One Day in Grand Canyon: South Rim Itinerary with Top Sights (+Map)
Planning a day trip to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and wondering how to make the most of your time? This first-timers’ guide includes everything you need to plan the perfect one-day Grand Canyon itinerary.
In this article, you’ll find practical tips, must-know information, and a detailed itinerary with all the main points of interest, plus a map. We’ve listed the best things you can do at the Grand Canyon South Rim in a day, including top viewpoints, short hikes, and popular activities.
We’ve been to the Grand Canyon several times and I’m confident that this guide will help you plan a perfect trip and see the very best of the Grand Canyon in just one day.
PRO TIP: If your time is limited and you’re looking for a fast and unique way to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, consider a helicopter tour! It’s a true bucket list experience.
Wondering where to stay? Staying inside the national park will help you make the most of your visit! El Tovar has the best views, whereas Yavapai Lodge offers the best value (and you can easily walk to the nicest viewpoints).
Tour TIP: If you only have one day for the Grand Canyon and don’t want to worry about practicalities, you can also visit with an organized tour. Most tours start in Las Vegas, but there are also day tours from Sedona and the Phoenix – Scottsdale area. Here are some of the best-rated day tours:
- From Las Vegas.
- From Sedona.
- From the Phoenix area.
- Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours – from various locations.
1 Day in Grand Canyon – OVERVIEW:
Grand Canyon Day Trip – Which Rim to Visit?
The Grand Canyon is massive – about 277 miles (446 km) long – so seeing all of it in one day isn’t realistic. But you can see the best of the Grand Canyon in a day if you focus your visit on the South Rim.
According to the official website, 90% of Grand Canyon visitors visit the South Rim. Here is why:
The South Rim is the most accessible part of Grand Canyon National Park. Furthermore, it’s open year-round, has the most services, and is the most family-friendly, with shuttle buses, paved trails, and plenty of facilities. Last but not least, the South Rim has the best viewpoints and offers the classic sweeping canyon views most people picture when they think of the Grand Canyon.
Good to know: The North Rim is quieter and stunning, but it’s only open seasonally (mid-May to October) and usually takes longer to reach. If you’re wondering about the Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, it’s good for a day trip from Las Vegas, but not as impressive as the South Rim. So if you can make it to the South Rim, go there – it offers a fuller Grand Canyon experience.
Since most first-time visitors head to the South Rim, in this guide, we focus entirely on that part of the park.
How to Get to Grand Canyon South Rim
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is about 3.5–4.5 hours by car from Phoenix or Las Vegas, and just 1.5 hours from Flagstaff – all of which have major airports.
If you’re only visiting for one day, it’s best to stay as close to the park as possible – or inside the park the night before. Ideally, plan for two nights near the South Rim so you can reduce travel time and make the most of your visit. (You’ll find accommodation tips further below.)
Here are the best ways to get to the South Rim:
- By car: Most visitors drive. The two most common routes are from Flagstaff via US Highway 180, and from Williams via State Route 64. In both cases, you’ll enter at the Grand Canyon South Entrance.
- By train: The Grand Canyon Railway offers a scenic and family-friendly ride from Williams to the South Rim. It’s a great alternative to driving. Check availability and book well ahead!
- By public transport: Limited options are available from Flagstaff, but these require extra planning and transfers.
- By tour: There are guided day tours from Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Sedona, including some that go to the South Rim by coach, small group van, or even helicopter.
Entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park is $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. This includes access to both the South and North Rims. If you have an America the Beautiful annual pass, it’s accepted here. For more information, check the official NPS website.
Where to Stay
The best way to make the most of your day at the Grand Canyon is to stay as close to the South Rim as possible. That way, you can beat the traffic and the crowds.
There are several hotels inside the park, and if you can secure a room at any of these, it’s totally worth it. Here are some of the best options (for a complete overview, see our detailed guide linked further below):
- El Tovar Hotel. Historic flagship hotel with the best canyon views and a fine dining restaurant right on the rim.
