The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is lined with spectacular viewpoints, from the famous overlooks near Grand Canyon Village to the quieter stops along Hermit Road and Desert View Drive. But with so many viewpoints to choose from, which ones are actually worth your time?
We’ve explored the South Rim on multiple visits to Grand Canyon National Park, including three days spent visiting viewpoints over the Christmas holiday. And after stopping at dozens of overlooks, we definitely have our favorites. Some offer sweeping panoramic views, others have fantastic views of the Colorado River, and a few are worth skipping if you’re short on time.
In this guide, we cover 17 of the best viewpoints on the South Rim, organized by location, with our personal five-star ratings. We’ll share which views impressed us the most, which ones we thought were just OK, and tips for planning your visit, whether you have a few hours or several days at the Grand Canyon.
Our Experiences at the Grand Canyon: We’ve visited Grand Canyon National Park multiple times, exploring the viewpoints along the South Rim and hiking some of the park’s most iconic trails, including hiking across the Grand Canyon on the rim-to-rim trail in one day. The ratings in this guide are based on our own experiences and how much we enjoyed each viewpoint. They’re subjective, of course, but we hope they help you decide which stops are most worth your time. All photos are our own.
October 2026: Added our personal ratings and recommendations for the best South Rim viewpoints, updated shuttle and road information, and added tips to help you choose which overlooks to visit.
Our Favorite South Rim Viewpoints
If you only have time for a handful of viewpoints, these are the ones we’d prioritize.
- Best overall: Powell Point. One of our favorite viewpoints along Hermit Road, with beautiful panoramic views and several great places for photos. We loved this one so much that we visited twice in one weekend.
- Best views along Hermit Road: Mohave Point and Pima Point. Both offer incredible views of the canyon, with opportunities to see the Colorado River far below.
- Best near Grand Canyon Village: Yavapai Point and Yaki Point. Yavapai is a great choice if you want panoramic views without traveling far from the Visitor Center. Yaki Point is worth the shuttle ride for its views toward the eastern canyon and the South Kaibab Trail.
- Best along Desert View Drive: Moran Point and Desert View. Moran Point offers beautiful sweeping views, while Desert View combines impressive scenery with the historic Desert View Watchtower.
- Best for avoiding crowds: Shoshone Point. It requires a 2-mile round-trip walk, but the reward is a quieter viewpoint with beautiful scenery.
- Best for sunset: Hopi Point. This is one of the most popular sunset viewpoints on the South Rim, thanks to its wide-open views to the east and west.
If you have more time, you can visit additional viewpoints along each scenic drive. Below, we’ll explain what makes each one special, how to get there, and how we rated the views.
Sunrise at Powell Point on Christmas morning
Best South Rim Viewpoints
The South Rim viewpoints are quite spread out. The drive from Hermit’s Rest to Desert View is 32 miles long and takes about an hour (without stopping for photos).
I grouped these viewpoints into three sections: viewpoints located near the Grand Canyon Village, viewpoints along Hermit Road, and the viewpoints along Desert View Road.
How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.
To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
I recommend saving your favorite viewpoints on Google Maps before your trip to the Grand Canyon. Cache the map on your phone before you leave your hotel. We were able to get a decent cellular signal near the Grand Canyon Village but it fades out once you move farther away from the Visitor Center.
In this post, you’ll notice that we are wearing Santa Hats. We visited the Grand Canyon over the Christmas holiday season and we spent Christmas morning exploring many of the South Rim Viewpoints.
Grand Canyon Village Viewpoints
These viewpoints are all located near the Grand Canyon Village. To get between viewpoints, you can either use the Grand Canyon shuttle (the Kaibab Rim Route, orange line) or hike the Rim Trail.
During the winter season, it is possible to drive between some of these viewpoints. On Christmas morning, we did not have any problems with parking. During peak season, it can be very difficult to find parking so the using the shuttle or walking is your best bet.
Note: Our ratings are based on the scenery, photography opportunities, crowds, and how much we enjoyed each viewpoint. A five-star rating means it’s one of our favorites and a viewpoint we’d highly recommend prioritizing.
Mather Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the easiest viewpoints to visit, but also one of the most crowded. The views are beautiful, but we preferred several other overlooks, particularly nearby Yavapai Point.
