So, you say you've got three days to tour the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park? I know what you're wondering: What should I see? What should I do? What can I skip? Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this 3-day Grand Canyon itinerary will help you hit the highlights, uncover hidden gems, and, even, avoid the crowds — all while soaking up those jaw-dropping South Rim views. From sunrise at Mather Point to scenic drives, epic hikes, friendly owls, and historic lodges, here’s how to explore the best of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim (and what's nearby) in just three unforgettable days.

Day One: Starting the tour in Williams, Arizona

1. Historic Route 66

Image from Flickr by Cindy Shebley

• 10 minutes to 2 hours

In 1964, crooner Bobby Troup urged us to get our kicks on Route 66, and almost 60 years later, Route 66 is still full of fantastic places to kick it.

If you’re traveling on I-40 East from the Kingman or Mohave area, we urge you to take exit 161 towards historic Williams so that you’ll be able to see this little piece of American nostalgia.

Historic Williams offers retro diners, gift shops, affordable lodging, a grocery store, gas stations, and the Grand Canyon Railroad station. 

Oh, and if you’re starting your adventure in the early morning (which we recommend!), be sure to stop at Pine Country Restaurant on Grand Canyon Boulevard for fresh coffee, exceptional service, and a homemade cinnamon roll that’s just about as big as your head!

2. Route 64 North

• 50 minutes to 2 hours

Route 64 North is the main route to the Grand Canyon. Once you turn onto 64, it’s about a 50-minute drive to the Grand Canyon National Park Welcome Sign.

There isn’t much in the way of amenities along the way, but don’t worry.

Shaka Guide will be right there with you – metaphorically speaking, of course – to tell you the incredible story of the Grand Canyon from – literally speaking – the ground up.

All the while, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning San Francisco Peaks and the Kaibab National Forest.

3. Grand Canyon Visitor Center (Tusayan)

Rachel Ennis

• 10 minutes to 1 hour

The South Rim has three visitor centers. The first one is outside the park gates in the town of Tusayan.

At the Tusayan Visitor Center, you’ll find interactive exhibits about the history and geology of the Grand Canyon, updated information about:

• trail and weather conditions
• maps
• souvenirs
• outdoor equipment
• and (most importantly) pizza and ice cream!

While you’re here, be sure to check out the 34-minute IMAX film Grand Canyon: Hidden Secrets.

And for a really unique way to see the canyon, you can purchase a private helicopter tour with Papillon Tours or an off-roading adventure with Pink Adventure Tours.

4. Grand Canyon National Park Welcome Sign

• 5 minutes to 10 minutes 

Don’t forget to get a selfie (or a group shot) at the iconic Grand Canyon National Park sign!

It gets a little busy here, especially during peak park hours (usually starting around 9:00 AM) so be prepared to wait a little while for your perfect shot.

The unspoken rule at the Welcome Sign is that everyone offers to take group shots for everyone else.

Since you all have the same goal – to see the Grand Canyon in person – the level of excitement and camaraderie here is palpable. 

5.  South Rim Entrance Gate

• Up to 1 hour

Here’s the bad news. You will probably have to wait in line to get through the South Rim entrance gate.

With over 6 million visitors a year, the Grand Canyon is a pretty busy place all year round.

It’s rare, but it can take up to an hour to get through the line during the peak summer season. Our advice is to get to the park before 8:00 AM.

Here’s the good news! The park has an entrance lane reserved for pre-purchased passes, and that line moves pretty quickly.

It’s definitely worth it to purchase a park pass before you get there. You can do so here. 

Here’s more good news! The Grand Canyon’s South Rim entrance gate is staffed by some of the friendliest park rangers in the entire National Park system.

At the end of the long line is the friendly face of someone who loves what they do and truly appreciates visitors and tourists.

6.  The Visitor Center and Mather Point

• Up to 1 hour

The visitor center at Mather Point is more of a visitor “plaza.” As of March 2022, the main visitor center is closed, but the rangers provide informational tables with maps, updated trail information, nature guides, and weather.

The gift shop and the cafe are both open, so you’ll be able to grab some last-minute supplies and caffeine before heading out to Mather Point!

This is also the main hub for the Grand Canyon shuttle system.

We suggest that if you’re up for walking a bit, find a parking space here at the Plaza and walk to the various points using the Rim Trail. 

