Rim To Rim HikeVery few visitors to the Grand Canyon take on this backpacking trip, but those who do typically finish it in 2-3 days, though those who are extremely fit may do it in one long day.
The South Rim has plenty to offer, and for many, its combination of family-friendly activities and accommodations are perfect, but for visitors that want to truly connect with nature in solitude, the North Rim offers more opportunities to get up close and personal with the canyon and the wildlife that surrounds it.
Both of these Parks offer great outdoor activities for all ages. For canyoneering and rappelling, Zion beats Bryce. You'll find world-class hiking in either Park, but in Zion you can find yourself hiking through streams or on sandstone ledges, like Angels Landing – one of the scariest hikes in the world!
Grand Canyon South Rim is most frequently chosen by first-time visitors to the area not only for its beautiful views, but for its abundance of visitor services and family-oriented activities. The South Rim is open year-round. At 7,000' above sea level, the South Rim has four distinct seasons.
The North Rim Season (with all services) is between May 15 and October 15, each year. Both lodge and campground are open.
However, the North Rim does boast the Grand Canyon's highest viewpoints, at over 8,000 feet. The most popular is Bright Angel Point, which is just a short walk from the Grand Canyon Lodge. From here, you can take in sweeping views of the canyon, and see all the way to the South Rim.
Both the North Rim and South Rim (the two rims of Grand Canyon National Park) are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. On average, both drives take approximately four and a half hours.
Overall, if you want the total Grand Canyon package, it's best to visit both rims. But if you have to choose between the two, I recommend that first-time visitors focus on the South Rim for the numerous overlooks and variety of experiences.
Mather Point, South RimIf you're headed to the park's South Main Entrance on the South Rim for the first time, Mather Point is usually the go-to iconic viewpoint. It's a great introduction to the immensity of the Grand Canyon. The most peaceful time to visit is during sunrise or just before sunset.
6 Things Not to Miss at the Grand Canyon
- Grand Canyon Village.
- Grand Canyon Skywalk.
- Historic District.
- Havasupai Falls.
- Desert View Drive.
- North Rim.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located 3 hours north of Sedona making it a relatively easy day trip or road trip opportunity.
High 48F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Clear skies. Low 27F.
Entrance Fees and PassesAdmission to Grand Canyon National Park is valid for seven days. It includes both the North Rim and South Rim. No refunds are given due to inclement weather. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers.
–The Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open year-round. Additional park information can be obtained by calling 928-638-7888 or by visiting the park website at
Grand Canyon lies entirely within the state of Arizona. North Rim: Closed for the Winter between December 1 and May 15. The North Rim is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67; the actual rim of the canyon is an additional 14 miles south.
The South Rim of the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The South Rim includes Grand Canyon Village and Desert View. Most services are available year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during spring, summer and fall.
Many will ask us the time it will take to complete a Rim to Rim hike, especially hikers that plan on taking it on in one day. The time varies based on one's overall conditioning, route taken, food and water breaks, weather, etc. but on average a Rim to Rim hike of the Grand Canyon takes about 12-15 hours to complete.
Re: Where Can I Park Overnight at Grand Canyon South Rim? Permits are for hiking and staying the night down in the canyon. If you are staying at a hotel on the rim,you do not need a permit, you just pay the $20 entrance fee at the gate when you enter the park.
This trail passes through Indian Garden. North Kaibab Trail: The trail begins on the North Rim at the head of Roaring Springs Canyon and descends to the Colorado River. Elevation from rim to river is 5850 ft (1780 m), along a 14.2 mi (22.9 km) trail.
THE SOUTH RIM, GRAND CANYON, AZ – July 17, 2018 – This jagged 277-mile-long gorge carved by the Colorado River and reaching depths of a mile is one of world's seven natural wonders and the centerpiece of Grand Canyon National Park. You can explore its 1.2 million acres by land, water and air.
As RedRox said, Sedona is around 30 to 45 minutes away from Flagstaff (30 if you use Interstate 17, 45 if you drive US Route 89 up Oak Creek Canyon). It's not clear to me that you are visiting Grand Canyon National Park/South Rim.
While only about 10 miles separate the Grand Canyon North Rim and South Rim itself, there is no road connecting them. Because you have to drive literally all around the two rims, it is about 212 miles between them. This drive takes about 4 hours to complete.
