21 Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon South Rim

The Grand Canyon South Rim is the most visited and easily accessible part of the park.

With stunning viewpoints, epic hikes, and rich history, it offers something for everyone.

Whether you want to watch a sunrise over the canyon, hike below the rim, or take a helicopter tour, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences.

Families, adventure seekers, and first-time visitors will all find something to love.

This guide covers the 27 best things to do so you can make the most of your trip.

Let’s dive in!

1. Visit the South Rim Viewpoints

The Grand Canyon South Rim is packed with incredible viewpoints, each offering unique perspectives of the canyon’s vast landscape.

Some of the must-visit overlooks include:

Mather Point – A quintessential Grand Canyon viewpoint, located just a five-minute walk from the Visitor Center. On clear days, you can see up to 60 miles into the distance. It’s one of the best places for first-time visitors to take in the canyon’s grandeur.
Yavapai Point – A favorite among geologists and photographers, this viewpoint offers unobstructed views of the canyon and a perfect vantage point to see the layers of rock formations. It’s also home to the Yavapai Geology Museum, where visitors can learn about the canyon’s formation.
Hopi Point – One of the highest overlooks along the South Rim, offering a wide-angle view of the canyon. It’s a fantastic spot for sunsets, as it provides an extended view of the sun dipping below the horizon.
Ooh Aah Point – A short but rewarding hike from the South Kaibab Trailhead. This spot is less crowded and offers a breathtaking inside-the-canyon perspective.

Many viewpoints are accessible by car, while others can be reached via hiking trails or shuttle services.

2. Sunset and Sunrise at the Grand Canyon

Watching the sunrise or sunset over the Grand Canyon is a must-do experience.

The canyon walls change shades of red, pink, and gold, creating an unforgettable scene.

Best Sunrise Locations:

Mather Point – One of the most accessible sunrise spots, located close to the Visitor Center. Get there early for a front-row seat to the canyon lighting up.
Hopi Point – A less crowded alternative that offers expansive views as the morning sun rises over the canyon.
Ooh Aah Point – For those willing to take a short hike, this overlook on the South Kaibab Trail provides breathtaking views at dawn.

Best Sunset Locations:

Desert View – Offers stunning sunset colors with a clear view of the Colorado River winding through the canyon.
Mohave Point – Known for its spectacular sunset glow and fewer crowds compared to Hopi Point.
Shoshone Point – A hidden gem that requires a short hike, making it less crowded and peaceful.

Sunrises are typically quieter, as fewer visitors are willing to wake up early.

Sunsets, on the other hand, tend to attract larger crowds, so plan ahead if you want a prime viewing spot.

3. Cruise the Scenic Desert View Drive

The 23-mile Desert View Drive is one of the most scenic routes in the Grand Canyon.

This drive follows the canyon’s edge, offering multiple viewpoints and access to historical sites.

Key stops along the drive include:

Desert Viewpoint – One of the best panoramic overlooks in the park, offering a clear view of the Colorado River.
Lipan Point – A photographer’s dream, providing an elevated view of the winding river below.
Navajo Point – The highest viewpoint on the South Rim, offering incredible views of the canyon’s depth and vastness.
Desert View Watchtower – A historic stone tower designed by Mary Colter, featuring Native American-inspired architecture and a 360-degree viewing platform.
Tusayan Museum & Ruin – A small but fascinating site showcasing artifacts and ruins from the Ancestral Puebloan people who once lived in the area.

Along the drive, keep an eye out for wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep, which are often spotted near the road.

4. Drive or Bike Along Hermit Road

Hermit Road is a 7-mile scenic route that offers some of the best viewpoints along the South Rim.

The road is closed to private vehicles for most of the year (March to November), but you can take a free park shuttle, bike, or hike along the route.

