How to Spend 2 Days at the Grand Canyon South Rim
As one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is the crown jewel of Arizona (or maybe even all of the U.S. for that matter). The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is the most accessible region of the park, making it the most popular spot for visitors. If you only have a couple of days to cross this World Wonder off your bucket list, don’t fret! A two-day visit is plenty of time to experience the majesty of the Grand Canyon South Rim.
This is the perfect two-day itinerary for your trip to the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Basics
Entrance Fee: $35/vehicle. If you’re planning to visit three or more National Parks this year, be sure to pick up an America the Beautiful Pass to save on entrance fees.
Location: Arizona, USA
Hours & Seasons
South Rim: 24/7, year-round
North Rim: mid-May through mid-October
Notable Wildlife: Bighorn sheep, elk, mountain lions, ringtails, javelinas.
Pets: On the South Rim, leashed pets are allowed in the park except on shuttle buses or below the rim. On the North Rim, leashed pets are only permitted on the bridle trail. Click here for full details, pet safety measures, and kennel info.
How to Get to the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon does have its own airport, but it’s small and not typically cost-effective. The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). From there, you’ll need to rent a car to make the 3.5-hour drive to the South Rim of the park.
Alternatively, you could also make your way from Las Vegas which is a little over four hours away by car. There is also a train that departs daily from the nearby town of Williams.
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How to Get Around Grand Canyon National Park
Shuttle
The South Rim shuttles are free and a really convenient way to get around. You’ll be able to get to nearly all of the South Rim’s best overlooks and hiking trails by shuttle. There’s even a line that connects the Visitor Center with many of the park’s lodges, campgrounds, and restaurants. During the peak season from March-November, Hermit’s Road can only be accessed via shuttle.
Car
Although a car isn’t necessary for a visit to the Grand Canyon South Rim, it does offer more freedom. If you plan to visit more than the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you’ll need a car. The drive is about four hours from the South Rim to the North Rim.
If you are staying somewhere outside the park, be sure to arrive at the gate early – before 9 am is best. Otherwise, you may get stuck in line at the entrance station, which can take hours during peak season.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon
SUMMER
June through August is peak visitor season at Grand Canyon National Park. During this time, expect heavy crowds and higher prices on accommodations. The summer heat at the Grand Canyon can be intense, starting in mid-May and lasting through September. If you’re planning to hike into the canyon, be prepared for dangerous temperatures. The heat actually increases as you get further down into the canyon.
AUTUMN
Mid-September through November is shoulder season in Arizona, which means fewer crowds. Temperatures are also very comfortable starting around late September. Smoke from wildfires could cast a haze and impact your view of the canyon, however.
WINTER
Winter is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and pay lower hotel prices. Be prepared for chilly temps and potentially even some snow and ice at the South Rim. The North Rim is closed from December 1st to June 1st.
SPRING
March through May is a lovely time to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim. Temperatures are warm but haven’t yet reached the intensity of summer, and the summer crowds haven’t yet descended on the park. The North Rim of the park, however, remains closed until June 1st.
Is Two Days Enough at the Grand Canyon?
Two days are plenty to explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon! In that time, you’ll be able to see the best overlooks and do a few hikes. If, however, you want to hike to the bottom of the canyon or drive up to the North Rim of the park, plan to add another day or two.
Where to Stay at the Grand Canyon
For the sake of time, I highly recommend booking your stay at one of the lodges in the park. You’ll pay a higher price, but the time you’ll save driving to and from the park every day is worth it. Otherwise, the nearest town is Williams, which is a little over an hour’s drive from the South Rim entrance station.
Be sure to book well in advance – lodging in the park usually fills up early.
Bright Angel Lodge
This lodge is a Registered National Historic Landmark. It’s located right by the start of the popular Bright Angel Trail, and there are a few dining options connected to the hotel as well. You can book a cabin, a standard lodge room, or a room with a shared bathroom.
El Tovar Hotel
No two rooms are alike at El Tovar Hotel. It’s situated on the rim of the canyon and was designed to be a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian Villa. You can book a standard room or a suite, and many of the latter include a balcony. Dining options are available on the premises as well, including the park’s only fine dining venue.
