Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park encompasses 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. The immense Grand Canyon is a mile deep, and up to 18 miles wide. Layered bands of colorful rock reveal millions of years of geologic history with unmatched vistas from the rim. The South Rim is open 24 hours. The North Rim is Closed for the Winter.
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. As with all sides of the Canyon, the South Rim features astounding views of what took Mother Nature millions and millions of years to create. That why it has earned the distinction as one of the world’s Seven Wonders.
Conversations/Things we learned:
For most visitors to the Grand Canyon, the south rim is the main attraction. Some data indicates 97% of the visitors to the Grand Canyon head to the south rim while a very few travel to the north rim and even fewer travel to the bottom to visit the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch. In either case, we recommend first-time visitors spend an entire day at the South Rim and if able, hike down both South Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails to the first stopping point. Both short hikes are about 1.5 miles one-way but the views are breathtaking. It is also highly recommended you watch the sunset at Hopi Point where the view of the Colorado River is extraordinary.
The South Rim also offers incredible paved and graveled walking trails which lead to many hotels, lodges, visitor centers, and restaurants. The National Parks Service also provides buses free of charge which carries visitors along the South Rim and the different viewing points and trailheads all day and throughout the evening.
For additional trips and if you are able, consider obtaining a permit to spend the night at a campground or at the Phantom Ranch, both of which are at the bottom of the canyon. We do not recommend attempting to hike to the bottom and back in one day and nor does the National Parks Service.
Contact Information:
PO Box 129 Grand Canyon , Arizona 86023
Phone: (928) 638-7888
Website:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
Geology Rock Displays along South Rim
Bright Angel Lodge
El Tovar Hotel
Hopi House
Bright Angel Trailhead
South Kaibab Trailhead
Videos