What is the difference between the South Rim and West Rim of the Grand Canyon?
Many people don't realize that the Grand Canyon has two distinct regions, or rims, of the canyon that they can tour.
The South Rim is the region of the canyon that encompasses the Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim features the lush Kaibab National Forest and the historic Grand Canyon Village. Aerial tours of the South Rim soar over the widest and deepest parts of the Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, ground tours can take guests to world-famous lookouts like Bright Angel Point, Mather Point, Duck on a Rock, and Yavapai Point.
The West Rim is owned and operated by the Native American Hualapai Nation. In this region of the Grand Canyon, visitors can walk along the world-renowned Skywalk Bridge or visit famous lookouts like Eagle Point and Guano Point. GCSA helicopter tours have access to an exclusive landing spot at the bottom of the West Rim, allowing guests to explore the canyon floor and embark on a pontoon boat cruise of the Colorado River.
Compare Grand Canyon tours at both rims to find your perfect adventure.
What is the best time of the year to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim?
The Spring and Fall are widely considered the best times of the year to make a trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim. During these periods, the daytime temperatures are cool and the crowds are thin.
Should I book my Grand Canyon South Rim tour before I go?
Yes. We recommend that customers book in advance to take advantage of our great online prices.
We are happy to take bookings in advance or upon arrival at one of our terminals. However, the best prices are available online and our tours often sell out.
Get more answers to frequently asked questions about GCSA tours.
How long does it take to see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?
With a Grand Canyon South Rim tour from GCSA, you can experience the most remarkable sights at the South Rim in just one day.
With the Grand Canyon Deluxe with Hummer, guests will soar over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River. After touching down at the South Rim, board a customized Hummer for a tour of the Grand Canyon National Park's most famous viewpoints.
If you're more interested in catching fantastic aerial views of the widest and deepest parts of the Grand Canyon, replace the Hummer with a state-of-the-art helicopter. Aboard a Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter, the bird's-eye views of the canyon are breathtaking and unforgettable.
What are the best tours of the Grand Canyon South Rim?
There's a reason people have been flying with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines for over 90 years. With a dozen world-class Grand Canyon South Rim tours to choose from, each individual has plenty of options for their dream Grand Canyon vacation.
Here are a few of the best and most popular Grand Canyon South Rim tours.
What is there to do at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon South Rim is home to some of the most famously breathtaking landscapes in the world. This is also the most developed rim of the Grand Canyon. During your trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim, check out a few of these exciting activities.
- Gaze in awe at beautiful lookout points like Bright Angel Point and Mather Point
- Soar over breathtaking landscapes like Zuni Corridor and the Kaibab National Forest during a world-class helicopter or airplane tour
- Embark on a guided Hummer excursion to scenic sites like Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point
- Explore the historic architecture and quaint gift shops in Grand Canyon Village
- Climb to the top of Desert View Watchtower for a 360-degree view of the South Rim
Check out your must-see guide to the Grand Canyon National Park.
