Is it better to stay in the North Rim or South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

Though both the North and South Rims provide spectacular views of the canyon, the two sections of the park couldn't be more different from one another. The north rim is all about solitude and peace in nature, while the south rim is full of amenities and family-friendly activities.



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The South Rim is no doubt the most popular destination to see the Grand Canyon in all its glory. For one, you get massive panoramic views from the viewpoints at the South Rim. And two, the South Rim is more convenient to get to and has more amenities (Grand Canyon Village) that can handle a larger influx of visitors.

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If you are only visiting one rim of the Grand Canyon, make it the South Rim. The South Rim is located inside Grand Canyon National Park and offers the best views, best hiking, best activities, and best lodging at the Grand Canyon.

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Which rim of the Grand Canyon should you visit? The South Rim is a place everyone should visit at least once because it has iconic views. But the North Rim is a place you'll want to return to again because it provides more solitude and better sunsets.

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The town of Tusayan, which is just 15-20 minutes away from the main Visitor Center on the south rim, has a great selection of places to stay. Grand Canyon Junction (formerly known as Valle) is further out (about 30 minutes to the rim), but is another good option. If you want a hotel, stay in Tusayan, which has plenty.

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Grand Canyon South Rim is most frequently chosen by first-time visitors to the area not only for its beautiful views, but for its abundance of visitor services and family-oriented activities. The South Rim is open year-round.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

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Here are 9 viewpoints you can't miss on your North Rim adventure.
  • Point Imperial. Image Source: Grand Canyon National Park via Flickr. ...
  • Cape Royal. Image Source: Grand Canyon National Park via Flickr. ...
  • Bright Angel Point. ...
  • Roosevelt Point. ...
  • Walhalla Overlook. ...
  • Cape Final. ...
  • Uncle Jim Point. ...
  • Widforss Trail.


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The South Rim is the most popular and heavily visited area, with millions of visitors each year. However, the North Rim is much less crowded and can provide a more peaceful and relaxing experience. The West Rim, also known as Grand Canyon West, falls between the North and South Rims in terms of popularity.

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The Quieter Side of the National Park Offering fantastic views with less congestion, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park offers those willing to drive five hours and 212 miles from the South Rim a chance to see the canyon without the crowds.

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The South Rim of the Grand Canyon attracts over 5 million visitors each year and by far is the most visited side of the Canyon. That's because it is the most accessible and provides the most amenities.

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The west rim is near the area where the Grand Canyon ends. The South Rim is at the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park, near where the Grand Canyon begins. It is far from all major urban centers, over 4 hours from Las Vegas, over 4 hours from Phoenix, and 2 hours from Flagstaff.

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Who should visit the South Rim? Because it's home to many of the most memorable viewpoints, the South Rim is the ideal destination for first-time Grand Canyon Visitors. If you have small children, you may prefer to visit the South Rim for its many amenities and activities.

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Trail closure of the North Kaibab Trail from Cottonwood Campground to the North Kaibab Trailhead. During the winter season, the North Kaibab Trail and North Rim pipeline received significant damage from rockfall and landslides, making many areas unsafe and impassable for inner canyon hikers.

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How long does the North Rim Parkway take to drive? This 43-mile drive should take you an hour to drive, but you may want to allow a longer time so you can stop to hike the numerous trails available along the way.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

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Scenery: Both sections have dramatic, incredible Grand Canyon scenery. The upper has the younger rock layers that one gets to experience up close and personal. There are also expansive rim views on one day of the upper.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin.

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These include Tusayan (the closest town only 7 miles from the South Rim), Williams (starting point for the Grand Canyon Railroad), Kingman (in the heart of historic Route 66), Flagstaff (historic downtown, observatory, and Amtrack station), and Page (near Lake Powell).

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If you want to be close to the best hikes and viewpoints in the park, try to stay in the Grand Canyon Village area. If you're looking for something outside of the park, the town of Tusayan is a great option.

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Take a short hike: part of Rim Trail, Bright Angel Trail, or South Kaibab Trail. Without a doubt, one of the best ways to explore the Grand Canyon is hiking. There are quite some really nice day hikes at the South Rim, but if you have just one day at the Grand Canyon, you probably won't want to spend it all hiking…

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