Mather Point is the most famous viewpoint on the South Rim, and for many visitors, it’s their first look at the Grand Canyon. It’s just a short walk from the Visitor Center, making it one of the easiest viewpoints to visit.
But of all the viewpoints on this list, Mather Point was our least favorite. The views are certainly beautiful, but it’s often very crowded, and we found the scenery more impressive at several other overlooks.
Our recommendation: It’s worth a quick stop if you’re already at the Visitor Center, but don’t feel like you need to go out of your way to see it. We much preferred nearby Yavapai Point.
We took this photo at Mather Point
Bright Angel Viewpoint
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What makes this viewpoint special is the chance to look down at the Bright Angel Trail as it winds into the canyon. It’s an especially interesting stop if you plan to hike below the rim.
The Bright Angel Viewpoint is located next to the trailhead of the Bright Angel Trail. From this point, you can look down at the Bright Angel Trail, as it snakes through the canyon towards the Colorado River. You can also look clear across the Grand Canyon to the North Rim on the opposite side.
To get here, walk the Rim Trail from the Visitor Center or ride the Village Shuttle (the blue shuttle) to the Hermits Rest Route Transfer stop, which is next to the Bright Angel Lodge.
We took this photo from Bright Angel Viewpoint in June (it’s the only photo in this post not taken over our Christmas holiday visit)
Yavapai Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ One of the best viewpoints near Grand Canyon Village, with sweeping panoramic views and typically fewer crowds than Mather Point. If you only have time for one viewpoint near the Visitor Center, this would be our pick.
Yavapai Point offers some of the most expansive views of the Grand Canyon, with a panorama of colorful rock formations stretching in both directions. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Colorado River, more than a mile below the rim.
Another reason to visit Yavapai Point is the Yavapai Geology Museum. Located right on the rim, this small museum has enormous windows overlooking the canyon, exhibits about how the Grand Canyon formed, and displays that identify the rock formations you see in the distance.
To get here, you can drive to the small parking lot at Yavapai Point, take the orange shuttle from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, or walk the Rim Trail from Mather Point (0.7 miles one way). The walk between Mather and Yavapai Points is easy, paved, and offers beautiful views along the way.
Yavapai Point
Yaki Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ We loved the views looking east and down toward the South Kaibab Trail. This is one of the best viewpoints for sunrise, and the slightly different perspective of the canyon makes it worth the shuttle ride.
Yaki Point sits farther east than Mather and Yavapai Points, offering spectacular views in both directions. Looking west, you can see the South Kaibab Trail as it winds its way into the canyon, with O’Neill Butte rising above the surrounding landscape. Looking east, you’ll see colorful cliffs and rock formations stretching toward the horizon.
Yaki Point is particularly beautiful at sunrise, when the early morning light illuminates the canyon walls. It’s also a great choice for photography, with plenty of interesting formations that add depth to the views.
Unlike many other South Rim viewpoints, Yaki Point is not accessible by private vehicle. To get here, park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and ride the free orange shuttle (Kaibab Rim Route). The shuttle stops just a short walk from the viewpoint, so very little walking is required.
Yaki Point
Bonus: Ooh Aah Point (Best View Below the Rim)
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the most spectacular views on this list, and one of our favorite places in the Grand Canyon. Hiking below the rim gives you a completely different perspective, with the canyon opening up before you as you descend the South Kaibab Trail.
Isn’t this the best name for a viewpoint? 😊
Ooh Aah Point is the only viewpoint on this list that requires hiking below the rim. Located 0.9 miles down the South Kaibab Trail, this viewpoint offers incredible views of the canyon’s colorful cliffs, rocky buttes, and deep valleys.
We took this photo from Ooh Aah Point the first time we hiked the South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail
As you hike down the trail, you’ll descend a series of switchbacks before the trail rounds a corner and the canyon suddenly opens up. It’s an amazing sight and one of the best rewards for a relatively short hike in the Grand Canyon.
The hike to Ooh Aah Point is 1.8 miles round trip, with approximately 790 feet of elevation change. Getting there is the easy part, since it’s all downhill. The return hike is a steep, uphill climb that can feel surprisingly strenuous, especially during the summer months.
