The Grand Canyon South Rim is the most visited section of Grand Canyon National Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views, well-maintained hiking trails, and full-service visitor amenities. Known for its easy accessibility and wide range of activities, the South Rim is home to Grand Canyon Village, the historic heart of this National Park.
Visitors looking for a classic National Park experience will find everything they need here, including a free South Rim shuttle bus service, multiple lodging options near Grand Canyon National Park, and restaurants with canyon views. Whether you're planning a day trip or a multi-day hiking adventure, the South Rim provides an ideal base to explore one of the world’s greatest Natural Wonders.
The South Rim is open 24/7 all year long and features family-friendly Grand Canyon activities, free ranger-led talks, cultural museums, souvenir shops, and educational experiences like the Trail of Time. Visitors can also enjoy the Grand Canyon IMAX Experience in Tusayan, ride the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, or take in the landscape and view from one of the many a helicopter or guided ground tours.
Many travelers ask, "Can you see the Grand Canyon South Rim in one day?" – and the answer is yes, if your goal is to enjoy the highlights, capture great photos, and take a short hike or tour. For a deeper experience, we recommend spending at least one night in or near the park to watch the sunset and sunrise, enjoy longer hikes, and take your time visiting multiple viewpoints.
Location | Distance | Drive Time |
---|---|---|
Tusayan | 1.8 miles | 4m |
Phoenix | 230 miles | 3h 30m |
Flagstaff | 79 miles | 1h 30m |
Sedona | 109 miles | 1h 55m |
Williams | 54 miles | 54m |
Page | 130 miles | 2h 30m |
Las Vegas | 280 miles | 4h 15m |
Zion National Park | 336 miles | 5h 50m |
Monument Valley | 170 miles | 3h 30m |
Moab | 320 miles | 6h 00m |
Though if you get stuck on the other side of the plane, the view of Flagstaff isn't bad either...
MONTH | HIGH/LOW (°F) | HIGH/LOW (°C) | RAIN (in) |
---|---|---|---|
January | 41°/18° | 5°/-8° | 1.32 |
February | 45°/21° | 7°/-6° | 1.55 |
March | 51°/15° | 10°/-4° | 1.38 |
April | 60°/32° | 15°/0° | 0.93 |
May | 70°/39° | 21°/4° | 0.66 |
June | 81°/47° | 28°/8° | 0.42 |
July | 85°/54° | 29°/12° | 1.81 |
August | 82°/53° | 28°/12° | 2.25 |
September | 77°/47° | 24°/8° | 1.56 |
October | 65°/36° | 18°/2° | 1.10 |
November | 52°/27° | 11°/-3° | 0.94 |
December | 43°/20° | 6°/7° | 1.63 |
MONTH | HIGH/LOW (°F) | HIGH/LOW (°C) |
---|---|---|
January | 56°/36° | 14°/12° |
February | 62°/42° | 17°/6° |
March | 71°/48° | 22°/9° |
April | 82°/56° | 28°/13° |
May | 92°/63° | 33°/17° |
June | 101°/72° | 38°/22° |
July | 106°/78° | 41°/26° |
August | 103°/75° | 39°/24° |
September | 77°/47° | 24°/8° |
October | 97°/69° | 36°/21° |
November | 68°/46° | 20°/8° |
December | 57°/37° | 14°/2° |
*Note: Warmer temperatures have been trending in recent years and may indicate that actual temperatures in the future may be warmer than the above averages. Please take extreme caution when hiking down into Grand Canyon during warm months. 2021 set a record number of deaths and rescues due to heat exhaustion.
Here are some places and things to consider when choosing where to stay when visiting Grand Canyon:
For a truly unforgettable perspective, book a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon or a scenic airplane flight. These aerial experiences offer panoramic views that can't be captured from the rim alone.
If you prefer to stay grounded, guided van, Jeep, or bus tours offer an excellent way to see key highlights of the South Rim without the hassle of driving or parking.
Step back in time aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, which departs from Williams, Arizona and arrives at Grand Canyon Village. It's a fun and scenic way to travel with kids or enjoy a nostalgic adventure.
Explore at your own pace with self-guided walking tours, many of which are available in multiple languages. These audio guides provide rich background on the park’s geology, Indigenous history, and natural landmarks.
Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Professionally Guided | Self-Guided | Gear Rental Available or Provided | Family Business
Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly
Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Family-Friendly | Hotel Pickup | Professionally Guided | All Fees Included
Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | Romantic
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in
… More
Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence
The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in distinctly different southwestern decor. The lush grounds - home to wildlife, birds, and two resident sheep - showcase rambling walking paths, canyon oaks, giant pines, and sycamores, all providing the perfect setting to nurture your relationship with nature. Healthy, bountiful, homemade breakfasts are offered by the creek in spring and summer and by the lodge fireplaces in fall and winter. An attentive, longtime staff strives to provide a quality of fine service that is the hallmark of this magical sanctuary. A Fodor's Choice and a Frommer's favorite.
Sedona Lodging | Free Hot Breakfast | Family-Friendly | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Good for Nature Lovers | Retreat & Workshop Venue | Intimate Wedding Venue | Massage Therapy
Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub
Private Tours Available | Shuttle Services Provided | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours | Additional Tour Options Available | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly
Sedona Lodging | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Whirlpool Tub | Family-Friendly | On-site Restaurant | Fitness Center
Leaves from Lake Powell/Page | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Lake Powell/Page | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Optional Ground Tour | Optional River Tour | Optional Ground Tour
Leaves from Williams | Things to Do in Williams | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Things to Do in Williams
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Additional Tour Options Available
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where y … More
Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River!
