Grand Canyon Information for North, South, & West Rims
When people are planning to visit “The Grand Canyon”, it can sometimes be confusing for those who have either not visited before, or not done some research about The Grand Canyon.
There are 3 main ‘areas’ of The Grand Canyon, and it’s important to know before you head off on your journey which area you want to visit, because getting from one ‘area’ to another entails hundreds of miles of driving.
The 3 Main areas are: South Rim, the North Rim, and the West Rim. The South Rim and the North Rim are both part of Grand Canyon National Park. The West Rim is owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park.
Many people consider the South Rim to be the “real” Grand Canyon, and more people visit the South Rim than any other location. It has almost 2 dozen different ‘viewpoints’, many of which include views of the Colorado River.
The South Rim Viewpoints are the most recognized and publicized of any locations, featured in movies, TV Shows, and prominently on Social Media.
Grand Canyon South Rim Highlights:
- Located approximately 5 hours from Las Vegas and Phoenix, 4 1/2 hours from the North Rim, and 4 hours from the West Rim.
- View Driving Distance Chart
- Easily accessible from many major southwestern cities
- More services and amenities including lodging, restaurants, gas stations, because of it’s proximity to the towns of Flagstaff, Williams, Valle and Tusayan.
- Commuter flights available into Flagstaff or Page/Lake Powell
- Air Tour Flights are available from Las Vegas
- The South Rim is open Year Round
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of Grand Canyon National Park.
The differences between the South Rim and the North Rim are vast: The North Rim receives 1/10th of the visitors that the South Rim receives, it is 1,000 higher in altitude, and it is only open seasonally, generally Mid May through Mid October.
The North Rim is known for less crowded conditions, plants and animals not supported on the drier South Rim, and a more ‘laid back, less commercialized’ Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon North Rim Highlights:
- Located approximately 6 hours from Las Vegas, 8 hours from Phoenix, 4 1/2 hours from South Rim, 6 1/2 hours from North Rim.
- View Driving Distance Chart
- Commuter Flights available into St. George, UT and Page, AZ, both approximately a 3 hour drive from the North Rim.
- Less crowded than South or West Rim.
- One Lodge and one campground.
- During Winter Months, the North Rim closes because of snow.
- The North Rim is open seasonally, generally Mid May through Mid October
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park, but it IS still “The Grand Canyon”.
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is part of the Hualapai Nation and offers great viewpoints and visitor services. The Skywalk is located at Grand Canyon West, and has become the main attraction at Grand Canyon West Rim.
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is the closest area from Las Vegas, and offers Helicopter and Airplane Tours, as well as Ground Tours and Whitewater Rafting.
Grand Canyon West Rim Highlights:
- Located approximately 2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, 3 1/2 hours from Flagstaff, 4 hours from the South Rim, and 6 1/2 hours from the North Rim.
- View Driving Distance Chart
- Commuter Flights available into Las Vegas
- Home to the World Famous Skywalk, the Glass Bridge that extends 70′ out from the rim at Eagle point, providing views 4,000′ below to the bottom of the canyon.
- Access to all viewpoints and activities is via the Hop On/Hop Off Shuttle (included in entrance fee), vehicles can’t drive to the viewpoints.
- The West Rim is open Year Round
Book Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours
Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours operates on the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park, our office is located in the town of Tusayan, less than 2 miles from the Entrance Station for Grand Canyon National Park South Rim.
Buck Wild Hummer Tours
469 AZ-64 Suite A,
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023
Call Us
(928) 362-5940
Hours
Monday-Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM