Grand Canyon South Rim: Best Things to See & Do
Whether you’re visiting for the day or several days there are so many cool sights at the Grand Canyon. The last time we visited we camped at Mather Campground.
A huge summer storm came in bringing dark clouds and lots of rain. It was beautiful and cooled everyone off. The storm moved on almost as quickly as it started and we had clear skies the following day so we had some great views.
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The mighty Colorado River, along with millions of years of time, carved out this incredible masterpiece, layer by stunning layer. If you’re lucky enough to have a few days to spend here, trust me, you’ll barely scratch the surface.
See the Greatest Canyon & Arizona’s Natural Wonder
The Grand Canyon isn’t just one big overlook it’s: scenic drives, peaceful hikes, sunrise vistas that will leave you speechless, little hidden corners where it feels like you’re the only person on earth, and amazing memories.
The Grand Canyon’s main tourist attraction is the south rim. It is were 90 percent of visitors will explore what the canyon has to offer.
Things to do in the Grand Canyon (at each shuttle stop)
If you take the free Grand Canyon Shuttle bus it will take you by lots of gorgeous scenic viewpoints, museums, shops, and trail heads. There are five shuttle lines, the Desert View shuttle is seasonal.
- Visitor Center (Orange Shuttle Line)
- Market Plaza (Blue Shuttle Line)
- Village (Blue Shuttle Line)
- Hermit’s Rest (west) (Red Shuttle Line)
- Desert View (east) (Orange line)
- Tusayan Park & Ride (purple line) – only open in the summer.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center & Rim Trail
As soon as you roll through the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park, your very first stop?
The Grand Canyon Visitor Center. It pops up almost right away, and trust me, it’s worth pulling over.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a map, get your bearings, and figure out your game plan for the day.
You’ve got a few awesome options, all starting right here:
- If you’ve been driving for a while, you may want to stretch your legs, lace up your sneakers and hit the Rim Trail. This trail hugs the edge of the canyon, and it’s mostly flat and paved near the Visitor Center, making it an easy stroll no matter your pace.
- Rent a bike.
- Hop on a free shuttle bus. The orange and blue lines whisk you straight to some of the best viewpoints without the parking hassle.
First Big WOW at the Grand Canyon
From the Visitor Center, it’s a short, easy walk, about a third of a mile, to Mather Point. This is where most visitors get their very first jaw-dropping look at the Grand Canyon. Trust me, you’ll want to have your camera ready. The canyon stretches out in layers of red, orange, and gold that seem to go on forever.
If you’ve got a little extra time keep walking west along the Rim Trail. This stretch is one of the easiest and most rewarding walks in the park. About a mile from Mather Point, you’ll reach Yavapai Point and the Geology Museum. This spot is a hidden gem.
Yavapai Point & Geology Museum
Inside the museum, you’ll find huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows with panoramic canyon views. It’s the perfect place to really see the story of the canyon. Learn how the rock layers formed over millions of years, what the different colors mean, and how the mighty Colorado River continues to shape it today.
The exhibits are super easy to follow , and the air-conditioning feels amazing if you’re visiting during warmer months.
If you’ve got a little extra time keep walking west along the Rim Trail. This stretch is one of the easiest and most rewarding walks in the park. About a mile from Mather Point, you’ll reach Yavapai Point and the Geology Museum. This spot is a hidden gem.
Kaibab Rim Route – Orange Line Shuttle Bus
We took the Kaibab/Rim Route shuttle (orange line) from the Visitor’s Center to the South Kaibab Trail. Getting there early was the key. The bus was not crowded and the path is shaded in the morning.
If you’ve never taken a shuttle at the Grand Canyon before, don’t worry it’s super easy. They’re clearly marked, they run often, and best of all, they’re free! Just hop on and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the view. This bus will take you to the following points of interest:
- South Kaibab Trail (eastbound)
- Pipe Creek Overlook (westbound)
- Mather Point (westbound)
- Yavapai Geology Museum (westbound)
- Yaki Point (eastbound)
- Visitor Center
The South Kaibab trail starts off with steep switchbacks. Even if you’re not planning to hike all the way to the bottom the South Kaibab Trail offers some of the most stunning canyon views with just a short hike.
