How to See the Grand Canyon in One Day (South Rim Guide)
Only have one day to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim? Here’s how to get the best out of your visit!
If you’re taking a road trip in the USA’s western states, or after a day trip from Las Vegas, visiting the Grand Canyon HAS to be on your itinerary. I’ve visited the Grand Canyon’s South Rim three times now, and can confirm that with every visit it’s just as majestic as ever.
With the Grand Canyon being, y’know, REALLY long (277 miles, to be exact), it’s difficult to know exactly what to do if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in one day. The North Rim is less travelled, and in the West you have the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
But if it’s your first time visiting the Grand Canyon, I’d recommend the South Rim. It has iconic viewpoints, the most impressive vistas, a museum, and plenty to pack into your day out. It’s also easier to get to from Las Vegas, if you’re day tripping from there, with transport services that’ll take you there and back in a day.
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Need to book your day at the Grand Canyon ASAP? Check out this full-day trip from Las Vegas, which includes round-trip transport, lunch, and a visit to Seligman, the birthplace of historic Route 66.
Things to do at the Grand Canyon in one day
There’s loads to do at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, but these are the essentials to add to your one-day itinerary…
Watch the sunrise
I mean, yeah, it’s an early start. But it’s totally worth it. So haul yourself out of bed, and watch the day break over one of the world’s most incredible natural sights. Mather Point is a great viewpoint for this, although it does get busy with lots of others doing the same thing.
Grand Canyon Tip: If you’re hiking into the canyon, an early start is the best option – we headed straight from sunrise to the South Kaibab Trailhead to kick off our Skeleton Point Hike first thing.
Check out the view from Mather Point
If you’ve not arrived in time for sunrise, you’ll want to choose somewhere epic for your first view of the Grand Canyon. Mather Point may be the busiest spot on the South Rim, but it’s popular for a reason – a full panoramic view of the canyon.
Hike the South Kaibab Trail
If you’re planning on doing some hiking into the Grand Canyon, it’s best to start out as early as possible. Because it gets HOT down there. Going down into the canyon is the easy part – as the sign in the lodge said: going down is optional, coming back up is mandatory. To make the climb back up that little bit easier, maybe avoid doing it in the baking early afternoon sun…
On my third visit, I made it all the way to Skeleton Point on the South Kaibab Trail. And it was probably one of the toughest hikes I’ve ever done – but incredibly rewarding.
For an easier hike, Ooh Ahh Point offers some great views, while still being achievable in around 2 hours – great if you’re an inexperienced hiker or visiting the Grand Canyon with kids.
Grand Canyon Tip: If you’re sweaty after hiking on a day visit, Mather Campground has showers you can use for a small fee.
Walk the Rim Trail
You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy the Grand Canyon – the flat rim trail offers great views of the glorious rock formations. On my first visit, this is the only trail I did, and spent a beautiful hour or two in the sun strolling the South Rim. Frequent stops (for photos and gawping) are necessary, and you might just spot an elk or two along the way…
Grand Canyon Tip: Another great way to explore the rim trail is by hiring a bike – these can be found in the village, near the visitor centre.
Hike the Bright Angel Trail
The Bright Angel Trail is the South Rim’s most iconic hike, and the one that gets the most traffic. The beginning of the trail is pretty easy, with some more challenging sections further in, so depending on your fitness and energy levels, you can stop and turn around at any point. Allow double the time it takes to get back down to get back up!
If you’re hoping to hike down to Plateau Point (approx. 8hrs round trip), I’d recommend starting early, as with the South Kaibab Trail. However, if you’ve already done a hike in the morning, you could do what I did on my second visit and walk a little way in, to check out the views.
Not quite ready to make the journey to Plateau Point? The 1.5 mile resthouse stop is a 2-3hr round trip hike, and the 3 mile resthouse is about a 4hr roundtrip.
