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.
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- CarolLee J6 contributionsWould have loved to stay longerWe loved it!! Would recommend anyone who really wants to experience the Grand Canyon, to plan to stay a few days and hike part of it. We just stopped at the different view points, and viewed. So next time I want it to be a multi-day adventure. They also have plenty of bathrooms about and shops too. Even a gas station. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 October 2023
- FuschiaMiami, Florida11 contributionsSep 27 2023 comedy on deck tourThe tour by comedy on deck was good overall I would recommend. The tour started with pick up over 30 mins late however we did receive text communication that there was an emergency for the driver... the tour guide Ralph was good overall I would recommend he not share all the negative reviews as I actually read them prior to booking. Otherwise he was very personable, slightly cocky but not enough to annoy myself. Ralph shared he is a comedian, dog parent and bits of his life journey which was cool to his present career. Despite leaving late we returned between 5:45-6:30pm I believe. Ps. The young lady sitting by me from Australia was also on solo trip and sadly did not understand tipping so I explained however once we got to hotel she shared she gave Ralph $20, 10 for him and 10 for driver. I shared Ralph explained he don't share tip and to separate she said she didn't hear that. So for the international people I would say explain again before departing so the drivers aren't shorted or place all tips together and simply split since you all are a team anyway. Also the breakfast and lunch were decent.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 5 October 2023
- Bonnie CCorona, California1,757 contributionsOne of the wonders of the worldYou can fly over this wonder or visit. I have flown over numerous times but NOTHING compares to actually standing on the rim, marveling at nature's miracle. We had our dogs so walked the trails from Mather camp, which wasn't far. We also stopped at the geological museum and gift shop. I would like to visit another time without our 4 legged family if possible. I strongly recommend.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
- ninettejohnsonWoodford, United Kingdom313 contributionsNever fail to impressI had been to Grand Canyon many times. It never fails to impress & as it’s so massive I discovered areas I had not seen before. The Dessert View & the Watchtower is certainly worth seeing. There is a shop in the Watchtower which is exempted from tax as the profits goes to a conservation organisation supporting the Grand Canyon. The only issues on this visit is that the visitor centre at Mather Point was only open for a half day due to a staff shortage. This world heritage site is definitely not to be missed.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- workhardplayhard2016Buffalo, New York16 contributionsBest trip ever!We were new to Caravan. The trip was fantastic. The beauty of all the places we visited is indescribable. We were taken care of by our wonderful tour guide, Dick Strassel. He took care of all the reservations, luggage and information for us. The bus was comfortable and our rooms were great. Elk were in great abundance in The Grand Canyon park. The most spectacular trip. Meeting so many fellow travelers from all around the country was lots of fun. We even hung out at the pool and hot tub after a fun fun day in Zion. Bryce Canyon was amazing and my favorite was the jeep ride through Monument Valley. I’ve never seen such beauty. All in all a fantastic trip. Looking forward to our next trip with Caravan. We are hooked!!!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- Bella59Detroit, Michigan22 contributionsHeaven on EarthThe south rim has so much to offer. Fall and spring are less crowded and the temperatures are comfortable for any activity. Book early if you plan on staying in the park. You can sometimes find rooms due to cancellations a week or two before. The experience is definitely worth it as you are right on the canyon rim. Dining at El Tovar is a must! It is one of the grand lodges of the National parks. Reservations are required and can be made online 30 days prior to your visit. Take the free shuttle along the rim with many stops for scenic overlooks. There are trails to hike this rout also. Cars are not allowed along this route.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 October 2023
- Astri Ratna SariChicago, Illinois32 contributionsGrand Canyon!!!I have been to 60+ countries in the world and Grand Canyon is the best nature wonders! We rent a car in Phoenix and drove all the way to Grand Canyon. We stayed there for 3 days. The entrance fee is $35 per car for up to 7 days. We explored the canyon on the park’s bus service. Hopi Point, Mohave, Bright Angel trails are not to be missed. We did the 2,5 hour trail at the Bright Angel, amazing! Don’t forget to visit Desert view!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 October 2023
- dixiepeachKansas City, Missouri9,526 contributionsIt really is grand!Though we’ve been here before, we really enjoyed our visit to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. No matter the time of day it’s a truly spectacular and mesmerizing sight. If you’re going for that “wow” photo then do your research so you end up at the best spot at the best time.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 October 2023
