A complete South Rim experience with sunrise and sunset, rim trails, a below-rim hike, and the Desert View Drive. Built around shuttle logistics, water planning, and the best light windows.
Itinerary
Sunrise at Yavapai Point
Watch sunrise from Yavapai Observation Station. The geology museum opens at 8am with spectacular canyon views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Less crowded than Mather Point. Arrive 30-45 minutes early and stay for the geology exhibits.
Breakfast & Visitor Center
Park Films Are Shown Daily in the Visitor Center Theater. ►At the top of the hour, the 24-minute film, ‘We Are Grand Canyon’, welcomes visitors by sharing the heritage and viewpoints of the 11 tribal communities connected to the canyon. ►On the half hour, 'Grand Canyon - a Journey of Wonder', introduces the natural and human history of this special place —along with efforts to preserve and protect Grand Canyon as a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans.
Grab breakfast, watch the park film, and get oriented with ranger recommendations.
The 20-minute park film is excellent for context. Check shuttle status and trail water advisories.
South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
Hike 1.8 miles roundtrip to Ooh Aah Point for panoramic canyon views.
No water on this trail. Start early and bring more than you think. Use the shuttle to the trailhead; parking is limited.
Lunch at Yavapai Lodge
Casual dining at Yavapai Lodge Restaurant or grab-and-go at the adjacent tavern.
Less crowded than El Tovar. Refill water and electrolytes before the afternoon.
Hermit Road Viewpoints
Take the free shuttle along Hermit Road stopping at Powell Point, Mohave Point, and The Abyss. Each offers unique perspectives.
Hermit Road is shuttle-only most of the year. Plan 2-3 hours with short walks between viewpoints.
Sunset at Hopi Point
This viewpoint offers panoramic and breathtaking views of the canyon along the scenic Hermit Road. An ideal location for sunrise or sunset, Hopi Point also offers five views of the Colorado River. Vault toilets available. Shuttle bus only for most of the year. Catch the Hermits Rest (Red) Route Shuttle for access March–November.
Classic sunset spot with panoramic views. Arrive early for good positioning.
Most popular sunset spot - expect crowds. Mohave Point is a strong backup with similar views.
Sunrise at Mather Point
For many visitors coming to the South Rim, Mather Point offers the first glimpse of a world wonder. A short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and parking lots 1-4, Mather Point offers an expansive view of the canyon. On a clear day you can see 30+ miles (48 km) to the east and 60+ miles (96 km) to the west. Looking down into the canyon you can see a few small samples of the Colorado River, Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon, and numerous trails.
The most popular and accessible sunrise location. Worth doing even if you watched sunset.
Arrive 30 minutes early for a front-row spot. Canyon colors are different at sunrise vs sunset.
Bright Angel Trail to Havasupai Gardens
Bright Angel Trail lets hikers walk in the footsteps of the canyon's Indigenous peoples, miners, and early tourists, as they descend into the canyon's depths. Offering outstanding views, morning and afternoon shade, resthouses, vault toilets, and water stations during the summer. Visit the link for the current list of trail reopenings and closures.
9.2-mile roundtrip hike to the Havasupai Gardens oasis. Challenging but rewarding for fit hikers.
Start early to avoid heat. Bring 3+ liters of water. Resthouses at 1.5 and 3 miles. Turn back if needed; the climb out is the hardest part.
Late Lunch & Rest
Recover from your hike with a substantial meal. El Tovar or Bright Angel Lodge.
You earned a good meal. Keep hydrating and replace electrolytes.
Desert View Drive
Located in the forest, near mile marker 244, on the south side of SR 64 (Desert View Drive), this small picnic area offers tables with both sun and shade, There are no restrooms here, or view of Grand Canyon from this location.
25-mile scenic drive with multiple viewpoints. Stop at Grandview Point, Lipan Point, and Desert View Watchtower.
Lipan Point has the best Colorado River views. Watchtower is worth the climb; expect stairs.
Final Sunset at Desert View
Different perspective for sunset - looking out over the Painted Desert and Marble Canyon.
Less crowded than west-end viewpoints. The return drive after dark is slow; watch for wildlife.
Creates a copy you can customize
2
Days
11
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
March-May and September-November
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