There are 4 parking lots at the visitor center plaza:

1. Lot 1 is closest to Mather Point. It’s the one that fills up the quickest, and it’s the ONLY one that has spaces for RVs and vehicles with trailers.
2. Lot 2 is the closest to the Visitor Center Plaza.
3. Lot 3 is an overflow lot for Lot 2. Don’t worry; it’s still fairly close to the Plaza.
4. Lot 4 is closest to the Grand Canyon Cafe and the Bike Rental stand.

Mather Point is a short, paved walk from the Plaza. There are several viewing points, so you won’t have to wait to get that long-awaited shot.

For most people, this is the first real, panoramic view of the Grand Canyon.

In the words of Ron Swanson, “Crying is only acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.”

7.  Rim Trail to Yavapai Geology Museum

• 1 hour to 2 hours

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!

8.  The Trail of Time

• Up to 1 hour

Continue walking 1.4 miles (2.3 km) along the Rim Trail towards Grand Canyon Village, and you’ll find yourself walking through nearly a billion years of geological history.

While you enjoy sweeping canyon views, you’ll also be able to check out informational way signs and markers denoting different geological changes that contributed to the formation of the Grand Canyon.

9.  The Grand Canyon Village

Adrian Grey, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Up to 4 hours

The Grand Canyon Village was the first spot at the South Rim to offer tourist accommodations (and you’ll learn all about it on Shaka Guide’s Grand Canyon South Rim tour!).

Today, there are over 120 years of history to explore at the Village. Take some time to explore the historical buildings and Native artwork, shop for souvenirs, and grab a bite to eat at iconic restaurants like Fred Harvey Diner!

Your Shaka-Guided tour includes a walking tour of the village, so be sure to bring your headphones to learn about each of these amazing stops!

Here’s what you’ll find, and how long you can expect to spend at each location:

• Verkamp’s Visitor Center 30 minutes

  • From the NPS website: "A curio shop and family home for more than a century." Be sure to check out the exhibits on the Grand Canyon Community and stop to fill up those water bottles.

• Hopi House 30 minutes

  • 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 a local Native American art and gift shop.

• El Tovar Hotel 10 minutes 

  • The first luxury hotel was built on the South Rim in 1905. Head inside to admire the architecture and check out the newsstand and gift shop.

• Grand Canyon Train Depot 15 minutes

  • The Grand Canyon Railroad follows the same rail line that the Santa Fe Railroad used way back at the turn of the 20th century.

• Matrimony Heart Rock 5 minutes

  • A legendary love story and cute photo-op with a heart-shaped rock.

• Buckey O’Neill Cabin, 20 minutes

  • An 1890 Rough Rider's cabin.

• Kolb Studio 30 minutes

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

• Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio 30 minutes

  • Mary Colter designed the Lookout Studio in 1914 as a refuge for tourists and artists to sit, 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!

• Bright Angel Lodge 10 minutes

  • 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

• Maswick’s Lodge 10 minutes

  • Maswik Lodge has a rich history dating back to 1927, when it was constructed by the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railroad to accommodate the increasing number of automobile travelers visiting the Grand Canyon.
  • Right by the rim, in addition to accommodations, this lodge has several dining options, as well as a gift shop.

• Mule Barn 10 minutes

  • Not an official stop, but if you or the kids love animals, it can be worth walking by to spy the Xanterra mules.

10.  Hiking the Bright Angel Trail

• Up to 6 hours

The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hiking spot at the South Rim for a number of reasons. It descends down into the canyon and is the primary route from the South Rim to the North Rim.

Also, the trail is well maintained, has rest houses, water stations, and vault toilets, and it’s partially shaded in a lot of spots.

But, it IS challenging. It's an 8-mile switch-backed descent from the trailhead down to the Colorado River, and then you have to hike back out of the Canyon.

Bottom line, DO NOT attempt the entire hike unless you are an experienced hiker with the proper gear and plenty of water. 

That being said, we encourage you to walk into the Canyon as much as you’re comfortable!

There are plenty of places to turn around, but there’s nothing quite like seeing the Grand Canyon from the inside!

The trailhead is behind the shuttle station between the Bright Angel Lodge and Hermit’s Road. 

11.  Bedrock City/Raptor Ranch

• 20 minutes to 1 hour

Looking for a family-friendly finish to your day? Why not explore a cartoon?

