The Ultimate Guide To Grand Canyon National Park - South & North Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, a world of ethereal and captivating nature!
Renowned all over the world, the host of breathtaking vistas and hikes, Grand Canyon needs no introduction!
Grand Canyon, the name given to a river valley owing to its overwhelming size, is home to breathtaking natural landscape! Carved and sculpted by the Colorado River over several million years, stretching 277 miles long and about a mile deep, Grand Canyon is enormous!
Ceaseless canyon land painted in vivid colors with spectacular rock formations defines the landscape at Grand Canyon. No words and pictures can describe the dramatic scenery at Grand Canyon and has to be seen to be properly appreciated. However, Grand Canyon is massive, with four isolated rims, each with unique vantage and distinctive scenery. It becomes tough to select one rim of Grand Canyon over the other!
There are four rims of Grand Canyon, each offering enchanting views and exciting ways to explore the Grand Canyon!
Grand Canyon South Rim: The South & the North Rim of the Grand Canyon are part of the Grand Canyon Natation Park and are overseen and managed by the Natation Park Service. Though part of the same park, they are quite different from each other. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon, with the most iconic vistas of Grand Canyon, paved trails, guided tours, ample lodging and dining options, is the most popular of all rims of Grand Canyon and is accessible year-round.
Grand Canyon North Rim: The North Rim, also part of the Grand Canyon National Park, is remotely located and seasonal, accessible outside the winter months. Though the distance between the edges of the South and North Rim is just about 15 miles, but to access the North Rim vista points and trailheads, it’s about 210 miles drive from the South Rim. However, the North Rim is home to serene nature, some expansive views, and several hiking trails, and with less crowd, it’s perfect for a quiet getaway.
Grand Canyon West Rim: Unlike the South and the North Rim, the West Rim of Grand Canyon is not a part of the Grand Canyon National Park. The West Rim is part of the Hualapai Native American Reservation and is managed by the Hualapai Tribe. Besides the incredible canyon views, Grand Canyon West Rim is home to the Skywalk, a state-of-the-art observation deck with a see-through glass bridge jutting out the edge of the canyon, offering unparalleled views and a lifetime experience! Grand Canyon West Rim’s proximity to Las Vegas, about 120 miles, makes it a popular day-trip destination from Las Vegas.
Grand Canyon East Rim: Though there’s no officially designated East Rim of the Grand Canyon, the area along the Colorado River to the north and east of the Grand Canyon South Rim, near the town of Page in Arizona, is popularly known as the East Rim of the Grand Canyon. The East Rim is home to some of the wondrous marvels created by nature, including Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and Lake Powell.
Every rim of Grand Canyon is unique, each offering unparalleled views and experiences! I recommend visiting them all, but if short on time, visit the South Rim for the most iconic spectacles of the Grand Canyon!
Here is my ultimate guide to Grand Canyon National Park, featuring must-see places, attractions map, suggested itinerary, hiking trails, campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants in Grand Canyon National Park - South & North Rim.
Grand Canyon South Rim
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is accessible year-round, summer months and major holidays being the peak seasons in the park!
Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon South Rim: Summer gets very crowded in Grand Canyon South Rim, and unless planned in advance, it’s quite challenging to find accommodation near the park. Summers also get quite hot in Grand Canyon South Rim and not the best time for long hikes. Things are quieter in Grand Canyon South Rim in Spring and Fall, and with pleasant daytime temperatures and availability of accommodation near the park, it’s the best time to visit Grand Canyon South Rim.
Grand Canyon South Rim Operating Hours & Seasons: The Park is open all year-round and 24 hours a day. However, the park’s visitor centers, museums, and stores are open only during the daytime, and timings may vary slightly during the winter months.
Getting To Grand Canyon South Rim: The best way to get to Grand Canyon South Rim is by flying into Phoenix or Las Vegas airport and then driving to the park. However, there are a few other alternatives, including train and bus services to Grand Canyon South Rim.
Flight: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Phoenix, Arizona, about 225 miles to Grand Canyon South Rim, and McCarran International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada, about 275 miles from the park, are the major international airports near Grand Canyon South Rim. There are a couple of domestic airports situated quite close to the park but have limited service, Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN), Grand Canyon, Arizona, just 8 miles from the South entrance, and Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (Flagstaff, AZ), Flagstaff, Arizona, around 90 miles from South Rim.
Train: You can take an Amtrak train to Flagstaff and Williams, the nearest Amtrak stations to Grand Canyon South Rim, and from there, you can hire a taxi to get to a rental car company, rent a car and drive to Grand Canyon South Rim. Alternatively, you could ride the Grand Canyon Railway to Grand Canyon on the daily excursion train departing from Williams, Arizona.
