South Rim of Grand Canyon

South Rim: Explore the Grandeur of the Grand Canyon

/ Arizona, National Parks / By

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is majestic and awe-inspiring.  Known for its breathtaking views, stunning geological formations, and natural beauty, this iconic rim offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders.  In addition to its beauty, the South Rim offers a variety of recreational activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. 

Park Fees and Reservations

South Rim
The Majestic South Rim

The Grand Canyon does not currently require reservations, but there is a fee to enter the park. A vehicle permit is $35, or if you plan on visiting multiple parks, you can purchase an America the Beautiful National Park pass for $80 and use it to enter any National Park for the rest of the year.

When to Visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim is open year-round, 24 hours a day, and each season has its pluses and minuses, so I would say the best time is whenever you can go. Most prefer to go in the summer, but spring and fall are less crowded, and winter offers the chance to see the landscape dusted with snow.

The Views are "Grand"
The Views are “Grand”

South Rim Day Hikes

South Rim
South Rim
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon
  • Rim Trail: The Rim Trail extends from the Grand Canyon Village area to Hermits Rest. It is nice because you can begin from any viewpoint in the Village or along Hermit Road. The trail offers a short, easy hike with great views of the inner canyon.
  • Bright Angel Trail: The Bright Angel Trail is probably the most popular trail on the South Rim. It begins just west of Bright Angel Lodge and offers day hikes that range in distance up to 12 miles round trip. See Map.  The Bright Angel trail allows you to experience the canyon below the rim and get a feel for its offers.  You can go 6 miles and turn around; if 6 miles is too far, you can turn around when you want to.  The trail offers beautiful panoramic views. 
  • South Kaibab Trail: The South Kaibab Trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. Access to the trailhead is by shuttle bus (Kaibab Trail Route). The hike is 6 miles round trip, but the best views can be seen after a relatively short hike.
  • Hermit Trail: The Hermit Trail offers hikes to Santa Maria Spring, 5 miles round trip, and Dripping Springs, 7 miles round trip. The trail requires caution because it is unmaintained and steep. The trailhead begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest. 
  • Grandview Trail: The Grandview Trail offers hikes to Coconino Saddle, 2.2 miles round trip, and Horseshoe Mesa, 6.4 miles round trip.  The trailhead begins on the canyon side of the retaining wall at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive (12 miles east of the village).

South Rim Scenic Drives

  • Desert View Drive: Desert View Drive (otherwise known as the East Rim Drive) leaves Grand Canyon Village and follows the Canyon Rim east for 26 miles to Desert View Point. This is one of the most scenic drives inside Grand Canyon National Park, and the views are phenomenal.  

    Along the drive, there are many overlooks, including Grandview Point, Yaki Point, Moran Point, and Lipan Point. At the end of the drive, the famous Desert Watchtower is located. The 70-foot-high tower is the highest point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and provides incredible views of the canyon below. 
  • Hermit’s Road: Hermit’s Road is another great drive. When traffic is high, the road is closed to private vehicles from March through November, but shuttle buses service the area. It’s worth the time to tour and experience Hermit’s Road! Nine scenic overlooks offer stunning views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River!

Directions to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

Page, Arizona:

  1. Start by heading south on Highway 89 from Page.
  2. Continue on Highway 89 for approximately 65 miles until you reach the town of Cameron.
  3. At Cameron, turn left onto Highway 64 (also known as Desert View Drive), heading west towards the Grand Canyon.
  4. Follow Highway 64 for approximately 30 miles until you reach the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
  5. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the South Rim Visitor Center or other points of interest along the South Rim.

Salt Lake City, Utah:

  1. Head south on Interstate 15 (I-15) towards St. George, Utah.
  2. Continue on I-15 for approximately 250 miles until you reach the town of Kanab, Utah.
  3. In Kanab, take exit 16 for US-89 south towards Page, Arizona.
  4. Follow US-89 south for approximately 74 miles until you reach the town of Bitter Springs, Arizona.
  5. Turn left onto Highway 89A east towards Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake in Bitter Springs.
  6. Follow Highway 89A for approximately 29 miles until you reach the junction with Highway 67.
  7. Turn right onto Highway 67, south towards the North Rim and Grand Canyon Village.
  8. Continue on Highway 67 for approximately 30 miles until you reach the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
  9. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the South Rim Visitor Center or other points of interest along the South Rim.

Phoenix Area:

  1. Start by heading north on Interstate 17 (I-17) towards Flagstaff.
  2. Near Flagstaff, merge onto Interstate 40 (I-40) heading west.
  3. Continue on I-40 for approximately 30 miles until you reach the town of Williams.
  4. In Williams, take exit 165 for Historic Route 66/Williams/Grand Canyon.
  5. Follow the signs for State Route 64 (SR-64) north towards the Grand Canyon.
  6. Stay on SR-64 for approximately 60 miles until you reach the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
  7. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the South Rim Visitor Center or other points of interest along the South Rim.

Las Vegas Area:

  1. Start by heading east on US-93 towards Kingman, Arizona.
  2. In Kingman, take Interstate 40 (I-40) heading east.
  3. Continue on I-40 for approximately 175 miles until you reach the town of Williams.
  4. In Williams, take exit 165 for Historic Route 66/Williams/Grand Canyon.
  5. Follow the signs for State Route 64 (SR-64) north towards the Grand Canyon.
  6. Stay on SR-64 for approximately 60 miles until you reach the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
  7. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the South Rim Visitor Center or other points of interest along the South Rim.

Keep the Grand Canyon Grand

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a special place. Remember to respect nature and follow ethical practices when engaging in outdoor activities. Always leave a place better than you found it, and practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Enjoy your time exploring the trails and discovering the area’s hidden treasures!

Grand Canyon South Rim