Bedrock City is a roadside attraction in the town of Grand Canyon Junction (formerly Valle), about 20 minutes south of the Grand Canyon’s entrance gate.

But we don’t need to tell you where, because we guarantee you’ll see it. Just look for the enormous statue of Fred Flintstone waving to you from the side of the road.

Bedrock City is a real-life replica of the Flintstones’ cartoon town. In 2019, the attraction added Raptor Ranch, and now you’re able to wander through Bedrock and hang out with falcons, owls, and other large rehabilitated birds.

There is also a gift shop, a luncheonette (with 5-cent coffee!), an ice cream stand, and a small grocery area. Admission is $8, and trust us, it’s $8 very well spent.

If you go, say hello to Stinky, the remarkably friendly Eurasian Eagle Owl who doesn’t mind a head scratch or two!

Day Two: Starting the Tour in Williams, Arizona

1.  Ride the Grand Canyon Railway

• 2 hours-2 ½ hours

Skip the parking hassle and headache today! Instead, hop on the historic Grand Canyon Railroad located at 233 Grand Canyon Boulevard in Downtown Williams, Arizona.

Don’t worry–it’s very easy to find!

The train leaves the station at 9:30 AM and follows the original Santa Fe Railway-to-South Rim route.

The train arrives at the Depot at the Grand Canyon Village at around 11:45 AM.

2. Hermit Road

• 3 hours-5 hours

The viewpoints west of the Grand Canyon Village are along Hermit Road. From March through December, Hermit Road is only accessible by shuttle; no private vehicles are allowed.

Don’t worry - your Shaka Guide tour will still work, just be sure to bring headphones so you can enjoy the audio throughout the entire ride. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes. 

So, how can you spend a whole day on one road? Simple! There are amazing views, hikes, and history to keep you busy. On Hermit Road, you’ll find:

• Trail View Overlook

  • 10 minutes

The first Hermit's Rest Overlook. Stop to take in sweeping views of the inner-canyon hike, the Bright Angel Trail.

• Maricopa Point

  • 10 minutes

This viewpoint along Hermit Road offers 180-degree views of the Canyon, as well as relics from the Orphan Mine from the turn of the 20th century.

• Powell Point

  • 15 minutes 

Viewpoint along Hermit Road that is named for explorer John Wesley Powell. This is a great place to catch a Grand Canyon sunrise or sunset.

• Hopi Point

  • 15 minutes

Named for the Hopi people, this is another excellent sunrise or sunset viewpoint. If you're here midday, the sun will illuminate the beautiful Colorado River slicing through the canyon.

• Mohave Point

  • 10 minutes

Viewpoint along Hermit Road that offers a clear—but—distant view of the Colorado River.

• The Abyss

  • 10 minutes

Viewpoint along Hermit Road that features the longest vertical drop of any along the South Rim.

• Monument Creek Vista

  • 10 minutes

A spectacular overlook of the Granite Rapids and Monument Creek. This viewpoint also marks the start of the backcountry hike known as the Greenway Trail.

Don’t forget to look at our hiking guide before heading out!

• Pima Point

  • 10 minutes

Viewpoint along Hermit Road that offers views of the Colorado River, specifically the Granite Rapids. You may even be able to hear the river below!

• Hermit’s Rest

  • 20 minutes to a full day, one-way for the trail

The rest area at the end of Hermit Road, since 1914, Hermit's Rest has been a "stocking up point" for travelers headed into the backcountry.

Take time to enjoy the beautiful Marie Coulter architecture before heading out along the Hermit Trail. Find all your hiking information here.

Save yourself the time, get some more unique photos, and enjoy a bit of solitude by walking the trail instead.

If you only want to walk the shorter distances, check the signs at each viewpoint before setting out.

They will tell you how long of a walk it is to the next point, and you can decide whether to walk or ride from there.

Things To Remember

• The Grand Canyon Railroad departs from the Grand Canyon Village Depot to return to Williams at 3:30 PM, so be sure to budget your time accordingly. 
• The Hermit’s Rest Shuttle leaves the transfer station every 10-15 minutes. 
• Shuttles can get very crowded, so you may have to wait for an open spot. Again, be sure to budget your time accordingly.

