Grand Canyon National Park: Complete Guide to the South Rim
Plan the perfect trip to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim with this complete travel guide! Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to visit, what to bring, top things to do, & much more.
Grand Canyon National Park is a top bucket list destination for most local and international travelers and for good reason. Showcasing five of the seven life zones and three of the four desert types in North America, exploring Grand Canyon is equivalent to traveling from Mexico to Canada! Breathtaking canyon views, miraculous geology, and Native American history are a few of the reasons Grand Canyon draws such a crowd.
The park is separated into 2 areas, the north rim and the south rim. The south rim is the more popular of the two, receiving about 90% of all park visitation. The north rim is a much quieter and less crowded experience. The south rim is open year round while the north rim is open just for summer.
In this guide we are focusing on everything you need to know before visiting the South Rim. For more info on visiting the north side of the park check out our Quick Guide to Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Grand Canyon South Rim
Getting to Grand Canyon South Rim
When to Viist
What to Bring
Amenities Nearby
Top Things to Do
Desert View Watchtower.
ABOUT GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyon is a 1.2 million acre national park located in northwest Arizona. It was established in 1919 and is considered one of the best examples of desert land erosion in the world. The park features 278 miles of the Colorado river, 1.8 billion year old rock, 1.2 billion year old fossils, and a canyon one mile deep. It’s one of the most studied landscapes in the world with endless geological, paleontological, archeological and biological reserves.
The park’s cultural links to eleven contemporary tribes make Grand Canyon National Park a place like no other. Scenic drives, hiking to the bottom of the canyon, and seeing the incredible night sky at an overnight campsite are a few of the top things to do while visiting Grand Canyon National Park.
SHUTTLE SYSTEM
From May 25th to September 6th, Grand Canyon offers a free shuttle bus to take visitors to the parks popular trails, overlooks, lodging, and museums. There are four routes, Village, Kaibab Rim, Hermits Rest, and Tusayan. Buses run every 15 to 30 minutes and no tickets are required.
The road to Hermits Rest is closed to private vehicles from March 1st to November 30th.
ENTRANCE FEE
$35 per vehicle which is valid for 7 days. You can also use the America the Beautiful Pass to enter for free.
Reservations aren’t needed to visit Grand Canyon National Park.
PET POLICY
Pets must be leashed at all times and no longer than 6 feet in length. They are allowed on trails above the rim, campgrounds, developed areas, and the Yavapai Lodge.
They aren’t allowed on any trails below the rim, park shuttle buses, or park lodging.
The Grand Canyon Kennel is available for those wishing to board their pets. Vaccinations are required and reservations are recommended.
Dog friendly rim trail.
GETTING TO GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM
Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is located off HWY 64 in northwest Arizona. There are two entrances to the park, Desert View on the east and Grand Canyon Village to the west.
The park borders Navajo Reservation to the right, Havasupai Reservation to the left, and the Kaibab National Forest to the south. River access runs from Marble Canyon to Pearce Ferry on the Arizona/Nevada border.
The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel offers daily train rides from Williams to Grand Canyon Village. For more info visit thetrain.com
Tusayan - 7 miles or 10 minutes
Cameron - 33 miles or 35 minutes
Williams - 54 miles or 1 hour
Flagstaff - 82 miles or 1.5 hours
Page - 110 miles or 2 hours
North Rim - 188 miles or 3.5 hours
Phoenix - 228 miles or 3.5 hours
NEAREST AIRPORTS
Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Rim trail.
WHEN TO VISIT
Grand Canyon National Park is open all year long giving you the opportunity to see this park in a variety of ways. April to September are the busiest times for the park.
SPRING & SUMMER
April to May are popular times to visit for Grand Canyons ideal hiking and camping weather. Daily temps hangout between 70 and 80 while lows are in the 40s and 50s.
Summers bring extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees below the rim. Monsoon season in Grand Canyon is mid June to mid October bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods. Remember to bring plenty of water if hiking below the rim in the summer months.
FALL & WINTER
September to October is another popular time to visit Grand Canyon for its ideal hiking and camping weather.
Winters in Grand Canyon bring fewer crowds and much colder days. Highs are in 50s with lows hanging out below freezing. The park receives several inches of snow causing ice on roads and trails. Traction support is recommended when exploring Grand Canyon in the winter months.
Always check for current conditions before visiting Grand Canyon National Park.