Bus & Shuttle: Greyhound offers bus services connecting several cities in Arizona to other cities and states in the US. Flagstaff, Arizona, is the nearest Greyhound stop to Grand Canyon South Rim, about 80 miles from South Rim. Groome Transportation, previously Arizona Shuttle, offers shuttle services to Grand Canyon South Rim from Flagstaff, Williams, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Transportation & Parking Inside Grand Canyon South Rim: There’re quite a few parking lots in Grand Canyon South Rim, including a parking lot at the visitor center, Mather Point, Market Plaza, and the Historic District. However, parking is limited near the vista points, and in few places, there’s no parking for private vehicles. So it’s best to use the Grand Canyon South Rim shuttle service to access the park’s vista points. Moreover, during the peak seasons, private vehicles are not allowed on Hermit Road and Yaki Point Road, and you must use the park shuttle to access these areas. I have reviewed the park’s shuttle system in detail in the following sections of the post.
Time Required At Grand Canyon South Rim: While a day is enough to see all major vista points in Grand Canyon South Rim, I highly recommend spending at least a couple of days leisurely exploring the park, hiking a couple of trails, and enjoying the scenic drives in the park. If you have more time, you could even spend a week or more hiking to some of the park’s pristine regions and could even visit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Lodging & Dining In Grand Canyon South Rim: To cater to the popularity and demand, Grand Canyon South Rim has several lodging and dining options, both inside the park and in the nearby town of Tusayan.
Lodging Inside Grand Canyon South Rim: If you’re into camping, you can camp in one of the three campgrounds in Grand Canyon South Rim, including Mather Campground, Trailer Village, and Desert View Campground. Alternatively, you could stay in one of the six lodges inside the Grand Canyon South Rim, including Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge. However, these lodges tend to sell out and must be planned and reserved at least 6 months in advance. You can check the availability and book them online on the Grand Canyon Lodges website.
Lodging Outside Grand Canyon South Rim: The town of Tusayan, located just seven miles from the park’s entrance, has quite a few hotels and bread and breakfasts, including The Grand Hotel, Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and a few others. Undoubtedly, staying inside the park is the best option, but if you’re unable to get a room for your stay, Tusayan also serves as a great base when visiting Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim.
Dining Options In Grand Canyon Canyon South Rim: You will be pleasantly surprised to see the park’s several dining options. I think Grand Canyon South Rim has the most restaurants inside the park than any other National Park in the US. There are cafes, stores, and snack bars at every major vista point and at the visitor center and several formal restaurants at Grand Canyon Village and Yavapai Lodge. You will also find several other restaurants outside the park in the town of Tusayan, including pizzerias, Mexican Kitchen, Tusayan Steak House, and other chain restaurants.
Things To Do In Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon South Rim Attractions Map
There’re two entrances in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the south entrance and the east or Desert View entrance.
Grand Canyon South Rim South Entrance: Located about 2 miles from the town of Tusayan and approximately 80 miles from Flagstaff, the South Entrance is more popular between the two entrances of the South Rim and is convenient for people coming from Flagstaff, Williams, and Phoenix international airport. However, you may find long queues at the south entrance during the peak seasons, and a better alternative is to use the East Entrance. Grand Canyon South Rim South Entrance Address: South Entrance Station, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
Grand Canyon South Rim East Entrance: The east entrance to Grand Canyon South Rim, also known as the Desert View entrance, is located about 70 miles from Flagstaff and best suited for people coming from the east side of the park. There is rarely any wait time or long queues at the East Entrance, and it’s the best choice to beat the crowd during the summer months. Grand Canyon South Rim East Entrance Address: East Entrance Station, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
There’re primarily four shuttle services offered in Grand Canyon South Rim, two sightseeing shuttles taking visitors to the major vista points and two shuttles taking visitors to different facilities inside the park, as well as connecting the park to the nearby town of Tusayan. Parking is limited near vista points, and in some places, private vehicles are not even allowed. So I highly recommend using the park’s shuttle service to access the vista points located in the park’s central and the west section.
Hermit Road / Red Route / Westbound Shuttle: The seasonal sightseeing Hermit Road shuttle, running March through November, connects the Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest, stopping at several vista points along the way, including Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point and final stop at Hermits Rest. Private vehicles are not allowed on this route when the shuttles are in operation, and walking is the only other option to access these viewpoints.
Kaibab Rim Route / Orange Route / Eastbound Shuttle: This is a sightseeing shuttle route taking visitors and hikers from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to Yaki Point, Pipe Creek Vista, Mather Point, South Kaibab Trailhead, and Yavapai Geology Museum.
Village Route / Blue Route: This is not a sightseeing shuttle route and instead offers a service that connects the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the train depot, hotels, lodges, restaurants, and campgrounds in the park.
Tusayan Route / Purple Route: This is a seasonal shuttle, running during the summer months, taking visitors from the offsite parking lot in the town of Tusayan, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center. You can park at the park-and-ride parking lot in Tusayan and ride the shuttle to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and avoid long wait times at the entrance station.
