Grand Canyon Itinerary: How to Spend One Day at the Grand Canyon South Rim
One day at the Grand Canyon might not seem like enough, but you can manage to squeeze in a lot of activities, even if you’re short on time. This itinerary will help you plan a one-day itinerary at the Grand Canyon South Rim, with ideas for where to hike and watch the golden sunset.
With just one day at Grand Canyon National Park, you can squeeze in an adventurous hike, sweeping views, and a bucket-list sunset. This guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary at the South Rim!
One day at the Grand Canyon South Rim might not seem like enough, especially considering the bucket list Arizona park spans more than 1 million acres, and the canyon is 277 miles long. But, you can manage to fit in a lot of sightseeing and hiking with one day at Grand Canyon National Park, if you plan ahead.
Even a Grand Canyon South Rim day trip is better than nothing at all, and 24 hours at the Grand Canyon is enough time for a hike, photos at the scenic lookouts, a walk along the rim, and a memorable sunrise or sunset.
Whether you only have a weekend to explore or are passing through on an Arizona road trip, this Grand Canyon itinerary will help you pack a lot of action into a short amount of time. It starts at sunrise, but if you arrive later in the day, just start with the next activity on the list.
Read on for a what to see in Grand Canyon National Park in one day, with activities from dawn until dark. Scroll to the bottom for our tips for visiting the South Rim and the best places to stay nearby.
Grand Canyon South Rim Map
This map of the South Rim shows where the lookouts and trailheads on this one day Grand Canyon itinerary are located. You can click the top to open and save a Google Map to help with your planning.
Where to Stay Near the Grand Canyon South Rim
The closest place to stay near the Grand Canyon South Rim is in the park village at one of the hotels or campgrounds.
Search for fully-equipped rentals from Escape Campervans
One Day Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary
Use this one day Grand Canyon itinerary to plan out the best things to do at the South Rim. I’ve included a few ideas for how to spend your day so that you can pick your favorite activities!
Watch the Sunrise at the Grand Canyon
Wake up while it’s still dark out to watch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon, which happens as early as 5:10 a.m. in June (check the times here). While you may be tempted to snooze the alarm clock and skip the cold morning air, sunrises are a lot less crowded than sunsets at the South Rim, so you’ll have a better chance at finding a quiet spot to watch the pink-hued sky.
Mather Point at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center has a stunning view east since it sticks out into the canyon. You’ll have plenty of company at this popular lookout, but you can walk along the Rim Trail until you find your own spot.
Consider leaving your car at the visitor center at this point and taking the free shuttle buses around the park for the rest of the day since the lots here typically fill up by mid-morning during summer and holiday weeks.
Grand Canyon National Park uses the Mountain Standard Time zone (MST) and does NOT spring forward for daylight savings time. This means that in summer, the sunrise is really early in the morning.
Bike or Hike at the Grand Canyon
With one day at Grand Canyon National Park, you can use a few hours for one of the best Grand Canyon trails below. If you start your hike early in the morning, you’ll see fewer people on the trail and it won’t be as hot out. Remember to carry water and snacks, especially when hiking down into the canyon where amenities are scarce to nonexistent.
Rim Trail
The Rim Trail runs for 12.8 miles one way along the edge of the canyon between Hermits Rest and the South Kaibab Trailhead. Parts of the trail are accessible, and shuttle buses run the entire length, so you can customize a hiking distance to suit your abilities and check out a few of the different viewpoints along the way.
The section around Grand Canyon Village and the visitor center can get busy, but towards the end on Hermit Road the crowds thin out.
Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel is often combined with South Kaibab on long treks since both go to the canyon floor. This one covers 9.3 miles, but for a day hike, consider turning around at the rest houses at 1.5 or 3 miles.
The first is more than 1,000 feet down and the second 2,000 feet, so the climb back up is hefty. Water is sometimes available on this hike every 1.5 miles or so, and toilets are at the 1.5 and 4.5-mile stops.
