Place: Grand Canyon

South Rim basics

The canyon is roughly a mile deep and 277 river miles long, carved by the Colorado River. Most visitors see it from the South Rim, which sits around 7,000 feet and stays open all year. The North Rim, about 1,000 feet higher, is a separate trip of more than four hours by car with a short season, so this guide focuses on the South Rim.

Inside the park, Grand Canyon Village holds the historic lodges, the Market Plaza and the top of the Bright Angel Trail. Free park shuttle buses connect the village, the visitor center, viewpoints along the Rim Trail and, seasonally, Hermit Road. Desert View Drive runs about 25 miles east to the Desert View Watchtower. Just outside the south entrance, Tusayan has hotels, restaurants and gas.

Getting there from Flagstaff

The fastest route is US 180 northwest through the forest past the San Francisco Peaks, then AZ 64 to the south entrance near Tusayan: about 80 miles and roughly 90 minutes. The longer scenic loop heads north on US 89 to Cameron and enters at the Desert View entrance, where your first views are some of the best in the park. Many visitors go in one way and out the other. A per vehicle entrance fee applies, and interagency passes are accepted. See our Flagstaff guide if you are basing yourself there.

Where to stay

Staying inside the park means sunset and sunrise without the drive. Yavapai Lodge is the largest lodge in the park, near Market Plaza and the shuttle, and Maswik Lodge is a short walk from the rim. Book as far ahead as you can, because in park rooms sell out months in advance from spring through fall. Tusayan has more options just outside the gate, and Flagstaff and Williams work well as bases if you do not mind the drive.

Camping

Mather Campground is the main South Rim campground, set in ponderosa pines in Grand Canyon Village. Just outside the park in Tusayan, Grand Canyon Camper Village has RV, trailer and tent sites with showers, laundry and a dump station. Below the rim, Havasupai Gardens and Bright Angel Campground require a backcountry permit, which is competitive for popular dates.

Where to eat and drink

In the village, Yavapai Dining Hall and the Maswik food court are the quick, easy options, while the Pizza Pub at Maswik and Yavapai Tavern are where people unwind after a day on the rim. In and around Tusayan, Big E Steakhouse and Saloon mixes steaks with Italian dishes, and Plaza Bonita serves Mexican food. Pack snacks and plenty of water for days on the trail.

Hiking below the rim

The two main corridor trails are the Bright Angel Trail, which starts in the village and has seasonal water and rest houses, and the South Kaibab Trail, which is steeper, more exposed and has no water. Both drop thousands of feet, and the climb back out takes roughly twice as long as the walk down. Rangers strongly advise against hiking from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially in summer, when temperatures at the bottom can top 110 degrees. Turn around when you have used a third of your water or half your planned time, eat salty snacks, and carry more water than seems reasonable.

Rafting, riding and tours

A river trip through the canyon is one of the great adventures in North America, and several outfitters are based in Flagstaff. Canyon Explorations runs guided trips, and Professional River Outfitters has supported Grand Canyon river trips since 1983. If you land a private river permit, Canyon REO supplies boats, gear, food and transportation. On land, Grand Canyon Apache Stables offers horseback rides in the Kaibab National Forest near Tusayan, and Grand Canyon Adventures runs tours from Flagstaff to the South Rim, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. More in our adventures guide.

Best viewpoints for sunrise and sunset

• Mather Point, near the visitor center, is the classic first look.
• Yavapai Point has a geology museum and wide views up and down the canyon.
• Hopi Point on Hermit Road is a long time favorite for sunset.
• Desert View Watchtower looks out over the Colorado River and the Painted Desert.

Practical tips

• Book early. In park lodging and campgrounds fill months ahead.
• Use the shuttle. Parking near the village fills by late morning in busy season.
• Mind the altitude and the edge. The rim sits near 7,000 feet and there are few railings.
• Winter is quiet and beautiful, but bring traction for icy trails.
• Fill up in Tusayan or Flagstaff. Services along the drive are limited.

Frequently asked questions

How far is the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff?

The South Rim is about 80 miles from Flagstaff, roughly a 90 minute drive via US 180 and AZ 64.

Is the Grand Canyon South Rim open year round?

Yes. The South Rim is open every day of the year, though winter storms can briefly close roads. The North Rim has a much shorter season.

Can you hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back in one day?

The park strongly advises against it. The round trip drops and regains about a mile of elevation, and summer heat at the bottom can be deadly. Plan an overnight with a backcountry permit instead.

Where should I stay to visit the Grand Canyon?

Lodges inside Grand Canyon Village, such as Yavapai Lodge and Maswik Lodge, put you closest to the rim. Tusayan, just outside the south entrance, has more hotels, and Flagstaff makes a good base with more restaurants and shops.

Do I need a permit to camp below the rim?

Yes. Camping at inner canyon campgrounds such as Havasupai Gardens and Bright Angel requires a backcountry permit from the National Park Service.

Updated October 2026 by the Northern Arizona Co. directory team.