The Grand Canyon Shuttle Route and timing are subject to change, and I recommend checking the NPS website for the most up-to-date shuttle timings and routes. There’s also a public shuttle service connecting South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, operated by Trans Canyon Shuttle, but it’s seasonal and has to be reserved in advance.
Grand Canyon South Rim is home to three visitor centers and a few museums with exhibits pertaining to the park’s history and geology, and are worth visiting during your trip to Grand Canyon South Rim.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center: Located about 5 miles from the Grand Canyon South Entrance Station, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center offers an information deck, is home to several exhibits, and plays a short film about the park. The visitor center plaza also houses a store selling souvenirs and other gift items, a bike rental company, and a small cafe & coffee bar. The visitor center has four large parking lots and is also the starting point of several shuttle services in the park, including Kaibab Rim / Orange Route shuttle, Village / Blue Route shuttle, and Tusayan / Purple Route shuttle service.
Verkamp’s Visitor Center: Located close to the Grand Canyon Village, the Verkamp’s Visitor Center offers an information desk, a park store, and houses several exhibits about the history of the Grand Canyon Village. There’s limited parking near the Verkamp’s Visitor Center but can be reached via the Village / Blue Route shuttle service.
Desert View Visitor Center: Located on the east side of the park, close to the Grand Canyon South Rim East / Desert View entrance, the Desert View Visitor Center offers an information desk and a bookstore. You will also find the Desert View Watchtower, a gas station, and a general store near the Desert View Visitor Center. However, unlike the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, there’re no shuttle services offered at the Desert View Visitor Center, and it can only be accessed via private vehicles.
Yavapai Geology Museum: Home to an observation room with large windows offering expansive views of the canyon and several exhibits pertaining to the park’s geology, Yavapai Geology Museum is an excellent way to learn about the formation of the Grand Canyon and its various features. Located at Yavapai Point, about half a mile from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the Yavapai Geology Museum can be reached by Kaibab Rim / Orange Route shuttle departing from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Kolb Studio: The historic photo studio on the edge of the rim of the Grand Canyon built by the Kolb brothers, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, who were the early explorers and photographers in Grand Canyon, is now a popular stop and a historic landmark in the park. Kolb Studio offers an art gallery and a store selling artwork, books, and souvenirs.
Tusayan Ruin and Museum: Located about 3.5 miles from the Desert View / East Entrance Station, the Tusayan Ruin and Museum offer a peek into the life of the Ancestral Pueblo people who once inhabited the area. Here you can see several remnants of ancestral Pueblo settlement and exhibits, including pieces of pottery, jewelry, and tools used by the prehistoric people who lived here.
Grand Canyon South Rim Sightseeing & Scenic Drive
Grand Canyon South Rim has three main sections, two sightseeing sections comprising most of the vista points offering iconic views of the Grand Canyon and popular trailheads, and a third section, a scenic drive. These are not officially designated sections of the park, and it’s just me organizing the vista points and the shuttle routes to help you traverse and plan your trip to Grand Canyon South Rim.
The area around the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is home to several popular vista points in the park and can be traversed using the park’s Kaibab Rim / Orange Route shuttle service. The vista points in the park’s central section offer the most iconic views of the Grand Canyon and are a must-see on a trip to Grand Canyon South Rim.
You can park at one of the parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and then board the Kaibab Rim / Orange Route shuttle to the vista points located in this area, including Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Vista, and Yaki Point. The Pipe Creek Vista and Yaki Point are located on Desert View Drive, but I recommend visiting them using the Kaibab Rim / Orange Route shuttle service.
Here’re the vista points in Grand Canyon South Rim’s central region, along the Kaibab Rim / Orange Route!
Mather Point
Mather Point
Mather Point is the most popular vista point in the Grand Canyon South Rim, located a short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, offers sweeping canyon views. Owing to its proximity to the Visitor Center and its popularity, Mather Point tends to get quite busy. You can either walk or ride the Kaibab Rim / Orange Route shuttle to Mather Point from the Visitor Center.
Yavapai Point
Yavapai Point
Yavapai Point Overlook, located about a mile from the Visitor Center and the Mather Point, offers some of the best views of Grand Canyon and a portion of the Colorado River at the bottom of the Canyon. It’s also home to an observation deck and the Yavapai Geology Museum. You can either drive to Yavapai Point or ride the Kaibab Rim / Orange shuttle.
Pipe Creek Vista
Pipe Creek Vista
Pipe Creek is one of the many branches of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, and the Pipe Creek Overlook offers expansive views of the canyon and the Pipe Creek at the bottom of the canyon. Pipe Creek is the first stop along the Desert View Drive and can be reached by private vehicles or the park’s Kaibab Rim / Orange shuttle.