South Kaibab Trail
This path goes all the way to the bottom of the canyon, but for a day hike in summer you’ll want to head back by the Cedar Ridge viewpoint. This makes for a 3-mile roundtrip hike.
Keep in mind that it can take twice as long to walk up as it did to go down. There are basic toilet facilities at Cedar Ridge but no water and little shade on this trail.
Hermit Road Greenway Trail
A section of the Rim Trail, the Hermit Road Greenway trail connects the final three lookout points at the west end of the park. It spans nearly 3 miles and is paved, accessible and multi-use for walkers and cyclers.
Bikers can also go down Hermit Road, but buses share the path from March through November and cars in winter. Bike rentals are available from a counter at the visitor center. Buses have racks for a couple of bikes, so you can catch a ride to and from the trails, or you can book shuttle transportation and tours with the rental company.
Read Next: This is How to Spend 2 Days at Grand Canyon National Park
Take a Scenic Drive
After a busy and physical morning, you’ll be ready to take it easy and stay out of the sun for a bit. Use the hottest time of day for a scenic drive at the Grand Canyon to explore some South Rim viewpoints.
What to see at the Grand Canyon in one day should include the 22-mile stretch of Desert View Drive. The route runs between the visitor center and the eastern park entrance and has a handful of quieter vistas and picnic spots that the park shuttles don’t go to, perfect for exploring by car. Along this route is the Tusayan Ruin, the site of Ancestral Puebloan remains and a free museum with ancient artifacts.
The final lookout before the exit is the 1931 Desert View Watchtower, where you can climb up to an observation deck to see the Colorado River running through the canyon.
Hop Around to Canyon Overlooks
Free shuttle bus routes along much of the South Rim allow you to hop on and off near some of the best lookouts. The Hermits Rest Route (red) runs from March through November to the west of Grand Canyon Village, with stops at nine scenic overlooks. Between December and February, you can drive the road instead.
The year-round Kaibab/Rim Route (orange) operates on the eastern end all the way to the Yaki Point overlook, with stops at Yavapai Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum. The Village Route (blue) is the best way to get around to all the hotels, restaurants and amenities in the park, but you can walk from some of those stops to the canyon edge, too. Buses run about every 10 to 15 minutes.
Read Next: These are the Best Bucket List Things To Do in Page, Arizona
Stroll the Trail of Time
If you haven’t taken time to walk along the rim yet, the late afternoon is a great time to do so. The Trail of Time section is easy to tackle, spanning about 1.5 miles of geology exhibits. Start at Yavapai Point and walk toward Verkamp’s Visitor Center.
Just past Verkamp is a handful of lodges and places to grab dinner before sunset. This is the perfect short and easy way to see a lot of views on a day trip to Grand Canyon National Park.
Watch the Sunset at the Grand Canyon
Every Grand Canyon South Rim itinerary should end with a picture-perfect sunset. The National Park Service recommends several points along Desert View Drive and Hermit Road for incredible sunset views.
Be sure to arrive at least an hour early to stake out a spot and watch the sky and canyon changing colors. Be mindful that the shuttle is busy leading up to sundown, so it might take a little longer to catch a ride.
If you plan to leave the park after twilight, the views from Lipan, Navajo and Desert View on the east end may be your best bet, as you’ll be able to park there and leave right after, without having to wait for the shuttle. Plus, the east-west vistas are incredible and the area might be less congested. If you opt for this route, combine it with the scenic Desert View Drive from earlier so you don’t have to backtrack.
Mather Point by the Visitor Center and Yavapai Point half a mile away also have parking but are a bit more crowded.
Along Hermit Road on the west end, Hopi Point is one of the most popular sunset spots. You’ll have to take the red line here, as cars cannot drive this road during the busy season (March-November). If Hopi is too crowded, walk west a mile to Mohave Point, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the river.
