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Which Grand Canyon Rim Should You Visit?

It's the question most asked at the outset of Grand Canyon vacation planning: Which rim should I visit? Without knowing anything about your travel plans, personality, budget or time table, we recommend the South Rim. Hands down, the South Rim is THE place to visit at the Grand Canyon. It's often described as "the real Grand Canyon" and it's the part of the National Park that you've undoubtedly seen in movies, photographs and magazines. Truth be told, we might recommend the South Rim even if we DID know your travel plans, personality, budget and time table, but since we can't get to know all 5+ million visitors the Grand Canyon attracts each year, we've put together this handy comparison chart of the South, West and North Rims side by side.

Where Should You Start?

It may help you to narrow your options just by knowing which city you'll be starting from. If you're starting in Phoenix, you're most likely to choose the South Rim for your trip. Likewise, if your visit will originate in Las Vegas, it'd certainly make sense to consider the West Rim. Of course, there are other variables that may influence your decision in the end. For example, if you have your heart set on taking a helicopter and landing on the floor of the Canyon, then the West Rim is right for you. On the other hand, if you're really into camping, hiking and near solitude, then be sure to choose the North Rim. Finally, if you want to see other attractions and activities besides the Grand Canyon, then the South Rim is right up your alley. Only you know what your needs and priorities are, so check out the criteria and available options to help you decide which rim to visit.

SOME GRAND CANYON TRIP IDEAS

Grand Canyon Railway

Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon Nation
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon National Park.
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9.9

Pink Jeep Tours

Enjoy first-class comfort with a passionate tour guide to the Grand Canyon's stunning West Rim. Travel by Tour Trekker and transform your trip into the experience of a lifetime, creating memories of the history, geology and more from expert guides.
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9.5

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Grand Canyon Airport at the South Rim near Tusayan. Choose from a variety of Helicopter Tours, whether you have 1 hour or several to see the Grand Canyon.
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9.9

Arizona Private Tours

Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.
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10

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour

Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Ex
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Explore Grand Canyon at your own pace with over 60 stories laid out on a 45-mile route.
  • Fully Guided Personal Tours
  • Professionally Narrated Stories
  • Tour Valid Forever
  • Works Offline
  • Fun Facts
  • Tour At Your Own Pace
  • Location Aware, Plays Automatically
  • Don’t Miss Any Sightseeing Points
  • No Groups. No Tips
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    9

    Best Western PREMIER Grand Canyon Squire Inn

    As the Grand Canyon South Rim's only resort hotel, it is hard to pass up the luxuries you will find when you stay with Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Our full service hotel offers two restaurants, a sports bar, lounge, barber and beauty shop, fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi, b
    As the Grand Canyon South Rim's only resort hotel, it is hard to pass up the luxuries you will find when you stay with Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn. Our full service hotel offers two restaurants, a sports bar, lounge, barber and beauty shop, fitness center with sauna and Jacuzzi, bowling center, and laundry.
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    8.2

    Ultimate Arizona Self-Guided Driving and Walking Tours Bundle

    Experience Arizona’s stunning natural beauty with this GPS-guided tour bundle. This bundle takes you through the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Instagram-famous Horseshoe Bend so you can get the most out of your time in this unique state. Take your time explore this incredible state, at your ow
    Experience Arizona’s stunning natural beauty with this GPS-guided tour bundle. This bundle takes you through the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Instagram-famous Horseshoe Bend so you can get the most out of your time in this unique state. Take your time explore this incredible state, at your own pace with our tour app. More than 120+ stories to keep you engaged as you drive along or visit some of the most famous sightseeing points in all of Arizona.
  • Fully Guided Personal Tours
  • Professionally Narrated Stories
  • Tour Valid Forever
  • Works Offline
  • Fun Facts
  • Tour At Your Own Pace
  • Location Aware, Plays Automatically
  • Don’t Miss Any Sightseeing Points
  • No Groups. No Tips
    • Learn More
    9

    Wildland Trekking

    Go on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.
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    9.5

    Grand Canyon Oasis

    We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair.
    We are a family-owned RV park near the east entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and only 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, Arizona. Our family -- Adam, Shelley, Zoe, Ava, and Cairo -- purchased the RV park in 2021. The property was a trading post for decades but had fallen into disrepair. We have been busy painting, cleaning and improving the grounds to become a comfortable oasis for your family. Our location on US Hwy 89 is only a few miles from the breathtaking aspens of Lockett Meadow, the ruins of Wupatki National Monument and the lava flows at Sunset Crater. The park is a short drive to downtown Flagstaff, and on the way to Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Moab and Durango. Stay the night or as long as you like! Drink in the hibiscus sunrises above the Painted Desert and relax into the long shadows of the San Francisco Peaks. Let us know if you want to borrow a telescope to explore the darkest night sky you have ever seen. We are so excited to share our home with you!
    • Spacious pull-through spaces
    • Full hook-ups
    • 30 and 50 amp available
    • Tiny home rentals
    • Free WiFi (Starlink)
    • 45 minutes to Grand Canyon
    • Monthly sites available
    • Kid friendly
    • Pet friendly
    • Trail access to Coconino National Forest
    • Community fire pits
    • Covered patios
    • Community outdoor kitchen (May-October)
    • Complimentary morning coffee
    • Basketball court
    • Horseshoes, ladderball, games
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    Grand Canyon Getaway

