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.
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.
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.
Popular Grand Canyon viewpoints
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.
Things to do at Grand Canyon
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.
Grand Canyon's restaurants
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.
Wildlife you'll find in the canyon
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.
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 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
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
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
Stop at Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Hopi Point, and Desert View Watchtower to witness some of the most breathtaking canyon panoramas. These scenic overlooks offer perfect sunrise and sunset views, along with easy access via shuttle or walking trails.
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.
You can reach the South Rim by car, shuttle, bus, air, or rail.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
