One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary
Looking to make the most of your day trip to Grand Canyon National Park?
If you only have one day in Grand Canyon, I’ve got you covered with an action-packed itinerary tracing the path I followed in this Arizona park during my epic West Coast road trips. Northern Arizona is among my favorite places in the world, and this park is one of the best in the country.
Grand Canyon is split into three (technically 4) areas: West Rim, North Rim, South & East Rim (connected). I spent two days in the south rim, and unless you’re doing the rim-to-rim hike, a single day is good enough. You just want to make sure you stay for at least a sunrise or sunset, or both.
South Rim is the most popular and has the best views, so I will focus on this section of the park, beginning with a Mather Point sunrise and ending with the best sunset spots. I’ve also thrown in suggestions for other must-see places and a short travel guide of useful information at the end.
Sample One Day in Grand Canyon Itinerary
You can only hit one section of the Grand Canyon in one day. And if you were only to pick one, then I recommend the South Rim. It’s the most classic.
So you have everything in one scroll, here’s a sample suggested itinerary that goes much more in detail below.
Morning:
- Arrive at the park, starting your day with sunrise at Mather Point.
- Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum to learn more about the canyon.
- Take the free shuttle bus or drive to South Kaibab Trailhead or Bright Angel Trail for your first hike.
Afternoon:
- Begin your 25 mile scenic drive towards the east on Desert View Drive with numerous pullouts.
- Climb the Desert View Watchtower, then drive back towards Grand Canyon Village.
- End your day with a spectacular sunset. I picked Pima Point, but there are many.
Evening:
- If you’re spending the night around the park, you must enter for a night of stargazing.
Recommended lodging options for the Night: Grand Canyon
- Luxury: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
- Mid-range: NavajoLand Hotel
- Budget: Best Western Bellemont Shadow Mountain Inn
Quick Facts About Visiting the Grand Canyon
You’ve probably already heard of the Grand Canyon, as it’s the second most visited national park in the U.S., drawing in almost 5 million admirers from around the globe. Spanning over a colossal 1.2 million acres across the untamed wilderness of Arizona, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders stretches 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and reaching depths of over a mile.
| Quick Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours a day, all year round |
| Visitor Centers | Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Kolb Studio, Desert View Watchtower |
| Park Entrances | South Rim (open all year), North Rim (seasonally closed in winter), West Rim, East Entrance (Desert View Watchtower) |
| Main Activities | Hiking, river rafting, mule trips, scenic drive |
| Number of Campgrounds and Hotels | 3 campgrounds (Mather, Desert View, North Rim) and 6 hotels |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) |
| Nearest Cities and Distances | Flagstaff (81 miles), Las Vegas (275 miles), Phoenix (231 miles) |
| Nearest Airports and Distances | Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (91 miles), McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas (277 miles) |
Know Before You Go!
- Permits: If you plan to camp anywhere in the park other than established campgrounds, you will need a backcountry permit.
- Reservations: Campground and lodging reservations fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Shuttle Buses: The park operates free shuttle buses along various routes in the South Rim. In most places, it is optional. During the peak season (usually from May 1 to September 30), private vehicles are not allowed on Hermit Road west of the Village. During this period, the only way to access this area is by using the free park shuttle bus, by bicycle, on foot, or via a commercial tour.
Which Rim Should You Visit?
The Grand Canyon is divided into four main sections: the South Rim, the North Rim, Grand Canyon East and West.
The South Rim is the most popular and has the best canyon views. It’s also the most accessible. The North Rim, on the other hand, is less crowded and remote. However, it’s only open from mid-May to mid-October due to the harsh winter weather.
Grand Canyon East is not officially part of the national park. This area includes iconic sites in Page, like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Lastly, Grand Canyon West is known for the Skywalk, a glass bridge extending over the canyon. But it’s arguably not as beautiful as the South Rim.
| Rim | Accessibility | Views | Visitor Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Rim | Most accessible | Best views | Plenty of amenities |
| North Rim | Less crowded | Remote and serene | Open seasonally |
| Grand Canyon East | Accessible from the South Rim | Unique attractions | Includes other attractions |
| Grand Canyon West | Accessible from Las Vegas | Skywalk attraction | Limited amenities |
What to Do on the South Rim in a Day
The South Rim is the best section to visit if you only have one day. Here are some of the best things to do in the Grand Canyon on the South Rim:
Early Morning: Sunrise at Mather Point
Start your day off with an invigorating hike to Mather Point, your first view of the canyon, closest to the south entrance and one of the best spots in the park to catch the sunrise.
- Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km) one way
- Difficulty: Easy, with a paved path
- Best time to start: In the summer, the sun can rise as early as 5:15 am, while in the winter, it might not rise until 7:30 am. Check the local sunrise time in advance.
