Your 24-Hour Grand Canyon South Rim Itinerary: Dog-Friendly Stops & Tips
- Cara Kerouac
- Jun 2, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Hey friends, James and Cara here—Kerouacs Cruising with Bella, Norman, and Jewels. Got 24 hours at the Grand Canyon South Rim? We’ve got you. Pup leashes on, and a truck full of gas—here’s our day, refreshed for 2025! If you'd like to hear our discussions about these spots, listen to our podcast here!
Morning: Grand Canyon Village
Arrive at Grand Canyon Village:
Start your day early by arriving at Grand Canyon Village, located near the main entrance of South Rim National Park. Park at the El Tovar Hotel parking lot; there's a hidden dirt lot behind Verkamps Visitor Center that often has available spots. Before you start exploring, take advantage of the nearby restroom facilities.
Explore Historic Buildings and Museums:
Verkamp's Visitor Center: Learn about the Grand Canyon's history and shop.
Hopi House: Visit this Native American arts and crafts shop.
El Tovar: Enjoy breakfast at this iconic lodge if you didn't snag a bite earlier. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner.
Stroll along the Rim Trail, enjoying stunning canyon views. You'll pass several notable landmarks:
Bright Angel Lodge: Visit the Arizona Steakhouse, Fred Harvey Burger, and the museum dedicated to the Harvey Girls.
Bucky O'Neill's Cabin: View the oldest building in the National Park.
Lookout Studio: Marvel at the views and browse the gift shop.
Kolb Studio: Learn about the adventurous Kolb brothers and view their historic photographs.
Bright Angel Trailhead:
Head to the Bright Angel Trailhead for more canyon views, trail information, and mule rides. Remember to refill your water bottles at the filling station or use the restrooms here.
Midday: Hermit’s Rest Route
Board the Hermit's Rest shuttle bus (which operates March-November). If you’re visiting in winter, you can drive to Hermit's Rest. Special needs can request a pass from a park ranger year-round.
Get off at Trailview Overlook to see the Bright Angel Trail below. This viewpoint offers a great perspective of the Bright Angel Trail’s difficulty and the mules' route.
One of our favorite stops, Mojave Point, offers expansive views that are perfect for photos.
Arrive at Hermit’s Rest, the final stop. Grab lunch at the snack bar or picnic at the secluded tables behind the building. Explore the head of the Hermit Trail before heading back. There is another opportunity for restrooms and water refills here!
Afternoon: Desert View Drive
Return to Grand Canyon Village:
Take the shuttle back to the village and retrieve your car—Head east toward Desert View Drive.
Stop at Yavapai Point for panoramic views and a visit to the Geology Museum. Check out the topographical map of the Grand Canyon and use the telescopes for a closer look at Phantom Ranch and the Black Suspension Bridge. This will be your last opportunity for water refills and decent restrooms until our last stop.
This viewpoint, a 15-minute drive from the visitor center, offers historical insights and stunning vistas. If time permits, explore the Grandview Trailhead.
Table Top Point:
This is the hidden gem we just recently learned about! It has a tiny parking spot and a short hike on the canyon’s edge. Be careful, but the views are something else!
Marvel at the views of the Colorado River's Hance Rapids from Moran Point. Listen for the sound of the river echoing up the canyon.
Our top pick, Lipan Point, offers close-up views of the Colorado River and bird-watching opportunities. This is also a great spot to witness the Grand Canyon's changing directions.
End your day at the Desert View Watchtower. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. Explore the visitor center, enjoy a snack, and browse the gift shop. Water refill stations and restrooms are also available here.
Prepare for Sunset:
Note what time the sun sets and adjust the rest of your day accordingly. In the winter, it could be as early as 5:30, and in the summer months, it could be 8:30. You may have some extra time to enjoy some of the viewpoints we did not discuss along the way!
There is truly no bad spot to enjoy the sunset at the Grand Canyon, but here are our Faves and why:
There are expansive views that are perfect for sunset viewing! Remember: You’ll likely need to take the shuttle bus there and back, so ensure you have ample time to do so.
This spot is close to the Village and Tusayan, so after you watch Mother Nature’s show, you can get to dinner, your hotel, or your campsite quickly!
The vast views to the east all but guarantee a stunning show of that golden glow creeping off the canyon walls and only 25 minutes back to town.
There are expansive views down that canyon to the west; in the summer (June and July), you might see this sunset in the canyon.
Ultimately, There are no Bad Views:
However, we hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your day at the Grand Canyon. Each viewpoint offers unique and unforgettable experiences, so take your time and savor the beauty of this natural wonder. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Additional Tips:
Hydrate and Snack: Keep water and snacks handy. Refill water bottles at designated points.
Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers.
Camera Ready: Keep your camera or phone ready for stunning photo opportunities.
Have dinner plans sorted out, or plan to wait: Everyone in the area watches the sunset at the Grand Canyon, and then they're hungry. After sunset, waits for tables can be long if you don't already have a reservation. (With the exception of the El Tovar and the Arizona Steakhouse, as far as we know, none of the other restaurants accepts reservations.) Make sure you have extra snacks handy so no one in your party is getting hangry 🤪
Feel free to share your experiences and favorite spots with us in the comments below!
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