Grand Canyon’s South Rim

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is the most visited location at Grand Canyon National Park. The Scenic views here will take your breath away and make an impression that will last a lifetime. Learn about the location, transportation around the park and some of the beautiful things you will see.

About The Grand Canyon’s South Rim

Location

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is located in the Northwest corner of Arizona and can be accessed by Car, Plane and Railway. The town located right at the South Entrance to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is Tusayan, Arizona. Williams Arizona is located 54 miles from the South Rim (and is a great place to stay when traveling). The town at the East Entrance  to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is Cameron, Arizona.

Getting There

• Train: The Grand Canyon Railway Experience the romance of a voyage by train.
• Bus: Try a Shuttle and leave the driving to the professionals.
• Car: Directions on the Grand Canyon website here.

Hiking and Camping in The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon offers several levels of hiking opportunities. From fun to extremely challenging. Do not plan a hike without reading the trail guide here which also includes a list of backpack essentials and Leave No Trace Guidelines.  No matter what time of year you plan to visit, be sure to check out the updates on trail closures and warnings before you plan your route.

Grand Canyon’s water supply comes from Roaring Springs, a natural spring located approximately 3,500 feet below the North Rim. Water is delivered via an aging pipeline that suffers multiple breaks a year. When the pipeline breaks, water stops flowing to the North and South Rims and sites along the way. Although large storage tanks provide ample water to rim locations, while the pipeline is being repaired water may or may not be available below the rim in the cross-canyon Corridor. Please remember, when hiking below the rim a method to treat water must ALWAYS be part of your hiking gear.

The Grand Canyon’s Wildlife

Grand Canyon is home to a multitude of animals from mammals and reptiles to fish and birds. Don’t forget a camera to capture your finds. Mule deer are a common site.  Desert bighorn sheep inhabit the remote slopes of the inner canyon but are occasionally seen on established trails. Bobcats and coyotes range from rim to river, and a small population of mountain lions exists in the park. Among the smaller mammals that inhabit Grand Canyon are ringtails (closely related to raccoons), beavers, gophers, chipmunks, several varieties of squirrels, rabbits and bats. Reptiles and amphibians are represented by a wide variety of lizards, snakes (including the unique Grand Canyon “pink” rattlesnake), turtles, frogs, toads and salamanders. Hundreds of species of birds make their home in the park, along with countless insects and arachnids (spiders and scorpions).

Several species of endangered birds make Grand Canyon home, including the peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and willow flycatcher.

The Grand Canyon’s Bouqet

Grand Canyon Park is home to hundreds of flowering plants. The most important thing to know is that picking them is not allowed. So,  grab your camera and get ready to make a digital bouqet! ???

Entrance Fees

Prices below are current as of this blog date. Click here for updates on prices, annual passes, FREE Military and 4th Grader Passes, purchase locations and road closures as well as a list of FREE Entry days.

Admission to Grand Canyon National Park is for 7 days, includes both North and South Rim.
No refunds are given due to inclement weather.

Grand Canyon National Park Vehicle Permit- $35.00 (U.S. Dollars)
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.

Grand Canyon National Park Motorcycle Permit- $30.00 (U.S. Dollars)
Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s).

Grand Canyon National Park Individual Permit – $20.00/person (U.S. Dollars)
Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway and private rafting trip. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.

Free Days:  Free Entrance Days in 2020 

• • • January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
    • April 18: First day of National Park Week
    • August 25: National Park Service Birthday
    • September 26: National Public Lands Day
    • November 11: Veterans Day

For free days in other years click: Entrance Fee Free Days this year:

Guide to Getting Around The Grand Canyon’s South Rim

How to see the South Rim in 4 hours or less.

There are 4 FREE shuttle routes around the South Rim. They connect but do not overlap. Bus stops are clearly marked by signs. Be sure to grab a route map with times to plan your pickups accordingly.

Hermit’s Rest Route – Red route

The Red Route offers the most scenic vistas of the Canyon. (This route is not open December through February)

Kaibab Rim Route – Orange route

Offers 5 beautiful vistas and is a great way to experience the Canyon if you only have 2 hours or less.

Village Route – Blue route

This route takes you to the General Store Market, campgrounds, historic hotels and restaurants.

Tusayan Route – Purple route

This route is only available during the busy summer months and runs to the nearby town of Tusayan including the stop at the IMAX theatre.

Bathrooms & Refreshment Locations

• • • Red Route: Hermits Rest
    • Blue Route: The Village, Market Plaza
    • Orange Route: The Visitor Center

Parking Locations:

The Grand Canyon Visitor Center

• • • • Lot 1 is closest to the canyon, has pull-through spaces for RVs and vehicles with trailers.
      • Lot 2 is closer to the Visitor Center
      • Lot 3 often acts as the overflow lot is a short walk to the Visitor Center
      • Lot 4 is close to the Bicycle Rental -Café, Bookstore and Visitor Center

Grand Canyon Village Historic District and Market Plaza

• • • • Lot A is near Park Headquarters (administration offices) and it is a large lot that often has available spots.
      • Lot B is near the Market Plaza business section and is the largest lot but does fill up fast.
      • Lot C is a smaller lot near the intersection of the Center and Village Loop roads and often has spots when others do not.
      • Lot D is near the Backcountry Information Center and has many lots that large, pull-through spaces for RVs and vehicles with trailers.

When you plan your trip to The Grand Canyon be sure to take a look at Williams Arizona. This unique town is a great launching point for your Canyon vacation. Take a look at these links:

Find out more about riding the train to the canyon from Williams here.

Williams Arizona Parks and Recreation

Williams Arizona is an outdoor paradise

Bearizona – A must see when visiting Williams

Peaceful living in Williams Arizona

Why not stay with us! Search available property for sale in Northern Arizona here