Pro Tip! Grab Dinner at Frontier Barbeque and Beer Garden

• 1 hour-2 ½ hours

There are a plethora of great restaurants along Route 66, but we here at Shaka Guide love Frontier Barbeque and Beer Garden for its huge portions, friendly staff, and fun frontier games!

Day Three: Starting the Tour in Williams, Arizona

1. See the Sunrise at Mather Point

Shutterstock Image

• Up to 1 hour

There are many benefits in 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.

2. Grab breakfast at Bright Angel Cafe

• Up to 1 hour

Head over to the Plaza for a breakfast sandwich and a hot cup of coffee so that you can fuel up for the day ahead! 

3. Grand Canyon Village Market and Deli

• Up to 1 hour

After breakfast, head over to the Grand Canyon Village Market to grab some supplies for a picnic lunch! 

4. Desert View Drive

• Up to 3 hours

There are even more surprising viewpoints (and more!) down the 26-mile Desert View Drive! Here’s what you’ll find:

• Pipe Creek Vista

  • 10 minutes

The first viewpoint on Desert View Drive, framed between Mather and Yaki Point.

• Yaki Point/South Kaibab Trail

  • 1 hour to full-day hiking

Yaki Point is the only viewpoint along the rim that you can’t access by car. You can either hike your way there or, in spring, take the orange shuttle.

It’s a nice chance to take in the views away from the crowds, and, honestly, it’s one of the best spots in the park to see the sunrise.

And for the really adventurous, you can access the South Kaibab Trail nearby.

South Kaibab is a 7-mile trail that leads you to Ooh Aah Point, Cedar Ridge, Skeleton Point, and eventually down into the canyon.

• Shoshone Point

  • 1 hour

Shoshone Point is a short, easy 2-mile out-and-back trail leading to overlooks of the canyon.

• Duck on a Rock Viewpoint

  • 10 minutes

Viewpoint along Desert View Drive that features a Kaibab limestone formation that has eroded into the shape of a duck.

• Twin Overlooks

  • 10 minutes

A great pair of lookouts that is exceptional for sunrise and sunset.

• Grandview Point

  • 10 minutes

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.

• Grandview Lookout Tower

  • 10 minutes

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

• Buggeln Picnic Area (Stop for that picnic lunch you packed!)

  • 20-30 minutes

A perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic with views of the canyon.

• Moran Point

  • 10 minutes

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.

• Tusayan Ruins and Museum

  • 30 minutes

Archaeological site and interpretive museum of an ancient Puebloan village circa 1100 AD.

• Lipan Point

  • 10 minutes

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

• Navajo Point

  • 10 minutes

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.

5. Desert View Watchtower

Shutterstock Image

• Up to 1 hour

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!

6. Little Colorado River Gorge Overlooks

Shutterstock Image

• Up to 1 hour

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! You won’t find friendlier artisans or more unique souvenirs. Trust us!

7. Route 89 S to Flagstaff

Driving Route 89 S to Flagstaff from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a scenic descent through high desert terrain, with sweeping views of red rock cliffs and wide-open skies.

The road winds through the quiet beauty of Kaibab National Forest before connecting you to Flagstaff’s pine-covered elevation, making it a perfect transition from canyon wilderness to mountain town charm.

8. Sunset Crater National Monument/ Wupatki National Monument

• 1 hour to 3 hours

About 20 miles south of Cameron, Arizona, are some hidden gems that are worth one more stop!

The entrance to these national monuments is conveniently located just off Route 89, and the scenic drive will loop around all of them.

Explore the actual ruins of an Ancient Puebloan tribe, and hike through the site of an actual prehistoric volcanic eruption!

These National Monuments offer easy, flat trails and not many crowds. 

Pro Tips! 

Have even more time to spare? Consider checking out some other Shaka Guide tours in the area, including the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Page, AZ, and Sedona, AZ! 

This itinerary a little too long? No problem. Check out our one-day itinerary, and then just add what you want from here to mix and match your own perfect tour of the canyon.

Explore Grand Canyon South Rim with Shaka Guide

Plan your visit to the Grand Canyon South Rim with Shaka Guide! In just three days, you’ll see epic views, explore cool trails, and learn fun facts about this natural wonder.

Our guide makes your trip easy and exciting. Don’t wait—download the tour today and start your adventure!

Take the Grand Canyon South Rim Audio Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.

Still planning? Check out our Know Before You Go guide to prep for an epic day.

Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!

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