The South Rim of the Grand Canyon

If it's comfort and ease you want when you visit the Grand Canyon, then go to the South Rim. This is where the facilities are, and it's easiest to get to. Most of the trailheads start from the South Rim, and it's open all year round. The North Rim is not accessible year round. Because of these factors, the South Rim is the busiest, most crowded part of the Grand Canyon. Expect crowds, plan way in advance, and be patient because of course it's all worth it the second you see the magnificence of the Canyon itself. Everything else will melt away and you will forget the crowds, the delays, and the extra planning. You will know it was all worth it and you'll be glad you arrived at last.

Getting to the South Rim

The Grand Canyon runs roughly east-westat the part where most visitors approach. The southern rim overlooking the Canyon is closest to major cities and airports, and therefore more people arrive at the Grand Canyon on the South Rim. You really have to choose which rim to visit, since it's too long to drive around the canyon from one rim to the other. Flagstaff is near the South Rim, at about 80 miles south of it, and is the closest major city, with Pheonix to the south of Flagstaff.

Approaching from Flagstaff, you will take route 180 right into the park. Approaching from Williams, which is about 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon's south rim, you will take route 40 then route 64. You won't get lost because there aren't really that many roads up there, and there are plenty of signs, for sure. If you stay in Williams, there's also a quaint Grand Canyon Railway, which goes to the Grand Canyon every day. There are busses from Flagstaff, too. Very few airplanes actually fly into Grand Canyon Airport. If you are driving and want a fresh approach, go through the town of Cameron, which is east of Grand Canyon National Park. The entrance will be off route 89.

Services & Facilities at the South Rim

There are full facilities and services for anyone at the South Rim. It has its own Post Office, bank, store, Emergency Medical services, medical clinic, and even a dental office. At the Visitors Center, you can get free wheelchairs, special vehicle permits which will allow you to enter the West Rim Drive in summertime. You can get wheelchair accessible bus tours, too. There's a hiker shuttle that takes hikers to the South Kaibab Trail at Yaki Point. You can also get information and reservations for the five-hour trip to the North Rim, which is not free and requires reservations in advance, and operates only during the peak season, not during Winter.

About the South Rim

The elevation here is 7000 feet above sea level and it's extreme desert conditions. That means hot hot hot and dry dry dry down in the Canyon, which is 5000 feet down. Temperartures at the top of the Rim are cooler, thank goodness, at about 50 to 80 degrees farenheit in summertime. Elevation makes quite a difference! Drink water as often as possible, and always carry some with you as well. Summer down in the Canyon is rough, with temperatures rising well above 100 degrees sometimes. Winter at the top is almost as bad, with snow, ice and bad views because of clouds. Spring and Fall are a mixed bag, with mercurial weather patterns so if you visit the Grand Canyon during these seasons, be prepared for just about anything. Also, because of high elevation, breathing will be affected, with thinner air. This causes mild discomfort at first for some people. After a few days most people will become acclimated.

What to Expect

If you are driving to the South Rim, you'll pass several spots worth visiting. If you enter from either Flagstaff of Williams, which is very likely, you'll pass through the town of Tusayan. Then you'll pass into Grand Canyon Village, which is where you'll find the Visitors Center. Here you can get information about scenic drives around the rim of the Grand Canyon, as well as information about the history and historic buildings around the Village.

Bright Angel Lodge

Bright Angel Lodge is one center of activity on the South Rim, with nightly entertainment, the Bright Angel Restaurant, lodging and cabin rentals. Built in 1935, it was the first tourist facility in Grand Canyon National Park, so it's interesting to see regardless of where you eat lunch or stay the night. It's made from Orgeon pine logs and native stone and is very rustic looking and perfect design for the function. The fireplace is fascinating, with rocks placed in layers just as they were found in the Grand Canyon. The history room has artifacts from the 1930s and shows the early years of the Park at the South Rim. Visit the Soda Fountain for a taste of ice cream.

The Lodge itself was designed by reknowned architect Mary Jane Colter, and sits just a stone's throw from the actual edge of the Grand Canyon's rim. It blends harmoniously with its magnificent natural suuroundings, paying homage to the great Canyon, never trying to outshadow the natural wonder. It's cheaper to stay here than many accommodations choices at the South Rim. It's charming and bargain-priced but if you want luxury resort style accommodations, look elsewhere.