South Rim of the Grand Canyon Must-Sees
Where the Earth Gives Way to an Expanse of Endless Vistas & Breathtaking Views
Located in northwestern Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is by far one of the most impressive parks in the country. There is no better place to gain perspective as to how small and insignificant we truly are in this vast world than standing at its rim. As you approach the edge, the earth literally falls to the way side beneath you as you stare out into an endless expanse of jaw-dropping views.
Although the Colorado River flows through 7 states, it is here that it has left its most incredible mark on the geology of the region. The iconic canyon is a mile deep, 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. In fact, it’s so massive that it can, in and of itself, influence the weather.
The park is divided into four different sections - the South Rim, Grand Canyon East, Grand Canyon West and the North Rim. Although all areas are absolutely stunning, South Rim is by far the most popular and many find it to be the most beautiful.
This article focuses on the must-sees at the South Rim although it barely scratches the surface of what there is to see and explore here.
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THINGS TO DO:
South Rim Trail and Viewpoints
The South Rim offers some of the most incredible views of anywhere in Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim trail stretches over 13 miles long and follows the rim around the canyon edge offering some of the best photo opportunities in the park. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
There are shuttle buses that run along the trail with 14 stops spread out across it. The shuttle is wheelchair accessible as are many of the incredible vantage points. There is also a Visitor Center and Museum located at the trailhead that are fun to explore.
The Grand Canyon is so big that you could fit the entire state of Rhode Island inside it. In fact, it’s almost 700 square miles larger than Rhode Island, and 18 miles across at its widest point.
Mather Point
For many visitors, Mather Point is their very first glimpse of the Grand Canyon for it is just a short 5-minute walk from the main Visitor Center. As you walk to the rim, you will hardly believe your eyes as the peaks and valleys come into view of what is undoubtedly one of the most incredible wonders of the world. This is the most popular viewpoint in the park and on a clear day, you can see over 30 miles to the east and over 60 miles to the west.
The Grand Canyon is so vast that it can, in and of itself, influence the weather. For every 1,000 feet down in elevation, the temperature increases by 5.5%. With an elevation reaching 8,000 feet, that drop can cause some incredible extremes in weather.
There are two narrow, railed overlooks and the viewing area is quite large. However, it still gets quite crowded especially since this is the perfect spot for viewing both the sunrise and sunset.
Yavapai Observation Station
Located not far from the South Rim Visitor Center is Yavapai Point and Observation Station.
The front room of the station has a 3-dimensional tactile topographical model of the canyon that mimics its true color and is worth seeing as it gives you an aerial view of where you are. There are also a bookstore and museum shop.
From Yavapai Point, you can spot the Colorado River down below where it’s spent centuries carving out the canyon laid out before you. From this viewpoint you have an unobstructed view up and down the gorge that is unlike any other spot in the park.
Yavapai Point has limited parking and vehicles over 22 feet are not permitted. It’s a relatively easy walk from the main Visitor Center and Mather Point so I highly recommend just walking there. The views along the way will make it worth it.
When the park first opened in 1919, it’s annual visitation was about 44,000 people. Today, an estimated 5.9 million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year. Be prepared for crowds and bring your patience.
South Kaibab Trail
Are you looking for a more rigorous hike than the easy, flat rim trails? Look no further than the South Kaibab Trail which takes about 4-6 hours to hike and descends down the ridgeline of the canyon. The well-maintained trail starts with a series of tight switchbacks and is strenuous. One of the best viewpoints in the park, the Ooh Aah Point, is found here and the name says it all. The hike to Ooh Ahh is a moderate 1.7 miles out and back and definitely worth the trek even if you don’t want to do the entire South Kaibab Trail.
If you’re visiting during the summer, be warned. There is little shade and no water. If you’re visiting during the winter, the trail is beautiful and do-able but it gets quite icy so be sure to wear cramp-ons to avoid slipping and falling.
Despite being home to over 75 species of mammals, 50 species of amphibians, 25 species of fish and over 300 species of birds, the most dangerous animal in the park is the rock squirrel. Why you ask? It’s because every year, rock squirrels are responsible for biting dozens of visitors who try to feed them. Please help by not feeding the wildlife!
Hermit Road
Hermit Road is a 7-mile stretch of road that follows the canyon rim starting on the west side of Grand Canyon Village. It takes you to nine awe-inspiring panoramic view points including Pima Point, Powell Point and Mohave Point. Some of the best hikes here are simply the walks between the different viewpoints which I highly recommend. From March 1 through November 30, the area is only accessible via the red route of the Grand Canyon Shuttle so just hop off at one stop and walk to the next.
In winter, you’re free to drive to the viewpoints but parking can be very limited even in the less crowded winter months.
Desert View Scenic Drive
The 23 mile long Desert View Scenic Drive is open to the public year round. There are parking lots at each of its 6 viewpoints and the drive offers beautiful panoramic views of the canyon as well as the Colorado River. There are also several pullouts and picnic areas along the way. Be sure to explore the Desert View Watchtower, a 70-foot high stone tower with several windows on each story allowing visitors many different unique views of the surrounding area.
TIPS FOR VISITING
Do not expect to see more than one section of the park in a single day. Even though the North and South Rims are about 10 miles apart as the crow flies, the drive between them is over 200 miles and takes over 5 hours.
Most people find the best times to visit are April to early June and September through October when temperatures are moderate. You can avoid the cold of winter and the scorching heat and bursts of rain that accompany the summer months. To check current weather conditions, click here.
If you plan on visiting in winter, check current road conditions. Roads are often closed or have limited access during winter due to heavy snow and icy conditions. The shuttle buses also run on limited schedules. For park alerts and conditions, click here.
Arrive at the park before 9:00 a.m. if possible. Entrance lines, especially in the summer, can be very long taking up to two hours to get in at times.
Camping is only allowed in designated sites within the park. Campgrounds and lodges fill up quickly. Be sure to make reservations well in advance especially during the summer months.
If you plan on doing an overnight trip into the backcountry, permits are required.
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