Along the trail between the two, you’ll likely find a peaceful place to sit, but the views at Hopi and Mohave are best for seeing all the sunset colors. Toward the end of the red line, Pima Point juts out into the canyon and is a little less crowded.
Attend a Nighttime Ranger Program
If you want to really stretch out your one day in Grand Canyon, you can join a ranger-led event in the evening. The agenda varies but includes things like night hikes, stargazing and presentations about nature and conservation.
Tips for Spending One Day at Grand Canyon National Park
Read through this mini Grand Canyon itinerary guide for tips on what to pack for the weather, how to save on admission, and the best airports near the Grand Canyon.
How to Get to the Grand Canyon South Rim
The major airports closest to the Grand Canyon South Rim are in Phoenix (230 miles) and Las Vegas (280 miles). There is also a smaller one in Flagstaff (90 miles). You can rent a car for a Arizona and Utah road trip to the Grand Canyon, but there are plenty of tour providers that will take you there as well.
How Many Days at the Grand Canyon South Rim
With just one day at the Grand Canyon South Rim, you can see several viewpoints and even hike into the canyon. Unless you want a super relaxed Grand Canyon vacation on the rim or an adventurous rafting trip down below, one to three days at the Grand Canyon is usually enough time for the highlights.
Grand Canyon Seasons and Weather
The Grand Canyon South Rim is open every day, with most amenities running year-round. A couple of shuttle routes stop for winter.
About 6 million people visited the Grand Canyon last year, and summer at the South Rim is easily the most popular. Be prepared for full parking lots, busy shuttles and crowded viewing platforms around the densest areas.
Leaving your car at the main visitor center and riding the free shuttle buses is the easiest way to avoid having to look for parking spots as you check out different viewpoints, but be advised that the parking lot often fills by mid-morning.
The weather is also very warm in summer, with temperatures often above 100 as you head into the canyon. The temperature increases as you dip down into the canyon by about 5 degrees every 1,000 feet.
If you’re looking for the best time to visit the Grand Canyon, fall and spring have far fewer crowds and milder weather perfect for hiking. High temps are typically in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 30s and 40s. Here’s what you need to know about trips to the Grand Canyon in spring.
What is at the Grand Canyon South Rim?
The Grand Canyon South Rim has three distinct sections. The Village, Market Plaza and Visitor Center are the hubbub of activity in the middle, where you’ll find hotels, restaurants and other amenities like a grocery store, post office, bank and gift shops.
The western section stretches from the village for seven miles toward Hermits Rest (a restroom and snack facility) and is full of scenic viewpoints. To the east, the 22-mile-long Desert View Drive has a handful of pullouts and viewpoints on the way to Desert View, where you’ll find a watchtower, campground, gas station, market and coffee shop.
Grand Canyon Tickets and Passes
Grand Canyon admission is $30 for a car and is good for 7 days. If you plan to visit other national parks in the area that also charge admission (like Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park), you might want to invest in the America the Beautiful pass, which gives you access to national parks and recreation sites for one year for $80.
This itinerary combines the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park
What to Pack for the Grand Canyon
What to pack and wear at the Grand Canyon varies greatly by season and what you plan to do. You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that you can walk or hike in. For the hot summers, bring sunscreen and wear shorts and t-shirts.
In spring and fall, you’ll likely need long pants and long-sleeved tops with a jacket to layer in the morning and evening. Winter lows are well below freezing, so you’ll need appropriate cold-weather gear and heavy jackets. Hiking boots are best for trails into the canyon, but sneakers are fine for walking along the rim.
Water bottle | I love water bottles like this one that keep your water cold, even on hot summer days at the Grand Canyon.
Hiking shorts | Hiking shorts with a secured zippered pocket are perfect for summer hikes down into the canyon.
Hiking pants | These are my absolute favorite hiking pants for national parks. They are stylish and supportive and have tons of pockets for storing things.
