Grand Canyon South Rim

The South Rim attracts about 4 million visitors each year; it's the most popular place to visit at the Grand Canyon. The South Rim offers a variety of attractions, national park services and Grand Canyon tour opportunities. Expect crowds during the peak season (March through September). Many Grand Canyon South Rim visitors stay overnight in nearby cities like Williams, Flagstaff or Sedona, all 1 - 2 hours from the South Rim.

• South Rim Hotels & Lodging
• South Rim Tours & Things to Do
• Directions to the South Rim
• South Rim Hiking & Camping

About the South Rim

The South Rim is the most visited rim of the Grand Canyon because it is the most accessible and provides the most amenities. The Grand Canyon South Rim is only 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona on State Route 64 and about 90 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona on Highway 180 to SR 64. There are hotels at the Grand Canyon South Rim area, but because the National Park lodges at the rim and hotels in the nearest town of Tusayan sell out up to a year in advance, many visitors find that Williams or Flagstaff hotels offer reasonable proximity, better availability and, in the case of Flagstaff, a greater selection of lodging, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

When is the best time to visit the South Rim?

Most visitors come to the Canyon from May through September.  If you decide to come then, be aware that the high season, while beautiful, means large crowds and parking at a premium.  In the off-season from October through April, crowds are minimal and seeing the Canyon with a dusting of snow is worth the trip!  Be aware that some parts of the South Rim and some services are closed in the off-season, such as the Hermits Rest portion of the free shuttle route. The South Rim is open all year, every day, 24 hours a day.

South Rim Hotels & Lodging

The South Rim has more than two dozen hotels, motels, and lodges to choose from. Lodging located in Grand Canyon National Park is operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. Accommodations can also be secured in the Village of Tusayan and the town of Williams, which both lie just outside the park boundary; Tusayan is about a 15-minute drive and Williams a one-hour drive from Grand Canyon Village (traffic permitting).

In-park lodging at the South Rim sells out quickly, so plan on booking your reservations at least a year out during the high season May through September, and 6 months out for the off-season. If you're planning on traveling to the Grand Canyon within 30 - 90 days, and want to stay inside the park at one of the Grand Canyon lodges, you can try calling or checking the Xanterra website (www.xanterra.com) on a daily or weekly basis to check for cancellations and newly-opened availability.

If you're not able to find an available hotel room at the park or in nearby Tusayan, do what most visitors choose and try booking a hotel in nearby Williams, Flagstaff or Sedona.  Located 60, 90 and 120 minutes away, respectively, these three "gateway" cities offer not only more Grand Canyon area hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts and lodging choices, they also a greater variety of restaurants, services, nightlife and attractions. 


Things to Do at the South Rim

There are dozens of ways to see the South Rim, including hiking, backpacking, walking the Rim Trail, helicopter tours, air tours, Jeep tours, bus tours, the Grand Canyon Railway, free National Park ranger presentations, scenic viewpoints, visitors centers and more. Plan on spending at least four hours at the Grand Canyon for the simplest visit, up to a full 3-day backcountry hiking and camping trip. Take in the South Rim views from several viewpoints around Grand Canyon Village, all accessible by a hop-on-hop-off shuttle. and don't miss the Canyon View Information Plaza - the main South Rim visitor center.

Entrance Fees

Entrance to the park is $25 per private vehicle, $10 per pedestrian or cyclist. Fees for commercial bus passengers vary. Admission is for seven days and includes both the South and North Rims. No refunds due to inclement weather. U.S. residents aged 62 or older may obtain a Golden Age Passport for a one-time fee of $10.00.

Getting There

There are two entrances to the South Rim - a south entrance near the town of Tusayan and an east entrance known as Desert View near the town of Cameron. Most visitors come to the South Rim by private car or commercial driving tour. 

Public transportation to the Grand Canyon from surrounding areas is limited to all-inclusive commercial tours and taxi or van/shuttle services.

From Tusayan to Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim:

• Xanterra Resorts taxi service (928-638-2822)
• National Park Service free shuttle (seasonal)
  • This is a new (2010) free shuttle service, courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park service, from the village of Tusayan to the South Rim from May 15 to September 12. Buses run every 15 minute intervals between 8:00 am and 9:30 pm daily. Shuttle bus stops are currently located at four Tusayan locations:  IMAX Theater, R.P.’s Stage Stop, Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, the Grand Canyon Airlines terminal at the Grand Canyon airport and the Western Discovery Museum. This is great news for visitors as it allows you to avoid the long line of cars at the south park entrance and limited parking within the park during the peak visitor season.