The hike to Ooh Ahh Point is just under two miles round-trip and it’s absolutely worth the trek.
The name says it all. The first time you step out onto that ledge and look around, it’s all “oohs” and “aahs”. The views are stunning.
After hiking you can take the shuttle back to the Visitor’s center where your car is parked.
Market Plaza (Blue Route)
Just west of the Visitor’s center is the Grand Canyon Market Plaza area. It’s like a mini town center.
There’s a post office here and a bank. The Grand Canyon General Store has snacks, sunscreen, hiking socks, souvenirs… you name it, they probably have it .
Market Plaza is also super convenient if you’re camping at Mather Campground. We were able to walk down a short path from our tent site to the plaza. Keep your eyes open as you stroll through this area!
We spot several elk just grazing including a baby elk.
The Village (Blue Route)
The train depot for Williams is on the way west towards the Village. The Village is where the majority of lodges are located including the famous Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House and Verkamp’s Visitor Center.
From here visitors can catch the red and blue line shuttle bus. The Bright Angel Trail is located in this area. This trail is extremely popular.
From Market Plaza, we keep heading west and pretty soon we pass the historic Grand Canyon Railway Depot. If you’re coming via train from Williams, this is where the train drops visitors off.
Not much farther and we arrive at the Village, which is the heart of the South Rim.
This is where most of the famous historic lodges are, including:
- Verkamp’s Visitor Center — a great place to dig into the canyon’s history
- Bright Angel Lodge — cozy and rustic, full of charm
- El Tovar Hotel — elegant and iconic, with serious Old West vibes
- Hopi House — a beautiful spot for authentic Native American arts and crafts
The points to the west of the Village towards Hermit’s Rest can only be accessed by walking the Rim Trail or by taking a shuttle bus. Needless to say, the earlier you catch the shuttle bus the less people you will encounter.
Hermit’s Rest – West of the South Rim
Catch the red line shuttle bus just past Bright Angel Lodge to see the stops on the west side of the canyon. There are nine stops along this 7-mile route. The bus ride is 80 minutes long if you do not get off at any of the stops.
- Hermit Trailhead
- Pima Point
- Monument Creek Vista
- The Abyss
- Mohave Point
- Hopi Point
- Powell Point
- Maricopa Point
- Travelview Overlook
- Bright Angel Trailhead
Hopi Point
Hopi Point stop juts out farther into the canyon and offers great views of the Colorado River. We visited this stop during the rainy season, so the water looked like mud.
Powell Point
Hermit’s Rest
Hermit’s Rest is the final stop on the shuttle bus and leads to the trail head. This is also the only spot on the route with a water station, gift shop and place to purchase snacks and drinks.
Hermit’s Rest was opened in 1914 as a rest house. Visitors were brought by horse and buggy. Mary Colter designed Hermit’s Rest, which has now been converted into a gift shop. Stop in and check it out if you are out this way. It is on the natural historic registry.
Desert View Drive
For a little less congestion drive east on Desert View Drive for the next 23 miles. The free shuttle bus only come this way in the summer, so if you are visiting at another time of year and want to see the east side of the canyon you’ll need a car. This side of the canyon, in my opinion, is better because there are less people.
Hiking at the Grand Canyon
Hiking in the Grand Canyon is amazing. Just remember lots of water and salty snacks. Before you even set foot on the trail: Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Depending on the time of year you’re hiking you will need several liters per person.
The Grand Canyon is sneaky it heats up fast as the day goes on. Salty snacks are a must. Think trail mix, pretzels, or even a few handfuls of nuts. Salt helps your body hang onto the water you’re drinking. Remember it is cooler at the top then at the bottom.
