Things to Do at the Grand Canyon South Rim

The South Rim offers far more than a quick stop at one overlook. Visitors can walk beside the canyon, descend below the rim, explore historic buildings, ride scenic shuttles, join ranger programs and book adventures by air, trail, train or river.

Most first-time visitors should combine three types of experiences: a major viewpoint, a short walk or hike, and either a scenic drive or guided activity. The ideas below will help you choose what fits your schedule, interests and comfort level.

Choose the Best Grand Canyon Experience

If You Want To...	Start With
See famous canyon views	Mather Point, Yaki Point, Hopi Point and Desert View
Take an easy scenic walk	A paved or mostly level section of the Rim Trail
Hike below the rim	Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail
Explore park history	Bright Angel Lodge, Kolb Studio, Hopi House and Verkamp’s Visitor Center
Plan a family day	Junior Ranger activities, the Rim Trail and visitor-center exhibits
Avoid driving and parking	The park’s free South Rim shuttle system
Take a guided adventure	A helicopter flight, guided hike, mule ride or vehicle tour
Spend a night under the stars	Mather Campground or seasonal Desert View Campground

First visit with only one day?
Begin at Mather Point, walk part of the Rim Trail, explore the historic village, and spend the afternoon along Hermit Road or Desert View Drive. Finish at a west-facing overlook for sunset.

Top 10 Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

1. See Your First View from Mather Point

Mather Point is close to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and provides a dramatic introduction to the South Rim. Its large viewing areas make it convenient for first-time visitors, although it can be busy during the middle of the day.

2. Walk Part of the Rim Trail

The Rim Trail follows the South Rim for approximately 13 miles, but you do not need to walk the entire route. Choose a short section between viewpoints and use the park shuttle to avoid retracing your steps.

Plan a Grand Canyon Rim Trail Walk »

3. Watch Sunrise from Yaki Point

Yaki Point provides broad views into the eastern canyon and is a popular place to watch the first light reach the cliffs. Private vehicles are generally not permitted at the overlook, so visitors normally arrive using the Kaibab Rim shuttle.

Check the current shuttle schedule before planning an early-morning visit, especially outside the main summer season.

4. Explore the Historic Village

The Grand Canyon Village Historic District contains some of the park’s most recognizable buildings, including El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, Lookout Studio, Kolb Studio and Verkamp’s Visitor Center.

Visitors can combine historic exhibits, architecture, shopping, dining and canyon views without moving their vehicle between every stop.

5. Ride the Hermit Road Shuttle

Hermit Road travels west from Grand Canyon Village to Hermits Rest, stopping at overlooks such as Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, Mohave Point and Pima Point.

During most of the busy season, the road is closed to ordinary private vehicles and is explored using the free Hermits Rest Route shuttle. Visitors can get off at selected viewpoints, walk portions of the Rim Trail and board a later bus.

6. Drive Desert View Drive

Desert View Drive extends approximately 23 miles between Grand Canyon Village and the park’s East Entrance. Unlike Hermit Road, it is generally open to private vehicles and provides access to Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point and Desert View.

Allow several hours if you plan to stop at multiple overlooks rather than treating the road as a quick drive-through.

7. Visit Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower stands near the eastern end of the South Rim and offers expansive views of the canyon, Colorado River and Painted Desert. The structure was designed by architect Mary Colter and incorporates artwork and architectural details inspired by regional Indigenous traditions.

Access to interior levels can depend on current hours, capacity and operations, but the surrounding overlook is worthwhile even when the upper tower is unavailable.

8. Hike Below the Rim

Bright Angel and South Kaibab are the primary maintained trails descending from the South Rim. Even a short hike requires a steep return climb, so choose a turnaround based on elevation change, heat and available water rather than mileage alone.

For an easier outing, remain on the Rim Trail. Do not attempt to hike from the rim to the Colorado River and back in one day.