Expect a sea of colors as the sun rises over the canyon. The view is absolutely breathtaking and worth the early wake-up call. The foot traffic can be quite heavy as this is a popular sunrise spot, so arrive early to secure a good view. Plan for approximately 20 minutes to walk from the visitor center to Mather Point.
Yavapai Geology Museum
The Yavapai Geology Museum, near Mather Point, tells you all about the crazy geological history that made this iconic landmark what it is today. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, informative displays, and big windows with killer views of the canyon.
The museum’s exhibits cover various topics, like erosion, the different types of rocks in the canyon, and the timeline of how the canyon was formed. It even has a cool 3D map of the canyon to help you understand just how massive it is!
Morning: Hiking South Kaibab Trail
Next, hop on the free shuttle bus or drive to South Kaibab Trailhead, one of the most popular hikes in the park. This trail lets you dip beneath the canyon walls for some fantastic views and is a great choice for hikers with limited time.
- Trailhead: The trail starts at Yaki Point, which can be reached by the park’s free shuttle bus service.
- Distance: 1.8 miles roundtrip to Ooh Aah Point, 3 roundtrip to Cedar Ridge, but the whole trail is much longer
- Difficulty: Moderate, with steep sections and no water or shade
- Estimated time: 1.5 to 2 hours round trip, or 2-4 hours for Cedar Ridge
The South Kaibab Trail goes all the way down to the Colorado River, but it’s not recommended for a day hike as it can take up to five hours one way. Instead, hike out to Ooh Aah Point (as the name suggests will make you go “Ooh” and “Aah”), which has great views and a good turnaround point. Cedar Ridge is further down the trail at 1.5 miles and another U-turn point.
Remember that hiking back up is just a bit harder than hiking down! Unless you go in winter like I did, in which case, I wish I had crampons for the icy trails.
Alternative: Bright Angel Trail
Both Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab are used to access the Colorado River, so this trail is a popular alternative.
- Trailhead: Near Bright Angel Lodge
- Distance: 3 miles roundtrip to Mile Resthouse, but the whole trail is much longer
- Difficulty: Moderate, steep with no water or shade
- Estimated time: 2-4 hours to Resthouse
If you feel like going on another hike or if you’re into this one, check out Bright Angel Trail. It’s a bit less exposed compared to South Kaibab, so you’ll get some shade along the way. But, it still has the same challenging descent and ascent.
Afternoon: Desert View Drive
Desert View Drive is an awesome 25-mile scenic route that runs alongside the South Rim, starting from Grand Canyon Village and ending at Desert View Watchtower. There are many panoramic views and lots of pull-over areas along the way. The whole drive usually takes about 2-3 hours, but that depends on how frequently you stop.
Head east from Grand Canyon Village. Along the way, you’ll come across these notable viewpoints:
- Yaki Point: Known for its wide-reaching views and vivid sunrises and sunsets.
- Yavapai Point: Excellent view of the Colorado River
- Grandview Point: The highest point on the South Rim, with a vantage point of the Colorado River and Horseshoe Mesa.
- Moran Point: A great spot to marvel at the reddish hue of the rocks.
- Lipan Point: Sweeping canyon views and the Colorado River.
- Desert View Watchtower: Closing the drive, this 70-foot tower offers a 360-degree view of the Grand Canyon’s expanse and the Painted Desert.
Desert View Watchtower
The Desert View Watchtower is a prominent highlight of the Desert View Drive. This stone structure stands tall at 70 feet, and is inspired by the watchtowers of the Ancestral Puebloan people of the Colorado Plateau.
Access: The tower is open to visitors year-round. The climb to the top is free.
Best Sunset Spots in the Grand Canyon
Sunsets in the Grand Canyon are ridiculously beautiful, especially for photographers. It’s hard to look away from the amazing play of light and shadow and the incredible color transitions. Here are a few spots to catch those breathtaking Grand Canyon sunset views:
- Hopi Point: Expansive view of the canyon. It’s one of the most popular spots, so expect a crowd.
- Yaki Point: Accessible via the South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point offers uninterrupted views of the canyon.
- Pima Point: This spot offers a broad view of about 40% of the Grand Canyon, and you can also see a good stretch of the Colorado River from here. I picked this point for the river scenery and don’t regret it.
- Lipan Point: One of the highest points in the Grand Canyon, Lipan Point is also less crowded.
- Navajo Point: The highest point on the South Rim, Navajo Point overlooks the canyon and the Colorado River.
Where to Stay
The Grand Canyon Village area is a prime location for short-term travelers due to its proximity to the South Rim’s viewpoints and trails. Various accommodations are available, ranging from high-end hotels like El Tovar to budget-friendly lodges and campgrounds.
You can also go right outside the South Entrance to Tusayan to find familiar chain names and independent hotels. Otherwise, hotels in Flagstaff and Williams are a bit further away.
