Grand Canyon Rim Comparison
Discover the unique characteristics of the West Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Each offers distinct experiences, breathtaking views, and unforgettable adventures.
West Rim
Grand Canyon West is the rugged, rustic alternative to the South Rim. Here, guests will be surrounded by unique vistas only found at the West Rim. Eagle Point offers a view of the majestic eagle formation naturally carved into the stone, considered sacred by the Hualapai Indians. Guano Point is a thin peninsula that allows visitors to walk out into the middle of the canyon and be surrounded on all sides by colorful canyon walls. Here, guests can also visit the Hualapai Indian Cultural Center and watch traditional singing and dancing as well as browse authentic crafts for sale. Tours to the West Rim can be done by airplane, helicopter, and even have options for boat rides and a stroll atop the world-famous Skywalk. The West Rim is also the only area of the park where helicopters can land below the rim. Scenic's Grand Voyager tour will take you to the West Rim by airplane, land on the canyon floor by helicopter, and take passengers down the Colorado River by boat - the best way to experience all the West Rim has to offer.
West Rim Features
Ownership
Hualapai Indian Nation
Elevation
4,800 feet / 1,463 meters
Rim to Floor Depth
3,800 feet / 1,158 meters
Distance Across Gorge
2-3 miles / 3-5 kilometers
Rim Temperature Average
95°F summer 55°F winter / 35°C summer 13°C winter
Inner Gorge Temperature
108°F summer 60°F winter / 42°C summer 15°C winter
Visitation Per Year
800,000 - 1 million
Distance from Las Vegas
- • Driving - Approximately 2.5 hours
- • Airplane - Approximately 30 - 35 minutes
- • Helicopter - Approximately 35 - 40 minutes
South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, also known as the South Rim, is the most recognizable area of the Grand Canyon. Its massive gorges have provided the classic depiction of the canyon on postcards, television, magazines, and in film. Here, the canyon walls stretch nearly 20 miles apart, offering sweeping views of the magnificently striated rock as far as the eye can see. These breathtaking sights make the South Rim the most highly-visited area of the park, boasting an average five million guests annually. Visitors can hike, take a mule ride, or enjoy a smooth river float. Many visitors may experience the canyon by air aboard an airplane or helicopter tour. Scenic offers Grand Canyon South Rim tours that give passengers breathtaking aerial views of the canyon expanse. The most popular excursion, the Grand Canyon Connoisseur tour, offers the opportunity to fly over the landscape by airplane, then stand along the edge of the rim upon landing. The tour also includes many upgrade options, including a helicopter flight and an open-air Hummer ground tour.
South Rim Features
Ownership
Grand Canyon National Park
Elevation
7,000 feet / 2,134 meters
Rim to Floor Depth
5,000 feet / 1,524 meters
Distance Across Gorge
10-18 miles / 16-29 kilometers
Rim Temperature Average
80°F summer 50°F winter / 25°C summer 10°C winter
Inner Gorge Temperature
100°F summer 60°F winter / 38°C summer 16°C winter
Visitation Per Year Average
5 million
Distance from Las Vegas
- • Driving - Approximately 5.5 hours
- • Airplane - Approximately 1 hour - 1 hour 10 minutes
- • Helicopter - Unavailable