Plateau Point

Cliff Grand Canyon viewpoint offering canyon rim and river vistas

A day‑hike destination on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offering a Colorado River overlook; reached by trails and popular with hikers seeking river views.

Main image
Main image
Plateau Point
Plateau Point, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA (access from South Rim trails)
36.0928, -112.1171
Accessible during park opening hours (Grand Canyon National Park-open daily, 24 hours in general); check seasonal road and trail advisories
Free (Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee applies at park entry)

How to Get to Plateau Point #

Plateau Point is reached from the South Rim via the Bright Angel/Funnyjack Trail network (often accessed from the Bright Angel Trailhead near Grand Canyon Village). It is a long day hike; check current trail conditions and National Park advisories before setting out.

Tips for Visiting Plateau Point #

  • Start early: hikes to Plateau Point are long and temperatures in summer can be extreme.
  • Bring a permit for overnight stays below the rim; day-hikers should carry plenty of water and a headlamp for early starts.
  • Sit on the promontory at sunrise or late afternoon to avoid midday heat and to see the Colorado River change color.

Best Time to Visit Plateau Point #

Plateau Point is best in spring and autumn when temperatures below the rim are manageable; summer brings intense heat and increased risk for heat-related illness.

Spring
Mar-May · 5-20°C on the rim; hotter below
Mild rim temperatures; trails below the rim start warming but remain navigable.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 10-22°C on the rim; cooler evenings
Fewer crowds and comfortable hiking conditions; watch for sudden weather changes.
Winter
Dec-Feb · -5-10°C on the rim
Rim can be cold and snowy; trails below may be icy. Access to inner-canyon destinations like Plateau Point is possible in clear weather.

Weather & Climate near Plateau Point #

Climate

Plateau Point's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
25°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
14° 30°

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
19° 36°

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 23°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
32°C
Temperature
23° 40°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
31°C
Temperature
23° 39°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
19° 34°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
12° 28°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

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