Compare Grand Canyon Hiking Trails »

9. Join a Guided Grand Canyon Experience

Guided activities can add transportation, interpretation or access to an itinerary. Options include vehicle tours, helicopter flights, guided hikes, mule trips, scenic railway excursions and multi-day rafting adventures.

The departure point matters. South Rim flights and tours provide a different experience from Las Vegas and West Rim excursions, so confirm which rim the trip actually visits before booking.

Compare Grand Canyon Tours »

10. Watch the Canyon Change at Sunset

Sunset colors vary with clouds, haze and season, but the hour before and after sunset often provides the most interesting light. Hopi Point, Mohave Point, Yavapai Point, Mather Point and Lipan Point are popular choices.

Do not leave immediately when the sun drops below the horizon. Reflected light can continue changing the canyon for several minutes, while parking lots and shuttle stops are often busiest right at sunset.

Do not try to do all ten in one day.
Choose three or four experiences that work geographically. Combining the historic village with Hermit Road makes sense, while Desert View Drive is better treated as a separate half-day outing.

Things to Do at the Grand Canyon FAQ

What should a first-time visitor do at the Grand Canyon?

See a major overlook, walk part of the Rim Trail, explore the historic village and visit either Hermit Road or Desert View Drive. Avoid spending the entire visit driving between every possible stop.

How many days do you need at the South Rim?

One full day covers the main viewpoints and village. Two days provide time for a longer hike, guided tour, Desert View Drive or a slower visit without packing every activity into one schedule.

What can you do at the Grand Canyon without hiking?

Visit overlooks, ride park shuttles, explore historic buildings, attend ranger programs, drive Desert View Drive, tour museums or take a helicopter, railway or vehicle excursion.

What are the best free things to do?

After paying the park entrance fee, viewpoints, trails, shuttle buses, visitor-center exhibits and most ranger programs do not require a separate activity ticket.

What is the easiest scenic walk?

A short section of the Rim Trail near Mather Point, Yavapai Point or Grand Canyon Village provides excellent views with relatively little elevation change.

Where is the best place to watch sunrise?

Yaki Point, Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Lipan Point are popular sunrise locations. The best choice depends on shuttle operations, parking and where you are staying.

Where is the best place to watch sunset?

Hopi Point is famous for sunset, while Mohave Point, Yavapai Point, Mather Point and Lipan Point are also strong choices. Arrive early and remain after the sun drops below the horizon.

Can you drive to all the South Rim viewpoints?

No. Private vehicles are restricted from Yaki Point and from Hermit Road during much of the year. Free park shuttles provide access to these areas.

Is Desert View worth visiting?

Yes, particularly for visitors entering or leaving through the East Entrance. The area combines broad canyon views, the historic watchtower and several strong overlooks along Desert View Drive.

Are Grand Canyon shuttles free?

Yes. The park’s South Rim shuttle buses are included with park admission, but routes and operating schedules change by season.

Can you visit the Grand Canyon with children?

Yes. The Rim Trail, Junior Ranger activities, visitor-center exhibits and shuttle-accessible overlooks work well for families. Adults must supervise children closely near exposed edges.

Can you visit the Grand Canyon in winter?

Yes. The South Rim remains open throughout the year, although snow, ice, road conditions and reduced seasonal services may affect an itinerary.

Plan More of Your Grand Canyon Visit

The best overlook depends on the time of day, transportation and how far you want to travel.

Mather Point
Best for a convenient first view near the main visitor center. It is easy to reach but often busy.

Yavapai Point
Best for combining canyon views with the exhibits at Yavapai Geology Museum.

Yaki Point
Best for sunrise and eastern views. Access is normally by shuttle rather than private vehicle.

Hopi Point
Best known for sunset and wide views along Hermit Road. Expect crowds near sunset.

Mohave Point
Offers views of the Colorado River and can be a quieter alternative to Hopi Point.

Lipan Point
One of the strongest Desert View Drive overlooks, with long views of the Colorado River and canyon geology.

Desert View
Combines a major overlook with Desert View Watchtower, cultural interpretation and East Entrance access.

