Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon South Rim
5
About
The most developed area of Grand Canyon National Park, the South Rim offers amenities such as bus service, hotels and water stations, but is also more crowded than the North Rim. Scenic highlights include Pipe Creek Vista and Yavapai Point.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience Grand Canyon South Rim
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
14 within 5 kms
Attractions
44 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
23,368 reviews
Excellent
20,782
Very good
2,017
Average
391
Poor
93
Terrible
85
lljjbb
Worcester, MA414 contributions
Oct 2022
Where to begin... WOW!! Of course, pictures never do justice, and this was absolutely the case. The South Rim was the perfect destination for what we were looking for. Fantastic paved paths and look-out points. Miles! Plenty of spots to hike down into the canyon. Of course, there are guided tours and horse, etc. The South Rim has a bus system that picks up and drops off at many varying areas, including shopping and some hotels. It is free and runs often. Know where you want to go and what you want to see. The other rims are hours away and people were asking about it? There is a trail to take with the rock history and that was also great. An art museum along the way on one of the paths. See the canyon at all times of day. The colors and shading shift as the sun moves. Sunset is a must! Spend time exploring and take it all in. Hotels within the state park and right outside. Again, do your research. Weather and crowds would be key for what you are interested in. We purposely didn't want to go in summer months due to heat and crowds when school is out. This time was perfect for everything. The pass is $35 for 7 days. Absolutely spend a few days there to really enjoy and experience all of wonders the canyon has to offer.
Written 14 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SteveK28762
Worcestershire, UK67 contributions
Sep 2022
The Grand Canyon is probably on most people's bucket list, so take the time to really appreciate it. Seeing this vast landscape in reality can be a challenge to get the perspective - it really just looks like a picture. Then, after a few minutes you appreciate just how huge it is, and what you're experiencing... it's beautiful, awesome and something never to forget.
Go, enjoy, marvel.
Go, enjoy, marvel.
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John C
Loxahatchee, FL176 contributions
Feb 2022
i actually flew through the garnd canyon in a very small plane it was noisy and hot .....but it was truly truly amzing .....and i felt so insignificant COMPOARED TO SUCH GREAT NESS ,.........IT WAS AN EXPERIENCE IF YOU EVER GET THE MONEY .....to do this ....do it i was just very blessed and luck to have done this once in a life time experience
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Racingfiend
Ocala, FL2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Despite winter weather conditions (snow, freezing rain, wind) the Canyon is always beautiful. Visibility wasn't great, but what one could see was truly spectacular. The downside to the visit were the absolutely filthy restrooms - beyond the pale disgusting. (I've been in cleaner port-a-johns at horse shows.)
Unfortunately that is the last thing I expected at one of the US most treasured landmarks, and will end up being the most vivid memory of the visit - not the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, but the squalor condition of the public restrooms.
Unfortunately that is the last thing I expected at one of the US most treasured landmarks, and will end up being the most vivid memory of the visit - not the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, but the squalor condition of the public restrooms.
Written 5 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GabSettle
Palestine, TX153 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We took the train tour to the Grand Canyon and went to the south rim. It was truly amazing. Would definitely go again. It was freezing cold there during the Christmas holiday. I might go in September or October or maybe March or April. We were there mid day. I would highly recommend either sunrise or sunset. The lights would bring amazing photos.
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sumsul
Dhaka Division, Bangladesh181 contributions
Dec 2022
Always wanted to visit Grand Canyon since my childhood... Finally i was there in the late afternoon. It was so amazing view... Sharp edge of the Million Years old mlountains with Colorado river flowing far far away. Sun was setting some where distant but the ray of light was giving a different beauty look. The breeze was very cold and it was cooler than other place.
Never never feed to any animals like squirrel etc in the park. They can become a dengarous problem for you !!
Never never feed to any animals like squirrel etc in the park. They can become a dengarous problem for you !!
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walter O
Severn, NC325 contributions
Oct 2022
Great time at the Grand Canyon. Views are amazing. Not too crowded in late October. We had a great time.
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BrÃd
London, UK11 contributions
Nov 2022
My daughter and I did a three-day trek from the South Rim with Josh of Pygmy Guides. It was absolutely fantastic. We hiked down South Kaibab, camped for two nights and hiked back up Bright Angel. Josh was friendly, knowledgeable and so patient and encouraging. It was hard work but one of the best things I have ever done. Cannot recommend this company highly enough.
Written 21 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karl B
Temecula, CA329 contributions
Dec 2022
What an experience! Much more than I expected. I thought that I would be like Chevy Chase in Vacation, but the vistas are so beautiful and intriguing. We were there when it had snowed a couple of days earlier. The roads were clear, but there were patches of snow everywhere we looked. It was also quite cold. We walked on the trails near the Mather Lookout Point and got some fantastic views.
Written 20 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
R Brewer
18 contributions
Nov 2022
The Grand Canyon is a place that photos do no justice to. Incredible views. A few things to watch for while visiting:
1. You will encounter wildlife when visiting. The deer/elk are very accustomed to people and freely walk among their human partners.
2. You are 7000 feet above sea level. You may have breathing difficulty while there, especially if you walk the trails down into the canyon.
3. The weather changes very quickly there.
4. Go to different view points while there. Don't just stay near the village. You can look for hours into the canyon and not be bored.
