The South Rim Of The Grand Canyon

The South Rim recieves most of the visitors to Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim is open everday of the year, even on holidays.

If you plan on camping or staying at a South Rim hotel, you will have to make your reservations early. The busiest times are during the summer months and you can expect crowds, problems finding parking, and hot weather.

The least crowded times are during the winter months, but at 7,000 feet in elevation, winter weather conditions can be difficult. Spring and autumn are great times to visit the South Rim. The weather is usually nice and crowds aren't usually a concern. Be sure to check the Grand Canyon weather forecast.

Canyon View Information Plaza is the main Grand Canyon National Park visitor facility. Here you will find the visitor center (Canyon View Center), a large bookstore, restrooms, all within a short walk of Mather Campground.

There are many scenic overlooks that are accessible by car that provide spectacular views of the Grand Canyon. Desert View Drive (Highway 64) follows the canyon rim for 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village to Desert View, which is the east entrance to the park. Desert View Drive is open to private vehicles throughout the year. Hermit Road follows the rim for 7 miles west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from March through November. The park runs a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to many of the canyon overlooks.

An easy hiking trail, known as the Rim Trail, follows the rim from Pipe Creek Vista to Hermits Rest. The section of the Rim Trail between Pipe Creek Vista and Maricopa Point is paved, and mostly wheelchair accessible. Unpaved portions of the trail, between Maricopa Point and Hermits Rest, are narrow and close to the edge. Bicycles are not permitted on the Rim Trail.

Yavapai Observation Station at Yavapai Point offers panoramic views of the canyon, including the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. To see the view form Yayapai Point take a look at the Grand Canyon webcam.

For viewing and photographing the Grand Canyon, the best light is early or late in the day. Mid-day sun tends to flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short in the winter and long in the summer. If you plan to see the Grand Canyon at sunrise or sunset, it is recommended that you be on the rim at least an hour before.

The Colorado River flows along the bottom of the canyon, 5000 feet below the rim. Because of the depth of the Grand Canyon, the river is visible only from certain viewpoints. It is a two-day hike to the river and back from the South Rim. It's a longer trip from the North Rim. It is possible to drive to the Colorado River at Lees Ferry (near Marble Canyon, Arizona), a 2.5 hour drive (one way) from the South Rim. Lees Ferry marks the official beginning of Grand Canyon.