- Yavapai Lodge. The largest and best-value lodge with family-friendly rooms, a casual restaurant, and easy access to the Market Plaza and shuttle routes. We once stayed here when visiting just for a day/two nights and it was the best decision.
- Maswik Lodge. Set in a quiet, wooded area just a short walk from the canyon’s edge, this is a more modern, spacious option with plenty of parking.
- Bright Angel Lodge. A budget-friendly lodge with rustic rooms and unbeatable proximity to the Rim Trail and Bright Angel Trailhead.
For more affordable options near the national park, check hotels in Tusayan (this is where the helicopter tours start, some 6 miles from the South Rim). For example, the Grand Hotel is an excellent choice with a good on-site restaurant. The Red Feather Lodge is a popular budget option.
LEARN MORE: Grand Canyon Hotels & Lodging Guide
Where to Park at the South Rim
When visiting the Grand Canyon for one day (and if not staying inside the park), it’s best to enter the park via the South Entrance Station and park at the main Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Parking lots 1-4 offer the most convenient access to canyon viewpoints, the main Visitor Center, shuttle stops, and Bright Angel Bikes & Café. Lot 1 has pull-through spaces for RVs and vehicles with trailers.
TIP: During peak seasons (spring break, summer, fall), expect long lines and limited parking after 9 AM. To avoid delays and get a head start on your day, aim to arrive between 6-8 AM.
PRO TIP: Arrive the evening before and stay at one of the lodges inside the park (reserve well ahead!).
READ ALSO: How to Avoid Long Queues at the Grand Canyon South Entrance
Grand Canyon 1 Day Itinerary & Map
Because the Grand Canyon is so vast and packed with things to do, it is extremely important to have a well-thought-out day plan. To help you out, we’ve created a sample Grand Canyon 1-day itinerary and a custom map indicating all the main points of interest mentioned in this guide.
Prefer to use the official park map? You can download it here, print it out, and mark the spots you plan to visit.
Here is an overview of a recommended Grand Canyon 1-day itinerary (more details below):
- Sunrise at Mather Point.
- OPTIONAL (count 3 hours): Hike into the canyon (be sure to start early before it gets too hot!):
- Hike to Ooh Aah Point & Cedar Ridge (you’ll need to take the shuttle to South Kaibab Trailhead).
- Or do a small part of the Bright Angel Trail (you’ll need to take the shuttle to Grand Canyon Village).
- Explore the main Visitor Center. If you aren’t hiking into the canyon, walk to Yavapai Point and visit Yavapai Geology Museum.
- Walk the Trail of Time (starting at Yavapai Point) and visit Hopi House. Count +-2 hrs.
- Take the shuttle along Hermit Road and hop off at some of the best viewpoints.
- Visit the National Geographic Visitor Center and watch the IMAX movie (outside the national park).
- OPTIONAL/BUCKET LIST: Take a helicopter tour. Depending on availability and where you are staying/when you arrive, you could do the helicopter tour on your way to/out of the Grand Canyon (the airport is located in Tusayan, outside the national park). We once did this helicopter tour, and it was great. Check availability and be sure to book in advance!
- If you still have some energy after dinner, come back to the park for some stargazing.
Further below, you can find more details and information about all of these places. Read on!
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
Things to Do in Grand Canyon in One Day
Here’s what you can see and do at the Grand Canyon in a day:
1. See the Sunrise at Mather Point
Start your day early and catch the sunrise at Mather Point – one of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon with fewer crowds. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise (check times in advance) and plan to stay at least an hour.
Mather Point is the most popular sunrise spot, thanks to its wide viewing area and two railed overlooks offering panoramic views. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the Visitor Center, or you can take the free park shuttle, which starts running at 4 AM in summer.
TIP: Even if you’re not an early riser, Mather Point is a great first stop. Try to arrive at the park as early as you can to enjoy the views with fewer crowds.
2. Explore the Main Visitor Center
Before you set to explore the Grand Canyon, put the finishing touches on your one-day itinerary by starting your day off at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
Located central to the four parking lots discussed above, the Grand Canyon Visitor Center is the hub for finding out information regarding park activities, attractions, ranger programs, and the free shuttle bus system.
