Suggested Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Itinerary | National Geographic Visitor Center, AZ

The National Geographic Visitor Center is host to an "official" Arizona Office of Tourism available in Tusayan or Grand Canyon. The desk offers an array of media and literature covering all of Arizona's spectacular sights, focusing primarily on the Arizona high country. Stop in and talk to our local representatives who can offer advice and suggested itineraries for travel in and around the Grand Canyon based on extensive knowledge of the area. Our representatives at the National Geographic Visitor Center are locals who have lived here for a time and have experienced all that the Grand Canyon and its surrounding area have to offer. Not sure where the Canyon is or how to get the best view?

Looking to make plans for 1 or 2 day trip? Looking to hike the best trails? Stop by and talk to our experienced staff at the National Geographic Visitor Center. Are you just passing through and need advice on the best way to squeeze it all into a few hours? Come in and ask us how to get the most out of your day with memories to last a lifetime. Do you have persons in your group with special needs who want to experience all the best spots available? Just ask us. We are prepared to help any individual create his or her best possible Grand Canyon National Park South Rim itinerary. There is no other place to go to discover the best way to explore all the awesome adventures that Grand Canyon, Arizona has to offer.

The following are examples of possible itineraries put together by the experts at the Arizona Office of Tourism Visitor desk located in the lobby of the National Geographic Visitor Center. There are several trip options available, and these represent only a sample. We are excited to work with you to find the very best itinerary for you and your group.

If you have a Half Day or Less…

Choose from any of the activities or sites listed below to help plan your half day at the Grand Canyon. You might begin by seeing the IMAX® Film, "Grand Canyon: Discovery & Adventure" at the National Geographic Visitor Center. This 34-minute giant-screen film introduces viewers to the canyon, telling the story of the Native Americans, John Wesley Powell, and the unique wildlife.

National Geographic Visitor Center IMAX® Film "Grand Canyon: Discovery & Adventure", tickets, reservations
Canyon View Information Plaza (CVIP) 5-minute walk from Mather Point; Shuttle access from Market Plaza parking.

Tight Schedule: Limited Physical Activity

Mather Point most popular lookout, wheelchair accessible, parking, short walk to CVIP.
Yavapai Point Great photo opportunity, fossil exhibit.
Rim Trail between Mather Point and Yavapai Point Wheelchair accessible from Mather Point to Bright Angel Trailhead.

Flexible Schedule: Higher Activity Level

Fossil Beds Rim Trail to Maicopa Point
Hopi Point
Powell Memorial 10-minute walk from Hopi, great photo opportunity.
Pima Point Hermits Rest Refreshments available.

If you have a FULL DAY…

With more time, you can do any of the half-day suggestions and add in a ranger program, flight tour, land tour, or, if physically active, a hike. You might, for example, view the "Grand Canyon: Discovery & Adventure" IMAX® film, do a fly-over, and then take a vigorous hike or a leisurely rim walk.

Ranger Interpretive Programs Information on history, geology, and wildlife.
Flight Tours Reserve at National Geographic Visitor Center.
Land Tours by Jeep, or Horse Reserve at National Geographic Visitor Center and Bright Angel Lodge. Learn about the flora and fauna of the Kaibab National Forest.

Physically Active Hikes

Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden During non-summer months, you can go to Plateau Point for a view of the river.
South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge 3-mile round trip.

If you have Two Days or More…

With the luxury of time, you can mix any of the above Grand Cayon activities with the suggestions below. Make inquires early in the day for last-minute openings. You might consider day hiking into the canyon along Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails. Kids 4 to 14 can sign up for Junior Ranger Programs. The Grand Canyon Field Institute offers one- to eight-day classes and field trips.

Camping at Indian Garden or Bright Angel Campground: Booked months in advance. Ask about daily openings at the National Geographic Visitor Center or Backcountry Information Center.
Phantom Ranch: Ask at the National Geographic Visitor Center about reservations. Make bookings at Bright Angel Lodge.
Visit Tusayan Ruins near East Entrance: 3-hour round trip
Drive to North Rim: 8-hour round trip; open only in summer months.

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