For many, a trip to the Grand Canyon is on their bucket list. It was founded in 1919 making it one of the oldest national parks in the United States. Therefore when they visit they want to ensure that they get the most from their trip. As the Grand Canyon is vast with a number of different areas to see and a number of activities to take part in we have put together this post highlighting ways to make the most of your visit to the Grand Canyon South Rim. We hope it helps you when creating your itinerary/booking your trip/organising your tour etc.
Things to See When You Visit The Grand Canyon South Rim
As mentioned above there is a lot to see at the Grand Canyon. If it is your first visit to the Grand Canyon, like many you will want to head to the South Rim. It is the most accessible and popular section of the Canyon. It is important to note that there are three sections to the South Rim. These are Desert View Drive, Grand Canyon Village and Hermit Road, each of which offers something slightly different. However, wherever you visit, the South Rim will allow you experience scenic signs and stunning views of steep gorges and layers of red rock.
Things to Do When You Visit The Grand Canyon South Rim
As far as the things to do is concerned, the South Rim offers its visitors lots of activities, unlike the west or north regions. Before booking anything you should consider your physical ability, timeframe and budget. This will also you to decide what you want to do before you visit the Grand Canyon. It is recommended that you book all your activities prior to your visit to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Below are some recommended options:
- River Rafting
- Tours on Bus or jeep
- Bird watching
- Tours on helicopter or bus
- Horseback or mule riding
- Paragon skydiving
- Hiking
It is important to note that for some activities i.e. river rafting and overnight hikes, you need to get backcountry permits.
Make The Most of Your Time
It is likely that you will have a limited time to explore the Grand Canyon. Therefore you will want to make the most of your time. Regardless of whether you have one day or one week, you will want to see as much as possible and make every second count. With that in mind, here are some ways you can make the most of your time when you visit the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Avoid Crowds
Because the Grand Canyon is a popular landmark, it does get particularly busy with visitors year-round. However, if you want to avoid crowds as much as possible, try to plan your visit for January or February which are the quietest months of the year. It is important to note that they are also two of the coldest months of the year to visit, therefore remember to dress appropriately. If you do want to visit in the more popular months, try to avoid weekends which tend to be busier and visit mid-week if possible. Also, if you want to avoid crowds, head towards some of the less popular lookouts which still offer amazing views but attract fewer people.
Take An Organised Tour
If you have very limited time to explore the Grand Canyon, there are a number of organised tours you can take, especially if you are staying in nearby Flagstaff, Sedona or Las Vegas etc. You can book your Grand Canyon tour in advance or if based in Las Vegas from a number of shops that sells tickets to attractions on The Strip. Most packages include transport, knowledgeable guide and food. You will be shuttled from your hotel to the Grand Canyon and then around its most popular sites allowing you free time to explore at your leisure. These can be long days but are a great way to see the Grand Canyon, even if just for a few hours.
Parking
Parking at the Grand Canyon, especially during peak months can be quite difficult. Therefore, it is recommended that if you plan to bring your own car or hire car, you should arrive at the Grand Canyon no later than 9 am. You can save time by pre-paying the Grand Canyon entrance fee at the Visitor Center. This enables you to use a special lane and bypass traffic. If you arrive after 9 am, finding a parking space can be extremely time-consuming which can cut your time in the National Park considerably. If you plan on parking at the South Rim Visitor Center Plaza the lots are numbered 1 to 4, starting with Lot 1. Additional parking is available in lots A-B at Market Plaza and C-D in the Village Historic District.
Where To Stay
If you want to stay in the Grand Canyon at the South Rim, there are a number of options available. One of which is the Yavapai Lodge. This hotel holds a prime position and boasts a restaurant, tavern and coffee shop. It is also family-friendly, bike-friendly and pet-friendly. If you are visiting in an RV then there is the Trailer Village RV Park which offers electric hookups, is located close to the South Rim and is open all year round.
Of course, there are places further afield that offer accomodation which are still close enough to pay a visit to the Grand Canyon. These include the two major cities, Phoenix and Las Vegas together with the smaller city of Flagstaff which is only 1.5 hours from the South Rim. Towns close by including Tusayan, Sedona, Seligman, Peach Springs, Meadview, Marble Canyon, Fredonia and Jacob lake.
Visitors Center (Currently Closed Because of Covid)
The South Rim Visitor Centre is the best place to start your adventure from. Here you can plan your adventure further. You can buy park entrance tickets here. You can also pick up maps and brochures. This will allow you to decide on lookout points you want to visit and hikes you want to take etc. You can also pick up tour tickets here. For example and if your budget permits, a helicopter tour of the Canyon, which is an experience you are unlikely to forget. The South Rim Visitor’s Centre is also home to the IMAX theatre. It shows the 34 minute Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets movie. The movie begins hourly at half-past the hour. It allows you to submerge yourself in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon from the comfort of your seat.
Take A Shuttle Bus
A great way of seeing all the major sites of the South Rim is to hop on the free shuttle buses. The shuttle buses are covered by your entrance fee. Therefore are free to use as many times as you like during your visit. A number of routes are offered at regular intervals throughout the day. Some routes run all year round, whereas others only run at certain times of the year. It is advised, you check the timetable before making your journey. This will also help you plan your day. Shuttle bus stops are clearly marked throughout the National park.
Food and Drink
There are a few restaurants, cafes and snack stops at the South Rim, which you may want to purchase your food and drink from. However, if you want the freedom to eat while you explore, why not pack a picnic. This allows you to pick the perfect spot for you to stop at and eat your lunch, with one of the world’s most beautiful settings as your backdrop. Also, don’t forget to bring your reuseable water bottle. There are a number of water filling stations, which of course are free. Therefore, allowing you to fill up as necessary while visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim. You can find them in the following locations:
- Hermits Rest (located near the other public amenities)
- Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trailheads
- Canyon Village and Desert View Marketplaces
- Yavapai Geology Museum
- Grand Canyon, Verkamp’s and Desert View Visitor Centers
- Maswik Lodge (in the cafeteria)
We hope this information helps you when planning your visit to the Grand Canyon South Rim and allows you to make the most of your time while visiting this beautiful natural wonder.
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