Yaki Point
Yaki Point
Yaki Point offers extensive views of the east side of the Grand Canyon and is the starting point of the South Kaibab Trail. Yaki Point is located on the Desert View Scenic Drive but not accessible via private vehicles. I recommend using the Kaibab Rim / Orange shuttle to visit all vista points in the central region, including Pipe Creek & Yaki Point, located on Desert View Drive.
The region stretching west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest has several viewing areas, a couple of museums, and a few hiking trails. The west part is accessible via the Hermit Road / Red Route shuttle. The Hermit Road is accessible to private vehicles only during the winter months, December through February. You must use the shuttle busses outside the winter months to access the vista points along the Hermit Road in the park’s west region.
You can park at the parking lot near the Grand Canyon Village, see the Kolb Studio and Verkamp’s Visitor Center, and then board the Hermit Road / Red Route shuttle to the vista points located in this area, including Trailview Overlook, Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point, and Hermits Rest.
Here’re the vista points in Grand Canyon South Rim’s west region, along the Hermit Road / Red Route!
Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village
The Grand Canyon Village is the hub for all the park’s lodging and dining options. Here you’ll find all Grand Canyon South Rim’s six lodges, along with several restaurants, a market plaza, and the Grand Canyon Train Depot. It’s also home to the Kolb Studio & Verkamp’s Visitor Center and the starting point of the Hermit Road / Red Route shuttle.
Trailview Overlook
Trailview Overlook
Trailview Overlook, the first stop on the Hermit Road / Red Route shuttle departing from the Grand Canyon Village, has a few set of stairs that leads to the overlook with views of the Bright Angel Canyon and Bright Angel Trail.
Maricopa Point
Maricopa Point
Maricopa Point overlook, accessible via a short walk from the shuttle stop, offers panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, a tiny portion of the Colorado River, and remnants of early copper mining operations in the area.
Powell Point
Powell Point
Powell Point, named after John Wesley Powell, an early explorer of the region, offers similar canyon views to Maricopa Point. Located 0.5 miles from Maricopa Point, Powell Point is also accessible via an easy 15 minutes hike from Maricopa Point.
Hopi Point
Hopi Point
Hopi Point is one of the most popular vista points in the Grand Canyon South Rim, known for its expansive views of the western Grand Canyon along with the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. Hopi Point is a popular place to see the sunset over the Grand Canyon when the canyon walls are painted in vivid colors by the setting sun.
Mohave Point
Mohave Point
Mohave Point offers spectacular views of sloping cliff tops and a good view of the Colorado River winding deep down the valley’s bed. Like the adjacent Hopi Point, the Mohave Point is also a popular point for watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Monument Creek Vista
Monument Creek Vista
Monument Creek Vista is a small observation area located at the edge of the canyon overlooking Monument Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River. Monument Creek Vista is also the starting point of the Greenway Trail, which heads west from here towards the Hermits Rest.
Pima Point
Pima Point
Pima Point is the westernmost overlook on the west region of Grand Canyon South Rim, known for its widespread views of the Grand Canyon, including Bright Angel Canyon, Powell Plateau, and Cope Butte, and the best place to hear the sounds of the crashing Colorado River as it makes it way through the canyon’s floor.
Hermits Rest
Hermits Rest
Hermits Rest is National Historic Landmark, a stone structure rest stop built to provide shelter to tourists, is the last stop on the Hermit Road / Red Route shuttle. The stone arch gateway, the rustic exterior with the building’s surprisingly detailed interior, and the porch overlooking the canyon make Hermits Rest a unique and a must-see in Grand Canyon South Rim.
The region stretching east beyond the Yaki Point intersection is the Desert View Scenic Drive, and unlike the other two sections of the Grand Canyon South Rim, the East / Desert View section has no shuttle service and can only be accessed by private vehicles. The Desert View Scenic Drive has several pullouts and observation areas, an archeological site, and a museum located along the road.
Pipe Creek Vista & Yaki Point are located on the Desert View Scenic Drive but are better accessed via the Kaibab Rim / Orange Route shuttle, and so I have included them with the vista points in the Central Region of the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Here’re the vista points in Grand Canyon South Rim’s east region, accessible to private vehicles!
Grandview Point
Grandview Point
Owning to its name, the Grandview Point offers grand views of the Grand Canyon, stretching from the west to the east of the canyon. The Grandview Point is also the starting point of the Grandview hike, a popular but highly strenuous hike in the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Moran Point
Moran Point
Moran Point offers views of Grand Canyon’s multilayered ancient rock formations and clear views of the Colorado River winding through the canyon’s floor.
Tusayan Pueblo & Museum
Tusayan Pueblo & Museum
Tusayan Pueblo & Museum is home to remnants of ancestral Pueblo settlement and exhibits, including pieces of pottery, jewelry, and tools used by the prehistoric people who lived here.
Lipan Point
Lipan Point
Lipan Point, accessible via a short detour from the main Desert Scenic Drive, offers panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Seventyfive Mile Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River.