Best Hotels in the Grand Canyon
| Budget | Hotel Name | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury | The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon | – High-end dining and rooms with canyon views – Easy access to the park’s amenities and activities |
| Mid-Range | NavajoLand Hotel | – Close to the Grand Canyon – Best inclusive breakfast – Restaurant nearby |
| Budget | Best Western Bellemont Shadow Mountain Inn | – Comfortable, clean accommodations – Surrounded by beautiful scenery – Freshly-renovated |
Campgrounds in and Near Grand Canyon South Rim
| Campground | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Mather Campground (South Rim) | – Open all year round – South Rim Village – Tents and RVs |
| Desert View Campground (South Rim) | – Quieter camping experience – Views of the canyon |
| Trailer Village RV Park | – Ideal for RV travelers – Full hook-ups at each site – Close to the South Rim |
Places to Visit with More Time
Other Attractions Within Grand Canyon
Here is a list of some amazing gems in the Grand Canyon National Park that you can explore if you’ve got more one day:
- North Rim: Less crowded than the South Rim, the North Rim offers a more secluded experience with spectacular views. Points of interest include Bright Angel Point and Cape Royal.
- Canyon Helicopter Flight: A popular tour for a bird’s-eye canyon view.
- Havasu Falls: Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, this waterfall is renowned for its vibrant blue-green water contrasted against the red canyon walls. Note that this requires a separate permit and is a multi-day hike.
- Rafting on the Colorado River: Try a rafting trip on the Colorado River. You can choose from motorized, oar-powered, or even paddle rafts. I’ve heard people waiting for a permit for years.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk: On the West Rim, this horseshoe-shaped glass bridge extends over the canyon, 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.
- Phantom Ranch: Accessible only by mule, by foot, or by rafting the Colorado River, this is the only lodging beneath the canyon rim.
Popular Places Near Grand Canyon
Here is a list of exciting day trips from the Grand Canyon that are within a 3-hour drive:
- Las Vegas: Who doesn’t know the entertainment capital of the world? A tour from the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas can also include a visit to the Hoover Dam.
- Sycamore Canyon: This beautiful canyon north of Clarkdale is where Sycamore Creek joins the Verde River.
- Tusayan: Located just outside the South Rim, Tusayan has a Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre and a National Geographic Visitor Center.
- Sedona: Known for its red rock formations, arts scene, and spiritual vortexes, Sedona is a great day trip from the Grand Canyon.
Is 1 Day Enough for Grand Canyon?
Yes, one day can be sufficient to pick one section and experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. With careful planning and an early start, you can visit key viewpoints, take a hike, go on a scenic drive, and pick the best place for the sunset.
However, if you have more time, additional days could be spent exploring less crowded areas and going on longer hikes. Multi-day visitors often venture to the North Rim, hike the Bright Angel or North Kaibab trails, or camp under the stars. If your time allows, consider spending at least two days to appreciate the vastness of the Grand Canyon.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon is a good year-round round park, but Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. The weather is generally mild, between 50-75°F (10-24°C). In the spring, the park comes to life with blooming flora, though it can get crowded during Easter and Spring Break. Autumn sees fewer crowds, and the changing foliage colors are beautiful for hiking and photography.
Summer and winter bring their own set of challenges. Summers can be scorching hot, and winters can get pretty cold. You might catch a summer thunderstorm, which is a welcome relief from the heat, but finding solace can be tough due to large crowds.
Winter is the quietest time at the Grand Canyon. The North Rim is closed due to snow, but the South Rim remains open. I came during winter, and, to my surprise, the trails here were snowy and icy. There were way fewer people around, but hiking below the rim was quite challenging, especially descending.
How to Get to the South Rim
You can fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport for access to the Grand Canyon National Park. Alternatively, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is closer at 88 miles away and offers flights from Phoenix and Denver courtesy of American Airlines.
If you plan to arrive by train, the Amtrak station in Flagstaff is only 80 miles from the South Rim. You can hire a shuttle or rent a car from here.
| Starting City | Distance to South Rim | Drive Time to South Rim |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | 230 miles | 3.5 hours |
| Las Vegas, NV | 275 miles | 4.5 hours |
| Flagstaff, AZ | 81 miles | 1.5 hours |
Travel Tip! Shuttle services are available from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Final Thoughts: Grand Canyon Day Trip
Awesome, you’ve now checked off a perfect day in a place that millions have on their bucket list. But this experience was just an introduction to the beauty of the Grand Canyon. It’s a place I’ll certainly be returning again.
If your wanderlust isn’t satisfied yet or if you are rushing to explore more wonders in Arizona, continue your adventure by checking out our other blog posts highlighting Arizona’s must-visit destinations.
Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in Arizona?
Arizona is amongst my top favorite places in the world. I’ve vanlifed around and through this great state back and forth, north and south, multiple times on my road trips. If you’re looking for more itineraries on Arizona, check out these other destinations.
- Perfect One Day In Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary
- One Day in Saguaro National Park Itinerary for First-Timers
- One Day in Grand Canyon South Rim: First-Timers Itinerary
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