Key stops along Hermit Road:

Maricopa Point – Offers a fantastic perspective of the canyon’s width.
Hopi Point – One of the best places for sunset views.
Mohave Point – A great alternative to Hopi Point with dramatic sunset views.
Pima Point – One of the most remote overlooks, offering a peaceful setting with views of the Colorado River below.
Hermit’s Rest – A historic stone building, originally designed as a rest stop for canyon travelers.

For a more active experience, biking along Hermit Road is a fantastic option.

The 7-mile ride follows a mostly flat route with stunning views along the way.

You can rent bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles, located near the Visitor Center.

They also offer guided bike tours, making it easy for beginners to explore the area.

5. Walk the South Rim Trail

If you want stunning views without the challenge of hiking below the rim, the South Rim Trail is the perfect option.

This mostly flat, 13-mile trail stretches from Hermit’s Rest to the South Kaibab Trailhead, following the canyon’s edge.

The trail is partially paved, making it accessible for all ages and great for families.
You don’t have to walk the entire trail—use the park’s free shuttle to explore different sections at your own pace.
The route passes many of the best viewpoints, including Mather Point, Hopi Point, and Yavapai Point.

For those who prefer a relaxed way to experience the Grand Canyon, the South Rim Trail offers breathtaking scenery without steep climbs.

6. Hike Below the Rim

While the South Rim views are incredible, hiking below the rim gives you a completely different perspective.

The inner canyon is home to seven different climate zones, creating a diverse landscape with lush vegetation, creeks, and wildlife.

The two most popular Corridor trails are:

Bright Angel Trail

The most well-maintained trail, offering resthouses, water stations, and shade.
Great for day hikes, with turnaround points at the 1.5-mile and 3-mile resthouses.
Leads to Havasupai Garden, a lush inner canyon oasis, before reaching Phantom Ranch at the bottom.

South Kaibab Trail

A steeper, more exposed trail with incredible panoramic views.
No water stations, so bring plenty of water.
Popular day hike destinations include Ooh Aah Point (0.9 miles), Skeleton Point (3 miles), and the Colorado River (7 miles, one-way).

For those looking to avoid crowds, consider less-traveled trails like Hermit Trail or Grandview Trail.

These more rugged routes offer solitude and a true backcountry experience.

If you’re new to hiking or want a guided experience, Wildland Trekking offers guided hikes and overnight trips.

7. See Ooh Aah Point

For a short but rewarding hike, Ooh Aah Point is one of the best spots in the canyon.

Located 0.9 miles down the South Kaibab Trail, it sits 600 feet below the rim.
The steep descent makes the hike moderate in difficulty, but well worth the effort.
Offers unobstructed, panoramic canyon views from within the canyon itself.
Marked by a wooden sign, making it easy to find.

While the way down is relatively easy, remember that the hike back up is entirely uphill.

If you’re looking for a quick but breathtaking adventure, this is a great option.

8. Camp or Lodge at the Canyon Bottom

For the ultimate Grand Canyon adventure, hiking all the way down to the Colorado River and staying overnight is an unforgettable experience.

There are two main options for overnight stays at the bottom:

1. Phantom Ranch

A historic lodge offering cabins and dormitory-style accommodations.
Reservations are required and are typically booked months in advance.

2. Bright Angel Campground

A wilderness camping experience near the Colorado River.
Requires a backcountry permit, which can be obtained through the Grand Canyon National Park’s Backcountry Office.

Getting to the bottom requires a long hike, and most visitors take:

South Kaibab Trail down (steeper, no water)
Bright Angel Trail back up (gradual incline, water stations available)

Key things to know before hiking to the bottom:

Permits are required for overnight camping.
The temperature at the bottom can be 20+ degrees hotter than the rim, so plan accordingly.
It’s a very strenuous hike—only experienced hikers should attempt it.

For those willing to take on the challenge, an overnight stay at the bottom is an experience you’ll never forget.

9. Ride a Mule into the Canyon

Mule rides have been a Grand Canyon tradition for over a century, offering visitors a scenic and historic way to descend into the canyon.

Mules are chosen for their strength, endurance, and sure-footedness, making them the perfect companions for navigating the rugged terrain.

