The Grand Canyon in 1 Day: South Rim

One day at the Grand Canyon might seem too short, but there are so many good spots to discover, and it is long enough to experience the grandeur of this natural wonder.

The South Rim is where the magic happens if you only have 1 day.

Table of Contents

1. Important things to know
2. Mather Point
3. Visitor Center
4. South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point
5. Hermit Rd.
6. Hermits Rest
7. Desert View Drive

 

Important Things To Know

• Getting to the Grand Canyon early is a plus, especially during summer. The South Rim is the most visited part of the park and the last thing you want is to drive around to get a parking spot.
• Within the village area, there is a shuttle service. It’s free and makes it easy to get around.
• Always keep an eye on the weather. Temperatures can change, even during the day. Don’t forget plenty of water at least 1 gallon per person per hike. Sun protection like sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunblock are essential.
• Bring your own food. Food inside the parks isn’t always great.

 

Mather Point

This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunrise. Mather Point is situated next to the visitor center. On a clear day, you can see 30+ miles (48 km) to the east and 60+ miles (96 km) to the west. If you look down you can even see the Colorado River.

 

Visitor Center

There are 3 parking lots at the visitor center. Leave your car here for most parts of the Grand Canyon. The shuttle service will bring you along. Get the information you need and don’t forget to pick a map of the park. The exhibits inside the visitor center teach you about the geology and history of the Grand Canyon.

 
South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point

The shuttle service brings you to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Do this trail in the morning, temperatures can rise quickly during the day. The views from the trail are breathtaking This 1.8-mile trail is a moderately challenging route and takes up to 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. This hike is perfect if you want to get away from the crowd at the top but don’t have the time to go on an all-day hike.

 

Hermit Rd.

Hermit Road is the road to Hermit's rest. There are multiple lookout points along the way. We think the most interesting points are Powell Point, Hopi Point, and Mohave Point. The shuttle stops at every point but the walk between Powell Point and Hopi Point is just 10 minutes long and gives you spectacular views of the canyon.

         

Hermits Rest

Beside the wonderful views, Hermits Rest houses a gift shop and a snack bar. Perfect time for an ice cream.

 

Desert View Drive

This part of the park is year-round accessible by car and has no shuttle service. You can stop at several lookout points like Grandview Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point, and our personal favorite, Desert View Watchtower. Go to the top of the tower for a mesmerizing view of the Grand Canyon.

Discover the Grand Canyon and many more places in this guide.