Grand Canyon South Rim
We visited the majestic South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona last week, and it was nothing short of spectacular! The 1st in person/real look at something so iconic, that we had only seen in pictures, was heart stopping. Here is a video walking up to the 1st lookout. Impressive, huh?!
We took our 16-year-old Jack Russell along and we definitely weren’t the only ones there with dogs. You notice in the video how nicely paved the paths are at the South Rim for pet and human traffic. It’s really done well. I didn’t know what to expect walking up to the edge of the Grand Canyon, and had always pictured it being all natural. There are places with railing, but not most places, so you do need to be careful.
The paved paths have various overlooks and some of those jut out into the canyon for a closer look. We took the Yavapai Trail along the Kaibab/South Rim Route and it’s amazing how the view continuously changes with the ever-changing landscape of rocks, cliffs, and trees. That trail leads to an observancy with a telescope inside to really get a close view. Be prepared for a line here at the Yavapai Point and Geology Museum.
Just walking along the trails is very enjoyable with lots of shade and sometimes benches at an overlook. There are always plenty of rocks if you want to sit down too!
There is an amphitheater area with a good amount of seating, at the beginning of the Eastbound Kaibab/Rim Route, if you want to just sit and take in a view. We didn’t do all of this trail but it was all paved as far as I went. There are places on the edge that you can hike down into a little ways. These are not hiking trails to get all the way down though!
The facilities at Grand Canyon National Park were not all open, but there were plenty of restrooms available. There was also a snack shop for drinks, snacks, etc that was open. The visitor Center and additional restrooms were closed.
This is actually a perfect time to visit because there surprisingly isn’t a big enough crowd to warrant two buildings of restrooms. There was no line for us. Trash cans and water fountains/spigot (for refilling water bottles) were located at the front of the building outside. This area is covered and even offers some seating if waiting.
There was plenty of parking on the weekday that we visited. It was not a long walk to and from our vehicle. We weren’t able to park in the shade so I ended up with a few melted chocolate covered almonds. Lol Oh well! It was certainly worth that!
We drove the Watchtower/Desert View Drive and that was incredible! We weren’t able to go all the way to the watch tower although we could see it perched on a hill from the last stop. The road was closed that day-I believe for maintenance. The roads were newly paved and looking good! On the drive there are lots of pull-off overlooks and each gives you a different view. It’s just amazing how massive the Grand Canyon is and how varied the terrain is. There are also several loops and detours that you can drive to off of the main road. These are all clearly marked and worth checking out for another perspective!
The East side is considered the desert view and when you drive over to that area, you can see why. The coloring and topography is very different at that end. It’s hard to describe how massive this canyon is, and I know we only saw a portion of it!!
We highly recommend a trip to the Grand Canyon if you haven’t been. Or maybe just go to another part of it, if you have. Would really love to go again! So much we didn’t see.
For now, we hope you have enjoyed visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim with us. Follow us on social media for more!
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Travel Tip: Some of our favorite items that we used on our Grand Canyon trip, (and other trips) and why. It’s always more enjoyable to be prepared! Maybe these items, or something similar, would be useful to you too.
This combo food/water bottle with collapsible bowls is one of our favs. We always had plenty of food and water for Trit, including bowls for him to use.
These hiking boots are serving me well! They are comfortable, light and feel secure on my aging ankles. Ha
This soft harness is a great traveling harness because it’s so soft and comfortable that you can leave it on all the time. It does collect hair on the fleece lining as Trit sheds a lot. We still love it tho. The leash is sturdy and easy to wrap around your arm to shorten lead. It looks good too!
A backpack similar to this is a must. We throw everything into it for Trit, any water or snacks we buy for us, and even purchases or maps we aquire. We like lightweight, zippered compartments and not too large.
Our trusty selfie stick with tripod and blue tooth remote has been used more than I can say for the last year and a half. Good investment.
Another tip: We have enjoyed many tours in places that we travel, here are some that are available for the Grand Canyon.
Those canyon views are amazing! I’ve been there twice, but it’s been a while.
Would love to go back and explore some more…like the North Rim 🙂
We loved our visit here! Great memories.
Great memories for sure!
The views are just stunning! Love your comprehensive post.
I agree on the views! Thanks Jane!
Looking forward to taking my kiddos here someday! The Grand Canyon really left an impression on Hubby and I!
Made an impression on us too!! Your kids no doubt will be amazed.
This is one of those place that I have on my list, but have not made it to yet! I want to hike down to the bottom. Stay in the lodge/cabin at the base then hike to the other end and then hike back up…It is probably way too much to do, but the ideas of it has always been on my list!
Wow!! That is so ambitious! I hope you have the opportunity to do all of that!
I have only been able to fly over this canyon! One of these days I will get there in person!
Flying over it must be an incredible site!!
Isn’t it spectacular?! 💕💕💕 that last photo of an exhausted Trit! ☺️
Haha yes 🐶💤
Great photos! Looks like an amazing trip. I love the gear suggestions too!
Thanks so much Kristina!
Definitely a must see! I haven’t been but it’s on my list!
Yes, it was in our list for a while too. So many beautiful places to see. I understand!
I love visiting the Grand Canyon. I’ve been in every season and winter is one of my favorites. Seeing the snow on the ground is incredible. I hope to hike to the bottom someday!
That sounds beautiful with the snow!!
I still haven’t gone to the Grand Canyon, I want to go! Looks awesome.
It took us a while to get there! So glad we went!
On my list of places to visit. Your pictures are lovely and I had no idea the terrain was so varied until I took a closer look at your pictures. Thank you, for sharing.
Thank you Maya! The view really does keep changing around the canyon. It’s amazing.
You’re right, it is a beautiful place to go and see.. pictures are awesome but being able to see it live is amazing. Such a good read and the pictures are great! Nice job 👍🏼 I’ve been and will go back because there is SO much to see. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Denise! Appreciate your nice comments on our blog!!
The Grand Canyon is so amazing! One of my favorite trips. I like the videos in your post!
Yes! Thank you Jill!!
I’ve been privileged to go to the Grand Canyon twice, although I haven’t done any of the tours you featured. I’d love to go back and experience it in a different way than I already have. It’s a must-do for everyone, I think!
I agree Kristin. I would love to go back and see even more of it! And yes, on a tour to learn about it. We saw one tour several times.
The views look amazing! Love the videos!!
Thanks Tiffany! Glad you enjoyed them!
Awww what an exhausting trip for Trit! The Grand Canyon is on my bucket list, I haven’t had the pleasure of going to see it yet.
Haha he did get carried A LOT!
This is amazing! I’m so in awe of the great things there are to see in this country, and all over the world. PS- love your shirt 🙂
I’m so thankful to experience as much of this fascinating world as possible too!! Thanks for noticing my tshirt!! 🙂
The Grand Canyon is on my bucket list, and this post just makes me want to visit even more! What an amazing view. And it’s good to know that it’s dog-friendly here.
Yes very dog friendly. Hope you get to go soon!
What a stunning place. We are hoping to visit here in 2021.
It’s amazing! You’ll love it!
The Grand Canyon is so amazing! I have been waiting until my kids are a little older to go. We are getting close!
That will be so awesome to take your kiddos!
I love your photos! And Trit is adorable!
Thanks Maggie!!