To get here, take the orange shuttle from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours for the hike, plus shuttle transportation time. There is no water along the trail, and very little shade, so bring plenty of water and be prepared for the conditions.
For more information about this hike and photos of the trail, see our guide to hiking the South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail in one day ↓
How to Hike South Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail (aka Rim-to-River-to-Rim)
Step-by-step trail guide for the rim-to-river-to-rim hike.How Much Time Do You Need for the Grand Canyon Village Viewpoints?
Mather and Yavapai Points: 1 to 1.5 hours. These are the easiest viewpoints to visit together. They are connected by a 0.7-mile paved section of the Rim Trail, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes to walk one way. This gives you time to enjoy the views, take photos, and visit the Yavapai Geology Museum.
Yaki Point: Add approximately 1 hour. You will need to ride the orange shuttle from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Allow time for the shuttle ride, potential wait times, and about 15 to 20 minutes enjoying the viewpoint.
Bright Angel Viewpoint: Add 45 minutes to 1 hour. This viewpoint is located in the historic Grand Canyon Village, away from the Visitor Center. We recommend visiting it when exploring the village or heading to Hermit Road, rather than making a separate trip from the Visitor Center.
Ooh Aah Point: Add 2 to 3 hours. This includes the shuttle ride to the South Kaibab Trailhead and the 1.8-mile round-trip hike. The uphill return can be strenuous, so allow plenty of time.
If you want to visit all five viewpoints, plan on approximately 4 to 6 hours, potentially longer during busy periods when shuttle waits can be substantial. If your time is limited, we would prioritize Yavapai Point and Yaki Point, adding Ooh Aah Point if you want to experience the canyon from below the rim.
Hermit Road Viewpoints
Hermit Road is one of the most scenic stretches of the South Rim and home to some of our favorite Grand Canyon viewpoints. This 7-mile road starts near Grand Canyon Village and ends at Hermits Rest, passing a series of overlooks with spectacular panoramic views, dramatic cliffs, and glimpses of the Colorado River far below.
Of all the viewpoints along Hermit Road, Powell Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point were our favorites. We loved Powell Point so much that we visited twice. If you’re short on time, these are the three we’d prioritize.
How to get around: From March 1 through November 30, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles, so you’ll need to use the free red shuttle, walk, or bicycle. From December through February, you can drive your own vehicle, weather permitting. The shuttle stops at all nine overlooks on the outbound journey, but only at select stops on the return trip, so plan your stops accordingly.
Powell Viewpoint
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of our absolute favorites on the South Rim. The panoramic views are incredible, there are several fantastic photo spots, and we loved it so much that we visited twice. Don’t miss this one.
We loved this viewpoint. In fact, we liked it so much that we visited it twice.
Powell Viewpoint at sunrise
From the shuttle stop, it’s a short, flat walk past the Masonic Grand Canyon Degree Memorial to the main viewpoint. Enjoy the sweeping views and if you want, you can walk down to a slightly lower viewpoint for a different perspective (and cool photos).
Hopi Viewpoint
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A beautiful panoramic viewpoint and one of the best places to watch the sunset. The scenery is quite similar to nearby Powell Point, so if you’re short on time, you don’t necessarily need to visit both.
This is a very popular viewpoint at sunrise and sunset. It is just a short distance from Powell viewpoint so the views do not change too much.
Hopi Viewpoint
The view from Hopi Point
Mohave Viewpoint
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another one of our favorites along Hermit Road. We loved the dramatic canyon scenery and the opportunity to photograph the canyon from several different vantage points. This is one we’d definitely prioritize.
This is another good one!
Mohave Point offers some of the most spectacular scenery along Hermit Road. From the main overlook, you can see the Colorado River winding through the canyon far below, surrounded by massive cliffs and layers of colorful rock formations.
What we liked most about Mohave Point was getting to see the canyon from several different viewpoints. There are a few viewing areas within a short walk of the shuttle stop, each offering a slightly different angle of the surrounding cliffs and canyon.
Mohave Point is also an excellent sunset destination. Since the viewpoint faces primarily west, you’ll have beautiful views of the late afternoon light illuminating the canyon walls.
If you only have time for a few stops along Hermit Road, make sure Mohave Point is on your list.
