of the Canyon. If you only have time to visit one or two observation points, Mather and Yavapai Points are probably the best and most convenient. However, they are also probably the most visited spots as they are near the Visitor Center unless you visit during the off season or during a pandemic and it is 34 F like it was when we were there in late October. There is a cool ledge that extends out into the canyon with no safety barriers just west of Mather Point. Try to see other vistas like Mohave and Hopi Point along the road to Hermit's Rest or Moran or Lipan Points along the East Rim Drive.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karin H
Minneapolis, MN617 contributions
Mar 2022
Really nice built up viewpoint area along the south rim. Parking was difficult because this viewpoint is right near the visitor center. The parking lots are massive but they fill up by 9am so it's challenging to find parking.
The trail to get to the viewpoint from the parking lot is not well marked. There are many sidewalks so it's a confusing area. Eventually we found the viewpoint. It was packed, the busiest viewpoint we encountered on the whole trip. Take your time and wait for your turn to get to the railing, it's worth it for an unobstructed view of the canyon.
The trail to get to the viewpoint from the parking lot is not well marked. There are many sidewalks so it's a confusing area. Eventually we found the viewpoint. It was packed, the busiest viewpoint we encountered on the whole trip. Take your time and wait for your turn to get to the railing, it's worth it for an unobstructed view of the canyon.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael D
Middleton, WI101 contributions
Mar 2022
Although all GCNP viewpoints are remarkable, we were told this is the spot to watch the sun rise. We arrived early and watched the sun come over the horizon, but the experience, although pleasant, was not nearly as enjoyable as sunset at Hopi Point. Mather point is a good distance from GC lodging but the shuttle system runs early before sunrise and has stops within walking distance of the point, the Visitor Center and the Canyon gift shop.
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ldgp14
Telford, UK3,353 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The Grand Canyon is truly one of the natural wonders of the world and the view from Mather Point is unbelievable. It costs $35 to enter the park in a single vehicle for up to a week which is worth it even if you only spend a couple of hours there. The view truly takes your breath away.
Written April 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know of some free good spots to park and walk to see the grand canyon please we are hoboing across america to california and wantwd to see this wonder if the world any info pleaae
Thank u
Written March 29, 2018
$20 fee per person to walk in, bus in, bike in, boat in. $35 per car to drive in. Parking is free. Plenty of parking. There are free days, see their site.
Written March 20, 2019
We will be in Las Vegas for an Archery Tournament next month. We wanted to take a ride and see the Grand Canyon. We were looking for something a little closer than the South Rim area/Park Headquarters, a 4 hour drive in a packed car is not fun for any of us.
We wanted to get a little closer, perhaps the West Rim, but did not want to go to the Skywalk. Is there any place that is worth seeing, or should we just bite the bullet and drive to the South Rim?
Any assistance/guidance is greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Written January 29, 2018
A friend of mine back east threatened to "kick my butt" if I spent three months in AZ and didn't go see the Grand Canyon. So I took off long before sunrise, driving 5 hrs to get there early in the morning. It was SOOO worth it. OH My GOD YES. It is one of the most beautiful natural wonders I have seen. Mt. McKinley/Denali right there with it. Put up with the drive and GO. I've been to Mather Point and Desert view and all the stops between. Then did it all over again about a month later. Loved both trips. Hope to visit again someday.
Written March 20, 2019
Cuánto tiempo aprox es necesario pasar en Mather point? Estoy planificando mis vacaciones y necesito hacerme una idea. Dónde se aparca y cuánto tiempo hay entre el parking y el sitio en cuestión.
Written January 14, 2018
If you get to Mather Point early in the morning or during the off season you can park within 100 feet of the canyon viewing area. You can really enjoy Mather point in a few hours or spend all day. I've done both. The visitor center is across the street and is an easy walk from the parking area.
Written March 21, 2019
My family and have never been to the Grand Canyon and have to drive through this area because we're relocating for work but wanted to make a day stop. Any recommendations where we can go to see the Grand Canyon and take pictures and such without having to buy a tour?
Written July 13, 2017
Desert view Tower is worth seeing and easy to get to. Good for a short visit. The Mather Point area is a great place to spend an entire day.. In addition to the canyon views, the visitor center museum is very good as is the Village. There are reasonable priced restaurants and a supermarket. Very family friendly and reasonable if you are on a tight budget. You can get groceries and pick-nick. I went for two days and never paid for a tour. At one point there was a ranger giving a history talk, but it wasn't a paid for tour. I listened and got to ask questions. He had some great rescue stories. People do fall in. Watch the kids. Many places don't have railings, it is a mile deep. Don't get too close to the larger wild animals.
Written March 20, 2019
Perhaps a very naive question, but is it doable to camp in a tent mid november (2016) in the Grand Canyon - Mather campground?
Written October 14, 2016
Winter is my favorite time to camp. NO Bugs, snakes, less crowds, less bears etc. I bought a great 0 Deg. Colman Sleeping bag at Walmart while in AZ, I've used it into the 20's and have always been comfortable. Use a good ground pad. The cold ground will pull heat from you. Your tent should be able to handle wind and possible snow. I've had tents get mostly buried in snow and it's very cozy. Snow is an insulator and blocks the wind. Most cheap tents are made for summer camping, if that's all you've got cover it in a light weight tarp and stake that down well. Will block wind, protect from snow and add a bit of insulation. There will be air trapped between the tent and the tarp. Have good warm cloths for when you are not in your sleeping bag. If you're married get sleeping bags that zip together,(share body heat). A very old trick is to make a "mattress" out of pine needles. The last time I did this, I made a pile of long pine needles about the size of a single mattress and wrapped it in a cheap space blanket. Put my bag on top and got a great night sleep. You can spread a few inches deep of needles and put your tent on it. This can help with rocky ground or if there tree roots everywhere. Eat hot food and drink hot beverages. The more fat the better, it helps you produce body heat(camping is not dieting time). Go light on the alcohol, it sends the blood to your skin which can make you loose body heat. You also want your wits about when winter camping. I believe most of the Grand canyon south rim campgrounds are open year round and if you just can't get warm enough you can probably get a good deal on a hotel room, as it's not peak season. Have fun.
Written March 21, 2019
Hi from Iceland. Me and my husband are going to Las Vegas in March and are thinking about driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon and stay one night there and explore what we can in on day. Can you advice how to do this... and where to stay ?
I was thinking about the south rim - please advice. Thanks a
Written January 23, 2016
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing