Exploring Grand Canyon South Rim

     Grand Canyon South Rim is approximately 280 miles from Las Vegas. Average drive time is about 5 hours via I-93 from Las Vegas to Kingman, Arizona, I-40 from Kingman to Williams, Arizona and AZ64 from Williams to Grand Canyon South Rim. Along the way, take time to stop at Hoover Dam (in Boulder City, about 40 miles outside of town). Those with more time to spend might also consider making the detour on Historic Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman, which will add another hour or so to the drive.

     Once inside the park at Grand Canyon South Rim, the “must-see” spots include Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Observation Station, and Grand Canyon Village, where visitors can see examples of architecture dating back to the early 20th century at places like the El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House, Verkamp’s, Bright Angel Lodge, Kolb Studio and Lookout Studio. An easy, paved trail connects these landmarks and extends along the very rim of the canyon. During the busy spring, summer and fall months, it is highly recommended that you park your vehicle and use the free in-park shuttle service to get around to these areas. Busses come around to several stops in the village every 10 minutes from sunrise to sunset.

     There are also many beautiful Grand Canyon views along the 8-mile West Rim drive (not to be confused with “Grand Canyon West” or the “West Rim”) to Hermit’s Rest. During spring, summer and fall, this road is closed to private vehicles and is only accessible by free shuttle or commercial tour bus. Some of the more famous viewpoints seen in this area of the park are Hopi Point, Maricopa Point and Pima Point. At the end of the line is Hermit’s Rest, another of the park’s historic landmarks, where you can purchase souvenirs and mementos of your trip. The West Rim bus line also runs every 10 minutes and begins at the West Rim Interchange located near Bright Angel Lodge.

     For those who prefer to walk, there is a paved trail along the canyon rim, as well as two maintained trails into the inner canyon: the South Kaibab Trail (located at Yaki Point and only accessible by shuttle during peak travel season) and the Bright Angel Trail, located near Bright Angel Lodge. The inner canyon trails are strenuous and should only be attempted by those in good health.

     Of course, if driving there yourself is not an option, consider one of Scenic Airlines many Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours to the South Rim. Our popular Grand Canyon Deluxe Day Tour is the longest running Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tour that includes a beautiful scenic airplane flight from Las Vegas to the South Rim, that also flies over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Upon landing at the South Rim, you’d then enjoy a four-hour deluxe motorcoach tour of the park, including lunch, and return air transportation to Las Vegas.

     For those on a budget Scenic Airlines offers the Las Vegas Grand Canyon Motorcoach Deluxe Tour, an all-day excursion to Hoover Dam, historic Williams, Arizona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

     Overnight tours are also available that would allow you to spend one or even two nights inside Grand Canyon National Park.

     Your Scenic Airlines tour price includes pick up and drop off at most major hotels on the Strip or Downtown. Watch videos of our tours right now, or call (800) 634-6801 (toll free in the US) or (702) 638-3300 (outside the US) to reserve your seats today.