Mohave Viewpoint
Mohave Viewpoint
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
The Abyss
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Abyss offers a different perspective than the other overlooks along Hermit Road, with a dramatic drop-off and views into a side canyon. It’s worth a quick stop, but we preferred the more expansive views at Powell, Mohave, and Pima Points.
Unlike many of the other viewpoints along Hermit Road, which extend outward on rocky promontories, The Abyss looks directly into the deep Monument Creek drainage. From here, you can peer down into a steep-sided canyon, with towering rock walls dropping almost vertically toward the canyon floor.
The views are impressive, particularly if you want to appreciate the immense depth of the Grand Canyon. However, you don’t get the same sweeping views or prominent views of the Colorado River that you see from several of the other overlooks along Hermit Road.
We thought The Abyss was an interesting stop because it offered something different, but if you’re short on time, it’s one of the viewpoints we’d skip.
The Abyss
Pima Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is another must-see viewpoint along Hermit Road, with sweeping panoramic views and glimpses of the Colorado River far below. We thought the scenery here was among the best on the South Rim.
Pima Point is another great location for panoramic views of the Grand Canyon. Once again, you are standing out on the edge of peninsula so you get sweeping views of the canyon.
Pima Point
Hermit’s Rest
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The views here aren’t nearly as spectacular as those at the other Hermit Road viewpoints, but the historic building, gift shop, and café make it a worthwhile stop. Come for the atmosphere rather than the views.
Hermits Rest marks the western end of Hermit Road, approximately 7 miles from Grand Canyon Village. Although there are views of the canyon, trees partially block the view, and we found the nearby viewpoints at Mohave and Pima Points much more impressive.
The main reason to visit Hermits Rest is its historic stone building, designed by architect Mary Colter in 1914. It was originally constructed as a resting place for travelers exploring the canyon by horse-drawn carriage. The building was designed to resemble an old miner’s cabin, complete with stone walls, a large fireplace, and a rustic porch.
Today, Hermits Rest contains a small gift shop and snack bar, making it a convenient place to take a break, grab a snack, or browse for souvenirs. Restrooms and drinking water are also available.
Hermits Rest
How Much Time Do You Need for the Hermit Road Viewpoints?
Plan on spending 2 to 3 hours exploring the viewpoints along Hermit Road, although you could easily spend half a day here if you want to visit every overlook, take lots of photos, or walk sections of the Rim Trail.
If you’re taking the shuttle (March through November): The shuttle takes approximately 80 minutes round trip without getting off. Allow 2 to 3 hours to visit our favorite viewpoints (Powell, Mohave, and Pima Points), with a stop at Hermits Rest. If you want to visit most or all of the overlooks, plan on 3 to 4 hours or longer, especially during busy periods when shuttle waits can be lengthy.
If you’re driving (December through February): Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours to drive Hermit Road, stopping at the viewpoints that interest you most. Having your own vehicle makes it easier to visit the overlooks at your own pace, without waiting for shuttles. Just be aware that snow and ice can temporarily close the road.
Our recommendation: If you’re short on time, prioritize Powell Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point. These were our three favorites along Hermit Road, and visiting just these overlooks gives you some of the most spectacular views without needing to stop at all nine.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: The shuttle stops at all nine overlooks on the outbound journey, but on the return trip, it only stops at Hermits Rest, Pima, Mohave, and Powell Points. Plan your stops accordingly so you don’t miss a viewpoint you want to visit.
Desert View Road Viewpoints
To get to these viewpoints you will need a car. The Grand Canyon Shuttle does not travel to these viewpoints. From the Grand Canyon Village to the Desert View Point, it is a 25 mile (41 km) drive and takes about an hour. This road can be slick and icy during the winter months.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to visit eastern Arizona (Page or Monument Valley), consider visiting these viewpoints as you drive out of (or into) the park.
Shoshone Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the best viewpoints for escaping the crowds. The easy walk through the forest leads to a peaceful overlook with spectacular canyon views. It’s well worth the extra effort if you have the time.
Shoshone Point is a bit of a hidden gem along Desert View Drive. Unlike most viewpoints on this list, you can’t simply pull into a parking lot and walk a few steps to the rim. Instead, you’ll follow a quiet trail through a ponderosa pine forest to a rocky overlook with sweeping views of the Grand Canyon.