Navajo Point
Navajo Point
Navajo Point is the highest point on the Grand Canyon South Rim and offers sweeping views of the entire canyon extending all the way to the Desert View Watchtower, the easternmost point of the Grand Canyon Desert View Scenic Drive.
Desert View Point
Desert View Point
Desert View Point is the last point on the Desert View Scenic Drive, offering some of the best views of the Colorado River and the eastern part of the Grand Canyon South Rim. Desert View area is home to the Desert View Watchtower, an iconic landmark and a functional watchtower offering great views of the entire canyon.
Hiking in Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon is host to several hiking trails, ranging from short day hikes to extended Rim-to-Rim hikes!
Grand Canyon South Rim is home to several hiking trails, including day hikes, inner canyon hikes, and many backcountry hiking trails. However, most of the hikes in Grand Canyon South Rim are moderate to highly strenuous, and I could find only one hike that I could classify as an easy hike.
I have organized all the hiking trails in Grand Canyon South Rim by their difficulty levels – Easy, Moderately Strenuous & Highly Strenuous. You will also find my recommendations on hiking trails based on the time you’re planning to spend in the park in my suggested itinerary for Grand Canyon South Rim.
Rim Trail: This is the only easy hiking trail in Grand Canyon South Rim, and for the most part, it’s paved and flat and is highly customizable. The Rim Trail stretches from the Hermits Rest in the west of the park to the South Kaibab Trailhead, in the park’s central region on the Desert View Drive.
The Rim Trail passes through all vista points along Hermits Road and the park’s central region and is about 13 miles oneway hike. However, you don’t need to hike the entire trail. You can start and stop anywhere along the trail and board the park shuttle at a vista point to get to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center or Grand Canyon Village.
- Trailhead: Hermits Rest / South Kaibab Trailhead / Anywhere along the Rim Trail
- Distance: 13 Miles Oneway / Customizable
- Time: 5 – 6 Hours / Customizable
Bright Angel Trail: This is the most popular hiking trail in Grand Canyon South Rim. Starting from the edge of the rim, the Bright Angel Trail descends down to the canyon all the way to the Colorado River located at the canyon’s floor.
- Trailhead: Bright Angel Lodge
- Distance: 12 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 5 – 6 Hours
South Kaibab Trail: The second most popular hike in Grand Canyon South Rim, the South Kaibab Trail starts near the Yaki Point and heads towards the inner canyon, offering excellent views and access to three vista points along the trail (1) Ooh-Aah Point, 0.9 miles from the South Kaibab Trailhead, (2) Cedar Ridge, located 1.5 miles from the South Kaibab Trailhead, and (3) Skeleton Point, the final stop offering views of the Colorado River, located 3 miles from the trailhead.
- Trailhead: Yaki Point
- Distance: 6 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 4 -5 Hours
Hermit Trail: The Hermit Trail, starting from the Hermits Rest, is a very strenuous hike through rocky terrain and involves very steep descends and ascends. The Hermit Trail provides access to Santa Maria Spring, located 2.5 miles from the trailhead, and the Dripping Spring, about 3.5 miles from the trailhead.
- Trailhead: Hermits Rest
- Distance: 7 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 6 – 7 Hours
Grandview Trail: The Grandview Trail, located on Desert View Drive, is a very challenging hike and involves very steep drops and uphill climbs. The Grandview Trail provides access to four popular inner canyon regions, including Coconino Saddle, about a mile from the trailhead, Horseshoe Mesa, located 3 miles from the trailhead, Page Spring, at 3.7 miles, and the last stop, Cottonwood Creek, located 4.5 miles from the Grandview Trailhead.
- Trailhead: Grandview Point located on Desert View Drive
- Distance: 9 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 8 – 9 Hours
Rim-to-Rim Trail: The Rim-to-Rim Trail connects the South Rim to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, passing through the inner canyons. Undoubtedly, it is a one-of-a-kind experience but also a very challenging hike and is recommended only for seasoned hikers. The Rim-to-Rim Trail, 24 miles oneway hike, can be hiked from the South or the North Rim, and often hiked over a couple of days, with overnight says at the Bright Angel Campground or the Phantom Ranch.
- Trailhead: Bright Angel Trailhead (South Rim) / North Kaibab Trailhead (North Rim)
- Distance: 24 Miles Oneway
- Time: 14 – 15 Hours
The Grand Canyon South Rim is vast and is home to numerous vista points and hiking trails. It might get overwhelming when planning the activities for your trip to Grand Canyon South Rim. However, the park’s well-planned shuttle routes and scenic drive make Grand Canyon South Rim’s vista points very accessible.
While a day is enough to see the most popular and iconic vistas of the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend spending at least a couple of days in Grand Canyon South Rim. If you have more time, you could even stay for a week, exploring some of the pristine areas in the park, and may even extend your trip to the North Rim.
