Who this guide is for
This is a South Rim itinerary for first-time visitors who want to see the Grand Canyon properly over two days — including at least one hike below the rim. It covers viewpoints suitable for non-hikers and hike options for different fitness levels.
Getting there
The South Rim is about:
- 4 hours by car from Las Vegas (popular combination)
- 4 hours by car from Phoenix
- No direct train or regular bus from Las Vegas or Phoenix — most visitors drive or take a guided tour
A national parks annual pass (America the Beautiful) covers the Grand Canyon entry fee and is worth buying if you plan to visit other national parks in the same year.
Day 1 — Rim Trail and sunset viewpoints
✦ Day 01
01
— Stage —
Rim Trail, Village, and sunset at Hopi Point
Morning
- Arrive early to beat the crowds — the South Rim is busiest between 10am and 4pm
- Stop at the Visitor Center for a park map and current conditions
- Walk the Rim Trail east toward Mather Point (the first main viewpoint from the visitor center)
Afternoon
- Walk or take the free shuttle bus west along the Rim Trail
- Visit Bright Angel Lodge area and the Kolb Studio
- Take the free Hermit Road shuttle to the western viewpoints (Pima Point, Hermit's Rest)
Sunset
- Hopi Point is widely considered the best South Rim sunset viewpoint
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset — it gets crowded
- The shuttle runs until after sunset in summer
Evening
- Dinner in the village (El Tovar dining room is the main full-service restaurant — reserve in advance)
- Stay at accommodation in or near the park
Day 2 — Below the rim hike and east side viewpoints
✦ Day 02
02
— Stage —
Bright Angel Trail and the East Rim Drive
Early morning (before 8am in summer)
- Hike down the Bright Angel Trail
- 1.5-Mile Resthouse: reasonable for most hikers, turnaround point for beginners
- 3-Mile Resthouse: suitable for fit hikers who start early and carry enough water
- The Colorado River: a full day hike — not recommended in summer for most visitors
Important: The hike back is uphill. Whatever seems easy going down will take roughly twice as long coming up.
Midday
- Return to the rim and rest during the hottest hours
- Lunch at the village
Afternoon
- Drive or take the shuttle east along Desert View Drive
- Stop at Grandview Point, Moran Point, and Desert View Watchtower
- Desert View is the eastern end of the South Rim road and has broader canyon views than some of the western viewpoints
Evening
- Drive to your next destination (Las Vegas or Flagstaff are common) or spend a second night in the park
Where to stay near the Grand Canyon
Lodging
Where to stay in Grand Canyon South Rim
- 01
Inside the park (Grand Canyon Village)
Limited lodges and a campground inside the park. Most convenient but books out months in advance, especially in summer. Check the Xanterra reservation site.
Best access, early starts
- 02
Tusayan (just outside the south entrance)
Small town 1 mile from the park entrance. Several hotels and motels. More availability than in-park options. Short drive to the visitor center.
Most first-timers
- 03
Williams (60 miles south)
Historic Route 66 town with more accommodation options and lower prices. About an hour's drive to the rim. Good if you're also visiting Sedona or Flagstaff.
Budget travelers, road trips
- 04
Flagstaff (90 miles south)
Full city with wide hotel range. Good base if combining Grand Canyon with other Arizona destinations.
Multi-destination trips
Always check current prices and availability directly with the hotel or booking platform.
What to pack
Grand Canyon day hike essentials
- At least 4 liters of water per person for a below-rim hike in warm weather
- Salty snacks — electrolyte replenishment matters on long hikes
- Sun hat with full brim
- Sunscreen SPF 50
- Trekking poles (helpful for the steep return uphill)
- Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots (not sandals)
- Lightweight layers — it can be cool at the rim even when hot at the bottom
- Headlamp or torch for early starts
- First aid basics
- Park map (download offline — cell service is unreliable)
Plan ahead
Book in advance for Grand Canyon
- 01In-park lodging — Xanterra reservations — books up months ahead in summer
- 02Backcountry permit (if camping below rim) — Apply through NPS website — very competitive
- 03Mule rides — Book well in advance — often sold out months ahead
- 04El Tovar dining room reservation — Book ahead for dinner
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