Each rim of the Grand Canyon offers different things. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s something for you. Which Grand Canyon Rim is Best to Visit?
The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that attracts millions of visitors every year. Located in Arizona, the canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and is more than a mile at its deepest point. There are three rims of the Grand Canyon that are accessible to visitors: the South Rim, the North Rim, and the West Rim. Each rim offers unique experiences and panoramic views of the canyon, so it can be tough to decide which one is the best. Here’s a rundown of each of the three rims to help you decide which one is right for your visit.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon
The South Rim is the most popular and accessible rim of the Grand Canyon. It is open year-round and is the closest to Las Vegas, at about a 4.5-hour drive. The South Rim offers breathtaking views of the canyon, as well as a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors. These include guided tours, hiking trails, a visitors center, and a number of lodges and restaurants. The South Rim is also home to the iconic Grand Canyon Village, which is a National Historic Landmark District.
Visitors to the South Rim can take a guided tour of the canyon on a bus, hummer, helicopter, or even skydive, or they can explore on their own using one of the many hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. The South Rim is also home to the Desert View Watchtower. Which offers incredible views of the canyon and the surrounding area.
It’s possible to stay the night here. The South Rim has a number of lodges and restaurants that offer accommodations and meals for visitors. The historic El Tovar Hotel, which is located on the rim, is a popular choice for travelers. Check out our Full-Day South Rim Tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas featuring exciting views of the extinct volcano on Fortification Hill in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon
The North Rim is a less crowded and more remote rim of the Grand Canyon. It is only open from May to October, due to harsh winter conditions. The North Rim is located about 10 miles from the South Rim and is about a 5.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. It offers a different perspective of the canyon, with a cooler, forested environment. The North Rim is known for its solitude and peacefulness. It offers a range of activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. There are also a number of lodges and restaurants available for visitors.
Visitors to the North Rim can take a leisurely hike along the Transept Trail, which offers stunning views of the canyon, or they can tackle the more strenuous North Kaibab Trail, which descends into the canyon. The North Rim is also home to the Grand Canyon Lodge, which offers accommodations and meals for visitors. In addition to these activities, the North Rim has a number of picnic areas and viewpoints where visitors can take in the beautiful surroundings.
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon
The West Rim is located about 120 miles east of Las Vegas and is the closest rim to the city. It is accessible year-round and offers a range of activities such as helicopter tours, skywalk excursions, and white water rafting. The West Rim is also home to the Hualapai Tribe, which offers cultural experiences for visitors. The West Rim is not a part of the Grand Canyon National Park and is not managed by the National Park Service but by the Hualapai.
Visitors to the West Rim can take a helicopter and boat tour over the canyon, walk out on the glass-bottomed Skywalk, or go white water rafting on the Colorado River. The West Rim is also home to the Hualapai Ranch. Which offers a taste of the Wild West with cowboy cookouts and stagecoach rides. In addition to these activities, the West Rim has a number of restaurants and gift shops that cater to visitors.
So which Grand Canyon Rim is Best to Visit?
Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? The South Rim is the best choice for a more authentic and comprehensive Grand Canyon experience. It offers a wide range of activities, as well as a range of lodges and restaurants to accommodate visitors. The North Rim is a great choice for those seeking a peaceful and remote experience. While the West Rim is ideal for those who want to experience the canyon in a more adventurous way.
Gray Line offers a number of tours to the South Rim from Las Vegas, including a full-day tour that includes a visit to the canyon’s South Rim, a stop at Eagle Point, Guano Point and the Hualapai Ranch to give you the best experience possible. This tour is a convenient and hassle-free way to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Take in all that the South Rim has to offer.
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