Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Guide

When you see the Grand Canyon on screen, chances are you’re seeing the South Rim. As the most highly developed Grand Canyon destination, with numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions, as well as a network of shuttle buses, it’s no wonder the South Rim attracts the majority of adventurers – nearly 5 million visitors explore the South Rim’s many iconic viewpoints every year!

The South Rim experiences four distinct seasons, including a warm, dry summer and a “monsoon season” that lasts from mid-June to mid-September. Don’t worry – because Arizona gets less than 10 inches of rain per year, a “monsoon” only consists of 2-3 inches of rainfall! Afternoon storms are common in July and August, but are often just wind and lighting instead of rain. If it is rainy, there are lots of sights and activities in the Grand Canyon Village!

The South Rim features nearly two dozen viewpoints, many of which let you see all the way down to the Canyon floor.

A trip to the South Rim isn’t complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon Village. The Grand Canyon Village contains many of the Grand Canyon’s most iconic buildings and landmarks – in fact, it’s home to so many famous structures that it’s officially considered a National History Landmark District! Learn more about some of the most famous landmarks in our blog post on exploring the Grand Canyon Village.

The South Rim is also home to Bright Angel Trail (not to be confused with Bright Angel Point at the North Rim), which offers a perfect single-day hike for hikers. The trail is 7 miles long each direction, so hikers should not plan on completing the entire trail in a single day. Instead, there are markers every 1.5 miles along the trail, so adventurous travelers looking for a single-day hike can turn around and return to the trailhead whenever they please.

Development of the South Rim region began in 1905 and continues to this day. The area known as the Grand Canyon Village, seen at right, is now home to several hotels, restaurants, gift shops, museums, and other services, making the South Rim a perfect option for families. The nearby town of Tusayan also offers an IMAXtheater, as well as more hotels, restaurants, and Grand Canyon tour options.

The Grand Canyon Airport is also located in the town of Tusayan, only 7 miles from the South Rim and 2 miles from the park entrance. The airport currently has one runway and is served by three airlines, receiving flights from the North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Henderson, NV airports. The airport also supports several local tour operators, including a variety of Grand Canyon airplane and helicopter tours.

Once you’re in the National Park, transportation is free and reliable. A network of shuttle buses runs between many of the most iconic viewpoints year-round. Shuttle bus stops are clearly marked and do not require tickets. Simply hop on and hop off!

The South Rim is managed by the National Park Service. Admission costs $30 for a single vehicle, and is good for 7 days at both the South and North Rims. The Park is open 24 hours a day year round, which makes it a perfect option for stargazers and sunrise or sunset enthusiasts.

The South Rim and the West Rim are the two most popular Grand Canyon destinations. Both offer stunning viewpoints and many fun activities and attractions to explore, but depending on your travel plans, one Rim may be more ideal for your vacation. We can help you decide:

If you’ve never visited the Grand Canyon before, the South Rim is the best place to start. It offers the most recognizable views, the most amenities, and the most activities, which makes it perfect spot for new visitors and families with small children.

The South Rim is also an ideal location for visitors who are driving themselves. If you would rather take a guided bus tour, consider visiting the West Rim.

Canyon Tours offers a variety of South Rim tours that cater to whatever Grand Canyon experience you desire.

Find answers to all your questions about the Grand Canyon in our newly updated guide!