From Flagstaff or Sedona (via Flagstaff) to Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim: 

• A Friendly Cab taxi service (www.afriendlycab.com)
• Arizona Shuttle (formerly Flagstaff Express) shuttle service (www.arizonashuttles.com)

From other cities nationwide to Flagstaff and Williams:

• Greyhound Bus Lines bus service to Flagstaff and Williams to points nationwide (928-774-4573 Flagstaff Greyhound office; 800-231-2222 main toll-free; www.greyhound.com)

For commercial flights to the Grand Canyon area, check Horizon Airlines (www.horizonair.com) for daily flights to Flagstaff from Los Angeles. There are no commercial flights to  Grand Canyon Airport at the South Rim (Tusayan.) 

Driving Directions to the Grand Canyon South Rim

Click here for South Rim driving directions from Las Vegas, Flagstaff, Sedona, Phoenix & more.

Grand Canyon Hiking and Camping

Grand Canyon offers some of the most challenging hiking and backpacking found anywhere in North America. Steep trails, intense heat, fast changing weather, and elusive water and shade combine to make for harsh conditions - even on a good day. Over 250 visitors are evacuated from the Canyon for medical emergencies by the park service Search and Rescue team each year. Proper planning and training is imperative.

The reward for those willing to make the effort, a mere fraction of the visiting public, is a chance to marvel at the unfolding beauty of the Inner Canyon. For those that are capable it is truly an experience not to be missed.

With few exceptions the 1.2 million acre national park is fair game for foot traffic. Due to the difficult terrain the vast majority of the backcountry is only accessible by experienced off-trail hikers or uphill forays from rafting trips. To assist the rest of us there are approximately two dozen established trails that provide access to some of the park's most remarkable destinations. 

These trails begin on the North or South Rim and eventually make their way to the rock bottom of the Canyon a vertical mile below. The trails vary in length and difficulty (see table below). A backcountry permit is required for all overnight camping in the park. Find out more about securing a permit by following this link http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm

Day hikers are not required to obtain a permit from the park service. They should choose their route carefully, and let someone know where they are going and when they plan on returning. Each year several day hikers become lost or disoriented in the Canyon, and several perish as a result. Don't become a statistic. Do your homework, don't take any undue risks, and stay well within your known limits in terms of physical exertion.

Best South Rim Day Hike - Bright Angel Trail

The best day hike for newcomers to the Grand Canyon is a descent of the Bright Angel Trail. This historic trail begins in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and tumbles seven miles to the Colorado River below. However, going to the river and back in a single day is strongly discouraged for any hiker on any day. The good news is that there are obvious places to change course and head back uphill including the rest houses (with treated drinking water during the hot summer months) that are found at 1.5 mile increments between the top and Indian Garden Campground which is half the distance to the bottom. Plan for twice as much time and effort to go up than it takes to go down. 

As with all day hikes, get a reliable weather forecast and dress accordingly, wear sturdy shoes and a brimmed hat, and take a few quarts of water and salty snacks for each person in your party.  

Easiest South Rim Hike/Walk - Rim Trail

Begin from any viewpoint in the Grand Canyon Village or along Hermit Road. The Rim Trail extends from Mather Point in the Village west to Hermits Rest. It offers excellent walking for quiet views of the inner canyon and for visitors who desire an easy hike.

Best South Rim Backpacking Destinations

BRIGHT ANGEL CAMPGROUND & INDIAN GARDEN CAMPGROUND
For first-time backpackers in Grand Canyon National Park the most popular itinerary is to spend a few nights at either Bright Angel or Indian Garden Campground. The Bright Angel Campground can be accessed by either the Bright Angel or the South Kaibab Trail; Indian Garden by the Bright Angel Trail.  Advance campground reservations are recommended.  See our Grand Canyon Camping Guide.

Both campgrounds have restrooms, treated drinking water, established campsites, individual food storage canisters (to thwart the critters), and are frequently staffed by helpful park rangers. Packing correctly will make or break your experience. For a list of backpacking gear follow this link http://www.hitthetrail.com/equipment.php 

Once you've mastered the "easier" trails in Grand Canyon you can graduate to the next tier of more remote trails.  

SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL
This trail begins south of Yaki Point on Yaki Point Road. It is 12.6 miles roundtrip and is steep, dropping 5,000 feet in 6.3 miles. The trail follows ridge lines rather than side canyons. It goes to the Inner Gorge where it meets with the Kaibab Suspension Bridge on the way to Phantom Ranch. 

GRANDVIEW TRAIL
Caution is required as this trail is unmaintained, steep, and very strenuous. It begins at Grandview Point on Desert View Drive 12 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. The 6 mile roundtrip trail descends to Horseshoe Mesa.

HERMIT TRAIL
Hermit Trail begins 500 feet west of Hermits Rest which is 8 miles west of Grand Canyon Village. It is unmaintained, steep, and very strenuous. The 17 mile roundtrip leads from the canyon rim to the Colorado River. Sights include Hermit Gorge, The Supai Formation, Santa Maria Spring, and the Redwall Formation.

Grand Canyon Trail Distances Table