Kachina Lodge
This lodge is a bit more on the basic end, but the location is great. It’s right in the center of the Grand Canyon Village Historic District near dining and market options. It’s also situated on the rim of the canyon, so many of the rooms have canyon views.
Where to Eat at the Grand Canyon
One thing’s for sure – you definitely don’t go to the Grand Canyon for the food. Whenever possible, I recommend packing your own food to bring into the park. That being said, these are a few of the best options available.
Yavapai Tavern
The menu here is mostly pizza and burgers with a bit of a southwest flair. There are even a few vegan options! They also have a full bar, beers on tap, and they’re dog-friendly.
El Tovar Dining Room
This is the park’s only fine dining establishment. Presidents and celebrities have dined here. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also have an extensive wine program. Reservations are required for lunch and dinner. If you’re just in the mood for some drinks and appetizers, head over to the El Tovar Lounge.
Canyon Village Market & Deli
The deli here is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite. They serve both breakfast and lunch. It’s located in the market, so you can also grab some snacks to fuel your day while you’re here.
How to Spend 2 Days at the Grand Canyon South Rim
Catch sunrise
Be sure to catch at least one sunrise during your visit! Sunrise is one of the best times to be at the Grand Canyon. Not only are the colors magical, but it’s also seemingly one of the only quiet times in the park. You may even find yourself completely alone – a rarity at the Grand Canyon.
Pretty much any viewpoint is going to be spectacular at sunrise, but a couple of notable ones are Mather Point and Yavapai Point.
Desert View Drive
This scenic drive stretches from Grand Canyon Village all the way to the east edge of the park. Along the way, you’ll come across some of the most stunning vistas of the canyon. It’s also home to one of the most unique features of Grand Canyon National Park – the Desert View Watchtower. You’re bound to be pulling over a lot during this drive.
Read More: 10 Best Viewpoints at the Grand Canyon South Rim
Yavapai Museum of Geology
This free museum offers one of the best vantage points for viewing the layers of the Grand Canyon. The geologic history of the canyon is fascinating (like how the area was formerly part of an ocean – more than once!). Exhibits and annotated displays will help you learn about how the canyon formed over millions of years. Rangers are often there to speak about the history and geology of the canyon as well.
Take a Hike
Visiting the Grand Canyon inevitably involves a lot of time driving around. Taking a moment to stretch your legs and get closer to the canyon will be a welcome respite. Even if you’re not planning to hike to the bottom of the canyon, be sure to plan time for a trail or two.
Shoshone Point
This 2.1-mile trail through ponderosa pines is pretty flat and considered to be an easy hike. When you reach the end, you’ll be rewarded with a nearly 180-degree view of the canyon. The trailhead isn’t well-marked so it can be tough to find, but this means it also isn’t typically very busy.
Rim Trail
If you prefer to hike to the park’s overlooks rather than drive, check out Rim Trail. This 13-mile trail stretches from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermit’s Rest. It passes by some of the most beautiful overlooks in the park and is considered one of the most scenic walks in North America. It’s relatively flat and mostly paved.
Bright Angel Trail
This is the most popular trail in the park. It reaches all the way into the depths of the canyon, but there are plenty of opportunities to turn around along the way if you don’t want to hike the whole thing. The well-maintained trail is easy to walk down, but coming back is a different story. The hike up is challenging and usually takes twice as long, so keep that in mind when deciding how far to descend.
Hermit Road
This scenic drive is home to some of the most jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon South Rim. This is where you’ll find some of the best spots for sunset, and Pima Point offers one of the best views of the Colorado River. Stop anywhere along Hermit Road and you won’t be disappointed (except Hermit’s Rest, which is literally just a rest stop).
Hermit Road is open year-round, but it can only be accessed by shuttle from March 1st through November 30th.
See the sunset over the Grand Canyon
Much like sunrise, watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon is absolutely magical. In the hour before the sun dips below the canyon rim, watch as the colors of the canyon change with the light. Watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon is immensely popular, so arrive at your chosen overlook early to secure a spot.
Some of the best overlooks to watch the sunset include Hopi Point, Yaki Point, and Lipan Point.
A visit to the Grand Canyon is truly an unforgettable experience. Whether you have two days or ten, you’ll leave this park with a sense of awe.
Have any questions about your trip that I didn’t answer here? Drop a line in the comments below!
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