Here you can also purchase Grand Canyon souvenirs from the Park Store, stop at the coffee bar and “grab and go” food counter, or rent a bicycle.
Good to know. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center is open daily from 8 AM – 6 PM. So if you start your day at sunrise, it’s probably not worth waiting for it to open. But if you are here after 8 AM, you may want to take a quick look inside.
3. Ride the Shuttle Along the Hermit Road
One of the easiest ways to explore the Grand Canyon in a day is by combining short walks with the free shuttle bus system, which runs on four routes.
When visiting the Grand Canyon for just a day, the Red Route (Hermit Road Shuttle) is a must. This scenic 7-mile stretch is closed to private vehicles from March 1 to November 30, making the shuttle the only practical way to see the highlights. It stops at nine overlooks between Grand Canyon Village and Hermits Rest.
Some of the best viewpoints along Hermit Road include:
- Trailview Overlook – great chance to spot hikers and mule trains below.
- Hopi Point & Powell Point – stunning views. You can easily walk between the two points. Powell is often less crowded.
- Mohave Point – offers dramatic, floating-like views and great photo spots.
TIP: Don’t try to walk the entire route – it’s long and exposed. Instead, ride the shuttle and hop off at a few stops. Shuttles run every 15–30 minutes, and the last return bus from Hermits Rest departs about 1 hour after sunset. More info on the shuttle here.
4. Take a Short Hike: Rim Trail, Bright Angel, or South Kaibab Trail
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the Grand Canyon, and you don’t need to commit to a full-day trek to find fantastic views. If you only have a few hours, you can still explore a shorter section of one of the park’s top trails and enjoy amazing views.
Here are three great options for shorter hikes that can be tailored to your time and ability: South Rim Trail (easy and mostly flat), Bright Angel Trail, and South Kaibab Trail (these two are steeper as they go down into the canyon). You can find more details below.
TIP: If you have just one day in Grand Canyon and choose to do a small part of the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail, plan to hike 30–60 minutes down, then turn around. Keep in mind that it usually takes twice as long to hike up as to hike down. Spending not more than 2-3 hours hiking, will allow you to see some spectacular scenery, while still keeping enough time for other activities.
Important! Bring sun protection, snacks, and lots of water. Check out the park’s Hike Smart tips before you go.
South Rim Trail
This mostly flat trail stretches 13 miles along the canyon’s edge between the South Kaibab Trailhead and Hermit’s Rest. The majority of this trail is paved, and some sections are shaded, so the Rim Trail is the easiest hiking option for all ages and abilities.
You don’t have to walk the whole thing – just choose a section and hop on the shuttle if you get tired.
TIP: Don’t try to walk the full Hermit Road section in summer – it’s long, hot, and has little shade. We learned this the hard way! It was unbearably hot (we were there in July), kids drank all the water just as we were at the furthest point from the nearest drinking water spot, and we definitely regretted not taking the shuttle earlier.
Bright Angel Trail
The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hiking trail at the South Rim. It gives visitors a chance to experience going below the rim and “into the canyon”.
This hike starts just west of Bright Angel Lodge and ends at Plateau Point. The entire trail is 12 miles long, but you can hike as far as you want and turn around at one of the rest houses (1.5 or 3 miles in). It’s a well-maintained trail with some shade, but remember it’s steep and going back up is much harder than going down, especially when it’s hot.
South Kaibab Trail
Another well-maintained dirt trail that takes you below the rim is the South Kaibab Trail. Steeper and more exposed than Bright Angel, this 6.5-mile trail offers incredible views. Also here, you can just hike a part of it. However, you’ll need more time since it’s located further away from the main areas and is only accessible by shuttle.
A popular short option is hiking to Ooh Aah Point (0.8 miles one way, ~2 hours round-trip). For a longer hike, go to Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles one way, ~2.5 hours round-trip) – it’s also a great picnic stop.
5. Walk the Trail of Time
To better understand the Grand Canyon’s geology and its mind-blowing age, take a walk along the Trail of Time – an interpretive section of the Rim Trail.
