Grand Canyon
 

Which rim of the Grand Canyon is recommended for the best views?

Most people -- myself included -- think the South Rim has more beautiful & varied views. The North Rim is cooler (something to consider in summer) & less crowded, and has fewer facilities -- which is a plus or minus, depending on your opinion of facilities in national parks.

I agree with Paul. South rim has the iconic views that most think of when considering GC. Either way, they're great views!

I also agree, it's all lovely, but the South rim is more beautiful. Be sure to hike down into the canyon at least a short way.

My husband and I are visiting the grand canyon for the first time in about a week. We are staying at the south rim for 2 weekdays. We are in our mid 50s and like to day hike. We would like to hike down in the canyon to get different points of view and photos. We have never hiked in this landscape so we wont go all the way down. What is a good trail we should try? Is it necessary to take a shuttle in? We thought about also renting bikes one day. Any suggestions there? And lastly we are interested in seeing a sunset and sunrise. Any points best for that that we can drive to? Sorry for all the questions but we don't really know anyone that can help us here. Thank you for any suggestions on what to see and do and I will even take suggestions for dinner :) we are pretty laid back and just enjoy the beauty of these types of places. Thank You, Amanda

You drive in, no shuttle needed but there is one that drives around from point to point.

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvis...ttle-buses.htm

TIPS to survive [heat and crowds]:

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/sr-tips.htm


You can hike down Bright Angel and head back up when ever you want. Just remember to plan on TWICE AS LONG UP as it took you to get DOWN.

Bikes can be rented, assume you mean just ride around the rim type of thing. There are bike tours though if you want more challenge.

WATER< HATS< SUNSCREEN< WATER< CHAP STICK < HIKING POLES

Sunrise and sunsets:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvis...e_set_moon.htm


And most of all - safetly -

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/safety.htm

Eating -

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/restaurants.htm

We had dinner one night at Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
and one night at El Tovar, but you need reservations for there and it most likely is too late for that.

Thank you so much for your replies. Yes we thought maybe riding around the rim at our own leisure. We fly into Phoenix and will stay in Sedona that night. We will then drive and have 2 days at the south rim then a whole day {til 9:30 pm) to make it to and fly out of Las Vegas. It will all be new to us.

There is a shuttle that goes from point to point on the rim. It's a hop on hop off. We got off at one point and walked about 2 miles to the next stop on a path along the rim. It was really nice, not many people and a changing view with each turn in the path.

We also took an early morning "hikers shuttle" to the Kahib trail and hiked down for about 1.5 hours. Great views and not as crowded at Bright Angel. It took longer to hike back up.

I'd second sandra's suggestion of the South Kaibab trail (I'm guessing that's what Kahib meant). A big benefit is that you don't have to decline as far to get to really excellent viewing points as compared to Bright Angel. Take a look at the Kaibab trail map via this link:

https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvis...P_JUMP_1910241

On the Bright Angel Trail, if you hike to the 1.5 mile turn, you are still pretty close into the canyon walls and are mainly looking out - that's about a 1,000 foot decline.

On South Kaibab, even if you just hike to Ooh-Aah Point (aptly named), the views are great, and you have only gone down about 600 feet. If you go all the way to Cedar Ridge, the views are even better and that is about a 1,000 ft drop.

However, you need to keep in mind that there is no water on the Kaibab trail, so you need to take plenty with you. You definitely need to heed the warnings on the Grand Canyon website, about hiking there in general.

You can take a virtual hike on either the Bright Angel or S. Kaibab trails on google maps.