    This is the closest private property to the Grand Canyon South Rim! 5bd/2.5ba home, large property with lots of room to run; 15 min from the Grand Canyon. Enjoy friendly wildlife, breathtaking scenery and a rustic setting from the comforts of your own vacation home.
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    9.5

    Hotel Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel

    Stay at the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, located just 2 miles from the South Rim Entrance for easy access to the Park. Book your stay today and explore this Natural Wonder!
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    8.2

    Best Grand Canyon Day Tour

    Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professi

    Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.

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    10
    covid safety precautions taken

    Maverick Helicopter Tours

    Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon
    Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon.
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    9.5

    Sedona Real Inn & Suites - Sedona

    Our family-owned and operated inn feels different from other Sedona hotels because it is. When you're here, you'll experience the comfort and convenience that you're used to in your own home. With our very own pet-friendly park, sparkling pool, and fitness center, many of our guests enjoy
    Our family-owned and operated inn feels different from other Sedona hotels because it is. When you're here, you'll experience the comfort and convenience that you're used to in your own home. With our very own pet-friendly park, sparkling pool, and fitness center, many of our guests enjoy spending part of their Sedona vacation relaxing with us. With a country inn atmosphere, and bed and breakfast feel, each of the 42 traditional rooms and 47 spacious suites offer comfortable accommodations. All our rooms include complimentary WiFi and a hot breakfast bar to get your day started! Your four-legged family members will love our grassy outside play area with a barbecue and fire-pit. The concierge is on-site daily to share the best things to do in Sedona.
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    8.8
    222 reviews

    Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Optional Below-the-Rim Landing and Skywalk

    What’s the ultimate way to have a Grand Canyon experience from Las Vegas? Try this exciting helicopter tour. Enjoy a scenic flight from Las Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Take in the breathtaking views from the overlooks at Eagle Point and Guano Point. As added options, visit t
    What’s the ultimate way to have a Grand Canyon experience from Las Vegas? Try this exciting helicopter tour. Enjoy a scenic flight from Las Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Take in the breathtaking views from the overlooks at Eagle Point and Guano Point. As added options, visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk for a photo opportunity or swoop down to the base of the canyon to experience the stunning views from below. Las Vegas hotel pickup/drop-off included.
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    Grand Canyon Hike & Sightseeing Tour

    Enjoy a great tour with a knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic guide who loves what they do. We provide door-to-door service from your stay place with everything you need to have a great time. Grab your camera and leave the lunch, snacks, beverages, hiking equipment, and driving to us!

    Enjoy a great tour with a knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic guide who loves what they do. We provide door-to-door service from your stay place with everything you need to have a great time. Grab your camera and leave the lunch, snacks, beverages, hiking equipment, and driving to us! We pick up in the following towns: Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon.

    Currently, the Park Service is not allowing us to mix groups due to COVID-19 safety procedures, so we are unable to provide this tour for less than 4 people. If you have a smaller group, please reach out to our company directly to discuss other options. By far our most popular hiking tour, this hike and sightseeing tour offers guests varying views of the Canyon, from the inside out. This tour is for guests who want to enjoy an excellent tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but also spend some time below the Rim.

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    Small-Group Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk

    Explore one of the seven wonders of the world—the Grand Canyon—on this day trip to the west rim from Las Vegas. With included transport to and from the Strip, you can easily plan this day trip into your Las Vegas getaway. Along the way, stop for photos at the Hoover Dam. Take in views of t
    Explore one of the seven wonders of the world—the Grand Canyon—on this day trip to the west rim from Las Vegas. With included transport to and from the Strip, you can easily plan this day trip into your Las Vegas getaway. Along the way, stop for photos at the Hoover Dam. Take in views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River at Guano Point and Eagle Point. Plus, for the more adventurous, choose to walk the edge of the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Skywalk for an added expense.
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    9

    Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Small Group Day Tour

    Experience the world-famous Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in style during this luxury small-group day trip from Las Vegas. Travel aboard a vehicle with leather seats, USB ports, and outlets as you make stops at the Hoover Dam, Dolan Springs, and Grand Canyon West Rim (site of the Skywalk). R
    Experience the world-famous Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in style during this luxury small-group day trip from Las Vegas. Travel aboard a vehicle with leather seats, USB ports, and outlets as you make stops at the Hoover Dam, Dolan Springs, and Grand Canyon West Rim (site of the Skywalk). Round-trip hotel transport and lunch are included, and an optional Skywalk ticket upgrade package is available.
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    9.9

    Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Upgrades

    Experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world from the land, air and water on this guided, full-day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Travel through a Joshua Tree forest en route to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim for sightseeing how you wish. Upgrade to add a walk on the gla
    Experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world from the land, air and water on this guided, full-day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Travel through a Joshua Tree forest en route to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim for sightseeing how you wish. Upgrade to add a walk on the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk and/or a thrilling helicopter flight into the canyon coupled with a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. A hot lunch at the Grand Canyon and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
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    South Kaibab Day Hike Tour

    Wildland Trekking's expert guides are the best in the business, which is why we are the #1 rated Outdoor Activity at Grand Canyon National Park on Trip Advisor. We will show you the best of the South Rim by pointing out amazing landmarks, teaching you about the history and geology of the G
    Wildland Trekking's expert guides are the best in the business, which is why we are the #1 rated Outdoor Activity at Grand Canyon National Park on Trip Advisor. We will show you the best of the South Rim by pointing out amazing landmarks, teaching you about the history and geology of the Grand Canyon, and helping you vastly increase the safety of your hike with expert guidance and preparation. Enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch, tasty snacks, excellent gear and passionate, educated, professional guides!
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    9.9

    Bright Angel Trail Day Hike Tour

    Our Bright Angel Trail day hike offers a tour with many options for length and difficulty, and it has shade, water and bathrooms roughly every 1.5 miles up and down. On the longer side, we can hike to Plateau Point which is a wonderful option for the fittest and most adventurous of visitor
    Our Bright Angel Trail day hike offers a tour with many options for length and difficulty, and it has shade, water and bathrooms roughly every 1.5 miles up and down. On the longer side, we can hike to Plateau Point which is a wonderful option for the fittest and most adventurous of visitors. And on the shorter side, we can hike to one of the rest houses for a moderate, stunningly beautiful hike. So for families, couples, and solo travelers, of an adventure and fitness level, this hike has a lot to offer!
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    Grand Canyon West Rim Bus or Private Tour

    Marvel at the incredible scenery of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim thanks to this 12-hour flexible sightseeing trip from Las Vegas. Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour along the edge of the canyon, stopping at highlights like Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Cowboy Ranch. Optional trip upgra
    Marvel at the incredible scenery of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim thanks to this 12-hour flexible sightseeing trip from Las Vegas. Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour along the edge of the canyon, stopping at highlights like Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Cowboy Ranch. Optional trip upgrades including a helicopter flight or access to the Skywalk viewing platform are also available.
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    In the Spotlight

    Arizona Private Tours
    Arizona Private Tours » Customize Your Trip!
    Wildland Trekking
    Wildland Trekking »
    Best Grand Canyon Day Tour
    Best Grand Canyon Day Tour » Book Direct & Save
    Horseshoe Bend Self-Guided Walking Tour
    Horseshoe Bend Self-Guided Walking Tour »

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    Grand Canyon North Rim »
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    Visit Zion National Park
    Visit Zion National Park »
    West Rim vs South Rim
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    What's the Weather Like at Grand Canyon?
    What's the Weather Like at Grand Canyon? »
    Walk a Glass Bridge Over the Grand Canyon
    Walk a Glass Bridge Over the Grand Canyon »
    Tours by Bus, Van, Jeep & Hummers
    Tours by Bus, Van, Jeep & Hummers »
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    Classic South Rim Tours »
    Visit the South Rim
    Visit the South Rim »

    More PLACES TO STAY IN Grand Canyon

    Trapper's Rendezvous
    Trapper's Rendezvous
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    The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
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    The Lodge on Route 66
    The Lodge on Route 66
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    Best Western Plus King's Inn and Suites
    Best Western Plus King's Inn and Suites
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    Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
    Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
    From $146.30
    Ramada by Wyndham Kingman
    Ramada by Wyndham Kingman
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    GRAND CANYON TRIP IDEAS

    Grand Canyon from the Air

    Grand Canyon from the Air

    Walk a Glass Bridge Over the Grand Canyon

    Walk a Glass Bridge Over the Grand Canyon

    River Rafting Through Grand Canyon

    River Rafting Through Grand Canyon

    Grand Canyon Train Ride

    Grand Canyon Train Ride