This easy, flat 1.7-mile (2.9 km) walk features exhibits with real rock samples from more than 70 geologic layers, along with signs explaining how the canyon was formed. Brass markers embedded in the path represent a timeline of Earth’s history – each meter equals 1 million years.
Practical information: The Trail of Time runs from the Yavapai Geology Museum (about a 30-minute walk from Mather Point) to Verkamps Visitor Center. It takes about 1 hour to complete at a relaxed pace.
6. Visit the Hopi House
Hopi House is a historic landmark on the South Rim that’s easy to include in your one-day Grand Canyon itinerary. It’s located right next to Verkamps Visitor Center.
Built in 1904, Hopi House was designed as a market for Native American crafts, showcasing the work of Hopi artisans, the area’s original inhabitants. Its adobe brick architecture reflects the style of traditional Hopi pueblos.
Today, this National Historic Landmark still serves as both a shop and a cultural exhibit. Inside, you’ll find authentic Native American arts and crafts for sale, including kachina dolls, jewelry, pottery, and hand-woven Navajo rugs.
Practical Information: Run by the Hopi people to this day, Hopi House is open daily, 9 AM–5 PM. Allow about 15–30 minutes for your visit. More info here.
7. Attend a Ranger-led Program
In addition to the Grand Canyon’s historical sites, there are also guided hikes, tours, and cultural demonstrations given by park rangers. This might be an excellent addition to your one-day Grand Canyon itinerary, especially if you are not planning to do much hiking and have some time to spare.
The Grand Canyon National Park ranger programs are both educational and fun. In addition to regular offers, there are also Junior Ranger programs for kids.
Practical information: Most programs are free. For a complete list of ranger programs, times, and locations, visit the National Park Service website.
8. Join Grand Canyon Tours
There are endless possibilities and ways to experience the Grand Canyon. Your choice will, of course, depend on your personal preference, time constraints, cost, and/or availability.
Some of these tours start at the South Rim or nearby (hiking or biking, jeep excursions, or flightseeing), while others – like rafting – go from Las Vegas.
Regardless of which tour you choose, each one of these exciting opportunities provides astonishing viewpoints and memories to last a lifetime.
PRO TIP: With just a day in the Grand Canyon, a helicopter flight is the best option. It takes less than an hour and can be done even if you are really short on time. We took this helicopter flight starting at the South Rim, and it was an incredible experience, something I’ll never forget.
9. Visit the National Geographic Visitor Center
Located just 1 mile south of the South Rim entrance in Tusayan, the National Geographic Visitor Center is a great stop either before or after your visit to the park.
The highlight here is the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie Experience. It’s a great way to learn more about the canyon, and it’s fun for the whole family. Taking in the movie from the comfortable and air-conditioned IMAX theater is definitely one of the best things to do after a long day of hiking and outdoor heat, or for those people who are less mobile.
The center also features a large gift shop, snack bar, and helpful visitor information. It’s a convenient and air-conditioned stop that works well for all travelers, including those with limited mobility.
Practical information: The Center is open daily from 9 AM till 10 PM from March to the end of October and from 10 AM to 8 PM in winter. Here you can book the IMAX movie tickets in advance.
10. Go Dark Sky Stargazing
If you still have energy left and want to get an absolute maximum of your one day at the Grand Canyon, consider ending your day with an epic stargazing experience.
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, the Grand Canyon offers some of the clearest night skies in the world. Its remote location and lack of light pollution make it perfect for stargazing.
Head to any South Rim viewpoint after dark for unobstructed views of the sky and a peaceful, unforgettable experience. The silence and stillness of the canyon at night are unforgettable.
TIP: Shuttles stop running about 1 hour after sunset, so you’ll need your own car. Bring a flashlight or headlamp to safely navigate in the dark.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon
- Arrive very early – or stay inside the park!
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will do a lot of walking.
- Dress in layers.
- In summer, sun protection is a must!
- Bring a refillable water bottle (in summer, I would take two big bottles per person, especially if you are planning to do any hiking), a picnic lunch, and snacks. There are several water bottle filling stations located throughout the park.
