The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is nothing short of breathtaking. With its jaw-dropping views, incredible rock formations, and vast natural beauty, it’s a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Southwest. Beyond just soaking in the scenery, the South Rim offers plenty to do, from hiking trails and ranger-led programs to family-friendly attractions, making it a place where visitors of all ages can enjoy an unforgettable adventure.
Park Fees and Reservations
Good news—no reservations are needed to visit, but there is an entry fee. A vehicle permit costs $35, giving you access for seven consecutive days. If you’re planning to explore more national parks, consider getting the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. For $80, this pass provides unlimited entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, for an entire year. It’s a great deal if you’re hitting the road for more adventures! Be sure to check the National Park Service website for up-to-date fees and information.
When to Visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year-round, 24 hours a day, making it an accessible destination no matter the season. Each time of year has its perks, so the best time to visit really depends on your preferences and schedule.
Summer is the most popular season, with longer days and warmer weather perfect for exploring. However, it’s also the busiest, so be prepared for crowds at viewpoints and on trails. If you’re looking to avoid the hustle, spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer visitors, making these shoulder seasons ideal for a more relaxed experience. Winter, on the other hand, transforms the canyon into a serene wonderland, with snow dusting the rocky landscape—an incredible sight that feels almost magical. Just be sure to dress warmly and watch for occasional icy conditions on trails.
Whenever you go, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. The best time is simply whenever you can make it!
South Rim Day Hikes
- 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).
Hiking Rim-to-Rim: A Grand Canyon Adventure
The Routes
Taking on the Rim-to-Rim hike in the Grand Canyon is the ultimate challenge for adventurers looking to experience the canyon in all its grandeur. This demanding journey, covering approximately 24 miles one way, takes hikers from one rim to the other, traversing some of the most iconic landscapes in the park.
Hikers typically choose between two main trails:
- North Kaibab Trail (North Rim): Known for its stunning descent through diverse ecological zones, this trail begins at a higher elevation and offers incredible vistas. Key stops include Roaring Springs and Ribbon Falls.
- Bright Angel Trail (South Rim): This popular route provides reliable water stations and shade, making it a favorite for the ascent out of the canyon. Highlights include Indian Garden and Plateau Point.
For those looking to tackle this hike in a single day, South Kaibab Trail may be used instead, but it lacks water stops and is steeper.
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!
Cultural and Historical Context
The Grand Canyon is not just a natural wonder—it’s a cultural and historical treasure. For thousands of years, it has been home to Native American tribes like the Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, and Havasupai, who hold deep spiritual connections to the land. The canyon is dotted with ancient dwellings, petroglyphs, and artifacts that offer glimpses into the lives of its original inhabitants.
One highlight is the Desert View Watchtower, located on the eastern edge of the South Rim. Designed in 1932 by Mary Colter, this structure was inspired by Ancestral Puebloan architecture and features murals by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. Visitors can climb the tower for sweeping views of the canyon while learning about the cultural heritage it honors.
Additionally, ranger-led talks and interpretive signs throughout the park share stories of the canyon’s history, from its geological formation to its role in Native traditions and early exploration.
Directions to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon
Page, Arizona:
- Start by heading south on Highway 89 from Page.
- Continue on Highway 89 for approximately 65 miles until you reach the town of Cameron.
- At Cameron, turn left onto Highway 64 (also known as Desert View Drive), heading west towards the Grand Canyon.
- Follow Highway 64 for approximately 30 miles until you reach the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
- 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:
- Head south on Interstate 15 (I-15) towards St. George, Utah.
- Continue on I-15 for approximately 250 miles until you reach the town of Kanab, Utah.
- In Kanab, take exit 16 for US-89 south towards Page, Arizona.
- Follow US-89 south for approximately 74 miles until you reach the town of Bitter Springs, Arizona.
- Turn left onto Highway 89A east towards Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake in Bitter Springs.
- Follow Highway 89A for approximately 29 miles until you reach the junction with Highway 67.
- Turn right onto Highway 67, south towards the North Rim and Grand Canyon Village.
- Continue on Highway 67 for approximately 30 miles until you reach the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
- Once inside the park, follow the signs to the South Rim Visitor Center or other points of interest along the South Rim.
Phoenix Area:
- Start by heading north on Interstate 17 (I-17) towards Flagstaff.
- Near Flagstaff, merge onto Interstate 40 (I-40) heading west.
- Continue on I-40 for approximately 30 miles until you reach the town of Williams.
- In Williams, take exit 165 for Historic Route 66/Williams/Grand Canyon.
- Follow the signs for State Route 64 (SR-64) north towards the Grand Canyon.
- Stay on SR-64 for approximately 60 miles until you reach the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
- 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:
- Start by heading east on US-93 towards Kingman, Arizona.
- In Kingman, take Interstate 40 (I-40) heading east.
- Continue on I-40 for approximately 175 miles until you reach the town of Williams.
- In Williams, take exit 165 for Historic Route 66/Williams/Grand Canyon.
- Follow the signs for State Route 64 (SR-64) north towards the Grand Canyon.
- Stay on SR-64 for approximately 60 miles until you reach the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
- Once inside the park, follow the signs to the South Rim Visitor Center or other points of interest along the South Rim.
More Places to Explore
Horseshoe Bend near Page, Arizona, is a relatively short and easy hike offering spectacular views of the iconic horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. The trail is approximately 1.3 miles round trip and is considered to be moderate due to some sandy sections.
Antelope Canyon is a stunning slot canyon near Page, Arizona. The hike through Lower Antelope Canyon is relatively easy, primarily involving walking along the sandy canyon floor with occasional steps and ladders. The distance covered during the guided tour typically ranges from around 0.5 to 1 mile round trip.
Upper Antelope Canyon is a world-renowned slot canyon located near Page, Arizona. It is known for its mesmerizing light beams and sandstone walls. Hiking through Upper Antelope Canyon is relatively easy, mainly involving walking along the sandy canyon floor. The distance covered during a tour typically ranges from around 0.25 to 0.5 miles round trip.
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!