There are two mule ride options at the South Rim:

Canyon Vista Mule Ride – A two-hour ride along the canyon rim near Yaki Point, offering incredible views without descending below the rim.
Phantom Ranch Mule Ride – A multi-day adventure that takes you all the way to the bottom of the canyon, with an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch.

Due to high demand, Phantom Ranch mule rides require reservations through a competitive lottery system, often booked over a year in advance.

If you’re looking for a shorter and more accessible experience, the Canyon Vista Mule Ride is a great alternative.

10. Take a Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon

For a once-in-a-lifetime view, taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon provides an aerial perspective you can’t get from the rim.

These tours offer breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon’s depth, rock formations, and the winding Colorado River.

Flights depart from Tusayan, just outside the park.
Popular tour operators include Maverick Helicopters and Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters.
Options range from short scenic flights to extended tours that include stops at nearby landmarks like Antelope Canyon.

Note: Helicopters cannot land below the South Rim, but small plane tours are available for those looking to explore other nearby attractions.

11. Join an Interpretive Bus Tour

If you prefer a relaxed way to explore the canyon, consider an interpretive bus tour.

These guided tours cover historical and geological highlights of the South Rim while offering access to restricted areas like Desert View Watchtower.

Xanterra, the official park concessionaire, offers several guided bus tours, including:

Sunrise Tour – A 1.5-hour drive west along Hermit Road, stopping at the best sunrise viewpoints.
Sunset Tour – A 1.5-hour tour to some of the most scenic sunset spots in the park.
Hermit’s Rest Tour – A 2-hour guided drive to the westernmost edge of the South Rim.
Desert View Tour – A 4-hour trip east to Desert View Watchtower, covering history, geology, and cultural insights.

12. Sightsee on a Guided Jeep Tour

For those looking for a more adventurous experience, jeep tours provide an off-road way to explore remote sections of the canyon.

Pink Jeep Tours and Buck Wild Tours offer excursions that combine sightseeing with short hikes.
Some packages include tickets to the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie at the National Geographic Visitor Center.
Certain tours depart from Sedona, offering a scenic drive before arriving at the canyon.

13. Take a Ranger-Guided Tour or Attend Free Ranger Talks

For a deeper understanding of the Grand Canyon, ranger-led programs provide expert insight into the park’s geology, wildlife, and history.

Offered seasonally, these free programs range from rim walks to evening talks.
Topics include Grand Canyon geology, stargazing, and Native American history.
Popular activities include:
- Rim Walks – Learn about geology and local wildlife on an easy guided hike.
- Stargazing Programs – Discover the Grand Canyon’s night sky with telescope viewings and expert commentary.
- “Coffee with a Ranger” Talks – A casual morning discussion about the park’s unique features.

Schedules vary, so check with the Visitor Center or the National Park Service website for current offerings.

14. Stargaze in a Dark Sky Park

The Grand Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to stargaze.

With minimal light pollution, the night sky is filled with countless stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.

Best stargazing locations:

Desert View Drive pullouts – Some of the darkest areas with clear, unobstructed views.
Mather Point – Convenient and accessible, with incredible star-filled skies.
The Grand Canyon Star Party – An annual event with telescopes, astronomy talks, and guided night sky tours.

Even if you’re not visiting during the Star Party, the Grand Canyon’s night sky is breathtaking year-round.

Bring a blanket, find a quiet spot, and enjoy the dazzling display of stars above one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.

15. Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum

If you’re fascinated by how the Grand Canyon was formed, the Yavapai Geology Museum is a must-visit.

It features interactive exhibits that explain the layers of rock, erosion, and the forces that shaped the canyon.
A large 3D map of the Grand Canyon gives a bird’s-eye view of its formations.
Kids especially love the fossil displays and hands-on exhibits.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the canyon’s rock layers and even the Colorado River below.

Located near Yavapai Point, this museum is family-friendly, air-conditioned, and one of the best spots for a panoramic view of the canyon.