- Be prepared for the weather as it will influence your visit. For safety tips, check the Grand Canyon National Park’s safety guidelines.
- Be patient with other tourists and have fun!
- If traveling in the winter months, don’t miss our guide to visiting the Grand Canyon in winter.
So, these are our suggestions for the best way to spend one day at the Grand Canyon National Park. I hope that this guide will help you make the best of your short time at this beautiful natural landmark.
TIP: If you have more time in this area, you may want to know that it’s quite easy to combine a trip to Grand Canyon with that of the Antelope Canyon, Route 66, and more. Here you can find our suggested 2-day itinerary for Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend. Check it out!
FAQ
Grand Canyon South Rim is the best place to visit at the Grand Canyon. The area is open year-round, it offers easy access to the most beautiful viewpoints, and there are also great facilities and visitor services including a shuttle bus that brings you to the best places along Hermit Road.
Grand Canyon National Park is huge and it would take days to explore all four rims and do some hiking inside the canyon. That being said, one day is enough for the main highlights of the Grand Canyon. With just 1 day in Grand Canyon, we recommend visiting the South Rim and getting there as early in the morning as possible.
As already mentioned, you can see the main highlights of Grand Canyon’s South Rim in just one day, but you can also spend a week at the Grand Canyon and still not see everything. So how much time you need will depend on what you absolutely want to see and whether you are planning to do any hiking.
Grand Canyon’s South Rim can be visited year-round. However, the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is spring and fall (March-May and September – November). The weather is pleasant for sightseeing and it’s not as busy as in the summer months. If you plan on visiting in the summer, make sure to book your accommodations well in advance.
We recommend arriving as early in the morning as possible and staying late. Sunrises and sunsets are magical at the Grand Canyon! If you come early in the morning (ideally before 8-8.30 AM), it will also be easier to find a parking spot at the South Rim.
South Rim is open year-round and has better facilities and nicer overlooks. North Rim of the Grand Canyon can only be visited in summer; the road is usually open from around mid-May to mid-October.
Yes, it is possible to visit the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Las Vegas. The closest place to go to is the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the West Rim, but you can also visit South Rim from Vegas. There are also organized tours available from Vegas, including Grand Canyon West & Skywalk, the highlights of South Rim, or helicopter tours that land inside the canyon.
LEARN MORE: Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
More Travel Inspiration for the Southwest:
- Best Places to Visit in Arizona (all the musts & so much more!)
- Best Places to Visit in Utah (first-timers’ bucket list)
- Phoenix Itinerary
- Monument Valley Scenic Drive
- Las Vegas:
- Top Sights & Attractions in Las Vegas (Vegas is often combined with a visit to Grand Canyon)
- Las Vegas Travel Tips & Info (a must-read if visiting Vegas!)
- One Day in Las Vegas
- Best Day Trips from Las Vegas
- Sedona:
- Best Things To Do in Sedona Arizona
- Sedona Day Trip (perfect combination with the Grand Canyon)
- National Parks:
- Hiking in Zion (not to be missed in this area!)
- Zion to Bryce Canyon Itinerary (1, 2, or 3 days)
- Top Places to See in Death Valley National Park
- Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
- Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
- Moab:
- Best Things to Do in Moab
- Moab Itinerary (Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, and more)
- California:
- Best of Los Angeles in 3 Days
- San Diego Itinerary Suggestions (a great city trip for all seasons)
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Warner Bros. Hollywood vs. Universal Studios LA
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!
Image credits: GrandCanyon – Anton Foltin/Shutterstock.com// Views from South Kaibab Trail – RonGreer/Shutterstock.com// South Rim – Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com// Grand Canyon sign- Lynn Yeh/Shutterstock.com// Mather Point – Jay Yuan/Shutterstock.com// Bright Angel Trail – CreativeEdge7/Shutterstock.com// South Kaibab Trail – Anton Foltin/Shutterstock.com// Trail of Time – Daniel Dror/Shutterstock.com// Hopi House – OLOS/Shutterstock.com// Mule ride – Roman Khomlyak/Shutterstock.com// Stargazing – Alexey Suloev/Shutterstock.com// Helicopter – Kevin Norris/Shutterstock.com
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This is such a great, great resource, as for our upcoming trip we will have only one day at the Grand Canyon. Thank you for such a detailed itinerary. There are some parts that I would like to print out so I can further study your recommendations and make some notes, but when I try to use the right click feature on my mouse to access the print option, a pop-up says that “right click is disabled.” Is there another way to print out some of this wonderful information?
