Back to destinations Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Best of Grand Canyon National Park

The South Rim is the one everyone means — the drives, the viewpoints and the light change everything about it.

3 daysLocal gems

Trip length

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Best time to visit: March to May, September to November

Comfortable rim temperatures and long light on the canyon walls. Summer is hot and crowded, and the inner canyon is far hotter than the rim.

Sightseeing
Yavapai Point
Experience panoramic views of the central Canyon, a perfect introduction to its immense scale.
Sightseeing
Grand Canyon Village Historic District
Stroll among historic buildings and enjoy classic Canyon architecture.
Activity
Rim Trail
A paved path along the canyon's edge linking many of the South Rim's best viewpoints.

Sightseeing
Hermit Road
Explore this scenic drive with many overlooks offering dramatic western Canyon views, typically shuttle-only.
Sightseeing
Hopi Point
Catch expansive views, especially popular for sunrise or sunset, and a key stop along Hermit Road.

Sightseeing
Desert View Watchtower
Climb the historic watchtower for sweeping views of the eastern Canyon and the Colorado River's bend.
Sightseeing
Desert View Drive
Enjoy the scenic drive along the eastern rim with multiple overlooks, offering a different perspective of the Canyon.

Make it your own

Start from this curated plan — Runes copies it into your trips so you can tweak dates, budget, pace, and stops. Personalized to your style soon.