I have organized my Grand Canyon South Rim trip itinerary and my recommendations based on the number of days you plan to spend in the park.
1 Day Grand Canyon South Rim Trip Itinerary: If you’re visiting Grand Canyon South Rim just for a day, your best option is touring the Central Region or the West Region / Hermit Road, using the park shuttle and driving the Desert View Scenic Drive.
- Visit the Vista Points in Central Region Or West Region / Hermit Road using park shuttle.
- Desert View Scenic Drive, stopping briefly at major vista points.
2 Day Grand Canyon South Rim Trip Itinerary: If you have two days in the park, I recommend visiting all vista points in the Central Region and the West Region / Hermit Road of the park and setting aside a day for exploring the several vista points along the Desert View Scenic Drive.
- Day 1 – Vista points in the Central Region and the West Region / Hermit Road region of the park.
- Day 2 – Drive the Desert View Scenic Drive, leisurely exploring all vista points.
3 Day Grand Canyon South Rim Trip Itinerary: Same as the 2-day itinerary, plus the Rim Trail or Bright Angel Hike.
- Day 1 – Vista points in the Central Region and the West Region / Hermit Road region of the park.
- Day 2 – Drive the Desert View Scenic Drive, leisurely exploring all vista points.
- Day 3 – Hike the Rim Trail or Bright Angel Trail.
4 Or More Days In Grand Canyon South Rim: Same as the 3-day itinerary, plus a trip to the North Rim. You could use the Trans Canyon Shuttle or drive yourself to the North Rim.
- Day 1 – Vista points in the Central Region and the West Region / Hermit Road region of the park.
- Day 2 – Drive the Desert View Scenic Drive, leisurely exploring all vista points.
- Day 3 – Hike the Rim Trail or Bright Angel Trail.
- Day 4 – Take a shuttle or drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
If you’re planning to drive to the North Rim, I recommend staying overnight, as it’s a long drive from the South Rim.
Grand Canyon North Rim
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is seasonal, accessible only during the summer months!
Best Time To Visit Grand Canyon North Rim: Located at a higher altitude, the North Rim receives a lot of snowfall and is accessible only during the summer months. Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim has pleasant daytime temperatures during the Summer months and is less crowded, making summer the ideal and the only time you could visit the North Rim of Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon North Rim Operating Hours & Seasons: The Grand Canyon North Rim is accessible from mid-May through mid-October and is open 24 hours a day. However, the park’s visitor center, bookstore, service station, and general store are open only during the daytime.
Getting To Grand Canyon North Rim: Many people travel to the North Rim from the South Rim, extending their Grand Canyon South Rim trip. The North Rim, remotely located in the northwest corner of Arizona, can also be reached by flight, train, and busses/shuttles but requires a fair amount of driving from the airport, train station, or bus stop.
Flight: McCarran International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada, about 270 miles from the park, is the major international airport near Grand Canyon North Rim. There are a couple of domestic airports situated near the park but have limited service, Page Municipal Airport (PGA), Page, Arizona, about 120 miles from the North entrance, and St. George Municipal Airport (SGU), Saint George, Utah, around 150 miles from Grand Canyon North Rim.
Train: There’re no direct train services to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. However, you can take an Amtrak train to Flagstaff, located 210 miles from the North Rim, and Williams, about 240 miles to North Rim, the nearest Amtrak stations to Grand Canyon North Rim. From there, you can hire a taxi to get to a rental car company, rent a car and drive to Grand Canyon North Rim.
Bus & Shuttle: Greyhound offers bus services connecting several cities in Arizona to other cities and states in the US. Flagstaff, Arizona, is the nearest Greyhound bus stop to Grand Canyon North Rim, about 210 miles from North Rim. Alternatively, you could get to South Rim and then take a shuttle to the North Rim operated by Trans Canyon Shuttle, but it’s seasonal and has to be reserved in advance.
Transportation & Parking Inside Grand Canyon North Rim: Finding parking in the North Rim is not difficult as it’s not as busy as the South Rim. There’re parking lots near the visitor center, lodge, and most of the viewpoints. However, there’re no sightseeing shuttles in Grand Canyon North Rim, and you would have to drive or walk to the vista points. The only shuttle service at the North Rim is the Trans Canyon public shuttle service that connects the North Rim to the South Rim.
Time Required At Grand Canyon North Rim: North Rim is small with a few vista points and a scenic drive and can be covered in half a day. However, with the amount of driving involved in getting to the North Rim, I suggest staying overnight and spending a day leisurely exploring the North Rim. If you have more time, you could even spend a week hiking some of the longer hiking trails at the Grand Canyon North Rim.
