If visiting the Grand Canyon’s steep red rock walls and deep valleys is not already on your bucket list, it should be! A great location for family vacations, hiking, and photography, the Grand Canyon receives almost 5 million visitors each year. When planning your trip to the Grand Canyon, it is important to decide whether you are visiting the South Rim or the North Rim. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open year round and offers over 20 different viewpoints. Considered to be the ideal option for first time visitors, the South Rim provides a beautiful look into the heart of the Grand Canyon. Read on to learn more about things to do at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, including top hiking trails, other options for experiencing the Grand Canyon, and tips for your trip.
Grand Canyon South Rim Hikes
When hiking at the South Rim, be sure to remember water, sun protection, and snacks. Summer temperatures are high with little to no shade on the trails. Be careful to consider the steep elevation changes and weather when picking what route to hike on at the Grand Canyon.
Bright Angel Trail
The most well known trail at the South Rim, this trail contains four major switchbacks and two tunnels. Choose to hike any length of the trail to different viewpoints and notable locations. This trail descends 4,380 feet down into the canyon.
South Rim Trail
Next, hike along this paved trail that is family friendly and wheelchair accessible. It stretches over 12 miles long but has shuttle stops approximately every mile so that you can hike for as long or little as you would like!
South Kaibab Trail
Hike the South Kaibab trail to experience a number of different viewpoints that overlook the canyon. Located at Yaki Point, near the Visitor’s Center, this trail is nearby to a number of tourist sights. This dirt trail that is frequented by mules can be taken for as long as you desire. A steeper and more strenuous option, the trail follows a ridge and is in direct sun exposure for its entirety. Check out this link for more information from the National Park Service about the trail itself.
Experience the South Rim
Grand Canyon Railway
Take a trip by train from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Enjoy a unique and memorable train ride with a three hour stop at Grand Canyon Village to explore the canyon as well as the historic exhibits in the village.
Grand Canyon Village
Grand Canyon Village is home to the main visitor’s center, Market Plaza, and Historic District. The Visitor’s Center at Mather Point is the transportation hub for all of the park’s free shuttles as well as the main parking lots for the South Rim. Market Plaza contains the general store as well as all other businesses. Finally, the Historic District allows you to experience a blast from the past with a look at the Pioneer Days of the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Mule Trip
Mule trips at the South Rim allow you to experience the canyon through its most popular historic form of transportation. Common since the 1800s, travel by mule is easier on both your feet and your lungs!
Helicopter Tour
What better way to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon than an aerial view of the 18 mile wide gorge. A variety of different companies offer helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon that range from 45 minutes to five hours.
Bike Tour of the Rim
Bright Angel Bicycles offer a number of different options for bike tours and rentals at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Road biking is an awesome way to reach many different viewpoints on the rim of the canyon in one day! Kids and adults alike enjoy the breeze they feel while riding bikes along the rim of the beautiful Grand Canyon in the warm sun.
Grand Canyon Tips
- Summer is the busiest and hottest time to visit the Grand Canyon. This peak season is known for both heat and crowds. Instead, considering visiting the Grand Canyon in the Spring or Fall for lower temperatures and smaller crowds. Winter is also a great time to visit and see the snowy canyon from a different perspective.
- To enter Grand Canyon National Park, you must pay for a $35 pass that lasts for seven days.
- For a memorable view of the Grand Canyon, go to one of the view points at either sunrise or sunset. The view of the canyon washed in the sun’s warm colors will be unforgettable.
- Take advantage of the park’s free shuttles to travel between different trails, viewpoints, and other desired locations.
- Finally, as mentioned above, planning to bring sunscreen, lots of water and food, good hiking shoes, and your phone to use in case of emergencies is essential to a safe trip to the Grand Canyon.
Wander Camp’s Grand Canyon location is located in Valle, Arizona, and is located only 30-45 minutes from different parts of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Enjoy comfortable accommodations right under the phenomenal night sky. Wander Camp ensures a private stay far from the noise of the city. Book your Grand Canyon South Rim stay today for the upcoming Spring and Summer!
Post written by Maggie Jackson