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Grand Canyon North Rim vs South Rim

Buck Wild Hummer Tours Sunset at the Grand Canyon
Buck Wild Hummer Tours and Papillon Helicopters
Big Horn Sheep at Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
a group of people posing for the camera
a group of people sitting on a hill
a truck is parked on the side of a road

Are you deciding between visiting the Grand Canyon’s North and South Rim? Both options offer an immersive adventure for you to experience. Which area you choose will depend on when you plan to visit and what you plan to do.

Before deciding, check out this guide from Buck Wild Hummer Tours that explores the Grand Canyon’s South Rim to help you plan the ultimate trip.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim is open all year and offers a myriad of activities to enjoy. Grand Canyon Village is the center of activity and is the only place where the railroad reaches the rim of the Grand Canyon. 

The 3 Zones in the South Rim

Visitors will find three key zones, including:

  • Mather’s Point: Widely known as the Visitor’s Center, Mather’s Point is where most visitors park and get their first look at the Grand Canyon. Visitors will find four parking areas and the transit center for the park’s free shuttle buses.
  • Market Plaza: The plaza is where visitors will find the park’s general store, bank, and US Post Office. If you need help finding the plaza, it is adjacent to Mather’s Campground and Trailer Village RV Campground. Additionally, it is located approximately halfway between the Visitor Center and the Historic District.
  • Historic District: This district is where the Grand Canyon Village started 120 years ago. Visitors will also find the railroad depot, historic lodges, and Xanterra’s Livery Operation in the historic district.

Desert View

One reason you might want to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is to enjoy Desert View — a small settlement on the South Rim located 23 miles/37 km east of Grand Canyon Village, near the eastern edge of the Grand Canyon. 

Note: Arizona State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive, is the scenic route that connects Desert View with the Grand Canyon.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park. The North Rim is less crowded, receiving about 1/10th of visitors than the South Rim. Additionally, the North Rim is only open seasonally. Visitors can typically come from mid-May to mid-October.

If you’re interested in visiting this side of the Grand Canyon, you’ll find the Grand Canyon Lodge, operated by Aramark Destinations. There’s also one campground operated by the NPS.

Remote Tuweep

If you’re up for a challenge, you might be interested in visiting Remote Tuweep, located in the North Rim. The Tuweep area of the Grand Canyon has no water, gas, food, lodging, Wi-Fi, or cell service.

Tuweep is the ancestral home of the Southern Paiute people, “Tuweep,” referring to the broad volcanic valley and surrounding western park.

For breathtaking views, Toroweap Overlook offers visitors a beautiful and dramatic view of the Colorado River with a steep drop of 3,000 vertical feet.

How To See Different Sides of the Grand Canyon

There are many ways to see the different sides of the Grand Canyon, depending on what you’re interested in. Here’s a quick guide to help you on your trip:

The South Rim

  • Flying: Visitors can fly to the South Rim from Las Vegas, Nevada. The flight includes a pickup from Las Vegas hotels and aerial views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Mojave Desert. 
  • Drive: If you’re interested in a road trip, visitors can drive to the South Rim. For instance, Las Vegas, NV, is just 278 miles from the South Rim, while Los Angeles, CA, is 494 away. 
  • Bus: Embark on a bus ride with the luxury motorcoach to the South Rim. Visitors can enjoy a narrated ride as they drive through the Southwestern desert. 

The North Rim

  • Flying: Visitors can fly from April 1st to November 18th from Las Vegas, included with the North Rim Air/Ground Tour.
  • Drive: Just like the South Rim, visitors can drive to the North Rim from a variety of cities. For reference, Las Vegas, NV, is 275 miles from the North Rim, while Los Angeles, CA, is 500 miles away. 
  • Shuttle: Visitors can take a shuttle between May 15th to October 16th with the Trans Canyon Shuttle. The ride is approximately 4 and a half hours one way.

Interested in touring the Grand Canyon? Buck Wild Hummer Tours offers several immersive tours like the Grand Canyon South Rim Airplane Tour, North Canyon Helicopter Tour, and so much more.

Have an Unforgettable Time at the Grand Canyon 

Are you ready for an exciting and unforgettable journey to the Grand Canyon? The South and North Rim offers a unique experience to visitors looking for a little adventure and captivating views.

If you’re interested in a tour while visiting the South Rim, contact us at Buck Wild Hummer Tours to learn more about our Grand Canyon tours.

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