Grand Canyon South Rim

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.

Grand Canyon South Rim Quick Facts

Managed By: US National Park Service (All America the Beautiful and other park passes accepted)
Open: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Fee: $35/car or see Fees & Permits for more types of entrance fees and passes
Mailing Address: PO Box 129 Grand Canyon , AZ 86023
Directions to Grand Canyon South Rim »
Telephone: (928) 638-7888
Best Places to Stay: Grand Canyon Village & Tusayan, Williams, Flagstaff, Sedona

Top Things to Do at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Explore Grand Canyon Village
Walk or bike along the South Rim Trail with Grand Canyon views
Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Mather Point Overlook
Hike the popular Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail
Take the free South Rim shuttle to scenic viewpoints
Discover geologic history on the Grand Canyon Trail of Time
See the iconic Desert View Watchtower and visit Lookout Studio
Explore scenic overlooks like Yaki Point, Yavapai Point, Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point
Watch the award-winning film at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater
Board the historic Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona
Book a Grand Canyon helicopter tour or jeep tour

Is One Day at the Grand Canyon South Rim Enough?

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.

Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is located in northern Arizona. The South Rim is approached from the east and west by I-40, north by US-89 and south by I-17 / US-64. When choosing where to make your jump-off point or hub for your American Southwest vacation, take a look at these driving distances to help plan accordingly. Truly, the best place to stay depends on which other areas of the Southwest you want to visit on this trip.

Driving Distances to Grand Canyon South Rim

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

By Train (Scenic Option)

Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, AZ

Departs daily from Williams Depot (located on Route 66)
Arrives at Grand Canyon Village in the South Rim
A scenic, family-friendly option with historic charm

Airports Closest to the South Rim

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) – 3.5–4 hours away; major airport with car rental
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) – 4.5–5 hours away; major airport with car rental
Grand Canyon Airport (GCN) in Tusayan – 10 minutes from the South Entrance; limited charter and scenic flights
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) – 1.5 hours away; regional flights

(Pro Tip: If you fly from Phoenix to Flagstaff on a connecting flight, get excited. Choose a window seat on the left side (west side) of the plane flying to Flagstaff, or the right side (east side) of the plane flying from Flagstaff. You'll get a stellar view of Sedona that's tour-worthy in its own right.)

Though if you get stuck on the other side of the plane, the view of Flagstaff isn't bad either...

Monthly Average Temperature Grand Canyon South Rim

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

Monthly Average Temperature Inner Grand Canyon (Below the Rim)*

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:

Grand Canyon Village

If you're wondering, "Can you stay inside Grand Canyon National Park?"—yes, you can. Grand Canyon Village offers the most convenient and immersive lodging experience. Located directly on the South Rim, it's the best place to stay for catching sunrise and sunset over the canyon without needing to drive in and out.

Benefits: Walkable access to rim viewpoints, hiking trails, and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Ideal For: Sunrise and sunset photography, early-morning hikers, families, and anyone who wants to maximize time in the park
Popular Lodges: El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, and Maswik Lodge

Tusayan - Closest Town to the South Entrance

Just minutes outside the South Entrance Gate, Tusayan is the closest town to Grand Canyon Village. It offers a wide selection of familiar hotel brands near Grand Canyon South Rim, including family-friendly accommodations, boutique motels, grocery stores, and dozens of restaurants.

Benefits: Closest option outside the park; shuttle access into the South Rim during peak season
Ideal For: Families, budget-conscious travelers, and visitors seeking convenience with amenities
Popular Options: Best Western, The Grand Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Red Feather Lodge

Williams – Gateway to the Grand Canyon via Historic Route 66

Located about 55 miles south of the South Rim, Williams, Arizona is a charming town on Historic Route 66 and the starting point for the Grand Canyon Railway. With attractions like Bearizona Wildlife Park, arcades, diners, and cowboy-themed shows, it's one of the best places to stay for families visiting the Grand Canyon.

Benefits: Fun atmosphere, railway access, lots of family entertainment
Ideal For: Road trippers, families with kids, Route 66 enthusiasts
Popular Options: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, La Quinta, Comfort Inn, and various motels and lodges

Flagstaff – Mountain Town Vibes and Central Location

Approximately 79 miles from Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff is a high-elevation college town surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and endless hiking trails. It’s a great option if you’re planning to explore more of Northern Arizona or use it as a basecamp for multiple day trips.

Benefits: More hotel choices, outdoor recreation, craft breweries, dining, and shopping
Ideal For: Adventure seekers, road trippers, and those visiting Sedona, Page, or Petrified Forest in the same trip
Popular Activities: Snowbowl Ski Resort (in winter), Mt. Humphreys hike, Lowell Observatory, local breweries

Sedona – Luxury and Red Rock Beauty

Located about 110 miles from the South Rim, Sedona is a picturesque destination known for its stunning red rock formations, artistic culture, and spiritual energy. If you prefer a more luxurious Grand Canyon vacation, Sedona offers upscale resorts, romantic cabins, and spa retreats that are perfect for winding down after a day of adventure.

Benefits: Luxury lodging, spa experiences, scenic beauty, boutique shopping
Ideal For: Couples, wellness travelers, photographers, and luxury seekers
Popular Options: Enchantment Resort, L’Auberge de Sedona, Amara Resort, Creekside cabins

Explore Grand Canyon South Rim Lodging »

Grand Canyon Helicopter & Airplane Tours

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.

Departure points: Most flights leave from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan
Highlights: Fly over the Colorado River, North Rim, and dramatic canyon formations
Best For: Photographers, thrill-seekers, and travelers short on time

Grand Canyon Ground Tours: Vans, Jeeps & Buses

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.

Departure cities: Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, Las Vegas, and Phoenix
Includes: Roundtrip transportation, park entry, and often a professional guide
Best For: Groups, families, and those who want a deeper historical and geological understanding

Grand Canyon Railway Tour

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.

Includes: Entertainment on board, stunning forest scenery, and direct access to the South Rim
Best For: Families, Route 66 travelers, and anyone seeking a unique experience

Self-Guided Walking & Audio Tours

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.

Where to find: Grand Canyon Visitor Center or mobile apps
Best For: International travelers, solo explorers, and budget-conscious visitors

See All Tours at Grand Canyon South Rim »

GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOURS & PLACES TO STAY

Briar Patch Inn - Sedona

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.