Which rim of the Grand Canyon is best?

Hands down, the South Rim is THE place to visit at the Grand Canyon. It's often described as the real Grand Canyon and it's the part of the National Park that you've undoubtedly seen in movies, photographs and magazines.



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Many consider the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to be the authentic Grand Canyon experience. It features vast, expansive views often seen in popular media. From the South Rim, you can experience close to two-dozen unique views of the Grand Canyon, many with sweeping views of the Colorado River.

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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.

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The Grand Canyon's Best Scenic Viewpoints
  1. Mather Point, South Rim. ...
  2. Redwall Bridge, North Rim. ...
  3. Hopi Point, South Rim Trail. ...
  4. Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail. ...
  5. Shoshone Point, South Rim. ...
  6. Desert View. ...
  7. Angel's Window, North Rim. ...
  8. Black Bridge or Silver Bridge view from the River.


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Not only does the South Rim have the best views, but it also has the best hikes. You can take anything from a 30-minute paved trail along the Rim to a 14-hour trek to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon. It is safe to say that if you want to hike at the Grand Canyon, the South Rim is the best side for you.

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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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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.)

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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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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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It really depends on what you want to see and do! Some visitors stop by a couple of viewpoints and arrive and leave within a day but there are so many more fantastic things to do at the Grand Canyon. We recommend spending at least one full day at the Grand Canyon South Rim and ideally two if time permits.

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Even a Grand Canyon South Rim day trip is better than nothing at all, and 24 hours at the Grand Canyon is enough time for a hike, photos at the scenic lookouts, a walk along the rim, and a memorable sunrise or sunset.

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2 nights would also be ideal for Grand Canyon South Rim, but if you find yourself having to shave off any time, you can scoot by with just 1 night there because a good portion of your Grand Canyon sightseeing would actually occur on the drive to Page.

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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.

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Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase a General Admission ticket. Optional activities, such as Skywalk, helicopter, boat tours and zipline tours can be purchased at an additional cost.

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The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours.

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How many days should you spend in the Grand Canyon? If you're visiting the South Rim, you'll want 2-3 days. For the North Rim, plan on visiting for 1-2 days. If you want to see both rims, give yourself 4-5 days!

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Summer (May-August) School is out, making summer the most popular time of year to visit the Grand Canyon. That means it's also the most crowded season, as well as the hottest.

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Prefer coming mid-week or at the beginning of the week: not surprisingly, weekends are the busiest at the Grand Canyon. Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the least busy days, followed by Wednesdays.

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By far the best location to stay at the Grand Canyon National Park is the Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim. There are several nice hotels here. And because you are sleeping inside the National Park, you are just a short walk away from the most beautiful scenery.

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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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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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Safety: Taking a guided tour can be safer than driving yourself, especially if you're not familiar with the terrain or weather conditions. However, there are also some downsides to taking a tour: Cost: Tours can be expensive, especially if you're traveling with a large group or booking a luxury tour.

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Tips for Visiting Grand Canyon and Zion in One Trip Plan Sufficient Time: Ideally, plan at least two days for the Grand Canyon and another two days for Zion National Park. This will give you ample time to explore the main attractions, go hiking, and immerse yourself in the beauty of these natural wonders.

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