Utah and Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: What You MUST SEE in the Southwest
A four-day Utah and Arizona road trip is the perfect introduction to the region along the border of the two states, where the Colorado River and its tributaries create breathtaking scenes. This itinerary in the southwest is perfect for first-timers looking for famous landmarks, national parks, photo-worthy views and epic hikes.
This Arizona and Utah road trip is full of canyons, national parks, and breathtaking desert drives.
From canyons to deserts to rivers, the Southwestern U.S. calls to adventurers and explorers. You could spend endless time uncovering the stunning landscapes here, but a 4 day Utah and Arizona road trip is the perfect introduction to the region.
Along the border of the two states, the Colorado River and its tributaries create breathtaking scenes preserved in national parks and recreation areas.
This Arizona Utah itinerary in the Southwest is perfect for first-timers looking for epic hikes, famous landmarks, and photo-worthy backdrops. It packs in tons of activities, so slow things down if you have more time and scroll to the end for a few ideas for how to extend the trip.
Las Vegas is a great place to start this road trip, since there is an international airport in the city and lots of national parks in driving distance. I’ve done this itinerary starting in Vegas and in Phoenix, Arizona.
You could also incorporate the 4 days into a longer road trip in the Southwest or add them on to a Vegas holiday. Read on for some of the best places to see on an Arizona and Utah road trip.
The Ultimate 4 Day Utah and Arizona Road Trip
Use this Utah and Arizona map to plan out your road trip route from Las Vegas. I like to do a loop to maximize my sightseeing!
Day 1 — Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
This 4-day road trip from Las Vegas begins early in the morning. If you arrive later, you can skip the tour at Hoover Dam and just stop by for photos since you’ll be driving right by it. The rest of the day will involve some scenic routes in Arizona after you cross the state line.
Hoover Dam
Start your Arizona Utah road trip with a visit to Hoover Dam, which is just 30 miles outside Las Vegas on the border of Nevada and Arizona. You can drive and walk along the top for free or book a tour to learn about the history of the engineering marvel and seeing how it works up close.
Powerplant tour tickets can be purchased ahead of time online, but dam tours are first-come, first-served. Arrive at the visitor center as soon as it opens (9 a.m.) or you might have to wait around for a later tour time.
Historic Route 66
The four-hour Arizona road trip from Hoover to the Grand Canyon might seem like a long, boring stretch of road, but luckily there is a bucket list experience on the way. About 75 miles into the drive at the town of Kingman, hop on historic Route 66 for a minor detour on your way east.
It only adds about 20 minutes to the trip versus taking Interstate 40. Pull over along the way to check out some of the retro diners and abandoned gas stations that litter the Mother Road here.
Williams, Arizona
Known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon,” the small town of Williams is a quirky and touristy blend of Route 66 memorabilia and Western cowboy culture. Route 66 is the main road through the town, which was bypassed by the interstate in the 1980s, and is lined with gift shops, hotels and eateries.
Williams is a good base for Grand Canyon vacations, since the South Rim is 60 miles north on State Route 64, and accommodations get pricier as you move closer to the national park. From Williams, you can also hop on the Grand Canyon Railway for an entertaining and scenic train ride into the park.
Grand Canyon National Park
Without any extensive detours, you should arrive in time to watch the sunset at the Grand Canyon (check the times), one of the most spectacular things to do in Arizona. If you arrive by mid-afternoon, you’ll have time to walk along some of the Rim Trail to scope out your ideal sunset spot.
Hopi Point along Hermit Road is one of the most popular views, as it juts into the canyon for east-west vistas of the changing colors in the sky and canyon. You’ll have to ride one of the park’s free shuttle buses to get here (the road is closed to cars from March to November), so plan ahead and anticipate crowds during busy times like summer, holidays and weekends.
Where to Stay Near the Grand Canyon
Search for Grand Canyon hotels and lodges or search for campervans for a more outdoorsy trip.
