If you're searching for a cultural tourist destination jam-packed with adventure, the West Rim is the place for you. If you're looking to take in a traditional tourist experience, the South Rim is for you.
People Also Ask
Which Rim of Grand Canyon is best – South Rim. Considered by many to be the “true Grand Canyon,” Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim features the vast, expansive views most often seen in magazines, websites, Facebook and on TV.
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.
The West RimThe Grand Canyon offers glorious views from its rims, yet there is much more to explore down below. From the West Rim, you can fly to the bottom in a helicopter on the Grand Canyon Discovery Tour.
In short, the South Rim is less expensive with regard to entrance fees, parking and shuttle costs (about $25.) The West Rim, which is not part of Grand Canyon National Park but is owned and operated by the Hualapai native American tribe; the Hualapai collect fees for entrance to the West Rim (a minimum of $42.99.)
If you're starting from Las Vegas, it probably makes the most sense to see the West Rim. Just a 3.5 hour drive (122 miles) from the glittering desert oasis lies Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk and dozens and dozens of tour options.
Typically the most popular, first-time views of Grand Canyon occur at either Mather Point or Yavapai Point. Mather Point is situated at just over 7,000 feet elevation and is named after the park's first superintendent, Stephen Mather. Visitors will be awe-struck by the view before them.
Meadview, AZ to Grand CanyonLocated next to Lake Mead, Meadview is the only town in the area. It is also the closest town to those heading to Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk. Learn more about traveling between the Grand Canyon and Meadview, Arizona.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Time to Visit the SkywalkWhile the Skywalk is open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, most visitors come between 11 AM and 4 PM Arizona Time. To avoid the crowds and the heat of the day, it is best to come in the morning before the mid-day rush.
Hopi PointLocated along scenic Hermit Road, Hopi Point is one of the most popular viewpoints for visitors to the Grand Canyon—and rightfully so! Hopi Point is the highest northern outlook over the South Rim, meaning it has the best views in the area.
The best way to tour the village is to park your vehicle once, then ride the Village (Blue) Route Shuttle around the South Rim. It connects the Visitor Center, lodges, campgrounds, Backcountry Information Center, and Market Plaza (Market, deli, outdoor ATM, and U.S. Post Office).
Bus Tour to Grand Canyon South Rim from Las VegasMost bus tours from Las Vegas go to the South Rim. A day trip to Grand Canyon South Rim from Las Vegas is the cheapest way to visit the national park from Vegas. Standard bus tours are priced starting from $79.