Shoshone Point
Reached by a relatively level forest walk and often quieter than developed overlooks. The final point has exposed edges without guardrails.

Read the Shoshone Point Guide »

Walk the Rim Trail
The Rim Trail is the most flexible outdoor activity at the South Rim. Walk a short paved section or combine a longer one-way walk with shuttle transportation.

Hike Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel begins in Grand Canyon Village and offers established turnaround points. It is well maintained but still steep and strenuous.

Read the Bright Angel Trail Guide »

Hike South Kaibab Trail
South Kaibab offers broad, unobstructed views but has little shade and no water. Ooh Aah Point is a popular short destination for prepared hikers.

Read the South Kaibab Trail Guide »

Take a Mule Trip
Commercial mule experiences operate from the South Rim. Availability, rider restrictions and exact itineraries can change, so reservations should be made through the authorized concessioner.

Ride Horses Near Tusayan
Guided horseback rides outside the park travel through the Kaibab National Forest near Tusayan. These are separate from the mule trips operating inside Grand Canyon National Park.

Ride a Bicycle
Visitors can bike designated roads and greenway paths or join guided bicycle experiences. Hermit Road is particularly popular when ordinary private vehicles are restricted.

Take a Helicopter Flight
Scenic helicopter flights depart from the Grand Canyon Airport near Tusayan. Flight routes and durations vary, and South Rim flights generally do not land inside the canyon.

Compare Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours »

Plan a Rafting Trip
Multi-day whitewater expeditions travel through the Inner Canyon, while smooth-water float trips near Horseshoe Bend occur upstream in Glen Canyon. These are very different experiences.

Compare Grand Canyon Rafting Trips »

Bright Angel Lodge
Designed by Mary Colter and opened in its present form in 1935, Bright Angel Lodge contains lodging, restaurants, shops and historic architectural features near the Bright Angel Trailhead.

Read the Bright Angel Lodge Guide »

El Tovar Hotel
Opened in 1905, El Tovar is one of the South Rim’s best-known historic buildings. Visitors can view its exterior and lobby or reserve dining and lodging when available.

Read the El Tovar Hotel Guide »

Hopi House
Hopi House was designed by Mary Colter and opened in 1905. It continues to showcase and sell work by Indigenous artists.

Kolb Studio
Built and expanded by pioneering photographers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb, the studio stands beside Bright Angel Trail and contains exhibits, a shop and canyon views.

Lookout Studio
Another Mary Colter design, Lookout Studio appears to grow from the canyon rim and provides viewing terraces near Bright Angel Lodge.

Verkamp’s Visitor Center
Exhibits explain what it has been like to live and work in the Grand Canyon community. The building also contains an information desk and museum store.

Yavapai Geology Museum
Large windows and exhibits help visitors understand how the canyon formed. It is one of the best places to connect the visible rock layers with the canyon’s geologic history.

Tusayan Museum and Ruin
Located along Desert View Drive, this small archaeological site interprets ancestral Puebloan life. Check its current operating status before making it a primary stop.

Complete a Junior Ranger Program
Junior Ranger activity books help children learn about geology, wildlife, history and park protection. Books and current instructions are available through park information locations.

Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Exhibits, maps and ranger information help families orient themselves before beginning the day. Passport stamps and Junior Ranger materials are available at the Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store across the plaza.

Walk a Short Rim Trail Section
A walk between Mather Point and Yavapai Point provides continuous views without committing the family to a steep Inner Canyon climb.

Ride the Shuttle
For many children, the bus ride between overlooks is part of the experience. It also limits the need to repeatedly load and unload a vehicle or search for parking.

Attend a Ranger Program
Program topics and locations vary by date and season. Check the park calendar rather than assuming a particular walk or evening presentation runs every day.

Visit the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater
Located in Tusayan, the theater provides an indoor activity outside the park and can be useful during poor weather or the hottest part of a summer afternoon.

Ride the Grand Canyon Railway
The train travels from Williams to Grand Canyon Village and includes onboard entertainment. It is a full-day experience rather than a short ride around the rim.