Day 2 — Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Bend
Day 2 of this 4 day Southwest road trip is all about Grand Canyon National Park, and you’ll have lots of options for activities there before driving on to Page, Arizona, for another bucket list sunset at Horseshoe Bend.
Grand Canyon South Rim
Consider waking up to catch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon and get an early start to your day at the South Rim. Mather Point near the main visitor center is a fantastic spot, though popular.
The rest of the morning and afternoon is for Grand Canyon activities, with plenty to choose from at the South Rim. If you enjoy hiking, you can tackle a couple of miles on paths like the South Kaibab or Bright Angel trails that lead to the bottom of the canyon.
Or, take in the views from along the Rim Trail, which spans 12.8 miles (shuttles run the whole length). Bike rentals and mule rides are other popular ways to explore the canyon.
Desert View Drive
Before leaving the Grand Canyon, cruise along Desert View Drive, a 25-mile path from Grand Canyon Village to the east entrance/exit of the park. A handful of lookouts along the way have views of the Colorado River, and there are a few picnic areas as well.
The Tusayan Museum and adjoining Ancestral Puebloan ruins are just before the exit. So is the Desert View Watchtower, which you can climb for panoramic vistas of the canyon.
Horseshoe Bend
The final destination of the day is another 110 miles away, just outside of Page at Horseshoe Bend, an Arizona bucket list sight. Arrive before sunset to take in the views of the Colorado River, which makes a stunning U-turn here against the deep, orange cliffs.
The hike from a parking area to the rim is about 1.5 miles round trip. It gets crowded as the sun dips below the horizon, but there are plenty of viewpoints to pick from.
Read Next: These National Parks are Perfect for Fall Vacations
Where to Stay in Page
Search for deals on hotels in Page on Booking.com.
Day 3 — Antelope Canyon to Bryce Canyon
The 4 days in Arizona and Utah continue with a visit to a famous slot canyon, followed by a stone forest as you begin the Utah road trip portion. If you have extra time, add another day in to explore more of Bryce Canyon or one of the other Mighty 5 Utah national parks nearby.
Sunrise View
If you want to experience Horseshoe Bend without the sunset crowds, consider a visit in the morning, when you’ll get to see the shadows moving down the rocks as the sun rises higher in the sky. Since the hike here isn’t too strenuous, stopping by again doesn’t take much time from your agenda, but you will have to pay the parking fee a second time.
Antelope Canyon
Next up are the winding paths and soaring sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon. Erosion has carved passageways that you can walk through, smoothing the orange sides with a unique brushed pattern.
Visiting the slot canyon requires a guided tour for safety reasons, and booking ahead is essential during busier times for Upper Antelope Canyon or Lower Antelope Canyon, the two most popular sections.
A third tour spot, Antelope Canyon X, is still relatively unknown and way less crowded, so walk-ups can sometimes be accommodated. To catch the famous sunbeams that shoot down into Upper Antelope Canyon, a tour around midday is recommended, otherwise choose something in the morning to make more time for the next destination.
Page and Lake Powell
For the second half of the day, you can hang out around Page for a while longer to do things like kayaking and boating on Lake Powell and touring Glen Canyon Dam. Or, consider drive north through Utah for an afternoon at Bryce Canyon, which I’ll elaborate on below.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon is out of the way a little for a short trip (60 miles past where I recommend spending the night), but worth it for a few hours in the park and a scenic drive up.
Bryce Canyon National Park preserves the world’s largest collection of hoodoos, rocks weathered into towering columns that rise from a bowl-like canyon floor. With just a couple of hours in the park, you can drive to different viewpoints or walk a mile of the rim trail between Sunrise Point and Sunset Point.
There are a couple of shorter paths that lead into the canyon, too, including the Queens Garden and Navajo trails, each less than 2 miles round-trip. If you have more time, longer treks go to the stone forest on the canyon floor.