16. Walk the Trail of Time

For an interactive way to learn about the Grand Canyon’s geological history, walk the Trail of Time.

This 1.7-mile paved path follows the Rim Trail near the Yavapai Geology Museum.
It features information panels explaining how the canyon’s layers formed over billions of years.
The trail’s design is unique—each meter represents 1 million years of geological time.

The first 150 yards cover 1 million years, while the full 2.8-mile stretch spans 2 billion years of history.

The Trail of Time is fully accessible and an engaging activity for all ages.

It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with learning about the canyon’s fascinating past.

17. Discover the Tusayan Ruin & Museum

For a glimpse into ancient life at the Grand Canyon, visit the Tusayan Ruin & Museum.

This archaeological site showcases one of the Grand Canyon’s 4,000 recorded historical sites.
The ruins date back over 800 years, providing a look at the homes and community of the Ancestral Puebloan people.
It’s estimated that 16 to 20 people lived in this small village.

The museum nearby offers artifacts, pottery, and tools from the region’s Indigenous history.

Located along Desert View Drive, it’s a quick and educational stop just 7 minutes from the Desert View Watchtower.

18. Visit the Desert View Watchtower

One of the most iconic landmarks at the Grand Canyon is the Desert View Watchtower.

Designed in 1932 by Mary Colter, this five-story stone tower was inspired by Native American architecture.
Inside, you’ll find murals and pictographs that reflect the art and culture of local tribes.
The top of the tower offers one of the best panoramic views of the canyon and Colorado River.

Originally used as a gift shop, the tower has since been restored to preserve its cultural significance.

Today, it stands as a historic landmark and scenic viewpoint, making it a must-visit spot on the South Rim.

19. Explore the Hopi House & Lookout Studio

Two of the most unique buildings in Grand Canyon Village are the Hopi House and Lookout Studio, both designed by Mary Colter.

Hopi House

Built in 1905, this pueblo-style structure was modeled after the Hopi villages of the Southwest.
It showcases and sells Native American crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and artwork.
Functions as both a cultural landmark and a living museum, preserving Indigenous traditions and craftsmanship.

Lookout Studio

Built in 1914, this stone observation point was designed to blend into the canyon’s cliffs.
It offers incredible South Rim views, perfect for photography and relaxing.
Inside, you’ll find historic exhibits and a small gift shop.

Both buildings are easy to visit while exploring Grand Canyon Village and provide historical insight into the park’s early tourism industry.

20. See the Historic El Tovar Hotel & Bright Angel Lodge

The Grand Canyon’s early tourism was shaped by two iconic lodges—El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge.

El Tovar Hotel

Opened in 1905, this luxurious hotel sits right on the canyon rim.
Hosted famous guests like Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Bill Clinton.
Features rocking chairs on its porch, offering unmatched views of the Grand Canyon.
The fine-dining restaurant serves classic dishes in an elegant setting.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, stopping by for a meal or drink is a great way to experience this historic landmark.

Bright Angel Lodge

Built in 1935 by Mary Colter, this lodge was created as a more affordable alternative to El Tovar.
Features rustic cabins and rooms, perfect for visitors looking for a cozy stay near the canyon.
Home to the famous Bright Angel Trailhead, making it ideal for hikers.
The lodge’s architecture blends with the natural surroundings, featuring handcrafted details and historic charm.

21. Watch the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie

Watching the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie is a great way to experience the canyon’s history, geology, and breathtaking landscapes from a different perspective.

Located in Tusayan, just 10 miles south of the park entrance, this 34-minute film showcases stunning aerial footage, dramatic reenactments, and historical insights, making it perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting a break from the heat.

The six-story screen immerses you in the canyon’s vastness, taking you on a journey through the Colorado River rapids, towering rock formations, and the daring 1869 expedition of Major John Wesley Powell.

With air-conditioning, comfortable seating, and full accessibility, it’s an excellent midday activity, especially during hot summer months.