The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is perhaps the most iconic – it’s the one you likely see when you see the Grand Canyon on television, in a photo spread or in a movie. Some of the most stunning views of the Canyon are found along the South Rim – about 50 viewpoints in total, with about 20 of those easily accessible by car or shuttle bus. Here’s our list of the best South Rim viewpoints of the Grand Canyon.
Desert View Drive
For the best views from Desert View Drive, leave Grand Canyon Village and follow the canyon rim each to Desert View (26 miles). Desert View is located at the East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. The best overlooks along the drive include:
Mather Point
Popular with first-timers to the Grand Canyon, Mather Point (named for the park’s first superintendent) sits at a bit over 7,000 feet elevation and offers views of almost a quarter of the entire Grand Canyon from one viewpoint. Look far down into the canyon and you’ll see Phantom Ranch.
Yavapai Point
If your first view of the Grand Canyon isn’t from Mather Point, it will likely be from Yavapai Point, where you can see Havasupai Point to the west and Desert View to the east. There are ranger walks and talks available here to learn more about this natural wonder. Check out th Yavapai Observation Station with its many geological, photographic and interpretive displays. This is a great way to better under the exposed rock layers you’re seeing, as well as the significant of the Colorado Plateau and how the Grand Canyon was carved.
Yaki Point
Yaki Point gets so crowded during the high season that Yaki Point Road and Kaibab Trail Parking Lot are closed to vehicles. Access this stunning panoramic view from the south rim via shuttle bus.
Grandview Point
Living up to its name, Grandview Point sits just below 7,500 feet of elevation. Look for Rama Shrine, Krishna Shrine, Vishnu Shrine and Shiva Temple and a bit of the Colorado River far below you.
Moran Point
At Moran Point (name for landscape painter Thomas Moran), you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Coronado Butte to the west and Red Canyon directly below you. Notice the deep red and orange layered rock, formed of Hakatai shale. Moran Point is just 8 miles south by straight line from Cape Royal on the North Rim – but 215 miles by road.
Lipan Point
For a dramatic 360-degree view, stop at Lipan Point, accessible via a short spur road about a mile north of the main South Rim Drive. From here you can see the Grand Canyon Supergroup of sedimentary rock formations, the Colorado River and the inner gorge.
Desert View Watchtower
A particularly photogenic viewpoint, the 70-foot-tall, stone Desert View Watchtower was built in 1932 as a replica of a prehistoric Indian tower – Mary Coulter designed it especially to blend into the landscape. From here, you can see the Painted Desert to the east and the San Francisco Peaks to the south. It’s the easternmost and highest point of the South Rim. Inside, there are murals by Hopi artists Fred Kabotie.
Zuni Point
Follow an unmarked trail off Desert View Road – between mileposts 257 and 258 – to Zuni Point. It’s not as well-known as Moran Point, but you’ll get just as dramatic views of the Red Canyon.
Viewpoints from Grand Canyon Village
Lookout Studio
Visit the Lookout Studio at Grand Canyon Village, a small native stone structure. It is built right into the canyon rim and constructed with the purposes of viewing the canyon. There’s an observation room with a small balcony.
El Tovar Hotel
Not only a spectacular lodging option within Grand Canyon National Park, the 1905 El Tovar Hotel offers incredible views. The rim-side hotel is a Registered National Historic Landmark and offers a fine dining room, concierge service and comfortable rooms.
Viewpoints from Hermit’s Rest Road
Travel along the west end of the South Rim, on Hermit’s Rest Road, and access nine overlooks. The historic road was built between 1934 and 1935 by the Bureau of Public Roads and the National Park Service. During high season, it is closed to vehicles and accessed by shuttle bus only. Top stops along Hermit’s Road include Hopi, Maricopa and Pima points.
Pima Point
If you’re riding the red shuttle bus route, this is your final stop. The edge of the canyon at Pima Point is densely forested. The main overlook has clear views of the Colorado River and expansive vistas of about 40 miles of the Grand Canyon.
The Abyss
About a one-mile walk from Mohave Point, or a shuttle bus stop between Mohave and Pima Point, this viewpoint showcases a drop of approximately 3,000 feet. The Tonto Platform is far below you. You can also see The Monument from here, the largest sandstone column in the Grand Canyon.
Mohave Point
Move on to Mohave Point and see The Abyss from a new vantage point. There are several different viewpoints here, helping it to feel less crowded. It’s also a phenomenal stop for sunsets.
Hopi Point
For unobstructed Grand Canyon South Rim views – and fantastic sunsets – stop at Hopi Point. Look across the canyon to the North Rim and its mesas, including Isis Temple, Horus Temple and Osiris Temple.
Yuma Point
For a less-touristed, off-the-beaten-path Grand Canyon View, hike to secluded Yuma Point. You’ll start at the end of Hermit’s Rest Road and spend a day hiking on rough terrain to reach it – recommended for expert hikers only. Your reward? Some of the most glorious views of the Grand Canyon.
Maricopa Point
A jaw-dropping narrow promontory extends about 100 feet from the South Rim, then dramatically drops away, at Maricopa Point. You’ll have 180-degree views of the canyon all the way to the floor.