This is my favorite Bryce Canyon and Zion road trip.
Read Next: This Road Trip Packing List Includes all the Essentials and a Free Checklist
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Find the best Zion National Park hotels and resorts on Booking.com.
This guide has the best places to stay near Zion National Park.
Day 4 — Zion to Las Vegas
The final day of this Las Vegas Utah Arizona road trip is reserved for Zion National Park, with time to drive back to Vegas for a late night or early morning flight.
Zion-Mount Carmel Highway
Entering Zion from the east involves a 12-mile scenic drive along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which has stunning views of sandstone mountains, along with switchbacks and tunnels. Get an early start, as the parking lot at the visitor center can fill before 9 a.m. on busy mornings.
Canyon Overlook Trail
On your way into the park, you might want to stop to hike the Canyon Overlook Trail, which is located at the East Side Tunnel on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway before the road descends to the canyon floor. The 1-mile, round-trip path leads to views of the Zion and Pine Creek canyons.
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive
With the Virgin River running through and pink sandstone cliffs soaring into bright blue skies, Zion National Park was made for outdoor adventures. A shuttle transports visitors along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive to various trailheads, with hikes for every ability.
Zion National Park Hikes
For an easy path along the water, try the Riverside Walk, a paved, 2.2-mile option leading to The Narrows, a strenuous but bucket-list-worthy hike through the Virgin River. Thrill-seekers often head straight for Angels Landing, a 5.4-mile route that ends in a daring crawl up a steep ridge (you need a permit for this hike).
Return to Las Vegas
The 160-mile drive back to Las Vegas is a final scenic treat, covering incredible natural landscapes as you pass through Utah, Arizona and Nevada. In the Virgin River Gorge, red rock faces line the highway. If you arrive in the city early enough or don’t leave until the following day, you might have time to take in the Las Vegas Strip or a show.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
Find the perfect Las Vegas resort for your trip on Booking.com.
Tips for an Arizona and Utah Road Trip
Below, I’ve rounded up some tips for your Arizona Utah road trip. I’ve driven this route a few times now, so I hope this guide will help you plan!
National Park Entrance Fees and Passes
If you plan to visit all three national parks in this Utah Arizona road trip, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful annual pass, which covers entrance fees at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and more. The $80 price tag works out cheaper than paying the admittance for a car (around $30-35) at each park.
If you plan to road trip Arizona, Utah, Colorado and other states in the Southwest in the same year, the pass will be a bargain for national park visits.
When to Visit Utah and Arizona
This region gets extremely hot in summer, so be prepared with sunscreen, hats, and lots of drinking water. Summers also get very crowded at the big parks like Grand Canyon and Zion, so try to schedule a Utah to Arizona road trip in early spring or late fall, if possible.
Utah and Arizona Time Zones
You’ll be crossing time zones (Pacific and Mountain) on this Utah Arizona road trip itinerary, so pay attention if you have any tours booked. Nevada is in the Pacific Time Zone and Utah in the Mountain Time Zone, while Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time, which means clocks here don’t move forward with daylight savings time.
So, during standard time (roughly November through mid-March), Arizona and Utah are at the same time, but during daylight savings time, Arizona and Nevada are at the same time.
To make matters even more confusing, the Navajo Nation, which includes the northeastern corner of Arizona, DOES observe daylight savings time. So, if you visit in summer, prepare to watch your clocks freaking out and switching back and forth.
Other Things To Do Near Arizona and Utah
If you have more time to extend your Arizona to Utah road trip, there are a number of other parks and sites not far from this route, including the Grand Canyon North Rim, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Coconino and Prescott national forests, Monument Valley, and five Utah national parks (the two on this itinerary plus Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef).
Within day-trip distance of Las Vegas, you’ll find some more scenic spots like Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Sloan and Red Rock Canyon national conservation areas, and Death Valley National Park, home to the lowest point in North America.
