Grand Canyon South Rim: Self-Guided Tour – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

EXPERIENCE

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together.

This self-guided driving tour takes you to all the best vistas, hikes, and attractions along Grand Canyon s South Rim and tells you the secret history behind this famous landscape. Walk the scenic South Rim Trail, catch a sunset at Mather Point, and much more.

Welcome to the Grand Canyon National Park. The tour of this natural wonder of the world begins just outside the park, near the welcome sign.

Before arrival, download the app that will function as your guide, narrator, and map all in one. Proceed into the park and start with hearing the early history of this location.

Your first stop will be at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where you ll find Mather Point, your first good look at the canyon.

Continue to Yavapai Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum, where you ll get insider knowledge on the canyon s complex geology and how these layers of rock help us see back in time millions of years.

Head to Grand Canyon Village to optionally purchase snacks and souvenirs. Then, walk along the South Rim Trail. There s a reason this trail is the most popular spot in the park: the views it offers are unbeatable.

Dive into the peculiar construction of the Hopi House, the enigmatic architect who built it, and the heated feud between galleries along the rim.

The next part of the tour takes place aboard the free Grand Canyon Shuttle. Get directions to the shuttle, then head down Hermit Road, which isn t accessible to cars. Along the way, stop at some incredible vistas including Powell Point, Hopi Point, and The Abyss.

Arrive at Hermit s Rest, which features a hiking trail for the avid adventurer, then head back to explore the eastern half of the park.

Receive more great views at Pipe Creek Vista and the aptly named Grandview Point, which also features a lush hike below the canyon s rim.

Continue toward Moran Point and get acquainted with the Hopi and their traditions, as well as the Ancient Puebloans who preceded them.

Arrive at the impressive, medieval-looking Desert View Watchtower, offering more spectacular views and snacks to purchase. The tour concludes here, having taken you through the entire park.

HIGHLIGHTS

See a natural wonder of the world with your own two eyes
Walk the scenic South Rim Trail, catch a sunset at Mather Point, and much more
Learn the fascinating history and traditions of the Hopi people
Get easy-to-understand directions for using the park s shuttle system

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Grand Canyon National Park