Grand Canyon South Rim Full-Day Self-Guided Tour

Set out with the rising sun (or before!) to make the most of your all-day Grand Canyon adventure. Pass through Ponderosa Pine Forests as you make your way to the Rim of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

There are many benefits to getting to the Grand Canyon early, but seeing the sunrise over Mather Point might just be the best. Park in the lot (there should be plenty of spaces), and walk over to Mather Point for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. It gets chilly, even in the summertime, so be sure to bring a warm jacket.

After drinking in the beauty of Mather Point, walk less than a mile (0.7 mi/1.1 km, to be exact) along the flat, paved Rim Trail to the Yavapai Geology Museum. Here you’ll learn more about the geology of the Grand Canyon through interpretive panels and a topographical relief map of the entire canyon. The museum used to be the Yavapai Observation Station, so it offers some of the best panoramic views you’ll see all day. Be sure to stop by the gift shop, too!

Continue following the paved Rim Trail for another mile and a half, and you’ll end up right in front of the historic El Tovar hotel in the heart of the historic Grand Canyon Village! Be sure to stop and drink in the breathtaking views of the Canyon along the way.

A visitor center, curio shop, and family home that’s been in the park for over a century.

Commissioned by the Fred Harvey Company in 1904, Mary Colter built this "Indian Arts Building" in the style of a 1,000-year-old Native American Pueblo village dwelling. These days it houses local Native American art and gift shop

Take a gander at the first luxury hotel built on the South Rim in 1905. No two rooms are the same in this beautiful historic hotel.

Before the time of automobiles, the trains were the lifeblood of the canyon, bringing in tourists and supplies. Check out the original log depot with signs and memorabilia to get a feel for the train depot’s heyday.

The original photography studio of Emery and Ellsworth Kolb is now an art gallery, bookstore, and curio shop

Mary Colter designed the Lookout Studio in 1914 as a refuge for tourists and artists to six, relax, and gaze out at the beauty of the canyon. Today tourists can still do just that, but now there is an added bonus of a gift shop!

Built in 1935 as a "moderately priced" alternative to the luxury El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge offers: historic rooms cozy cabins two restaurants a gift shop, and instant access to the South Rim

Maswik Lodge was the Canyon's first "motor lodge" in 1927. Today it offers 280 affordable rooms in the heart of the Grand Canyon Village. Be sure to pick up some yummy fudge from the gift shop!

The canyon’s other early essential transport, mules have been part of the Grand Canyon experience for as long as there have been tourists. Even if you don’t have a ride scheduled, walking by and seeing them up close is a worthwhile experience.

There are even more surprising viewpoints (and more!) down the 26-mile Desert View Drive! Here are some of the stops on our tour!

The first of many viewpoints on our scenic Desert View Drive.

One of our favorite viewpoints along Desert view and the starting point for the South Kaibab Trail. Check out our Hiking Guide for more info.

A Kaibab limestone formation that has, according to some, eroded into the shape of a duck.

Two quick pullovers for taking in more great canyon views. Twice the sights? Twice as nice.

Viewpoint along Desert View Drive that once housed the Grandview Hotel, Pete Berry's mining enterprise. From here, you can hear the Hance Rapids below.

Fire lookout tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. It is approximately 10 miles east of the Tusayan Ranger District Office and houses an observation deck and informational signage.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shady ponderosa pine forest while stealing glances of the canyon through the trees.

The point named for famed nature artist Thomas Moran, Moran Point is an excellent place to see the vibrant colors of the Grand Canyon Supergroup and basement rocks like Vishnu Shist.

Archeological site and interpretive museum of ancient Puebloan village Circo 1100 AD.

At 7,360 feet above sea level, Lipan Point offers some of the most expansive and clear views of the entire Canyon.

Navajo Point offers a great view of Desert View Watchtower, as well as panoramic vistas to the west and a view north up the Colorado River.

One glance at the Desert View Watchtower and you’ll have a renewed appreciation for architect Mary Colter and her legendary designs. The Watchtower itself can be toured; there are informational exhibits, a small gift shop, and a viewing area on the ground floor. The tower is occasionally open for tours and exploration as well, and it houses a large collection of Hopi and Navajo art. When you’re through, stop at the memorial plaque for the 1956 TWA crash site. Head over to the gift shop to browse actual art and pottery from local artists, and finish the afternoon off with a cone from the ice cream parlor.

Don’t skip this one! The Little Colorado River Gorge Overlooks are part of the Navajo Nation, so you may be asked for a small donation that goes directly to the Navajo tribe. Before hitting the short, mostly flat, 8-mile trail to the gorge overlook, stop by the Navajo vending stalls!