- Dawn C7 contributionsYou need time to stop, look and walk around, because it is stunningThere are so many walks and view’s you need to give yourself plenty of time to explore. It is easy to stick to the road and more popular areas but try to get out and make the most of it. We saw wild chipmunks, various eagles, vultures and reptiles and had the most amazing views of a family of Elk including young and a buck with massive antlers. But do keep your distance and remember plenty of water.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 October 2023
- guycc1Matlock, United Kingdom423 contributionsAwesomeGot canyon bus tour from Las Vegas. Got to the south Rim after a stop for lunch…the scenery was amazing to say the least. It was a long day but well worth it…had a stop on Route 66 for dinner on the way back tooVisited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 13 November 2023
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Sandra D
Ottawa, Canada79 contributions
Feb 2020
We were staying with family in Sun City (near the Phoenix airport) and drove in our rental vehicle the approximate 3.5 hour drive to the south entrance of the Grand Canyon. The park entrance was easy to find. Parking this year was $35/vehicle. I was skeptical going in, as several friends had this excursion on their "bucket list" while others simply raved. I worried I would be disappointed. However, the views absolutely spectacular! We self-guided/toured. We both experienced some vertigo and were careful to hang on to the railings provided, or sit on available benches as needed. Also bring water. With the high elevation, it is easier to get winded, and water helps. We did have a hiker in front of us fall a few times from experiencing vertigo,and with assistance from others were able to help him get off the stairs and onto level ground to sit down. He was embarrassed but grateful. It could (and does) happen to anyone. There were some areas that were roped off due to ice and snow and I was amazed how many people stupidly ignored the warnings and bypassed the barriers to get closer to the edge of the Canyon for selfies! Check the weather in advance and dress appropriately. The temperature was 30 degrees cooler in the Canyon than in the Phoenix area. There were many families present and some pushing young ones in strollers. On Feb 10, it was a chilly, windy, 40 degrees F. There are lots of signs at various points educating you on the history of rocks, the Colorado river running through the Canyon, etc., and a small museum you can enter about 1.5 hours into the walk. After our hike, we were exhausted and wind blown, and caught a shuttle back to the parking lot. Kudos to those who can manage to walk the entire thing. We didn't see everything the south side had to offer. In our vehicle, we exited the park from the east side and for some 50+ miles, still saw the Grand Canyon from out the driver's side window. There were several spots along the way to stop and take more photos. All in all, it was a physically and mentally stimulating journey that I highly recommend.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sammysue
Mason, OH450 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
I took off my bandana and suddenly my eyes adjusted and I was in awe! I took an 8 day escorted tour of the Southwest in September. I have never seen the Grand Canyon but that day, I really saw it! Our tour guide gave everyone a bandana and we were told to wear it as we formed a conga-line through the gift shop out and to the edge of canyon. I was speechless and I couldn’t move, I just stared. You can’t describe it, it’s like nothing that I could ever imagine! Totally breathtaking! And it was the best travel experience of my year!!
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian K
Schenectady, NY651 contributions
Feb 2020
Our second day in Sedona, we headed the 95 miles to the south rim of the Grand Canyon to check one more thing off our bucket list. The drive was about two hours as the first part had road construction and a section of 15 mph turns, but once you got thru that the roads were straight. My National Park Pass that I paid $10 for paid for itself as the car cost was $35. $20 if you had a 62 year old that has an American ID. Pictures do not do this place justice. We were told to visit Bryce Canyon and when I asked at the Visitor's Center, the man told me it was a 6 hour drive. The canyon is beyond believe. Made me nervous as you can actually stand on the edge to take pictures and selfies. We stayed with the railing areas. A family asked us to take their picture on the ledge and we did but there are too many crazy people that could push you off the ledge and kids have been known to break away from a parents hold and run. There are three stops by car. Grand Canyon Village, The Desert section and the main one. We went to all three. A train comes into Grand Canyon Village and you can get a shuttle to the other places. We drove our Jeep that we rented. Great day in a great place. We may plan a trip to the North Ridge in the future that includes Bryce. You can hike the ridge if you would like.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeannaHCT
Connecticut54 contributions
Feb 2020
Unbelievable! EVERYONE MUST GO! As i approached my first cliff edge just before sunset, all i can say was this is un freakin believable! i was in aww. The sunset brought such a beautiful array of colors out of the canyon!
I applaud the accessibility for my mom in a wheelchair, so she can experience this land wonder too!
I highly recommend the Orange Route on the bus. It kept us busy for the day, getting off and on, with plenty of different viewpoints of the canyon. Views that never get old or tiring, never losing its aww, never disappoints. Every stop, i would look, take 3 steps and look again and every 3 steps the view changes, and seems better than 3 steps ago.