Lodging & Dining In Grand Canyon North Rim: Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim has very limited lodging and dining options inside the park. Accommodation in the Grand Canyon North Rim is limited to its only campground, the North Rim Campground, and the Grand Canyon Lodge, the only lodge in the park. The Grand Canyon Lodge often sells out and must be reserved well in advance. The dining options in the North Rim include the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room, Deli in the Pines, Chuckwagon Buffet, Roughrider Saloon, and a coffee shop. The lodging and dining options outside the park are also sparse and quite far from the park. There’re a few locally owned bread and breakfasts located in the town of Jacob Lake, Arizona, about 45 miles from North Rim, Fredonia, Arizona, 70 miles from the park, and Kanab, Utah, located 80 miles from Grand Canyon North Rim.
Things To Do In Grand Canyon North Rim
Grand Canyon North Rim Attractions Map
Unlike the South Rim, the Grand Canyon North Rim is less crowded, less commercialized, and offers a more serene encounter with nature!
Though the Grand Canyon North Rim is less popular yet just as beautiful! You might not find amenities like several park shuttles, various museums, and multiple lodging options in the North Rim, but the vistas of the North Rim are equally spectacular! North Rim is also home to a lot more hiking trails than the South Rim.
The only entrance to the North Rim, the North Rim Entrance Station, is located about 40 miles from Jacob Lake, Arizona. The North Rim Visitor Center is about 12 miles from the entrance station. The North Rim Entrance Station is open daily outside the winter months, but if you find it closed or there’s no one to collect the fee, you can head to the park and pay the entry fee at the fee station near the visitor center. North Rim Entrance Station Address: North Rim Entrance Station, North Rim, AZ 86052.
Located about 40 miles from Jacob Lake, Arizona, it is the only visitor center in the North Rim. The North Rim Visitor Center is only open during the summer months and offers an information desk, ranger programs, a book store, a few exhibits about the park’s geology, and has a parking lot. There’re no sightseeing shuttles offered in the North Rim, but the Bright Angel Point and the North Rim Lodge are just a short walk from the visitor center. North Rim Visitor Center Address: North Rim Visitor Center, AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86023.
Grand Canyon North Rim Sightseeing & Hiking Trails
The vista points and the hiking trails in Grand Canyon North Rim are all located along the North Rim Scenic Drive. There’re no sightseeing shuttles offered at the North Rim, but most of the viewing areas can be reached by private vehicles, and there’s sufficient parking near the vista points.
You can start your Grand Canyon North Rim venture by visiting the North Rim Visitor Center. Then head to the Grand Canyon Lodge, located just a short walk from the visitor center, and see the Bright Angel Canyon from the patio of the lodge. The Bright Angel Point is just a short hike from the lodge and offers stunning views of the North Rim. The rest of the vista points in the Nort Rim is located along the Cape Royal Road, also known as the North Rim Scenic Drive.
Here’re the vista points in Grand Canyon North Rim, located along the North Rim Scenic Drive!
Bright Angel Point
Bright Angel Point
Bright Angel Point is the most popular and accessible vista point in the North Rim. The vista point can be reached via a short, 0.5 miles roundtrip hike starting behind the Grand Canyon Lodge. Bright Angel Point offers sweeping views of the Bright Angel Canyon and several buttes and temples, including the Oza Butte, Manu Temple, Deva Temple, and Brahma Temple.
Point Imperial
Point Imperial
Point Imperial is the northernmost and the highest vista point in Grand Canyon North Rim. The views at Point Imperial include buttes, temples, the Echo and the Vermilion Cliffs, Painted Desert, and the upper Colorado River canyon, also known as Marble Canyon. This is also the starting point of Ken Patrick and Point Imperial Hiking Trails.
Vista Encantada
Vista Encantada
Vista Encantada overlooking the Walhalla Plateau offers marvelous canyon views, including the Painted Desert and a portion of the Nankoweap Creek. The Vista Encantada has picnic tables and is an excellent spot for a midway break on your North Rim Scenic Drive.
Roosevelt Point
Roosevelt Point
Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, the Roosevelt Point offers some of the best views of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. The Roosevelt Point is also the starting point of the Roosevelt Point Trail, one of the shortest nature trails in the North Rim.
Walhalla Overlook
Walhalla Overlook
Walhalla Overlook offers excellent views of the Painted Desert, Echo Cliffs, and the Unkar Delta. Walhalla Overlook is also home to several archeological sites, one of which is the Unkar Delta, once used as a farmland by the ancestral Pueblo people who lived in the area.
Cape Royal
Cape Royal
Cape Royal, the southernmost point in the Nort Rim, is the last vista point on the North Rim Scenic Drive. Cape Royal offers some of the best views of the east and west canyon and is home to the spectacular natural arch formation, the Angles Windows!
Hiking in Grand Canyon North Rim
With pleasant summer temperatures and several hiking trails, the North Rim is a paradise for hikers!
Grand Canyon North Rim is home to several hiking trails, including several day hikes and many lengthy backcountry hiking trails. I have organized all the hiking trails in Grand Canyon North Rim by their difficulty levels – Easy, Moderately Strenuous & Highly Strenuous.