Plan a Grand Canyon Railway Trip »

Watch children closely near every rim.
Many overlooks and trail sections have exposed edges. Railings are not present everywhere, and loose rock can make apparently level areas hazardous.

Tusayan is the closest gateway community to the South Entrance and contains hotels, restaurants, shops and tour departure points.

Grand Canyon IMAX Theater
Watch a large-format film about Grand Canyon history and exploration or visit the adjoining visitor services.

Helicopter and Air Tours
Grand Canyon Airport is located near Tusayan and serves scenic helicopter and airplane flights.

Horseback Riding
Guided rides operate in the Kaibab National Forest outside the national park. These should not be confused with the park’s South Rim mule experiences.

Dining and Shopping
Tusayan provides additional restaurants and stores beyond those available inside Grand Canyon Village.

Seasonal Park-and-Ride Shuttle
The Tusayan Route provides seasonal transportation between designated Tusayan stops and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. A valid park pass is required, and operating dates change from year to year.

2026 shuttle dates:
The Tusayan Route is scheduled to operate from May 23 through September 11, 2026. Verify current times before relying on it for your return trip.

Mather Campground
Located in Grand Canyon Village, Mather Campground is open throughout the year and provides convenient access to shuttle transportation. Reservations are strongly recommended during busy seasons.

Trailer Village
Trailer Village provides full RV hookups and operates year-round. It is connected to the South Rim shuttle system.

Desert View Campground
This seasonal campground is located near Desert View Watchtower, approximately 23 miles east of Grand Canyon Village. It has no RV hookups.

Desert View is no longer first-come, first-served.
Reservations are required. For 2026, the campground is scheduled to operate from April 11 through October 18, subject to current park conditions.

Tusayan-Montane Campground
This seasonal U.S. Forest Service campground is south of Tusayan. Some sites may be reservable while others may be offered first-come, first-served under current operating rules.

Backcountry Camping
Camping below the rim is separate from developed campground reservations and generally requires a Grand Canyon backcountry permit.

Spring
Spring brings longer days and expanding shuttle service, but snow and ice can remain on upper trails. It is a strong season for rim walks and scenic drives when weather cooperates.

Summer
Summer provides the widest range of services and programs but also brings crowds, thunderstorms and dangerous Inner Canyon heat. Schedule overlooks and rim activities during the middle of the day rather than strenuous below-rim hiking.

Fall
Early fall often combines comfortable rim temperatures with full or nearly full visitor services. Shuttle and campground operations begin changing later in the season.

Winter
Winter can provide solitude, snow-covered scenery and easier parking. Roads, overlooks and trails may be icy, while some services and shuttle routes operate on reduced schedules.

Compare Grand Canyon Seasons »

Park once when possible.
Parking lots near the visitor center are designed as a central starting point for shuttle trips, Rim Trail walks and bicycle connections.

Shuttle routes are seasonal.
The park does not operate the same routes, hours or frequencies throughout the year. Check the current schedule before building a tightly timed itinerary.

Carry water.
The South Rim is approximately 7,000 feet above sea level, and its cool air can hide how quickly visitors are becoming dehydrated.

Prepare for changing weather.
Temperatures can shift quickly, especially during spring, winter and summer thunderstorms. Bring layers even when nearby desert cities are hot.

Protect wildlife.
Do not feed or approach wildlife. Elk and other large animals can injure visitors, while squirrels are responsible for many bites.

Leave natural and cultural objects in place.
Do not remove rocks, plants, pottery fragments or other artifacts.

Drones are prohibited.
Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft from National Park Service lands is generally prohibited at Grand Canyon National Park.

Pets have limited access.
Leashed pets are permitted on designated rim trails and in certain developed areas but are not allowed on Inner Canyon trails. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle.

Download information before arrival.
Cell service varies throughout the park. Save maps, reservations and essential directions before traveling away from developed areas.

GRAND CANYON TOURS & ATTRACTIONS

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

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