Dont deprive yourself of this great experience in the Great USA!
I applaud the accessibility for my mom in a wheelchair, so she can experience this land wonder too!
I highly recommend the Orange Route on the bus. It kept us busy for the day, getting off and on, with plenty of different viewpoints of the canyon. Views that never get old or tiring, never losing its aww, never disappoints. Every stop, i would look, take 3 steps and look again and every 3 steps the view changes, and seems better than 3 steps ago.
Dont deprive yourself of this great experience in the Great USA!
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kell82
Whitehall, PA256 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
I would first like to thank the National Park Service. Our car entered the Grand Canyon free. My husband only had to show his drivers license which indicated he is a veteran. We were issued an America The Beautiful Pass which gives us free admission to The National Parks . (We then used it again in Page to access Lake Powell) We rented our car at PHX airport and drove to the South Rim entrance. I can’t comment on the drive really , it was pouring rain so I didn’t see much of anything and I’m sure it slowed us down . However upon our arrival the sky at the Grand Canyon was clearing and the sun was starting to peek out. We arrived at 4pm and started our drive along Desert View Drive . First stop Mather Point…there is a walkway there and you could spent a bit of time there. We made several more stops along Desert View Drive … Duck on a Rock , Grandview Point, Moran Point to name a few before arriving at Lipan Point for sunset ….it was perfect weather and perfect timing for sunset. The drive along Desert View took us 2 hours with several stops/path walking before reaching Lipan Point. There is so much to do and see if you want to hike, raft, mule ride etc but our drive along Desert View left me with drop dead gorgeous pictures, a feeling of awe and peacefulness and an experience that I recommend everyone have. There were no crowds and the weather was perfect which aided my experience . My experience was exactly what I wanted however I realize some desire more. Exiting Lipan Point we headed to Page AZ to continue our adventuring! Page was another 2 -2.5 hours from Lipan Point in total darkness. If you make the trip onward to Page know that there is only one place to stop for gas / food along the way and that is about an hour down the road.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SCHoosier53
Simpsonville, SC135 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
My family took our first trip together to the Grand Canyon. We really enjoyed it. We stayed just outside the park so we got in early. We tried to beat the heat with an early morning hike and an evening hike. Both down into the canyon. We went 1.5 miles on each hike. Down and back was pretty easy for my two teens and I. To go 3 miles down you should be in pretty good shape because even 1.5 miles down was 1100 feet of elevation change. The views on the canyon trails are amazing.
Take camel packs full of water and the further you go the better your footwear needs to be. We also took the shuttles and they were very clean and convenient.
To miss the lines you have to arrive before 9:30 am which means you pay more to stay close by. If you can, it’s worth it.
Take camel packs full of water and the further you go the better your footwear needs to be. We also took the shuttles and they were very clean and convenient.
To miss the lines you have to arrive before 9:30 am which means you pay more to stay close by. If you can, it’s worth it.
Written 11 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RecreationV
New York City, NY417 contributions
Nov 2019
Although I could recognize the majesty and beauty of the Grand Canyon, we ended up there on a wet, cold, foggy, rainy afternoon. (It wasn't supposed to rain until much later in the day, but that's Mother Nature) This certainly detracted from our views. However, as we were there we were determined to see something, although we couldn't see very deep into the canyon. First stop was the visitor center for some ranger suggestions and orientation maps to the Grand Canyon, which was celebrating it 100th anniversary year. Then a wet walk to Mather's Point for viewing whatever we could. We road the free shuttle bus over to Yavapai Geology Museum, which was interesting and informative about geological history of the area. And could have given us some great view points if it weren't for the rain. Will have to plan to try again on a better weather day.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bosoxbevy
United States49 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
I can’t imagine the canyon not looking beautiful. The colors are constantly changing due to the sun. This is definitely something one should see at least once in their lifetime. A few tips. Right now masks are required within the park, though I did see some without. It’s best to go early in the morning (by 9am) to avoid long lines at the main entrance, assure a parking spot, and avoid lots of people huddled at the viewpoints. Also, due to COVID the entrance fee is online only. If you haven’t purchased a pass online before you arrive the park employee will give you what you need to pay on their website after you enter the park. But be warned... internet is not going to happen while you’re in the park. I can only imagine how many are not paying the fee and not once was I ever asked to show proof of payment.