Bright Angel Point: The Bright Angel Point hike is a short, 0.5 miles roundtrip hike along a paved trail. The Bright Angel Point offers sweeping views of the Bright Angel Canyon and several buttes and temples, including the Oza Butte, Manu Temple, Deva Temple, Brahma Temple, and Zoroaster Temple.
- Trailhead: Behind Grand Canyon Lodge / Visitor Center Parking
- Distance: 0.5 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 30 Minutes
Point Imperial Trail: This is an easy and relatively flat hike starting at the Point Imperial parking lot. Passing through Kaibab forest, the Point Imperial trail leads to the rim’s edge, offering great views of Mount Hayden, Saddle Mountain, and Marble Canyon.
- Trailhead: Point Imperial Parking Lot
- Distance: 4 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 2 – 3 Hours
Roosevelt Point Trail: This is the shortest and the easiest trail in the North Rim, a 0.2 miles roundtrip hike lets you to the canyon’s edge offering great views of a lush valley between the Echo and the Vermilion Cliffs.
- Trailhead: Roosevelt Point
- Distance: 0.2 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 20 Minutes
Cape Royal Trail: This is an easy hike through a flat and paved trail staring from the Cape Royal Parking lot, offers spectacular canyon views, and the Angels Window, a natural arch formation in the North Rim.
- Trailhead: Cape Royal Parking
- Distance: 0.6 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 30 Minutes
Uncle Jim Trail: The Uncle Jim Trail meanders through forested land, sharing the first mile with the Ken Patrick Trail, leads to the Uncle Jim Point, where you’re greeted with spectacular views of Bright Angel Canyon, Roaring Springs canyons, several switchbacks of the North Kaibab Trail, and several buttes and temples.
- Trailhead: North Kaibab Trail Parking
- Distance: 5 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 3 – 4 Hours
Widforss Trail: Named after renowned painter Gunnar Widforss, the Widforss Trail, passing through lush valley floors, leads to the Widforss Point, where you would see several buttes and temples of the North Rim, and distant views of several features of the South Rim, including Yaki, Yavapai, and Mather Points.
- Trailhead: North Kaibab Trail Parking
- Distance: 10 Miles Roundtrip
- Time: 5 – 6 Hours
Ken Patrick Trail: One of the longest and the less popular trails in the North Rim, the Ken Patrick Trail starts at the North Kaibab Trail parking area and goes to the Point Imperial, meandering along the canyon’s rim and forested expanse.
- Trailhead: North Kaibab Trail Parking
- Distance: 10 Miles Oneway
- Time: 6 – 7 Hours
North Kaibab Trail: The North Kaibab Trail is the most strenuous hike in Grand Canyon North Rim and is recommended only for seasoned hikers. The North Kaibab Trail passes through some of the pristine areas of the Grand Canyon and ends at the Colorado River. However, it’s not a day hike and requires an overnight stay at Bright Angel campground or Cottonwood Campgrounds.
- Trailhead: North Kaibab Trail Parking
- Distance: 28 Miles Roundtrip / Customizable
- Time: 2 – 3 Days
The Grand Canyon North Rim is small in size compared to the Soth Rim, but there’s a lot to see and do on this side of Grand Canyon National Park. There’re no sightseeing shuttles in the North Rim, but all vista points and trailheads are easily accessible by driving the North Rim Scenic Drive / Cape Royal Road.
While a day is enough to see the most popular and iconic vistas of the Grand Canyon North Rim, I highly recommend spending at least a couple of days in the North Rim. I have organized my Grand Canyon North Rim trip itinerary and my recommendations based on the number of days you plan to spend in the park.
1 Day Grand Canyon North Rim Trip Itinerary: If you’re visiting Grand Canyon North Rim just for a day, your best option is driving the North Rim Scenic Drive / Cape Royal Road, stopping briefly at all overlooks, and maybe hike a couple of short trails.
- Drive North Rim Scenic Drive, making brief stops at all vista points.
- Hike the Bright Angel Trail and the Cape Royal Trail.
2 Day Grand Canyon North Rim Trip Itinerary: Same as the 1-day itinerary, plus a longer hike to explore the wilderness of the North Rim.
- Day 1 – Drive North Rim Scenic Drive, making brief stops at all vista points, and hike Bright Angel Trail and Cape Royal Trail.
- Day 2 – Hike one of the longer trails in the North Rim – Point Imperial Trail, Uncle Jim Trail, or Widfross Trail.
Other Arizona Attractions & Related Posts
I hope you enjoyed reading the post, The Ultimate Guide To Grand Canyon National Park – South & North Rim, and I hope this will help you plan your trip to the South & North Rim of the Grand Canyon. You can find other attractions in Arizona in my Arizona Travel Guide.
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