With four rims at the Grand Canyon, it can often be difficult to decide which rim to visit. Many guests add a stop at the Grand Canyon as a leg to another journey, such as Las Vegas or Sedona. The North Rim and the South Rim are part of Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim is the most visited part of the Grand Canyon and is often the choice for first-time visitors. The North Rim is less visited, great for those looking for smaller crowds on the hiking trails, but the North Rim is not open year-round, closing with the first major snowfall of the year.
In order to determine which rim to visit and what to do at the Grand Canyon, ask yourself these questions:
• Is this your first time visiting? Most first-time visitors select the South Rim.
• What time of year are you traveling? The North Rim is closed in winter, so the other three rims are your options unless visiting in summer.
• Who are you traveling with, and what are their interests? If you're the adventurous type, consider visiting the West Rim, which has the glass-bottomed Skywalk and other adventures at the Hualapai Indian Tribal Lands. For hikes, the North and South Rims are excellent options. If you want to see Horseshoe Bend, select Grand Canyon East.
• How much time do you have to spend? If you are visiting the Grand Canyon as a day trip from places like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona or Las Vegas, consider visiting the closest rim to minimize travel time and maximize time at the Grand Canyon.
1. The South Rim
Many consider the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to be the authentic Grand Canyon experience. It features vast, expansive views often seen in popular media. From the South Rim, you can experience close to two-dozen unique views of the Grand Canyon, many with sweeping views of the Colorado River. Approximately 5 hours from either Las Vegas or Phoenix, this is the most accessible rim of the Grand Canyon to travelers and is most frequently chosen by first-time visitors.
Beyond its scenic overlooks, the South Rim offers a range of activities, including popular hiking trails like Bright Angel and South Kaibab, along with ranger-led programs that highlight the canyon’s geology and history. Visitors can also explore historic sites, visitor centers and shuttle-accessible viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a variety of perspectives in one trip.
Highlights of the South Rim:
- Open year-round
- Features four distinct seasons, with spring and fall being the best times to visit based on weather conditions
- Lodging inside Grand Canyon National Park and nearby (make reservations six to nine months in advance)
- IMAX theater, jeep tours, airplane tours, helicopter tours and rafting excursions nearby
Suggested activities:
2. The West Rim
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is the most accessible from Las Vegas. The West Rim is not a part of the Grand Canyon National Park and is instead a part of the Hualapai Indian Tribal Lands. It is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which is the main attraction of the West Rim. The Skywalk allows guests to walk 70 feet out over the Grand Canyon with a glass floor below. Near the West Rim is Havasu Falls, one of five world-famous blue-green waterfalls.
In addition to the Skywalk, visitors can take part in guided tours, helicopter rides into the canyon and cultural experiences that highlight the traditions of the Hualapai Tribe. Scenic viewpoints along the rim also offer dramatic desert landscapes and unique perspectives of the canyon that differ from those found at the South Rim.
Highlights of the West Rim:
- The Grand Canyon Skywalk
- Havasu Canyon, with five waterfalls; the canyon is challenging to view and is only accessible by a long hike, horseback or helicopter
- Additional fees are required outside of a National Park Pass to enter the Hualapai Indian Tribal Lands
Suggested activities:
3. Grand Canyon East
Home to Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon East is home to hidden secrets such as the Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park. Hiking Horseshoe Bend allows visitors to get photos with the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in the background. This area also offers quieter viewpoints and fewer crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and scenic experience. Nearby, visitors can explore overlooks along Desert View Drive and take in sweeping views of the canyon alongside unique rock formations and desert landscapes. Visitors may also have the opportunity to learn about Navajo culture and traditions through guided experiences and local insights.
Highlights of Grand Canyon East:
- Unique photo opportunities
- Hiking trails
- Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park
Suggested activities:
4. The North Rim
Receiving only one-tenth of the visitors of the South Rim, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon runs about 10° cooler and has drastically different vegetation due to its higher altitude. The North Rim only has three major viewpoints that tend to showcase the width of the Grand Canyon. In addition to these scenic overlooks, visitors can enjoy peaceful hiking trails through forests of pine and aspen, offering a quieter and more secluded experience. The North Rim is also especially known for its beautiful fall foliage, when vibrant shades of gold and orange contrast strikingly with the canyon’s rugged landscape. Its remote setting makes it a great choice for travelers seeking a more tranquil and nature-focused visit.
Highlights of the North Rim include:
- Beautiful summer weather, but an overall shorter visitor season, open mid-May through mid-October
- An opportunity to view the best fall color in the Grand Canyon region
- Limited lodging, both inside the park and out
Suggested activities:
The Ideal Grand Canyon Rim to Visit
Ultimately, there is no single “best” rim of the Grand Canyon, as each offers a distinct experience suited to different travel styles and interests. The South Rim is ideal for first-time visitors seeking classic views and accessibility, while the West Rim appeals to those looking for unique attractions and easy access from Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Grand Canyon East and the North Rim provide quieter, more scenic alternatives, perfect for those prioritizing fewer crowds, cultural experiences, or a more peaceful connection with nature. When planning a trip, it's best to plan based on your personal interests and goals, as there's no wrong way to see the Grand Canyon.
Plan Your Visit to the Rim of the Grand Canyon Today
AAA Travel provides peace of mind when you travel, before, during and after your vacation! Members enjoy the advantages of membership, including exclusive benefits, map routing, savings with the AAA Discounts & Rewards® program as well as recommendations for AAA Diamond-designated hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and Canada. Let AAA provide the rest of your travel needs with AAA Travel Guides, the Digital TourBook®, access to travel agents and counselors and travel insurance. Your next vacation starts with AAA, your complete travel solution.
