Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon South Rim
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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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  • LillieUSA
    Florida318 contributions
    Spectacular
    What can I possibly add about one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It’s surreal! We only had 3 hours to spend and enjoyed every minute. Looking forward to returning for an overnight stay and more time to hike around the south rim! Amazing place.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 December 2022
  • PradeepDavid
    Bengaluru, India149 contributions
    Winter Camping Trip down the Awesome Grand Canyon
    Camping trip with my son for 3 days at the Grand Canyon, one of the 10 Natural Wonders of the World. Incredible experience! 15 Kg backpack made the 4500 ft descent more challenging than the ascent. Temp of -10C was cold for a Bangalorean but the weather conditions were outstanding. Went down the South Kaibab Trail & ascended via the Bright Angel Trail camping next to the Phantom Lodge & Havuspai Gardens. Superb bucket list item to check off - specially in Winter!
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 December 2022
  • Kate I
    Custer, South Dakota324 contributions
    Very commercialized on the rim
    Loved seeing the colors and rock formations in the canyon. Surprised to see all the development inside the park. Train, lodges, grocery, specialized clothing and accessories (cold weather, camping, biking etc.) Visitor center was more like Grand Central Station! Very commercialized high dollar business up on the rim. Very happy we went in the "off season" - less crowded.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 15 December 2022
  • R Brewer
    18 contributions
    South Rim Grand Canyon
    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.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 15 December 2022
  • Karl B
    Minden, Nevada331 contributions
    Great Scenes of an Iconic National Park
    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.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 20 December 2022
  • Bríd
    London, United Kingdom12 contributions
    Pygmy Guides are amazing
    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.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 21 December 2022
  • Sumsul
    Dhaka Division, Bangladesh181 contributions
    Great Grand Canyon
    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 !!
    Visited December 2022
    Written 22 December 2022
  • “Gigi”, Mom, wife
    Palestine, Texas163 contributions
    Truly amazing!
    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.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 January 2023
  • SteveK28762
    Worcestershire, United Kingdom95 contributions
    It's the Grand Canyon!
    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.
    Visited September 2022
    Written 10 January 2023
  • lljjbb
    Worcester, Massachusetts458 contributions
    Truly a Trip for the List!
    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.
    Visited October 2022
    Written 14 January 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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IndieBajan
New York City, NY47 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The Grand Canyon near Phoenix is a natural wonder that left me awe-inspired. The sheer vastness of the canyon and the intricate layers of rock formations are truly breathtaking. Opting for a combination of South Rim viewpoints, like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, provided a comprehensive and visually stunning experience. Consider taking a guided tour for deeper insights into the geological and cultural aspects. Sunset or sunrise visits offer magical lighting, enhancing the canyon's colors. The Grand Canyon's beauty is best appreciated by embracing multiple viewpoints and taking the time to absorb its grandeur. The parking fee is $35 but good for 7 days so scheduled time to return, it is impossible to see it all in 1 day. The South Rim is equipped with several shuttle routes taking you to different locations within the park. The Red route is the longest and busiest with 10 stops lasting approximately 80 minutes roundtrip if you do not hop off for a closer look. The Orange route is 6 stops including the Visitor Center and is about 60 minutes without getting off. The Blue route stops at all accommodations in the canyon including restaurants, grocery, and visitor center, and takes you to the Red route transfer. There is also a Blue line express direct to the Red route. The Purple route runs from the canyon to the neighbor village square Tusayan but this route is limited and runs only during the peak summer months. Bathrooms are located at the visitor center and at specific stops throughout the park but there are more like outhouses with no running water so hand sanitizer is provided. Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes with excellent grips especially if you are visiting after the summer months because it can get quite chilly and even have some snowfall.
Written 26 November 2023
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.

Shana Bradley
Rockford, OH19 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We spent 2 days at Grand Canyon and it was amazing. Unbelievable Views! Many hikes. We did the Desert View Drive that is 25 miles and has many different stop with different views. Everyone should visit the Grand Canyon!
Written 25 November 2023
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.

Lead2829
North Lawrence, OH310 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Amazing views from the South Rim. Every place we went to was not crowded. Not sure if it is busier in the warmer months. Great time exploring this area.
Written 18 November 2023
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.

guycc1
Matlock, UK299 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Got 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 too
Written 13 November 2023
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.

Dawn C
8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
There 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.
Written 28 October 2023
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.

dixiepeach
Kansas City, MO8,367 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
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.
Written 24 October 2023
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.

Astri Ratna Sari
Chicago, IL19 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
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!
Written 22 October 2023
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.

Bella59
Detroit, MI21 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The 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.
Written 19 October 2023
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.

workhardplayhard2016
Buffalo, NY15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
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!!!
Written 16 October 2023
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.

ninettejohnson
Woodford, UK176 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I 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.
Written 8 October 2023
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.

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Grand Canyon South Rim (Grand Canyon National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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