Grand Canyon Visitor Centre
Located near Mather Point, this is the main visitor centre for the Grand Canyon and a great introduction to the National Park and South Rim area. You can find out more about the history of the Canyon, and watch the 20 minute movie Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder.
You can also get information here about other things to do (as if this Grand Canyon guide isn’t enough for you…!) and options for day hikes.
Opening times: 8am – 6pm
Get your Junior Ranger Badge
Heard about Junior Ranger badges? The USA’s National Park service created the scheme to help youngsters learn more about the parks and their conservation. But trust me, it’s not just for kids! I was actually told about the programme by a TrekAmerica tour leader who collects the badges, and they make a super-cool, free souvenir, as well as giving you the chance to learn more about the park.
When you arrive at the visitor centre, pick up your Junior Ranger workbook, and complete a selection of the tasks. Once you’re done, you return to the visitor centre, and get ‘sworn in’ as a Junior Ranger, promising to protect the Grand Canyon National Park. Then you get your badge and certificate!
Take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
Alright. It’s a pricey one. But hands down, one of my most memorable travel experiences has been flying over the Grand Canyon in a motherflippin’ helicopter. It took me three visits to actually get around to taking the flight, and the only regret is wishing I’d done it sooner.
The moment when the trees fall out beneath you and you’re soaring over red rock and river is something that’ll stick with me for life. It’s a cliché, but it honestly does take your breath away.
My helicopter flight was with Maverick Helicopters, who I’d totally recommend – our pilot was a total cutie, with loads of knowledge about the Grand Canyon. It costs $399 for a 45 minute flight, and it was worth every damn cent.
(if you’re on a budget, this option from Grand Canyon Village is cheaper for a 25 minute flight.)
Walk the Trail of Time
From the Verkamps Visitor Centre, take a walk through one million years of the Grand Canyon’s history. Markers and exhibits along the way explain the formation of the rocks, and how the Grand Canyon grew into the view you’ll see from the trail.
Watch the sunset
I’ve watched the sun set over the Grand Canyon three times now; and I’d do it again, every time. It’s more dramatic than the sunrise, and you get to watch the shades and tones of the canyon change as the depths get darker.
Grand Canyon Tip: To make the sunset experience extra awesome: takeaway pizza from We Cook Pizza and Pasta in town + a couple of beers = the most epic pizza party around.
Itinerary for one day at the Grand Canyon
- Sunrise – Mather Point. Early breakfast!
- Early AM – South Kaibab Trail – hike to Ooh Ahh Point, Cedar Ridge or Skeleton Point, depending on ability. (non-hiking alternative: Rim Trail)
- Late AM – Grand Canyon Visitor Centre – watch the movie & learn about the
- Lunchtime – El Tovar Hotel or Bright Angel Lodge for lunch
- Afternoon – Trail of Time and Historic Buildings OR small section of Bright Angel Trail.
- Sunset – enjoy with pizza and beer.
Essential guide to visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
How much does entry to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim cost?
A vehicle permit for the Grand Canyon National Park is $35, and covers one non-commercial vehicle and all passengers.
If you’re visiting on foot, by bicycle or park shuttle bus, entry costs $20pp.
Passes are valid for 7 days. You can buy your pass online, or at the entrance stations to the park.
Getting to Grand Canyon National Park
Driving: By far the easiest way to get to the Grand Canyon. The nearest large cities to the Grand Canyon South Rim are Phoenix, AZ (approx. 3.5hrs drive) and Las Vegas (approx. 4.5hrs drive).
Train: The Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, AZ, takes you right to the Grand Canyon National Park. Find out more.
Grand Canyon bus tours are also available from Las Vegas. If you’re travelling from further away, public bus services will take you to Flagstaff, where there’s a direct shuttle service to the Grand Canyon.
Getting around the Grand Canyon South Rim
Free shuttle buses are provided to take visitors around the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park. The main hub for the shuttle buses is the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, near Mather Point.
