It's often the first question you ask yourself before planning a trip to visit the Grand Canyon. Since the three rims of the Grand Canyon are separated by hundreds of kilometers by car, it's important to look at them more closely before organizing your stay. Accessibility, landscapes, viewpoints, and hiking trails—let's take a closer look at the main attractions of South Rim, North Rim, and West Rim to help you choose!

North Rim, the Most Untamed

Located in northern Arizona within the Grand Canyon National Park, the North Rim is accessible only via Arizona State Route 67 (SR 67) by way of US Route 89A. Situated at higher elevations than the South Rim, the North Rim does not have the same weather conditions. In winter, snowfall makes the road impassable. This is why the North Rim is only open between May 15 and October 15. Due to its remote accessibility from major cities and harsh weather conditions, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is rarely visited by tourists. It is therefore ideal for visitors who want to experience the Grand Canyon off the beaten path and those seeking more tranquility.

Hikes & Viewpoints of the North Rim

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon has only a few viewpoints. These include :

• Bright Angel: located next to the Grand Canyon Lodge and accessible by a 400m paved trail.

• Cape Royal: offering the widest panorama on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and ideal for sunset viewing.

• Point Imperial: the highest observation point on the North Rim with an altitude of 2,700 meters.

• Walhalla Overlook: where you can glimpse the Colorado River…

While the North Rim doesn't have many viewpoints, it does offer numerous hiking trails. The North Kaibab Trail is arguably the major hike on the North Rim. It allows you to reach the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River over 45 km, with elevation changes sometimes reaching 1,800 meters. It's a fairly challenging hike that takes two to three days. You can sleep at Bright Angel Campground or Phantom Ranch. If you prefer a shorter hike, we recommend the Point Sublime Trail (Widforss Trail), a 16 km trail that passes through a Ponderosa pine forest and allows you to see a side canyon (the Transept).

Finally, the most adventurous can traverse the Grand Canyon from the North Rim to the South Rim by taking the Rim to Rim trail. Stretching 38 km, this hike starts at North Kaibab and goes all the way to Grand Canyon Village. It takes two to three days and is recommended for experienced hikers.

South Rim, the Most Renowned

Like the North Rim, the South Rim is part of the Grand Canyon National Park. Hosting more than 80% of Grand Canyon visitors, it is the most popular rim. Why? Because it is easier to access than the North Rim, because it has numerous facilities (accommodations, restaurants, shops…) and because it houses the most iconic sites in the park. And unlike the North Rim, the South Rim is not closed in winter. In short, the South Rim is the choice for a first visit to the Grand Canyon and for travelers who don't have much time.

Hikes & Viewpoints of the South Rim :

Around Grand Canyon Village, you'll find many viewpoints, easily accessible thanks to a free shuttle system. Among them, we can mention :

• Mather Point : offering a clear view of Vishnu Temple and the Temple of Zoroaster.

• Yavapai Point : it allows you to observe the interior of the Canyon with the Colorado River.

• Moran Point : you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Red Canyon.

• Desert View & Watchtower : ideal for enjoying a 360° view of the Grand Canyon.

• Lipan Point : it's one of the few places where you can see the different layers of the Grand Canyon's rock formations.

• Hopi Point: the best viewpoint for sunrise and sunset.

• The Abyss: this viewpoint is impressive due to its vertical view…

As for hiking trails, the South Rim is equally excellent! The Rim Trail is probably the most appreciated by visitors. Running along the Grand Canyon from South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, it allows you to enjoy different viewpoints. But above all, it's flexible depending on everyone's fitness level since shuttles follow the same path. 

For beginner hikers, we recommend the Trail of Time (2.1 km) during which you can learn more about the formation and geology of the Grand Canyon. For experienced hikers, we recommend the Bright Angel Trail (30 km leading to the Colorado) and the South Kaibab Trail (24 km also leading to the Colorado with impressive elevation changes).

Note : attention to all viewpoint enthusiasts, how about gaining some altitude to get an idea of the scale of the Grand Canyon and enjoy its exceptional panoramas? Know that it is possible to fly over the Grand Canyon by helicopter or plane!

West Rim, Sacred Lands

Unlike the North and South Rims, the West Rim is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park zone. Indeed, the West Rim is a natural reserve belonging to the Hualapai people, nicknamed the "Guardians of the Canyon" and for whom these lands are sacred. Located in the Mojave Desert, the West Rim presents rather arid and desert landscapes. The main tourist attractions are :

• Skywalk: the famous glass walkway that allows visitors to see the Canyon 1,600 meters above the void.

• Eagle Point: a rock formation once venerated by the Hualapai.

• Hualapai Ranch: a reconstruction of an American Old West town.

• Guano Point: a promontory allowing visitors to enjoy a beautiful 360° view of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. You can access it by hiking the West Rim Trail.

Discover the incredible geological formations of the Grand Canyon, explore our Essential West in 15 Days and Highlights of the American West itineraries and request your quote!