Hi Ralph, you can always use Ctrl+p and print the pages you absolutely need. Or simply bookmark the page and check it back when you need it.
Hope this helps. Have a great trip!
We’re only spending a day and a half this September and were thinking about doing the buck wild hummer tour. Have you heard any good things about that tour?
Hi Adam, we have no personal experience with this tour, but I see this tour on Viator (if that’s the one you mean) and it has over a thousand of amazing reviews. So I guess you can’t go wrong with it.
Have a great trip!
Thank you for such a detailed article. I am going to the Grand Canyon tomorrow – so excited!
Glad to help, Hanah. Have a great time at the Grand Canyon! I saw it got snow last week, so it looks really beautiful now.
that was an awesome post, thanks a lot. I’m from Brazil and i’m planning a west coast trip for June, it’s a dream to visit the Grand Canyon and I chose the South Rim since it’s said everywhere to be the best side. I’m spending two nights in Williams so I can dedicate a full day for the visit, and then I’m heading to Page to see the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. I was having trouble finding a good guide with details on how exactly to visit the Grand Canyon and your page helped a LOT. I even saved the link on my trip planner so I can go back to it. A question, do you know if I have to buy the ticket in advance or if I can just arrive at the GC and pay for the entrance?
again, thanks for the awesome tips!
Hi Luciana, your itinerary sounds good.
If you mean the National Park entrance pass, you can indeed buy it on the spot. If you plan on visiting several NPs in the same year, you can get an annual pass too, and just show it at the entrance of any park you visit.
If you need more info/ tips for the Antelope Canyon and the area, take a look at this article as well.
Have a great trip!
Thank You very much. I was very late planning this trip so time is limited. We’re driving from Vegas, planning on 3-4 hours in Canyon then hotel in Flagstaff. We’re going with three kids, youngest is 9 and two 80 years olds. Based on your site, below is my plan and curious if you would add or delete anything….
-Arrive at lunchtime, picnic at Mather Point
-Walk Rim trail to Verkamp’s visitor center. 80 year olds meet us there via bus.
-bus to Powell Point.
-bus to Hermits Rest? Is that worth it ?
-bus back to visitors center.
Hi Ken, your plan looks good to me. You can just decide on Hermits Rest once you are there. Alternatively, you can also just walk a bit more along the rim.
A lot depends on the weather too. We once visited in July and could hardly do anything we planned because it was unbearably hot. So it’s good to have a plan, and you can then adjust it accordingly depending on how you feel on the day itself.
Have a nice trip!
I read a lot of guides – this was the best one.
Planning to get there on December timeframe –
Thanks a lot!!
Glad to hear that, Golan. Have a wonderful time at the Grand Canyon! It’s magical if there’s some snow already.
Thank you for your site! My husband and I are planning a trip to Sedona and a side trip to the South Rim and your guide is perfect for us!
Glad to hear that, Kathy, and have a great time in Arizona!
If you are looking for more info on Sedona, take a look here: what to see and do in Sedona.
I got it to print. Thanks! Looking forward to sharing with my family.
Glad you found how to make it work. Have a great time in Grand Canyon!
@T, How did you get this to print?
Ctrl+p
How can I print this to show my family?
Wanted to say thanks for the info. My wife and I used this for a day trip to the Grand Canyon and it was amazing. Thanks!
Thank you for taking the time to leave this feedback, Nathan. It’s always nice to hear from our readers and I’m really glad to hear that you had such a great time at the Grand Canyon! I think that good preparation is a must for such short trips to such popular places.
