Grand Canyon South Rim

Of the Grand Canyon’s two rims, the South Rim is the most visited. Towering about 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above sea level, it’s near top sights such as Navajo Point, Hermit Road, and the Abyss. Grand Canyon Village is home to historic buildings such as the Grand Canyon Railway Depot, Bright Angel Lodge, Kolb Studio, and the Desert View Watchtower, featuring artwork by Hopi artists and Native American art and design.

Many Grand Canyon South Rim tours travel by bus, helicopter, and air from Las Vegas. Some guided tours leave from Sedona and Phoenix, and others still also visit the West Rim, the North Rim, or the Hoover Dam. Air tours and helicopter tours are undoubtedly the fastest and most dramatic way to visit the canyon from Vegas.

• The Canyon View Visitor Center stocks maps, books, and videos. The Cameron Trading Post outside the east entrance to the park sells souvenirs and supplies.

• Stop by the Hopi House Gift Store and Art Gallery to see art and crafts from the local American Indian tribes.

• If driving, make sure you have enough gas before setting out for the canyon. There are few service stations in this remote part of Arizona.

• You can purchase Grand Canyon South Rim ticket passes from the park’s south entrance gate in Tusayan, Arizona.

• Don’t miss the Mather Point viewpoint, a short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

• Annual passes grant unlimited entry to the national park for one year from the month of purchase.

The South Rim is in the southern portions of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. It’s a three-hour drive from Las Vegas or a short plane ride via Grand Canyon Airport. Driving from Flagstaff, take US 180 directly to the South Rim or US 89 to Arizona 64 and the east entrance to the park. In summer, Jeep and bus tours are the best way to avoid struggling with parking.

Visitors crowd the South Rim in summer. Visit in the shoulder seasons during spring and fall for mild temps and smaller crowds. Enter the park on weekdays or before 10am or 2pm to minimize the chances of waiting in long lines.

The Grand Canyon South Rim is home to the Bright Angel Trail, Rim Trail, and South Kaibab Trail. Each of these offer some of the most dazzling views of the canyon. Keep your eyes open for regal California condors, which have recently returned to the area.

One full day is enough time to see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. However, two days are even better. One day is enough to visit the best viewpoints and hike parts of the Rim Trail. Two days are enough to descend into the canyon and explore longer trails.

Don’t miss the scenery at one of the viewpoints along the Rim Trail. Mather is the most popular, but Yavapai has fewer crowds. You should also take one of the trails below the rim and visit the Yavapai Museum of Geology, a storehouse of the canyon’s geological history.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Grand Canyon. Daytime weather is pleasant, and the crowds are relatively thin from March through May and September through November. In the summer peak season, expect big crowds and soaring temperatures. Winters are often frigid but much less crowded.

Admission to the Grand Canyon is US$35 per vehicle. If you’re entering by foot, bicycle, or shuttle bus, the entrance fee is US$20 per person. There is no charge for children under 16. Admission is valid for seven days and grants access to the South and North rims.

Aim to arrive early enough to catch the sunrise from Mather or Yavapai Point. Check out the exhibits at the visitor center and join a ranger-led tour. You should also aim to hike at least part of the Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, or South Kaibab Trail.

No, you don’t need a reservation to visit the Grand Canyon: you can show up on the day of your arrival. However, you should book campsites in advance. Multi-day hikes and backcountry camping require separate permits.