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Visit Grand Canyon South Rim for those postcard-perfect views
Grand Canyon ToursGrand Canyon South Rim
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Contents
Why visit the South Rim
The South Rim is the most visited part of Grand Canyon National Park—and for good reason. Open year-round and easily accessible from cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, it combines iconic scenery with top-tier visitor infrastructure, making it ideal for first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike.
Easy to reach, open all year
Whether you're driving in or arriving on a guided tour, the South Rim is the most convenient way to experience the Grand Canyon. It’s open 365 days a year, with well-maintained roads and reliable facilities—even in winter.
Iconic viewpoints at every turn
This side of the canyon delivers the classic Grand Canyon views you've seen in postcards and documentaries. Stop at Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View to take in sweeping vistas of layered rock and the winding Colorado River. Each overlook offers something unique—some more serene, others dramatic and vast.
Activities for every kind of traveler
From hiking and photography to mule rides and river rafting, the South Rim caters to every interest and energy level. For those who prefer less walking, helicopter rides and shuttle-accessible viewpoints make exploration easy and exciting.
Plenty of places to stay, eat & learn
The South Rim is well-equipped with lodges, restaurants, and shops. You'll also find museums, cultural centers, and visitor hubs that help you dive deeper into the park’s geology and Native history—like the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Desert View Watchtower.
Wildlife just beyond the trails
Elk, mule deer, and birds of prey are commonly spotted near trails and roads, especially around dawn or dusk. Scenic routes like Desert View Drive offer both stunning vistas and quiet spots for wildlife watching.
No Car? No Problem
A free and frequent shuttle system loops through key areas of the park, including lodges, trailheads, and viewpoints making it easy to explore without needing to drive.
Your tour options explained
Helicopter tours
Soar high above the canyon and get a bird’s-eye view of the South Rim’s most iconic formations, including the Dragon Corridor and Colorado River. These tours are perfect if you're short on time but want a truly unforgettable perspective. Many come with multilingual audio narration and options for daytime or sunset flights.
Recommended tickets
25-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer Tour
45-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer Tour
Airplane tours
Airplane tours provide a broader, more expansive view of the Grand Canyon region. You'll fly over landmarks like the Painted Desert, Zuni Corridor, and Kaibab National Forest, with in-flight narration to guide your experience. These tours are great for covering more ground in less time and are often paired with ground excursions or add-on activities.
Recommended tickets
45-min Grand Canyon National Park Airplane Tour with Optional Hummer Tour
Hummer tours
For those who prefer to stay on the ground, Hummer tours offer a rugged yet comfortable ride to some of the South Rim’s most scenic viewpoints. Led by expert guides, these tours often take place at sunrise or sunset and provide plenty of stops for photography, storytelling, and short walks along the rim.
Recommended tickets
2-hour Grand Canyon National Park Hummer Tour
Round-trip bus tours from Las Vegas
For a full-day experience, hop on a comfortable bus tour from Las Vegas. These all-inclusive tours typically include round-trip transportation, park entry, meal options, and free time to explore the South Rim’s main highlights. It's a relaxed and cost-effective way to experience the canyon without the hassle of driving.
Recommended tickets
From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon National Park Tour
Plan your visit to the South Rim
Timings
Entrances
Getting there
Rules and regulations
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most services are available year-round. Some facilities may close in winter, so check ahead based on your travel dates. Spring through fall is peak season, and reservations for accommodation and tours are strongly recommended during this time.
The South Entrance Station is the main gateway to the South Rim and the closest to Grand Canyon Village. It is located just 1.6 miles north of Tusayan, Arizona, and 4.9 miles south of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. An alternate route is through the East Entrance at Desert View, 25 miles west of Cameron, Arizona.
You can reach the South Rim by car, shuttle, bus, air, or rail.
- By car: It’s a 60-minute drive from Williams, Arizona via SR 64, and 90 minutes from Flagstaff via US 180.
- By air: The closest airport is Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, just 7 miles from the park. Larger airports are in Flagstaff, Phoenix (4 hours away), and Las Vegas.
- By train: The Grand Canyon Railway offers scenic daily service from Williams, Arizona.
- By bus/van: Several commercial tour operators provide round-trip transport from nearby cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix. Taxi services are also permitted within the park.
- Reservations are not required to enter the park, and there is no timed entry system. You can pay the entrance fee and enter the park.
- Drive carefully because wildlife often crosses roads unexpectedly.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles; dispose of waste properly and stay on designated trails.
- Camp only in designated areas and obtain proper permits for backcountry hiking.
- Drones are not permitted anywhere in the park.
- Pets must be on a leash and are only allowed on specific trails.
- Fires are only allowed in designated fire pits and may be restricted during dry seasons.
Frequently asked questions about the South Rim
How much time should I spend at the South Rim?
A full day allows you to explore major viewpoints, do a short hike, and visit museums. For a deeper experience, consider staying overnight and joining guided tours or ranger programs.
Can I hike into the canyon from the South Rim?
Yes. Popular trails like the South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails descend into the canyon. Just remember, going down is optional but coming back up is mandatory! Always plan hikes based on your fitness level and daylight hours.
Are pets allowed at the South Rim?
Pets are allowed in developed areas and on specific trails like the Rim Trail. They must be on a leash at all times. However, they are not permitted below the canyon rim or on shuttle buses (except service animals).
How do I get to the South Rim?
You can drive from nearby cities like Flagstaff (90 minutes) or Williams (60 minutes), take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, or fly into the nearby Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. Shuttle buses and guided tours are also available from cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix.
What are the must-see viewpoints at the South Rim?
Iconic viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View, and Grandview Point. Each offers sweeping panoramic views of the canyon, and many are accessible via the park’s free shuttle bus system.