Written 3 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rubiosworld
8 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Pictures don’t do it justice. We went to visit the south rim and walked along the trail. Many people show up earlier in the day, but I recommend going a couple of hours before the sunset. It’s a sight you wont want to miss.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safartriptravel
Saint Paul, MN4 contributions
Oct 2019
I think I will need several visits to really enjoy this nature's master piece. I am not going to go in detail of the majesty of this wonder, people have been writing about it forever. simply put a must see before you go away.
for those who wants to visit it in a budget, here is what we spent 2 families of 3 each, $1500/family (Total $3000 Approx.). That included
Airfare MSP to LAS for 6 (spirit), Minivan for 8 days, 2 nights in LA, 4 Nights in Williams, AZ, 1 night in LV, gas, all meals and Hover dam.
On the way back to LV we took the longer route and made a stop to see Horse shoe band and Glen canyon Dam.
Let me know if we spent too much!
for those who wants to visit it in a budget, here is what we spent 2 families of 3 each, $1500/family (Total $3000 Approx.). That included
Airfare MSP to LAS for 6 (spirit), Minivan for 8 days, 2 nights in LA, 4 Nights in Williams, AZ, 1 night in LV, gas, all meals and Hover dam.
On the way back to LV we took the longer route and made a stop to see Horse shoe band and Glen canyon Dam.
Let me know if we spent too much!
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl Lawler
Oak Harbor, Washington
Visiting the South rim of the Canyon in late November. Any thoughts, concerns, or recommendations?
Written 29 October 2024
Visiting the Grand Canyon for one day in May. Plan to see the views via the park shuttles. Is there a certain order to do the colored shuttles in (orange, blue, red??), and can you see all of the viewpoints marked for each shuttle in one day and still have time to visit the village and Visitor's Center? Thanks
Written 26 April 2024
From what we were told by the Grand Canyon Rail staff was that the shuttles are unreliable so things can not got to plan. You might be on the train so maybe not a issue but still worth keeping it in mind.
We did not use the shuttle and still had a great time, took a walk west out of the village and kept going along the trail, had a quiet picnic away from the crowds at start of Bright Angel Trailhead and then planned to walk to Trail View Overlook but it was cloudy and snowy so then had a look around the village relaxed around the El Tovar.
If the weather was better we would have probably took the shuttle to Yavapai Point, but with the cloud cover it was a bit hit and miss so maybe next time. Felt sorry for people who had booked tours, they were literally driven around to various cloudy viewpoints and saw very little for the money they paid in advance.
Good luck whatever you decide to do, but the train from Williams is pretty cool and worked perfectly for us.
Written 28 April 2024
There are shuttle buses that drive you around a loop along the South Rim.
I’m sure they are wheel chair accessible but check ahead with the park.
Also, at the South rim visitor area you should be able to get around with a wheelchair but double check with the Park.
Written 29 July 2023
Is there usually a long line at the gate to get to the south rim if we have a park pass? We are coming in July.
Written 30 May 2023
We are planning to go on the mule ride down to Phantom Ranch. My kids will be 9 and older, but I am nervous that they may not meet the height requirement. Do they measure the kids before the ride? -We are at least a year out (fingers cross they grow)
Written 16 May 2023
Oops restart.
I’m a senior now but the first time I was at the Grand Canyon ,(I was 16) I hiked down The Bright Angel Trail on the spur of the moment with my cousin. We hiked down 5 miles and there were parts that if you tripped it could be over. What stands out in my mind was when a group would be passing by on mules we would be plastered against the inner part of the trail and would be looking up at the people sitting up on the mules with these 2 thoughts.
*They say the mules are very sure footed, they never fall.(I really did see one trip a little)
* as scary as the hike can be at parts, sitting
On top of a mule looking down the Canyon has got to be nightmarish. Especially when you are on the outside edge of the trail.
I personally would rather trust my own two feet.
I would be concerned about younger children hiking the trail due to maybe their focus and coordination. Younger kids seem to trip or not focus on where they’re going at times.
Maybe you can find a you tube video on people going down the Canyon with kids.
Finally, then there’s the trip back up.
Best Wishes and watch the weather.
We started on a sunny early afternoon going down and ended coming back up in the rain. They do have flash floods in the Canyon.
We were 16 with no plan but we didn’t trip.
Written 29 July 2023
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.
Written 25 January 2023
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.
Written 26 January 2023
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
Written 3 March 2022
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.
Written 26 January 2023
Are some of the scenic areas accessible with a wheelchair?
Written 18 May 2021
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