Happy travels!
You left out the North Rim, completely.
This is my favorite side. Much easier to get to if coming from the north.
Hi Dilworth, we didn’t leave it out, rather focused on the place that most people can easily visit when traveling to Grand Canyon for just a day at any time of the year. And that is the South Rim.
Since the North Rim is only accessible from +-mid-May to October, it’s not the best place to recommend to everyone as it will not be possible for every trip. And Grand Canyon West is quite a lot more expensive to visit and not as popular either. I think we already explained in the article somewhere why we recommend South Rim for those visiting the area for the first time and for just a day.
Wish I had read this before we went last week We stayed in Williams (where the frugal stay) Our trip was partially ruined by the poor traffic management at the front gate Two lanes of traffic run into the park The left lane ran into a single gate The right lane ran into 3 gates We got to six mile drive from hell at 10am which was our fault I would recommend getting there at 630 AM
We made it to one overlook spent 15 min and left I think this occurs more than you might think We hit Bryce Canyon and Zion at 630 in the morning and beat the crowds and saw anything we wanted to see
So sorry to hear about your experience at Grand Canyon, Joey! I can just imagine how frustrating it must have been. Indeed, it’s best to get to all the most popular places as early in the morning as you possibly can. This counts for pretty much any popular attraction anywhere in the world these days. Furthermore, now that everyone has turned to nature destinations instead of cities or theme parks, it has gotten busier at National Parks than ever before…
Glad that you at least had a different experience in Bryce and Zion and maybe you can revisit Grand Canyon one day!
Thank you!! This was the first article that I have read that didn’t completely mess anything up!!! My only suggestion on edit. Is letting people know they can purchase the entrance pass in the town of Tusayan at the Red Feather Lodge or at The Grand Canyon Chamber and Visitors Bureau!!!
Thanks for your feedback and for these additional suggestions, Tonya.
Happy travels!
Hi Jurga-
Your information on Grand Canyon is very helpful. We currently have plans to travel end of April, beginning of May, 2021. We are flying in to Vegas, and staying for 3 nights. We will then head to Grand Canyon West, stay 1 night. We then will head to South Rim and stay at Bright Angel-we are unsure if we should plan to stay 3 or 4 nights. (Your thoughts)? We don’t plan on any day long hikes, but probably many several hour hikes, maybe a 2 hr mule ride, possibly rent bikes for a few hours. We then head to Page for 2 or 3 nights (depending on how many nights we stay at South Rim), Bryce for 3 nights, Zion for 3 nights, and then to North Rim (hopefully we will be able to get reservations for May 15).
Your thoughts on how long to stay at south rim will be helpful. We are fully aware of the current restrictions and that things may change again between now and then.
Look forward to your reply.
Hi Donna, what an amazing trip you have planned. I’m really jealous! 🙂
How much time to spend at the South Rim depends a bit on what you’re planning to do in Page. I assume you’d visit Antelope Canyon (I assume you know that you should really book in advance? You can get tickets for Lower and/or Upper Canyon here) and Horseshoe Bend. For that, one day should be enough. If you are also planning to drive to Monument Valley, then you should definitely plan an extra day there.
Also, I’m not sure if you need 2 full days/3 nights in Bryce. There’s much more to see and do in Zion than in Bryce Canyon. See our Zion hiking guide for some suggestions. But I guess it depends on what you are planning to do – there are so many options indeed. If you are still looking for accommodation in Zion, please check our guide to the best Springdale hotels.
Anyway, once again – an amazing itinerary, and fingers crossed that you can do it all as planned. 2021 is looking much more promising than this year has been!
do you need to make reservations for Antelope?
Hi Kris, as far as I know, you do. Unless you go with an organized tour, in which case, they take care of everything. These days, it’s essential to check everything/ reserve most things in advance anyway.
Have a great trip!
