It took the Colorado river millions of years to carve one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world today, the Grand Canyon. Its sheer size and depth together with distinct geological layers continue to leave visitors in awe, which is why this site is extremely popular in the United States. The monument is divided into the North and South Rims which are not interconnected, compelling visitors with limited time to choose between one or the other. If the landscapes that attract most photographers are what you are after, then the South Rim is the right destination. But the North Rim has no less stunning vies and receives far less visitors than its southern counterpart.
It is possible to spend weeks in Grand Canyon National Park and you still won’t be able to see and experience all of its wonders. However, here is a list of 4 absolutely-not-to-miss highlights of the South Rim when visiting Grand Canyon for those with short time on their hands.
Tip: When deciding for accommodation, Grand Canyon Village right on the South Rim offers the most amazing vistas as soon as one steps out of the room. However, such convenience comes at a high price. For a more wallet-friendly option, stay in Tusayan which is located just outside the park and even has a shuttle bus driving to the canyon, or for even cheaper accommodation look at Valle, located one hour away from the park.
South Kaibab trail
South Kaibab is our favourite hiking trail in South Rim of Grand Canyon because of its unbeatable scenic views over the canyon and the Colorado river. It is recommended to take at least 3-4 hours for a roundtrip hike to Cedar Ridge. This moderate trek will take you past Ooh Aah Point which in our opinion offers the best view of Grand Canyon. The views here will truly make you go “Ooh” and “Aah”. Another obligatory stop is Cedar Ridge for more hair-rising vistas. If the trek doesn’t tire you enough and you have some extra time to spend, continue on the trail to Skeleton Point for a rewarding view of the Colorado River (around 6 hours for a roundtrip) or maybe even go all the way to the bottom of the canyon to gain a true appreciation of its size (around 12 hours for a roundtrip). The last option will require an overnight stay, camping or staying at one of the cosy cabins of Phantom Ranch lodge.
Tip: If reserved well in advance, it is possible to take a mule ride down to Phantom Ranch and back up the next day – this will give you a mule riding experience you will never forget!
Western viewpoints
Another must-do are the lookouts on the western side, which can be accessed by hiking or by taking one of the shuttle buses from Grand Canyon Village. An easy walk from Powell Point to Mojave Point will reveal even more heart-stopping views. And if lucky, you might get a chance of seeing an elk along the way. These lookouts are a perfect spot for sunset watching or sunset photography, especially Hopi Point from which you can see canyon’s cliffs changing colors with the setting sun. If you arrive at Hopi Point before sunset, you might be rewarded with a sight of the huge Californian condors soaring just above your head as they descend to their nesting place for the night. It is also possible to clearly see the Colorado River from the western side. The best lookout for this is a short 5-minute walk from Mojave Point towards Pima.
Mather Point
Mather Point will be likely your first introduction to the Grand Canyon – located just behind the Visitor Center, it is here where you will see the Grand Canyon for the first time. Due to its ease of access (just a short walk from the parking spaces) it is a popular spot for sunrise watching and photography. After sunrise, continue on the trail eastbound to see the canyon also from the different eastern side. It is a short, easy trail that has some amazing open canyon views.
Tip: If you are an early riser and want to get the best sunrise view, head to the South Kaibab trail and take an early walk to the Ooh Aah Point – the views there won’t disappoint!
Bright Angel trail
Another amazing hiking trail on the South Rim (beside our favourite trail, South Kaibab) is Bright Angel trail. The path has some really cool geological formations along the way, such as sandstone arches, rock pillars and distinctive geological layers. This trail also leads to the bottom of the canyon and requires overnight stay there before returning back up. Yet those short on time should at least walk from El Tovar Hotel to Kolb Studio and the beginning of Bright Angel trail for some of the most spectacular panoramas of the canyon.
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