- Red Route: 80 mins roundtrip, 12 stops including 9 viewpoints.
- Buses run every 15 minutes between sunrise and sunset, and every 30mins from 4-6am and during the hour after sunset.
- Orange Route: Runs east and westbound, stopping at South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point, Mather Point and Yavapi Geology Museum.
- Buses run every 15 minutes between sunrise and sunset, and every 30mins from 4-6am and during the hour after sunset.
- Blue Route: Runs east and westbound, stopping at points of interest, hotels, restaurants, and campgrounds.
- Buses run every 15 minutes between 6.15am and 7pm, and every 30mins from 4-6.15am and 7-11pm.
- Purple Route: Runs to and from Tusayan from May-October. Stops at the IMAX and Tusayan hotels and restaurants.
- Buses run every 20 minutes from 8am (IMAX) to 9.30pm (Visitor Center).
Further information on buses and Grand Canyon National Park access.
Where to stay at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim
If you’re spending the night at the Grand Canyon, you’ll need to find somewhere to rest your head after all the exploring. There are a few options, based on your budget and preferred type of accommodation; from camping and budget hotels to lodges and more upmarket surroundings.
Campsites at the Grand Canyon
- Mather Campground is located in the Grand Canyon Village area, with advance reservations strongly recommended during the busy season. Camping fee is $18 per night per site (max. 6 people/3 tents).
- Desert View Campground is 25miles from the main park area, with no reservations available and usually full by 12pm each day. Camping fee is $18 per night (max. 6 people/2 tents).
- Trailer Village has full RV hook-ups and can be found in the Grand Canyon Village area.
Hotels in Grand Canyon National Park
Prices vary, but tend to be more expensive than staying futher out.
Bright Angel Lodge ($$$$) – cosy lodge and cabins within easy reach of main attractions
El Tovar Hotel ($$$$) – elegant and welcoming spot at the end of the old railroad
Kachina Lodge ($$$$) – 1960s spot right on the rim, with canyon view rooms available
Maswik Lodge ($$$$) – contemporary lodging in the Grand Canyon Village.
Hotels in Tusayan
Tusayan is the Grand Canyon South Rim’s nearest town, and has a free shuttle bus service into the park during the summer season (May-September)
Best Western ($$$) – resort hotel with pool and multiple restaurants
Holiday Inn ($$$) – comfortable rooms with an indoor pool
Red Feather Lodge ($$$) – I’ve stayed here twice and really liked it
The Grand Hotel ($$$) 5-star accommodation with a lodge-like feel
Where to eat in Grand Canyon National Park
If you’re hungry from hiking, there are plenty of great places to eat at Grand Canyon National Park, from light snacks to three-course dinners.
- El Tovar Hotel – dining room & lounge (we had some small sharing plates in the lounge, which were delicious!)
- Bright Angel Lodge – a range of dining options from casual grab’n’go (Bright Angel Fountain) to full-on dining (Arizona Room, Bright Angel Restaurant)
- Maswick Food Court and Pizza Pub – breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Canyon Village Market – small casual dining area with affordable options such as pizza by the slice, salads and sandwiches.
- Bright Angel Bike Rental and Café – by the Grand Canyon Visitor Centre, grab’n’ go options including sandwiches and coffee.
- Yavapi Lodge – Restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Tavern (lunch & dinner), Coffee Shop
- Desert View Deli – breakfast and lunch
- Hermit’s Rest snack bar – light snacks
Other things you can do at the Grand Canyon
- Visit the Grand Canyon West Rim, Hualapai Reservation and SkyWalk.
- Fancy seeing this natural wonder from a new perspective? Go rafting down the Colorado River.
- Experienced hikers can make the journey from rim to rim.
- Take a trip to the lesser-visited North Rim for more great views, with smaller crowds.
- Visit the Grand Canyon in winter, for a slower pace and snowy Canyon landscapes.