Sunrise along the rim.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
Grand Canyon National Park is high desert which means hot and dry especially in the summer. Be sure to pack extra water and stay hydrated while exploring. We love adding LMNT’s electrolyte packets to stay hydrated for the whole day.
Hiking Shoes
While there are easy paths to explore in Grand Canyon there are a many trails that are rocky, sandy, and steep. To have the most comfortable experience on the trails we recommend wearing a proper hiking shoe or boot to provide traction and support.
Sun Protectant
There is not much shade on any trails in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring in Grand Canyon. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Crampons
If visiting in the winter there’s a good chance of snow on the trails. Traction support is recommended so you don’t slip on ice or snow.
AMENITIES NEARBY
IN THE PARK
VISITOR CENTERS
Two visitor centers are available inside Grand Canyon National Park South Rim. Mather Visitor Center located at the Grand Canyon Village and Verkamps Visitor Center located in the Village Historic District. Both are open year round and a great place to start your adventure in Grand Canyon National Park. Load up on info, pick up a park map, and get exploring.
Here you can also find water filling stations, restrooms, gift shop, museum exhibit, and permits for backcountry camping. Hours and services vary by season so it’s best to check for current conditions before planning a trip.
TIP | For info on hiking and trip planning, visit the plaques outside the Mather Visitor Center.
YAVAPAI GEOLOGY MUSEUM
Located at Yavapai Point and showcases exhibits on Grand Canyon’s geology as well as large windows for taking in the views.
HOPI HOUSE
Built in 1905 and resembling a Hopi Pueblo, Hopi House is a stone structure offering local Native American artwork and gifts.
LOOKOUT STUDIO
A stone building built right into the edge of the canyon. Completed in 1914 and offers spectacular viewing of Grand Canyon as well as gifts & souvenirs for purchase.
KLOB STUDIO
A restored family home turned gift shop on the edge of the rim with incredible views of the Grand Canyon.
DESERT VIEW WATCHTOWER
A National Historic Landmark constructed in 1932 and offers viewing on the upper floor of the tower as well as a gift shop.
LODGING
Bright Angel Lodge
El Tovar Hotel
Kachina Lodge
Thunderbird Lodge
Maswik Lodge
Yavapai Lodge
CAMPGROUDS
Trailer Village RV Park
Mather Campground
Desert View Campground
Phantom Ranch
FOOD
Bright Angel Bicycle Rental and Cafe
Canyon Village Market General Store
Desert View Market & Deli
Maswik Food Court & Pizza Pub
Bright Angel Tavern
Bright Angel Fountain
Fred Harvey burger
Arizona Steakhouse
El Tovar Lounge
El Tovar Dining Room
Yavapai Lodge Tavern
Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop
Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
TOWNS NEARBY
TUSAYAN
A small resort community known as a base to visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Located 10 minutes south of the west entrance station. Also has the closest airport to Grand Canyon National Park.
LODGING
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Squire Resort
Red Feather Lodge
Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
7 Mile Lodge
RV PARKS
Grand Canyon Camper Village
Long Jim Loop Camping
FOOD
We Cook Pizza and Pasta
Yippee - Ei - O Steakhouse
R&J’s Mexican Food Truck
Big E Steakhouse & Saloon
McDonalds
Canyon Star Steakhouse & Saloon
Desert Lounge & Grill
Squire Pub + Social
Plaza Bonita Restaurant
Wendy’s
Foodie Club
Explorers Cafe
Pizza Hut Express
Wagon Wheel Saloon
CAMERON
A small town located 35 minutes east of the Desert View entrance station. Known for the Historical Cameron Trading Post founded in 1916 and offers a motel, RV Park, restaurant, and gift shop selling handmade Navajo art.
LODGING
Cameron Trading Post
RV PARKS
Cameron Trading Post
FOOD
HWY 89 Yummy Shack
Burger King
Blue Canyon Grill
WILLIAMS
A popular town known as the Gateway to Grand Canyon National Park. Features the historic Grand Canyon Railway and several Route 66 icons. Located 1 hour south of Grand Canyon National Park.
LODGING
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel
The Historic Grand Canyon Hotel
Ramada
Best Western Inn Plus
Holiday Inn Express
Hampton Inn
Comfort Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Days Inn
Travel Lodge
The Red Carter Inn
+ Many more.
RV PARKS
The Canyon Motel & RV Park
Railside RV Ranch
Grand Canyon Railway RV Park
Canyon Gateway RV Park
Grand Canyon RV Glamping
FOOD
Rulu’s 66 Bar & Grill
Station 66
Goldie’s Route 66 Diner
Obregon City Tacos
Pine Country Restaurant
Nany’s Tacos
Frontier BBq & Beer Garden
Cruiser’s Route 66 Cafe
El Corral on 66
+ Much more.