Shoshone Point
Shoshone Point
What makes Shoshone Point special is its peaceful setting. Since you have to walk to get there, it tends to be much less crowded than the more accessible viewpoints.
How to get here: Park in the small, unsigned dirt parking area along Desert View Drive and follow the old dirt road for approximately one mile to the viewpoint (2 miles round trip). The walk is relatively easy, taking about 45 minutes to an hour round trip, plus time for photos.
Grandview Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grandview Point lives up to its name, with dramatic canyon scenery and several interesting photo spots. It’s one of the more popular overlooks along Desert View Drive, but the views are worth a stop.
Grandview Point sits at an elevation of approximately 7,400 feet, making it one of the highest viewpoints on the South Rim. From here, you get sweeping views across the canyon, including colorful rock formations, rugged cliffs, and sections of the Colorado River far below.
Grandview Point
This was one of the busiest viewpoints we visited along Desert View Drive. We also had an interesting experience with the weather. When we first arrived early in the morning, fog and low clouds obscured much of the scenery. We decided to return later that morning, once the clouds had lifted, and were rewarded with much better views and the opportunity to take the photos you see here.
It’s a good reminder that conditions at the Grand Canyon can change quickly. If you arrive at a viewpoint and can’t see much because of fog or clouds, it may be worth returning later in the day.
Grandview Point is also the starting point for the historic Grandview Trail, a steep and challenging hiking trail that descends into the canyon. You don’t need to hike the trail to enjoy the views, but its trailhead is right at the overlook.
Moran Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of our favorites along Desert View Drive. We loved the sweeping views and rocky outcroppings that make this a particularly photogenic viewpoint. If you only have time for a few stops along this road, make this one of them.
Moran Point offers beautiful panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, with colorful layers of rock, steep cliffs, and distant formations stretching across the horizon. It’s named after Thomas Moran, the landscape painter whose artwork helped introduce Americans to the spectacular scenery of the West.
One of the things we liked most about Moran Point was the rocky terrain surrounding the main overlook. Rather than standing in one spot and taking a quick photo, we spent time walking around the viewing areas, finding different compositions and places to take family photos. The rugged rocks in the foreground made this one of our favorite photography stops.
Moran Point
Moran Point
Moran Point is also a great place to appreciate the colorful geology of the Grand Canyon. Several major rock layers are visible from this viewpoint, creating a dramatic landscape of reds, oranges, and browns.
Our recommendation: Don’t rush through Moran Point. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to enjoy the scenery and find your favorite photo spots. This was one of the highlights of our drive along Desert View Road.
Lipan Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The canyon looks wider and more open here, with beautiful views of the Colorado River. It’s a great stop, although the scenery is similar to what you’ll see at Navajo Point and Desert View.
Lipan Point is one of the best viewpoints along Desert View Drive for seeing the Colorado River. From this overlook, you can see the river winding through the canyon, with a series of colorful cliffs and rock formations rising above it.
This viewpoint also offers a different perspective than those closer to Grand Canyon Village. The canyon appears wider and more open, and you can see several interesting geological features, including the Unkar Delta, an area along the Colorado River that was once inhabited by ancestral Puebloan people.
2026 UPDATE: Lipan Point and its access road are temporarily closed for rehabilitation work, with reopening expected in late December 2026. Check the National Park Service website for the latest updates.
Lipan Point
Navajo Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This viewpoint is most interesting for its distant view of the Desert View Watchtower. The canyon scenery is beautiful, but since it’s similar to nearby viewpoints, this is one you can skip if you’re short on time.
This is worth the stop if you want to see the Desert View watchtower from a distance. Otherwise, you can skip this viewpoint. The view is not much different than Lipan Point and Desert View.
Navajo Point
Desert View Point
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ One of the most memorable stops along Desert View Drive, combining spectacular canyon views with the historic Desert View Watchtower. It’s worth spending extra time here to enjoy the scenery and explore the area.
Desert View is located near the East Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park and marks the eastern end of the South Rim scenic drive. From here, you get sweeping views of the Grand Canyon as it stretches toward the Painted Desert, with a particularly beautiful view of the Colorado River making a wide bend through the canyon.
