When planning a Grand Canyon vacation, many visitors have become intrigued by recent news of the Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West (West Rim), but most do not wish to miss out on the quintessential Grand Canyon experience. So which should you visit - the South Rim or the West Rim? The answer depends on several factors and ultimately comes down to whatever makes the most sense for your vacation. Here are some basics to help you figure out what you expect to get out of you Grand Canyon visit, and choose the Rim that's right for you.
The majority of visitors come to the South Rim each year. Compare 5 million annual South Rim visitors to 1 million yearly North Rim visitors and 200,000 annual visitors at the West Rim. There is a good reason people flock to the South Rim; it's part of Grand Canyon National Park; it's stunningly beautiful; it's more developed by way of visitors centers and services; there's more lodging nearby; you can hike, backpack and camp; it's easier to access; it's more centrally located for Arizona visitors; and it offers more activity and tour variety.
The West Rim is emerging as a destination, and it's on tribal reservation land, so it offers fewer options for lodging, services, visitor centers and variety when it comes to activities and tours. Because it's not a part of Grand Canyon National Park but actually owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe on tribal land, Grand Canyon West is more a tour destination and pay-for-admission attraction than the National Park. Its proximity to Las Vegas, unique Skywalk attraction, beautiful rugged views and plethora of Las Vegas tour packages make the West Rim a fantastic choice for more and more of the Grand Canyon-bound each year.
Both the South Rim and the West Rim are open year-round. Weather extremes and moderates occur at both rims at different times of year; the West Rim sees the more extreme summer heat, and the South Rim experiences far colder winter temperatures.
The South Rim is better suited to visitors on a modest to moderate budget, while the West Rim requires at least a moderate budget for entry and to take advantage of the tours and activities available for both transportation and on-site fun.
To put it simply, popularity, availability of services, weather and budget are some of the major considerations when deciding whether the South Rim or the West Rim is right for you.
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Experience the wind ripping through your hair on a thrill ride over nature's wildest predators. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a world-class zip line over Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde Arizona! We are conveniently located less than 20 miles from Sedona, in the heart of … More
Experience the wind ripping through your hair on a thrill ride over nature's wildest predators. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a world-class zip line over Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde Arizona! We are conveniently located less than 20 miles from Sedona, in the heart of Northern Arizona's wine country, just minutes from tasting rooms and vineyards. From the top of the towers, you can see majestic red rocks, the San Francisco peaks, and the whole breathtaking Verde Valley including Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome. Come join us for a Zip Line adventure that you'll never forget! Ride the most exciting zip line ever devised, over Out of Africa and soar over Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Hyenas, Bears, Jaguars and other natural predators!
Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly
Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Shuttle Services Provided | Gear Rental Available or Provided | Meals Included | Multi-Day Tours
Professionally Guided | Meals Included | Multi-Day Tours
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
Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | ADA Accessible | Pet-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Fireplace(s) | Concierge
Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | Romantic
Family-Friendly | Reserve Now Pay Later | Additional Tour Options Available | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Optional Ground Tour
Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | Fireplace(s) | Free Hot Breakfast | Concierge | Pet-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Fitness Center
Leaves from Las Vegas | Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | ADA Accessible
Private Tours Available | Shuttle Services Provided | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours | Additional Tour Options Available | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly
Nearest to GNCP | On-site Restaurant | Indoor Pool | EV Charging Station
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
Family-Friendly | Outdoor Pool | Pet-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | On-site Restaurant | ADA Accessible | Nearest to GNCP | Fitness Center
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen
Meals Included | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Multi-Day Tours | Gear Rental Available or Provided
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours
On-site Restaurant | Family-Friendly | Outdoor Pool | Whirlpool Tub | Flagstaff Hotels
Sedona Lodging | Romantic | Free Hot Breakfast | Whirlpool Tub | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Pool
Romantic
Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Golf Course | Fitness Center | Wedding Venue
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Flagstaff Hotels
Journey with us to the most unforgettably beautiful landscapes in all of Arizona. Red Rock Treks offers private hiking, scenic, and vortex tours in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon. Immerse yourself in the Southwest’s most amazing areas. Visit a slot canyon with a seasone … More
Journey with us to the most unforgettably beautiful landscapes in all of Arizona. Red Rock Treks offers private hiking, scenic, and vortex tours in Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon. Immerse yourself in the Southwest’s most amazing areas. Visit a slot canyon with a seasoned Navajo guide, hike into the vastness of the Grand Canyon, or treat yourself to remote vortex areas surrounded by stunning red rock views. Whether your schedule allows a short morning tour or an all-day trek, we have you covered. Our expert guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and guarantee a day to remember.
We offer treks for all ages, levels, and abilities and gear each tour to your own fitness and comfort levels. Please visit our website for more detailed information and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call and we will be happy to possibly create a custom tour just for you. We take pride in offering truly unique outdoor adventures with an unsurpassed level of service.
Amenities: Reservations required, Professionally guided. Food/Beverage/Entrance fees included, Custom options available, Pick up from your Sedona resortFamily-Friendly | Additional Tour Options Available
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Outdoor Pool | Whirlpool Tub | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fitness Center | Flagstaff Hotels