Thank you for your information. It is very helpful and has eased my anxiety about what to do. We are going next week December 28,2020. I am wondering about clothing during this time. We are also wanting to enjoy some snow. We have reservations in Flagstaff after we visit the Grand Canyon. Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you,
The Zaricor’s
Hi Carol, from what I see on the weather forecast for the South Rim, it’s going to be around 36-46°F during the day, with a low chance for showers on the 28th. So dress warm, especially if you are planning to spend lots of time outdoors in the morning and in the evening. It’s best to check the weather forecast a few days before you leave – it will give you a much better idea of what to expect.
It seems to be a bit colder in Flagstaff, but probably still too warm for any snow to stay on the ground even if it falls.
So I really don’t know about the possibility of any snow activities in that area.
Enjoy your trip!
We did just this! One day in the Grand Canyon 🙂 we arrived around 4 PM, watched the sunset on a perfect cliff along the rim Trail, slept at the Red Feather Lodge, and quickly drove back in for sunrise before driving out at 12.
The hotel really did meet all of our needs. It was close to the park which was the most important one for me. I knew we wanted to take advantage of being close, it is really not good to drive at night in that area!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Melissa. Glad you had such a great trip. And indeed, staying close to the park has many advantages.
I would really love to be able to print this entire post out, am I able to do that?
Hi Ali, unfortunately, I don’t have a printable version of this article (and no time to make one). But you can try Ctrl+P and see what that gives.
Have a great trip!
Hi Jurga. REALLY nice itinerary/suggestions. However, given current restrictions, some of these things are not doable (e.g., no shuttle service, closed visitor centers, tours). I’m going for the first time with two ‘tweeners and would love to hear any modifications given the restrictions. I’m thinking of a donkey ride on a rim (either at 8am or 12pm), by the way. Thanks in advance!!!
Hi Brian, yes, indeed, you have to adjust your schedule to the current situation. Since everything is changing so fast at the moment, we cannot keep updating all our articles to reflect the most current situation. So I advise checking the official National Parks Service website for the up-to-date situation on what’s open, etc.
You can still do a few short hikes (see suggestions in the article) and, indeed, if hiking isn’t what you’re after, then a donkey ride or a helicopter tour might be great alternatives.
Enjoy your trip!
Wonderful Blog! We have 2 nights in Tusayan and 1 day for the GC. Your suggestions will keep us busy from sunrise to stargazing. Your suggestions are very helpful. Thanks for making our planning easier.
Glad to hear that, Charles. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the Grand Canyon!
Hey Great Information.
Thanks a lot!!!
Glad to hear you found this useful, Ron. Enjoy your trip to Grand Canyon!
Great information, thank you!
Glad to hear you found it useful, Katie. Have a great time at the Grand Canyon!
This is a very informative Blog, Really enjoyed reading about the best parts of the Canyon to see.
Going to America for the first time this year an plan on visiting the Grand Canyon. Your blog has made it much easier to decide the best part of the Cannon to see and enjoy.
Kind Regards,
Renee
Glad to hear that, Renee. It will be a wonderful trip and Grand Canyon is absolutely impressive. Enjoy the trip!
Thank you Jurga! It was a great info piece that you provided to us. Very helpful 🙂 You gave me a full picture of what to expect to tour the South Rim.
Glad to hear that, Jodi. Enjoy your trip!
A very nice blog.
Thank you, Rachel. Happy travels!
Hi Jurga, thanks for such a detailed guide. We are staying in Flagstaff and will use this to plan our day. Just one question – is the helicopter really worth it and will we be missing much if we don’t do it? Thanks
Hi Eliza, glad you found this useful. To us, helicopter flight above the Grand Canyon was the highlight of the trip. But I realize that it’s quite expensive and not everyone wants/can do it.
You can still have a very enjoyable day and see the beauty of the Grand Canyon without that, so it’s really up to you. If you can afford it and have an hour to spare, I’d say go for it. If not, don’t feel bad – it’s just another way to experience the canyon – not better, just different.
Enjoy your trip!
Wow! This is literally the most comprehensive post EVER on visiting the Grand Canyon. Readers truly do not need to look any further to get the most out of this experience! Thanks Jurga!
Thank you Jen, and thank you once again for the tips to make this the most complete Grand Canyon 1-day guide for our readers!