What makes this stop especially interesting is the Desert View Watchtower. Designed by architect Mary Colter and completed in 1932, this 70-foot-tall stone tower was inspired by the architecture of ancestral Puebloan peoples. Its interior features artwork and architectural details that make it worth visiting even without the spectacular views.
We took this photo from Desert View
You can walk around the base of the tower and enjoy the panoramic views from the rim. The upper floors of the watchtower also offer elevated views, but access is limited and requires a free, on-site timed ticket when staffing permits.
Desert View is also a convenient place to take a break. There are restrooms, a gift shop, and food services, although some facilities operate seasonally.
Our recommendation: Allow at least 30 to 45 minutes here, or longer if you plan to explore the watchtower. If you’re driving between the Grand Canyon and Page or Monument Valley, this is a perfect first or final stop in the park.
How Much Time Do You Need on Desert View Road?
Shoshone Point will take the most time. At two miles round trip, this takes about an hour (maybe a little less depending on how fast you walk).
It takes 35 minutes to drive one way on Desert View Road. You need about 10 minutes at Grandview, Lipan, Moran, and Navajo Point, if you decide to visit all of them.
It’s easy to spend 30 minutes or longer at Desert View since there is more to do here.
The entire round trip excursion along Desert View Road will take between 4 to 5 hours if you plan to do everything. Of course, skipping a viewpoint or two, or only traveling one way, will save some time.
How Many South Rim Viewpoints Should You Visit?
With so many viewpoints to choose from, you don’t need to visit them all. After a while, the views can start to blend together, especially if you’re trying to fit everything into one day.
If you have just a few hours: Focus on Yavapai Point and Yaki Point near the Visitor Center, or choose two or three viewpoints along Desert View Drive if you’re entering or leaving the park through the East Entrance.
If you have one full day: Visit a few of our favorites along Hermit Road, such as Powell, Mohave, and Pima Points, and spend some time at Yavapai Point. If you have time and want to do some hiking, consider walking part of the Rim Trail or hiking to Ooh Aah Point.
If you have two days: Spend one day exploring Grand Canyon Village and Hermit Road, and another visiting the viewpoints along Desert View Drive. This gives you time to enjoy the scenery without rushing from one overlook to the next.
You can also combine visiting the viewpoints with hiking, watching the sunrise or sunset, or taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon.
Tips to Have the Best Experience
Don’t try to visit all of these viewpoints in one day. They will all blend together. If you can, visit them over two to three days if you have the time.
Consider hiking the rim trail between some of these viewpoints. Most of the trail is paved and flat, so it is easy to walk. Learn more about the rim trail here.
The viewpoints are the least crowded early in the morning around sunrise. By mid-morning, crowds steadily build and peak midday. Several popular viewpoints, such as Mather, Hopi, and Yavapai, can also get crowded at sunset. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider starting your day at sunrise.
Use the free shuttle service to get from point to point. Learn more here.
About Our Visit
All of these photos were taken in the morning from December 24 to December 26, 2018 (with the exception of the Bright Angel Viewpoint, which was taken when Tim and I hiked the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim).
Over these three days, our weather varied quite a bit. On December 24, high temperatures reached the mid-50’s and we had sunny skies. It was cloudy and cooler on Christmas day. On the 26th, we awoke to foggy skies and freezing temperatures. Desert View Road was covered in a thin layer of ice and we had to wait for the fog to lift in order to get these photos. It was wild. In just a matter of minutes, once the fog decided to lift, it went from zero visibility to crystal clear skies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best views on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?
The best views from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are Powell Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point (along Hermit Road), Yavapai Point and Yaki Point (near Canyon Village), Moran Point and Desert View Point (on Desert View Road). If you want to leave the crowds behind, go to Shoshone Point and hike a portion of the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point.
Can you drive to the South Rim viewpoints?
Depending on the time of the year, you can drive to many of the South Rim viewpoints. During the winter months, generally from early December through the end of February, you can drive to the viewpoints along Hermit Road. For the remainder of the year, you must walk or take the shuttle to get to these same viewpoints. There is no shuttle along Desert View Drive and you can drive to all of these viewpoints all year, as long as the road is open (Desert View Drive can close temporarily if it snows).