5. Make reservations early if you wish to eat at any of the restaurants.
6. The National Park personnel are very knowledgeable and helpful and a great resource for any questions you have.
A very enjoyable trip that was on my bucket list. Worth the trip to see in person.
1. You will encounter wildlife when visiting. The deer/elk are very accustomed to people and freely walk among their human partners.
2. You are 7000 feet above sea level. You may have breathing difficulty while there, especially if you walk the trails down into the canyon.
3. The weather changes very quickly there.
4. Go to different view points while there. Don't just stay near the village. You can look for hours into the canyon and not be bored.
5. Make reservations early if you wish to eat at any of the restaurants.
6. The National Park personnel are very knowledgeable and helpful and a great resource for any questions you have.
A very enjoyable trip that was on my bucket list. Worth the trip to see in person.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Day trip...retired couple hoping to drive from Prescott, AZ midweek in February with two dogs to the Grand Canyon. What is the best way to handle this situation and have a great visit? Medium size, active dogs. Don't want to pass up the chance to see the canyon! Looking for great views, not hiking.
daveQ9999IT
Vista, CA26 contributions
I would suggest Taking Desert View Drive. It's about 25 miles along the south rim. There are several turn out where you can pull up and park you car to get out and take pictures. Most of the areas have dog walks.
Dinka and Michael Vujovich
Seattle, WA3 contributions
First time going to Grans Canyon. Driving. I’d like to visit the most scenic part but don’t want to take any bus tours. Do you think the south rim or the north rim would be the better choice. Also any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you
OldBob22
Milwaukee, WI249 contributions
You may have already done your trip. The South Rim is where all of the Park facilities are located. If you plan to stay and eat, other than a snack, stay outside of the Park. Don't discount the tours. We did a 6-1/2 hour tour on a 10-person van. Our guide from "Canyon Dave's Tours" was fantastic. She was an ex-Park Ranger and knew the history and where to get the best views. She even had hand-outs about the geology, etc. Canyon Dave, the owner, is a retired Geologist who studied the Grand Canyon and their tours are very detail oriented. You'd never find all of these things on your own, and they even suggested places for you to return, if you wanted to see more.
StuckinIllinois
Orland Park, IL92 contributions
Are some of the scenic areas accessible with a wheelchair?
OldBob22
Milwaukee, WI249 contributions
Yes, but limited.
Michelle M
Altamonte Springs, FL
Looking to spend a week in September exploring Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona, Vegas, Hoover Dam and possibly Monument Valley - any suggestions on where to start and stay along the way? Hoping for at least 2 nights in GC and 2-3 in Sedona depending on time... Thank you!
I will be leaving Vegas on a Tuesday morning wanting to arrive in Prescott AZ By wed afternoon. what is the best l route to travel. I wanted to see the grand canyon. and any suggestions on a place hotel or town to sleep on Tue evening.
Cindy T
1 contribution
Which hotel would you recommend to stay .... May 21-23
Thank you
wranglernwss
Evans, CO546 contributions
We loved staying at the cabins on the rim at Bright Angel. There is nothing like walking out your front door to the rim or seeing it from your windows.
DayTripdog
11 contributions
We are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim at the end of May into the first week of June. We are flying into Flagstaff and staying in Sedona for two nights then driving to Grand Canyon and staying at Yavapai Lodge at the Grand Canyon for another two nights and then driving to Vegas for the next three nights. Please suggest any places to see in Sedona or suggestions on where to stay as well as any tips for staying at Yavapai Lodge and parts of the south rim to see. Also Anything in between the Grand Canyon and Vegas or around Vegas as we are not staying in the Vegas hotel all day but will probably go to the Hoover dam and red rock in Nevada. Your help is greatly appreciated. We are a party of five and are looking forward to exploring this area of the country.
tom g
Myrtle Beach, SC482 contributions
A lot of old 66 in the area on the way to Vegas from flagstaff
ReneeColumbus
Columbus, GA57 contributions
Is the IMAX open at the visitor's center? April 1, 2, 3
bosoxbevy
United States43 contributions
Yes, but they have reduced seating by 50%. Can buy tickets online. Enjoy!
Grand Canyon South Rim (Grand Canyon National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Canyon South Rim
- We recommend booking Grand Canyon South Rim tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 107 Grand Canyon South Rim tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Grand Canyon South Rim:
- Grand Canyon Tour from Flagstaff (From ₹ 20,261.33)
- Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package (From ₹ 15,033.08)
- Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour with Optional Upgrades (From ₹ 8,848.83)
- Grand Canyon South Rim From Las Vegas (From ₹ 8,435.33)
- Small-Group Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff (From ₹ 17,170.03)
- Hotels near Grand Canyon South Rim:
- (1.22 km) Mather Campground
- (1.21 km) Bright Angel Lodge And Cabins
- (0.82 km) El Tovar Hotel
- (0.95 km) Kachina Lodge
- (1.04 km) Thunderbird Lodge
- Restaurants near Grand Canyon South Rim:
- (0.91 km) Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli
- (0.86 km) El Tovar Lodge Dining Room
- (1.65 km) Bright Angel Bicycles and Cafe
- (0.93 km) Yavapai Tavern
- (1.10 km) Arizona Room
- Attractions near Grand Canyon South Rim:
- (0.79 km) Canyon Trail Rides
- (0.75 km) Grand Canyon National Park
- (1.16 km) Grand Canyon Whitewater
- (0.84 km) Grand Canyon Village
- (1.32 km) Bright Angel Trail