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Things to do at the Grand Canyon South Rim
Visit A Natural Wonder of the World
The Grand Canyon has no shortage of sweeping vistas and photo opportunities, but there is much more to this natural wonder of the world than just sightseeing (and really, really old rocks). Our list of can’t-miss things to do at the Grand Canyon will help you plan a visit that is the perfect mixture of adventure and relaxation…with some really old rocks thrown in. Here are 8 of the best things to do on your next Grand Canyon trip:
1. Travel the “Trail of Time.”
Opened in 2010, the Trail of Time is an interactive experience that takes you along a 3-mile long paved trail. With each meter along the trail representing one million years of history, it is a fascinating look into the geological background of the Grand Canyon. Full of interesting displays and fun facts, this walk will add an educational element to your Grand Canyon trip.
If you really want to make the most of your walk along the “Trail of Time,” take a guided tour that includes the trail as a destination. This will give you the benefit of having an expert guide to answer any questions you might have and give you even more insight into the history of the Grand Canyon. Pink Jeep® Tours’ “Grand Trail Tour” give you all this with the best guides in the business, plus visits to nearby sites like the El Tovar Hotel and Hopi House.
2. Get a larger than life view through a Grand Canyon IMAX film.
“Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” is a 34-minute IMAX documentary that gives you an incredible look at the canyon from unique angles and perspectives. It also delves into the history surrounding the canyon, including native civilizations and historic expeditions. Take a thrilling ride through the Grand Canyon, from the comfort of your theater seat.
Admission to the film is often included in Grand Canyon South Rim tours, including this impressive “Grand Entrance” tour and this “Grand Trail” tour.
3. Get “wet and wild” with a river rafting excursion.
Taking a trip down the Colorado River gives you an amazing glimpse at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. From single-day adventures to multi-day expeditions, rafting down the Grand Canyon provides you with a thrilling, unique experience. Take the plunge, and get up close and personal with the river that created the canyon around you!
4. Take in a desert sunset.
Amazing sunsets aren’t just for beaches! The Grand Canyon is known for its stunning beauty, and at sunset, fiery colors light up the sky and the canyon, taking everything to a whole new level. Trust us, it’s an experience you can’t miss and won’t find anywhere else. To optimize your view, check out Pink Jeep Tours’ “Grand Finale” or “Grand Finale Deluxe” tours; these trips are centered around creating the perfect desert sunset vista!
5. Stand watch at the Desert View Watchtower.
Built in 1932, this watchtower was never operable for the ancient Pueblan people. Regardless, it was designed to mimic a tower that might have been used by the desert dwellers well over 1000 years ago. As such, it stands as a study into the history and culture of the people. A visit here will give you a glimpse into what their lives may have been like, and a climb to the upper observation decks will be rewarded with great views of the eastern Grand Canyon. General Grand Canyon tours make stops here as well, including this “Grand Deluxe Tour” by Pink Jeep Tours, which includes other tour destinations and tons of information from a fun, highly trained tour guide.
6. Take a hike.
The Grand Canyon’s hiking opportunities are world-renowned, and for good reason. Dipping below the rim of the canyon immediately engulfs you in an immersive adventure that not everyone has the guts (or the fitness level) to take on. Hikes range from easy (some, like the Rim Trail, are even partially paved and accessible) to extremely difficult.
Whatever hike you choose, be sure to prepare accordingly. Check out these resources for day hiking and overnight hiking to help you plan the perfect hike for your group (because you’d never hike alone, right?).
7. Rumble through the desert on a jeep tour.
Don’t worry — we’ve saved the best for last. For those who want the absolute best Grand Canyon experience, you just can’t beat a jeep tour. With open air vehicles, unique itineraries, and stopping points that other tours don’t (or can’t!) visit, jeep tours give you a look at the Grand Canyon that not just anyone can get, so be prepared to take some incredible photographs!
The very best reason to take a Grand Canyon jeep tour, though, has nothing to do with the photo ops; it’s the guides that make the real difference. A guided tour of the Grand Canyon will introduce you to a side of it you’ve never seen before — a side full of legend, of history, and of adventure. Your guide will be a skilled driver who will take you beyond boring brochures and into the “real” Grand Canyon.
Pink Jeep Tours has been giving quality jeep tours with amazing tour guides for over 50 years. We offer a wide range of tours for all group sizes. Check out our various options!