What are the best things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?
The best things to do on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are to visit the South Rim viewpoints, walk a portion of the South Rim Trail, hike below the rim on the South Kaibab or Bright Angel Trail, take a helicopter flight, watch the IMAX movie, or take a ranger guided tour of the Grand Canyon.
Plan Your Visit to the Grand Canyon
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Here are more of our guides to help you plan your visit.
- Visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time? → Our Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide covers when to visit, how many days you need, where to stay, and everything else you need to plan your trip.
- Only have one day? → Follow our One Day in the Grand Canyon Itinerary to see the highlights of the South Rim, including some of our favorite viewpoints.
- Looking for more things to do? → See our guide to the Best Things to Do on the South Rim for hiking trails, scenic walks, and other memorable experiences.
- Want to hike below the rim? → Our guide to South Kaibab to Bright Angel in One Day covers one of our favorite hikes in the Grand Canyon.
- Considering a helicopter tour? → Read our Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Guide for tour comparisons, booking tips, and our firsthand experience.
- Planning an Arizona road trip? → Our 10-Day Arizona Itinerary combines the Grand Canyon with Sedona, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and more.
Which one(s) of these South Rim viewpoints of the Grand Canyon do you want to visit? Comment below and share your experience.
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Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the American Southwest, with massive sandstone buttes rising from a wide-open desert landscape along the Arizona–Utah border. You can drive the scenic Valley Drive on your own, hike around one of the iconic Mittens, join a Navajo-guided tour into areas that are otherwise off limits, […]
Lower Antelope Canyon: Tours, Pricing & What to Expect
Lower Antelope Canyon lives in the shadow of its more famous neighbor up the road, but Tim would argue it shouldn’t. When we visited both canyons on the same day, Upper was my favorite and Lower was his, and we’ve never quite agreed on which one wins. What makes Lower different is hard to describe […]
10-Day American Southwest Itinerary: Sedona to Zion Road Trip
The American southwest is one of the USA’s best road trip destinations. In just 10 days, you can stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, photograph the red sandstone formations of Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, hike through the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and explore the towering cliffs of Zion National Park. And that’s […]
12 Best Sedona Hikes, Ranked Shortest to Longest
If you are looking for an epic hiking destination, it’s tough to beat Sedona, Arizona. With its red rock scenery, arches, hidden caves, and network of hiking trails, this is a great place to explore on foot. Add in the abundance of top-notch hotels and restaurants in Sedona and you have an awesome getaway destination, […]
10 Amazing Things to Do in Las Vegas: The Ultimate City Guide
Discover the very best things to do in Las Vegas, including a long list of day trips that could be the highlight of your trip. Las Vegas…also known as Sin City, Lost Wages, the Gambling Capital of the World, the City that Never Sleeps, and the Entertainment Capital of the World, is one of the […]
The Ultimate Guide to the 64 US National Parks
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States to the Caribbean, are 64 national parks. These national treasures preserve iconic landscapes, majestic mountains, primordial forests, arid deserts, misty coastlines, immense canyons, wildlife, and historic landmarks. We have visited 56 of the 64 US national parks, from the towering granite walls of Yosemite and the […]
United States Travel Guide: Places to Visit in the USA
Plan your visit to the United States. Learn about the best things to do, how to plan your time, road trip ideas, and sample itineraries.
Arizona Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit in Arizona
Arizona Travel Guide From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the towering red rocks of Sedona, Arizona is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the American Southwest. Hike through colorful slot canyons, stand among giant saguaro cacti, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Petrified Forest, and take a road trip through Monument […]
Capturing the Action: How to Take Great Photos When Traveling
Traveling and photography go hand in hand. When you are in a new place and experiencing new things, it’s only normal that you would want to get that perfect photo, something to remember the moment by. I love photography. When I travel, one of the things I look forward to most is having a memory […]
Best US National Parks to Visit Month-By-Month
Best National Parks to Visit Month-By-Month Most national park planning advice tells you the “best” month to visit a park without showing you the full picture. This guide does both. We’ve visited 56 of the 64 US national parks, many of them multiple times and in different seasons, and timing is consistently one of the […]
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