Grand Canyon South Rim

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Hiking the Grand Canyon South Rim

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.

How many days does it take to see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

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.

What should I not miss at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

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.

What is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim?

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.

How much is the entrance fee to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

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.

How do you spend a day at the Grand Canyon South Rim?

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.

Are reservations required to visit the Grand Canyon?

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.

Ways to explore

While you could easily spend a few days taking in the highlights of the South Rim, time-pressed travelers have plenty of options for shorter visits. Day tours from Sedona, Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Las Vegas are popular, and options range from intimate private and small-group excursions to large bus tours. Tours from Las Vegas often visit other top natural sights, such as Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and the Hoover Dam. You can also travel through the canyon aboard the Grand Canyon Railroad or see it from above on a flightseeing helicopter tour.

Accessibility

Facilities, parking, shuttle buses, and viewpoints at the South Rim are accessible, but some Grand Canyon hiking trails are not.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, camera with a zoom lens, red flashlight (if stargazing), sunscreen

What to wear

Sunhat, hiking boots, sunglasses, sweatshirt (for evening temperature changes)

Not allowed

Drones, throwing items over the edge

Amenities

Visitor centers with maps and staff rangers, shuttle service, grocery stores, ATMs, bike rentals, water bottle filling stations

Address

The South Rim is in Northern Arizona, about a 3.5-hour drive from Phoenix or just over four hours from Las Vegas. Travel by car, book a tour with transport included, or see it from above on a helicopter trip.

Driving

From Las Vegas, take I-11 south (which becomes I-93 when it crosses into Arizona), exit at I-40, continue to Williams, then head north on AZ-64. From Phoenix, take I-17 to Flagstaff, then I-40 west to Williams for AZ-64.

Public transportation

You can take the Amtrak train to Flagstaff, then board a shuttle to the Grand Canyon. Alternatively, the Grand Canyon Railway runs from Williams to the South Rim.

Best times to visit

Plan a trip around sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds, generally pleasant temperatures, and optimal lighting for photography.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to get fewer crowds than weekends, except during school and national holidays.

Best months to visit

Plan a trip for March, April, October, or November when the weather isn’t too hot and it’s typically less crowded.

Special events

The Grand Canyon Star Party draws stargazers to the South Rim in June, while the Grand Canyon Music Festival brings in world-class acts in late August and early September.