Professionally Guided | Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Day Tours | Additional Tour Options Available | Private Tours Available | Lunch Included | Shuttle Services Provided
Family-Friendly
Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Shuttle Services Provided | Hotel Pickup
Private Tours Available | Educational | Lunch Included | Family-Friendly | Family Business | Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Day Tours
Canyon Spirit is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim, taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines. Upon reaching the edge, the rim drops away as the magnificent Grand Canyon comes into full view. … More
Canyon Spirit is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim, taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines. Upon reaching the edge, the rim drops away as the magnificent Grand Canyon comes into full view.
Leaves from Tusayan | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the … More
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.
Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | All Fees Included | Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale
Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Flagstaff | Multi-Attraction Tours
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Shuttle Services Provided | Gear Rental Available or Provided | Meals Included | Multi-Day Tours
Family-Friendly | ADA Accessible | Things to Do in Williams | Leaves from Williams
Family-Friendly | Reserve Now Pay Later | Additional Tour Options Available | Leaves from Las Vegas | Optional Ground Tour | Professionally Guided
Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | Fireplace(s) | Concierge | Pet-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Fitness Center
Sedona Lodging | Whirlpool Tub | Fireplace(s) | Shuttle Services Provided | Pet-Friendly | Wedding Venue
Marvel at the Grand Canyon's vast expanse and some of the American Southwest's most awe-inspiring terrain during a scenic flight from Phoenix. Your pilot flies at the perfect altitude to clearly view the natural beauty of Arizona, including Tonto National Forest, San Francisco Peaks, Mo … More
Marvel at the Grand Canyon's vast expanse and some of the American Southwest's most awe-inspiring terrain during a scenic flight from Phoenix. Your pilot flies at the perfect altitude to clearly view the natural beauty of Arizona, including Tonto National Forest, San Francisco Peaks, Montezuma Well, and the Red Rocks of Sedona. Experience this majestic wilderness from the ground and air on a day-long tour that includes a stop in the National Park and the historic village.
Family-Friendly | Multi-Attraction Tours | Professionally Guided | Educational | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale
Explore the natural side of Arizona with a day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim on our luxury bus tour. Your professional bus driver is trained to provide you with interesting facts about the history, flora, and fauna on one of the great wonders of the modern world.
… MoreExplore the natural side of Arizona with a day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim on our luxury bus tour. Your professional bus driver is trained to provide you with interesting facts about the history, flora, and fauna on one of the great wonders of the modern world.
Once you arrive at the South Rim, enjoy stops along the rim such as Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge. Explore popular attractions in the Grand Canyon National Park such as El Tovar, Hopi House, Kolb Photo Studio, and the Bright Angel Trail and make memories of a lifetime!
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas
Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World with a small group and your expert tour guide. You will see all the most scenic lookout points of this natural wonder. This is a small group tour to ensure the most personalized experience.
Visit two of Arizona’s most impressive natur … More
Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World with a small group and your expert tour guide. You will see all the most scenic lookout points of this natural wonder. This is a small group tour to ensure the most personalized experience.
Visit two of Arizona’s most impressive natural wonders in one day—the mighty Grand Canyon and Bell Rock in Sedona. On this full-day tour, enjoy a personalized experience with small group size and free time to explore both sites. In Sedona, visit Bell Rock Vista, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the uptown shopping area, then continue to the Grand Canyon South Rim and take in the views from Grand Canyon Village and Yavapai Point. Magnificent views of the Grand Canyon and Bell Rock Up to three hours in the Grand Canyon National Park Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop off.
This tour will have a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 5 travelers.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup
Make the most of your time in Arizona with a full-day tour that visits both the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Depart early from Scottsdale or Phoenix to explore the south rim of the Grand Canyon, taking in two prime viewpoints and strolling along the rim, then eating lunch. Continue to Sedon … More
Make the most of your time in Arizona with a full-day tour that visits both the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Depart early from Scottsdale or Phoenix to explore the south rim of the Grand Canyon, taking in two prime viewpoints and strolling along the rim, then eating lunch. Continue to Sedona where you check out the uptown district, and get photo ops at red rock sites.
Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Custom Options Available | Hotel Pickup | All Fees Included | Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Family-Friendly | Educational
Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Family-Friendly | Hotel Pickup | All Fees Included | Professionally Guided
Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Golf Course | Fitness Center | Wedding Venue
Make the most of limited time and see the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park in just a couple of hours on this sightseeing tour. Ride in a windowless, open-air Hummer and listen to commentary from your guide as you visit some of the canyon’s best lookout points, where you can hop … More
Make the most of limited time and see the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park in just a couple of hours on this sightseeing tour. Ride in a windowless, open-air Hummer and listen to commentary from your guide as you visit some of the canyon’s best lookout points, where you can hop out, take photos, and explore. Since this is a small-group tour, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, too.
Family-Friendly
This one-day tour covers 3 amazing landscapes in the Grand Circle in just one day based from Las Vegas. In addition to the well-known Grand Canyon, you will visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, where you can witness the stunning features that have been sculpted in this expansive sc … More
This one-day tour covers 3 amazing landscapes in the Grand Circle in just one day based from Las Vegas. In addition to the well-known Grand Canyon, you will visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, where you can witness the stunning features that have been sculpted in this expansive scenery.
On the way back to Las Vegas, we will have a short break in Seligman, a small town on Route 66. This is a nice little stopover where you can enjoy the old American atmosphere.
Leaves from Las Vegas | Family-Friendly | Multi-Attraction Tours