Things to Do Near the Grand Canyon South Rim – Desert View Watchtower & More

Seeing the Grand Canyon is something that pretty much everyone in America wants to see or SHOULD want to see! Nothing can prepare you for the majestic and awe-inspiring site. There are also lots of great things to do near the Grand Canyon South Rim your entire party will enjoy.

The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 6,000 feet deep – the rocks at the base of the canyon are dated to be over 2 billion years old! Pretty cool stuff. There is a lot to know about hiking in the Grand Canyon as well as planning everything you need to know about a Grand Canyon vacation.

Getting to the Grand Canyon

How to get to the South Rim?

Arizona is the best state to see the Grand Canyon. It is accessible by car, plane and train.

From Flagstaff, take I-40 west to Williams, AZ. After Williams, take Highway 64 north to the South Rim.

From Las Vegas, take Highway 93 south to I-40. From there get on I-40 east to Route 64. Route 64 north will take you directly to the South Rim.

What is the closest major city to the Grand Canyon?

Flagstaff is the closest city to the Grand Canyon, making the Flagstaff/Pulliam airport the nearest airport to Grand Canyon National Park. Las Vegas is about 4.5 hours away from the South Rim Grand Canyon.

Unless you are pairing your trip to the Grand Canyon with some time in Las Vegas, Flagstaff is a much closer airport to fly into. Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids.

The Grand Canyon is two hours from Sedona, Arizona.

Does Route 66 go to the Grand Canyon?

Route 66 does not run through the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park is just north of Route 66, about 90 miles. The slight detour is well worth the extra drive.

Things to do near the grand canyon south rim

Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Upon getting to the South Rim Grand Canyon, we recommend your first stop be at the Visitor Center. Here you can familiarize yourself with the layout of the park and decide how you want to spend your time visiting the Grand Canyon.

There is tour information here if you’re interested in a guided excursion. There are interactive exhibits that will teach you about the history of the park. The history of the Grand Canyon is so amazing so I’d give yourself a few minutes to explore the exhibits.

The Grand Canyon IMAX movie “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” is also worth watching here.

The easiest parking at the South Rim is at the Visitors Center. Lot 1 is the closest to Mather Point and Grand Canyon views. This lot has pull-through spaces for RVs and trailers. This is the only lot available for RVs. Lot 2 is the closest to the Visitor Center and Plaza.

Desert View Watchtower

The Desert View Watchtower is a must-see when visiting the Grand Canyon. The Desert View Watchtower was built in 1932 and was designed to resemble an ancestral Puebloan watchtower. It is really cool to climb up the 85 stairs for views up and down the rim.

The Desert View Watchtower gift shop features Native American crafts, books, and jewelry. There is also a nearby trading post, gas station, and snack bar.

The Desert View Watchtower sunset is spectacular!

Desert View Watchtower Fee

There is no additional fee to visit the Desert View Watchtower. You do have to pay the park entrance fee.

How to Get to Desert View Watchtower

From the Grand Canyon Visitors Center, take the S Entrance Road to Desert View Drive. You will drive along the Desert View Drive for about 20 miles to the Desert View Watchtower. You will turn onto Dessert View Road which will end at the Watchtower campus. The drive is about 35 minutes from the Visitors Center.

Can you drive to Desert View Watchtower?

Vehicles can drive east along the canyon rim for 25 miles to the Desert View area.

Hermit’s Rest

Between March 1^st and November 30^th, the Scenic and Historic Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. There are free shuttle buses that will take you down the road. Hermit’s Rest was built in 1914 and is now part of the National Register of Historic Places.

If you are taking the shuttle down to Hermit’s Rest, keep in mind that it will take about 45-60 minutes to get there.

Things to do near the grand canyon south rim – Viewpoints

Mather Point

Just behind the Visitor Center is Mather Point, the most popular viewpoint at South Rim Grand Canyon. It doesn’t necessarily have the best view but is convenient to visit because it is so close to the Visitor Center. The viewing area has two skinny but railed overlooks into the canyon. From here you can see all the way to Yavapai Point.

Yavapai Point

Yavapai Point has limited parking and vehicles over 22 feet are not permitted. We just walked on the South Rim Trail to the point. It was an easy walk and gave the kids a chance to get their energy out. The round trip, is about 1.5 miles. The river is just visible to the north. You can also view Desert View in the distance.

Hopi Point

This is a nice viewpoint to stop at especially if you’re traveling with young kids because there is a fenced viewing area. From this viewpoint, there are large mesas in the distance, separated by the Colorado River making it a popular canyon viewing point.

Yaki Point

If you’re looking to do some easy hiking in the Grand Canyon, the walk out to Yaki Point is awesome.

Overlooks along the Grand Canyon’s East Rim Drive are much less visited. We only saw a couple other people when we did this hike.

I would say Yaki Point is also a unique view of the canyon compared to the other viewpoints. You will see the end of the Bright Angel Trail on the North Rim, Cremation Creek as well as different buttes and mesas.

