Route Overview
A ranger-paced South Rim day with sunrise, a rim walk, a short below-rim hike, Desert View Drive, and a sunset finish.
Itinerary
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.
One of the most accessible and spectacular sunrise viewpoints on the South Rim. Watch the canyon walls transform from shadow to brilliant red and orange.
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise. Bring a headlamp for the short walk from parking. Mornings are cold even in summer.
Breakfast at Grand Canyon Village
This is where you can mail letters and packages, or buy postage. This location is only open during the summer season. 2025 Season Open daily May 15–October 6 Accessibility Not wheelchair-accessible.
Breakfast at El Tovar (upscale) or Bright Angel Lodge (casual). Both have canyon views.
El Tovar requires reservations. Bright Angel Lodge is first-come-first-served. Refill water before hiking.
Bright Angel Trail
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.
Hike 1.5 miles down to First Tunnel or 3 miles to Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse. Remember: what goes down must come up!
Bring at least 1 liter of water per person. Start early to avoid heat and turn around by late morning in summer. The hike out takes roughly twice as long as going down.
Lunch Break
Refuel after your hike. Arizona Room, Canyon Village Deli, or pack a picnic.
Eat in the shade and hydrate. Electrolytes help after the climb.
Rim Trail Walk
Walk the paved Rim Trail from Mather Point to Yavapai Point (2.5 miles). Stunning views the entire way with interpretive signs.
Mostly flat and paved. Great for all fitness levels. Use the shuttle to return and refill water at Yavapai.
Desert View Watchtower
Desert View Watchtower Retail Store (View Room) is open daily: 9 am to 5 pm. The upper tower floors are open, when staffing allows, from 9 am to 4 pm. The last tower access is at 4 pm, with the stairs closed for the day at 4:30 pm. A ticket system admits 25 people with a 20-minute time limit. A National Historic Landmark, the Watchtower was constructed in 1932; designed by Mary Colter and based on Ancestral Puebloan architecture.
Drive the scenic Desert View Drive to this historic 70-foot stone tower designed by Mary Colter. Climb for 360-degree views.
25-mile drive from Grand Canyon Village. Worth it for river views and the tower; allow 45-60 minutes of driving each way.
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.
The most popular sunset viewpoint on the South Rim with panoramic views. Watch the canyon transform through golden hour.
Arrive 45-60 minutes early for parking and good viewing spots. Accessible by Hermit Road shuttle (spring-fall) or private vehicle (winter).
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Day
7
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easy
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Best Season
March-May and September-November (avoid summer crowds and heat)
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