Grand Canyon South Rim Tours

1/5

Guided on-ground Hummer tours

Join a guided Hummer ride to explore viewpoints like Moran Point and Grandview Point, often timed for daytime or sunset. It’s a fun, open-air way to cover a lot of ground and learn from local guides.

Things to know before booking your South Rim tour

Timings: The South Rim is open to visitors year-round, though some sections might be closed in the winter months. Helicopter tours and airplane tours might be cancelled because of thunderstorms, harsh winds, or poor visibility, especially during the monsoon months (July and August).

Location and access: The South Rim can be accessed by bus from all nearby cities, Grand Canyon Railway (from Williams, AZ), and by car. Most visitors choose to drive down unless they choose a tour with round-trip transport.

Entrance fee: The pass is valid for 7 days from the date of purchase: $20 per person, $35 per vehicle, or $30 for a motorcycle (includes the North Rim when accessible).

Transport: Complimentary shuttle service is available around the South Rim, across multiple viewpoints and attractions (wheelchair accessible).

Tours from Las Vegas: Choose between an airplane tour or a bus tour from Las Vegas for round-trip comfort and sightseeing along the way, making the travel hassle-free, allowing you to fully enjoy your South Rim exploration.

Short tours: You can also book a shorter helicopter tour (25/45 mins) of the Grand Canyon National Park, and a guided Hummer tour to combine aerial sightseeing with on-ground exploration with a guide of the iconic viewpoints and landmarks of the South Rim.

Aerial tour restrictions: All aerial tours have a passenger weight limit of 300 pounds (136 kilos). Those exceeding will have to purchase an additional seat to board.

Accessibility: The South Rim is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, with paved pathways, viewpoints, accessible shuttles, and multiple dining and stay options for added comfort.

Safety: Stay on marked trails, carry water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Do not feed or interact with any wildlife you may encounter on your way, and always keep offline maps downloaded in case you are traveling towards the canyon floor.

Frequently asked questions about South Rim tours of the Grand Canyon

What’s the average duration of the tours at the South Rim?

Your tour duration depends on the type of tour selected. Hummer tours are typically 2-3 hours long, aerial tours last for about 30-45 mins, and tours from Las Vegas are for about 12-14 hours.

Do the tours take place daily?

Yes, since the South Rim is open all year round, your tours take place every day, weather permitting. Some tours might be cancelled in case of harsh weather conditions or poor visibility. Some areas might be closed due to unsafe conditions, in which case alternate options will be available.

What’s the best South Rim tour for someone with mobility constraints?

Aerial tours followed by on-ground guided Hummer tours are ideal for those with mobility issues. They’re accessible, require little to no walking, and are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

What are some kid-friendly activities at the South Rim?

Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum and participate in a Ranger talk (takes place daily), the Desert View Watchtower for its murals and the high viewpoint, and join the aerial tours for added adventure. Several viewpoints, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, etc., involve a short hike and are easy to navigate, making it seamless to explore with children.

Which months does the South Rim face the most visibility issues for aerial tours?

Monsoon at the Grand Canyon starts late June and goes on till the end of August, which is when the thunderstorms, winds, and visibility concerns are the highest for all aerial tours.

Can I bring my pet to the South Rim?

Yes, pets are welcome at the South Rim, but certain tours (helicopter tours, airplane tours, etc.) do not allow pets on board. They need to be leashed while on the ground, and there are certain areas that are not pet-friendly.

Can I visit both the South Rim and North Rim in the same day?

It’s not feasible to cover both the South Rim and the North Rim in one day if you’re planning on driving or using the daily shuttle to travel. The travel time is around 3-4 hours, and the shuttle takes about 4.5 hours one way. The best way to cover both rims is to opt for aerial tours that start from the South Rim, cover multiple regions of both rims, and return.

Does my Grand Canyon National Park fee include access to the West Rim?

No, since the West Rim is not a part of the Grand Canyon National Park, the park entrance fee does not include admission to Grand Canyon West. You will have to purchase an additional ticket to visit the West Rim (the all-inclusive admission ticket for Grand Canyon West is available for $99 on-site).