This was one of the less-traveled parts of the canyon that we visited. The path to get to the lookout is a dirt road with no nearby ledges. Once you get to the point, there are no guardrails but there is a picnic area and restrooms.

Grandview Point

Grandview Point is the southernmost point on Grand Canyon’s south rim. It is on a wide bend in the Colorado River between the Visitor Center and the Desert View. The best views at the point are found a short distance down the Grandview Trail because there are some trees blocking the view at the overlook. About a mile down the trail, you will find the popular viewpoint Coconino Saddle.

Moran Point

Moran Point is one of the most visited points on the east rim drive. Directly below Moran Point is Red Canyon. There are deep red/orange layered rocks that are pretty.

Tusayan Museum and Tusayan Ruins

The Tusayan Ruins is an 800-year-old Indian site. This was one of my kids’ favorite things to do near the Grand Canyon South Rim. If you need a change-up from the viewpoints, we recommend stopping in at this museum and ruin site. The site was excavated in 1930. There is a small u-shaped pueblo showing a living area, storage rooms, and a kiva. They believe the site was used for 20 years beginning in 1185.

The museum is free and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are 2,000- to 4,000-year-old artifacts on display. There are exhibits explaining what life was like and what they used for shelter, food, and more.

Grand Canyon Village

The Grand Canyon Village has everything you will need for your Grand Canyon adventure. It is a great place to do some shopping for American Indian crafts and canyon souvenirs. Yavapai Point is a great place to begin your tour as well as pick up a self-guided walking tour if you don’t want to go on a paid tour.

Ranger Programs at the South Rim Grand Canyon

There are a number of outdoor ranger programs you can participate in ranging from animal life to geology. Taking advantage of the park’s free park ranger program is a great way to make the most out of your trip, especially if you’re on a budget.

If you’re going to the Grand Canyon with kids, be sure to participate in the Junior Ranger program.

Here are some of the rangers programs offered at the South Rim –

• Ranger Geology Talks and Walks – offered year-round and begins at the Yavapai Geology Museum
• Kolb Studio Tour Ranger Program – offered seasonally and requires a reservation
• California Condor Ranger Talk – offered seasonally and give you the best chance of seeing the California condor
• Evening Ranger Programs – offered year-round, traditional campfire program and topics vary
• Cedar Ridge Hike – offered in the summer, 3.5-mile roundtrip hike along the South Kaibab Trail

things to do near the grand canyon south rim – Tours

Mule Rides at the South Rim

If you want to go down in the canyon but wanted to avoid the hike, consider a mule ride at the South Rim. Mule rides started in the canyon in 1887 and over 600,000 people have enjoyed the canyon from the back of a mule.

There is a 2-hour Canyon Vistas Rim Ride as well as an overnight ride that will take you down into the canyon to stay at the Phantom Ranch.

Mule rides are offered year-round and reservations can be made 15 months ahead of time. They do fill up early so book as early as you can.

To go on the mule ride, you must be at least nine years old and be 4’9” tall.

Take a Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon

One of the most thrilling was to see the Grand Canyon is from a helicopter. The helicopter tours depart from Tusayan, AZ near the South Rim. There are several different companies in the area offering tours.

The most economical choice is with The North Canyon. The flight length is 20-25 minutes.

Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas

If you’re interested in seeing the Grand Canyon during your Las Vegas vacation but don’t have time for the drive, consider a helicopter tour. This Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour even lands at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for a champagne toast and snacks.

Pickup is available from your hotel or lodging. Along the way, you will be able to see the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas Strip, and Lake Mead. Keep in mind there are other bus tour options from Vegas as well.

>> BOOK YOUR GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER TOUR HERE

Hiking Tours

Hiking tours at the South Rim vary from a couple of hours along the rim to days exploring down into the canyon. However much hiking you want to do, there is a tour that will cover it.

Grand Canyon Hiking & Sightseeing Tour

This 7-hour Grand Canyon hiking tour from All-Star Grand Canyon Tours is a great way to see some of the sights in the Grand Canyon and do some hiking along the South Rim and below the rim with a knowledgeable guide. Hiking is at the South Kaibab Trail and is about 1.5 miles round trip.

The tour also offers traveler pickup from campgrounds, hotels, and private rentals in Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan, and the Grand Canyon. All hiking gear such as backpacks and poles are provided as well as lunch.

After booking your tour, be sure to send in your complimentary lunch order.

>> BOOK YOUR GRAND CANYON HIKING TOUR HERE

Grand Canyon Full Day Hike

If you want to do a little more hiking and less sightseeing, the Grand Canyon Full Day Hike with All-Star Grand Canyon Tours is a great tour. The trail you hike will depend on the hiking abilities of the group but can be the South Kaibab, Hermit, Bright Angel, and Grandview Trail.

Lunch, snacks, water, and hiking gear are included as well as transportation from nearby hotels, campgrounds and private rentals.

>> BOOK YOUR FULL-DAY GRAND CANYON HIKE HERE

Biking at the South Rim

If you want to do some exploring on wheels, biking Hermit Road in the Grand Canyon is a great option. This road is a good option because of the limited road traffic. Between March 1st and November 30th, Hermit’s Road is closed to private vehicles.

