Explore the Grand Canyon
Discover the different rims and areas that make up this vast natural wonder, each offering unique perspectives and experiences.
Areas of the Grand Canyon
Inner Canyon
Descend below the rim to experience the Grand Canyon’s heart. Explore the Colorado River, hidden waterfalls, and ancient rock layers through hiking trails or guided tours.
South Rim
The South Rim is the most visited part of Grand Canyon National Park, open year-round and offering dozens of viewpoints along the scenic Rim Trail. Home to historic structures, museums, and the iconic Grand Canyon Village, it provides the quintessential Grand Canyon experience.
Checkout our South Rim Plannings
Looking for the perfect place to witness the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking sunset? Whether you’re after peace, inspiration, or awe, let us guide you.
Visitor Information
Elevation: 7,000 feet
Open: Year-round, 24 hours
Services: Lodging, dining, visitor centers, shops
Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
The South Rim’s ease of access makes it the park’s most popular destination. Visitors can explore via the free shuttle system, which connects viewpoints, trails, and services. The paved Rim Trail offers easy walking access to numerous viewpoints with minimal elevation change.
For more adventurous visitors, hiking trails like Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and Grandview descend below the rim and offer a more immersive canyon experience. Always remember that hiking down is optional, but hiking back up is mandatory.
East Canyon
The East Canyon (often called the East Rim) reveals a quieter, more contemplative side of Grand Canyon National Park.
Winding along the Desert View Drive, it showcases sweeping panoramas of sculpted cliffs, the Colorado River far below,
and the iconic Desert View Watchtower perched at the rim’s edge.
Check out our East Canyon Planning Guide
Join us on a breathtaking journey through Grand Canyon East, where stunning rock formations 🏜️ and the crystal-clear waters of the Colorado River
Visitor Information
Elevation: 6,740 feet
Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk
Services: Desert View Watchtower, gift shop, picnic areas, fuel
Best time to visit: April–June, September–November
The 25-mile Desert View Drive makes East Canyon a photographer’s dream—each turnout offers a fresh angle on
hoodoos, spires, and river bends far below. Because it’s less trafficked than the South Rim Village, you’ll
often enjoy the viewpoints in peaceful solitude.
Don’t miss the historic Desert View Watchtower, designed by architect Mary Colter in 1932—its interior murals
and rooftop lookout terraces give a unique cultural and architectural twist on canyon viewing. For a short hike,
stroll the 0.5-mile trail from the Watchtower to the East Rim Overlook, or continue west to Grandview Point
for even more breathtaking vistas.
Grand Canyon West
The West Rim, owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe outside the National Park boundaries, offers unique experiences like the Grand Canyon Skywalk—a glass-bottomed walkway extending 70 feet over the canyon edge. It’s the most accessible area from Las Vegas.
Get ready to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty at four stunning regions: the South Rim, Grand Canyon East, Grand Canyon West, and the North Rim.
Visitor Information
Elevation: 4,000-5,000 feet
Open: Year-round (limited hours)
Services: Basic food, gift shops, tour packages
Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
Unlike the National Park sections, the West Rim has an admission fee that includes shuttle transportation between viewpoints. Various tour packages are available, including helicopter rides to the canyon floor and boat trips on the Colorado River.
The West Rim provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Hualapai culture and history through exhibits, demonstrations, and performances. While less developed than the South Rim in terms of facilities and viewpoints, it offers unique experiences not available elsewhere.
North Rim
The North Rim stands 1,000 feet higher than the South Rim and offers a more secluded experience with fewer visitors. Open mid-May to mid-October due to snow closures, its alpine forests and meadows provide a striking contrast to the South Rim’s desert landscape.
Checkout our North Rim Plannings
Step into the awe-inspiring beauty of the North Rim, where every sunset 🌅 paints the sky with unforgettable colors.
Visitor Information
Elevation: 8,000 feet
Services: Limited lodging, dining, visitor center
Best time to visit: June-September
The North Rim offers a more remote, less crowded experience than the South Rim. The cooler climate and higher elevation support different ecosystems, including alpine forests with spruce, fir, and aspen trees, creating a completely different atmosphere.
While there are fewer developed viewpoints compared to the South Rim, many visitors appreciate the North Rim’s tranquility and unique perspectives of the canyon. The historic Grand Canyon Lodge, with its massive stone-and-timber construction, provides dining and accommodations with spectacular views.
Explore the Canyon
Navigate the Grand Canyon with our interactive map. Discover viewpoints, trails, facilities and points of interest throughout the park.
Viewpoints
Lodging & Camping
