Grand Canyon: What's the best rim location to visit if you can only go to one?

Question

Will be in Las Vegas on business and will have one free day for sightseeing. What rim is the best to visit and why?

Answer 1

Both are nice, but very different, so it all depends on what you are most interested in. The South Rim is more developed and since it is at a lower elevation, it is quite a bit hotter than the North Rim.

The advantages of going to the South Rim is that there are more gift shops, lodging options, cafes, historic buildings and museums/overlooks, etc. There are also a few more day-hike options than you will find at the North Rim. The bad side to the South Rim is that during summer it is hot and crowded (people everywhere, hard to find parking, not all that nice for hiking).

The North Rim has a single stone lodge from the 1930s sitting right on the edge of the canyon. It is at a higher elevation with beautiful pine trees and cool breezes, so it is less hot and muggy. It is a long way to the nearest town, but that means fewer people and a more quiet intimate experience. Note: contrary to what somebody said above the North Rim lodge is NOT on an Indian Reservation (nor do you drive through one to get there) and it is paved highways (2-lane) all the way from Vegas. The poster is probably thinking of Havasu Canyon which is on the south side of the canyon.

I like both rims, but I definitely prefer the North Rim during the summer. It is a much nicer, relaxing in-touch-with-nature experience than the South Rim. Also, if you are coming from Vegas, the drive to the North Rim is slightly shorter, but MUCH more scenic than the drive to the South Rim.

Answer 2

South Rim. The North Rim is on the Indian Reservation (Nothing agents the Indians) But the food is worse, and the roads are not well taken care of. They are all dirt roads that are very bumpy. The South Rim has alot of historical buildings and places to eat. Along with free transportation to the look out points. If you need any other information call 1-800-222-6966. That is the number for the Grand Canyon Tour Company. They can give you any information you need. They have alot of neat tours as well!

Answer 3

I suggest the North Rim. The drive to the Grand Canyon is 5 long hard hours on mostly two lane roads with trucks and campers (only a short way on I-40). You can drive there and back in one day if you leave early morning, like 6:00-7:00 AM. That will put you there about noon and you will have 4 or 5 hrs before starting back and getting back to Vegas about 11:00PM. I recommend staying overnight at the Canyon if you can, (there are plenty of motels near there, like Best Western, Ramada, Quality inns) and drive back the next day.

Answer 4

The South Rim has more attractions. It offers museums, films, etc. The North Rim doesn't have much except lookout points.

Answer 5

south rim

Answer 6

Id go to the south myself

Answer 7

North, less crowded more beautiful, however, longer drive