There are bike tours available or you can bike on your own. Grand Canyon Bike Tours has a tour that is $50-$70 and will take you to Hermits Rest from Hopi Point. The tour is about three hours.

You can also rent bicycles at Bright Angel Bicycles found at Mather Point. They are open from 10 am – 4 pm and have rentals starting at one hour up through a multi-day rental. They also have burley trailers and tag-along rentals if you’re visiting with kids.

things to do near the grand canyon south rim – Hiking

South Rim Trail

The South Rim Trail is 13 miles long with 14 shuttle stops spread throughout the course. All the shuttle stops, make it really easy to walk parts of the trail and hop on the shuttle when you get tired.

The shuttle will take you back to Grand Canyon Village. Parts of the trail are bike accessible and it is the only trail in the park that you can walk with your dog.

Bright Angel Trail to Plateau Point

The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular trail in the Grand Canyon. One nice thing about this trail is there is a lot of shade and bathrooms every 1.5 miles.

Just like the Grandview Trail, you can hike for as long as you would like before turning around. The trail has switchbacks for about the first three miles and then levels out around Indian Gardens.

Plateau Point is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Grand Canyon.

Grandview Trail to Horseshoe Mesa

We decided to head down hiking in the Grand Canyon on the Grandview Trail. The first part of the trail is narrow and steep. Rowen and Raven who were four at the time did a good job hiking this part of the trail.

There were not very many large drop-offs. If you are looking for a trail to take you into the canyon, we would recommend looking into this trail. Just remember, hiking into the canyon is the easier part. As far as you hike in, you will have to hike out.

Hiking down into the canyon is one of the fun things to do near the Grand Canyon South Rim and gives you a different perspective on the canyon.

map of things to do near the grand canyon south rim

How to Use This Map: Click on the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.

If you click the star next to the title of the map, this will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps. Then click on the menu button, go to “Your Place” and click on Maps. You will see this map added to your list.

Park Fees and Hours of Operation

How much is the entrance fee to the Grand Canyon?

You cannot see the Grand Canyon for free. A seven-day pass to the Grand Canyon National Park is $35/vehicle. Another option is the America the Beautiful Pass. We love the pass because it gets us into all the national parks for $80/vehicle per year.

Hours of Operation

The South Rim is the most visited part of the Grand Canyon and is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Park’s Visitor Center and other facilities are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during May-September and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during October-April.

Planning Your Grand Canyon Vacation

How much time do you need at the Grand Canyon South Rim?

Spending one day in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon will give you just enough time to see the highlights. We spent two days, and I am glad we stayed the extra day. It let us travel down to the Desert View Watchtower and do some hiking. Depending on how thoroughly you want to see the park, I would recommend spending 1-3 days.

When to Visit the Grand Canyon

Spring, Fall, and Winter are the best times for hiking in the Grand Canyon. In the winter, you will escape the crowds. Regardless of when you visit, you will find many things to do near the Grand Canyon South Rim to enjoy.

Where to Stay Near the South Rim

Grand Canyon South Rim Hotels

There are a number of hotels and lodging options close to all of the things to do near the Grand Canyon South Rim. There is everything from glamping, to apartments, to standard hotel rooms within minutes of the park. Check out these clean and convenient locations –

• Arizona Luxury Expeditions – Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Village)
• Canyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments (Tusayan)
• Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel (Grand Canyon Village)
• Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Village)
• Best Western Premier Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon Village)

Read More: 17 Best Places to Stay Near the South Rim Grand Canyon

Camping at the South Rim

If camping is more your style, there are a number of campgrounds within the park and another one just outside if the parks in the campground are full.

Mather Campground

Mather Campground is located in Grand Canyon Village and is open year-round. Reservations can be made from March through November at Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and are highly recommended. There are tent and RV camping. Pets are allowed but they must be leashed.

Trailer Village

This RV park is the only in-park campground with full hook-ups. It is open year-round and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Desert View Campground

This campground is first-come, first-served. The campground usually fills up by noon each day. It is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October. Campsites are $12.00 per night.

Ten-X Campground

Although outside the park, it is not a far drive to the park. It is open from May 1st through October 16th.

This is where we stayed on our west coast trip and we had a great time there. The spots are large but there are no hook-ups or showers.

If you have any questions, please comment below! We are happy to help you plan your trip to the Grand Canyon’s south rim. And make sure to follow along on our adventures on Instagram @csginger.

The South Rim Grand Canyon has so much to see. Visiting the Grand Canyon gets you off to a great start, however, I would recommend extending your trip by at least a couple of days to check out some of these awesome places:

Sedona, Arizona: Catching the Sunset Views from Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona 
Horseshoebend, Arizona: How to Visit Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
Antelope Canyon, Arizona: Lower Antelope Canyon Arizona – Visiting the Famous Canyon
Las Vegas, Nevada: 13 Fun Things to See in Las Vegas, Nevada 

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