TOP THINGS TO DO
RIM WALK
For a leisurely stroll through Grand Canyon hop on the Rim Trail and enjoy unobstructed views of Grand Canyon and several of the parks historic buildings and museums, such as, Hopi House, Klob Studio and Yavapai Geology Museum. Pet friendly and wheel chair accessible.
Also featured on the Rim Trail is the “Trail of Time” where visitors can learn about different ages of rocks found within the park. Each meter walked on the timeline trail signifies one million years of Grand Canyon's geologic history.
HIKE INTO THE CANYON
For a more strenuous adventure in Grand Canyon National Park descend down into the canyon on one of the parks many hiking trails. All trails will start easily as you make your way down hill but remember the hard part is coming back up to the rim. According to the National Park System “ there are no easy trails into or out of Grand Canyon “.
If hiking in summer avoid hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and make sure you have plenty of water and sun protection. If hiking in the winter make sure you have traction support for your shoes and proper warm attire. The most popular trails in the park are Bright Angel, South Kaibab, Hermit, and Grandview.
DESERT VIEW DRIVE
If you’re not interested in hiking, then look no further than the scenic overlooks along Desert View Drive. These are some of best places to take in the views, have a picnic and marvel at the forces of nature at work. The overlooks you cannot miss are Desert View, Moran Point, Yaki Point, and Shoshone Point.
BACKPACK THE WILDERNESS
For a more in depth exploration of Grand Canyon National Park pick up a backpacking permit and tour the parks remote wilderness. This is a great way to avoid the crowds and experience the incredible night sky. Permits can be reserved 3 months in advance on recreation.gov and are $10 per person.
PARKS AS CLASSROOMS
What better way to learn then by bringing the classroom to the park! The National Park System provides a series of curriculum covering topics such a math, science, social studies, and language arts for elementary and middle school learners. A great option for homeschooling or field trips.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
If you’re not able to plan a visit to Grand Canyon National Park then this is great way for your kids to still learn about the park without actually being there. The Virtual Junior Ranger Program consists of a series of videos and activities to complete with a Virtual Badge to be given at the end.park as classrooms.
EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT SKY
For a memorial experience in Grand Canyon National Park join an evening ranger program or stay overnight in the campground and experience what a truly dark sky looks like. Popular programs offered in the park are Star Party, Full Moon Rise, Constellations Over the Canyon, and Astronomy Night.
RAFT THE COLORADO RIVER
Experience the bottom of Grand Canyon on a thrilling rafting excursion down the Colorado River. Rafters can choose from a guided ( commercial ) or self guided ( noncommercial ) trip ranging from 1 day to 30 days out on the water.
For more info visit the park website.
RANGER PROGRAMS
Get the scoop on all there is to know about the Grand Canyon with one of the many ranger programs offered in the park. Programs are available most of the year and include Fossil Walk, Geology Talk, Exploring the Endangered, Astronomy, and several Evening Programs covering varies topics.
For more info on program details and dates visit the park website.
MULE TRIPS
Explore the beauty of Grand Canyon by mule back on a scenic 4 mile Rim Walk or an overnight trip to Phantom Ranch. Overnight trips to Phantom Ranch are available on the lottery system and descend 10.5 miles down the Bright Angel trail with a cabin and meal waiting for you at the bottom. Rim mule rides can be booked 15 months in advance with reservations recommended. Both are offered year round and have rider restrictions.
Currently mule rides to Phantom Ranch are canceled due to construction.
For more info visit the park website.
BICYCLING
For a unique experience in Grand Canyon National Park jump on a bike and cruise the 13 mile Rim Trail all the way to Hermits Rest. Shuttle buses are available every half to 1 mile to take you back to the village.
CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS
Observe Native American artists practice their unique skills at the Desert View Watchtower. Demonstrations take place on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and include tribes and crafts such as Hopi Painter, Navajo Silversmith, Zuni Potter plus many others.
For the Cultural Demonstrations calendar, visit the park website.
Let us know in the comments what are your favorite things to do at Grand Canyon National Park!
Check out our reel exploring Grand Canyon National Park on Instagram!
SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!
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HEY THERE!
WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 30 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Plan the perfect trip to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim with this complete travel guide! Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to visit, what to bring, top things to do, & much more.