Two day visit to the South Rim

Question

Hi there,

We are a family of 5 adults visiting the Grand Canyon south rim for the first time. We are planning on hiking the rim trail.

For two days, what are suggestions on an "itinerary". We won't hike the entire rim trail in one day. I would need some advice on the busses, best place to view sunset, sunrise....and what not to miss.

Any information on a two day schedule is greatly appreciated. (We have dinner reservations at El Tovar one night)

Answer

Visiting the Grand Canyon’s South Rim for two days gives you plenty of time to enjoy the classic viewpoints, walk the Rim Trail in manageable sections, and experience beautiful sunrise and sunset moments without feeling rushed. Since the Rim Trail is mostly flat, scenic, and easily broken into segments with free shuttle buses, it’s perfect for a group of adults.

Below is a detailed, easy-to-follow 2-day itinerary, plus tips on shuttle buses, the best sunrise/sunset viewpoints, and things you shouldn’t miss.

ABOUT THE SHUTTLES

Blue Route (Village Loop): Connects Visitor Center, Market Plaza, lodges, and the Grand Canyon Village area.
Orange Route (Kaibab/Rim Route): Great for sunrise. Goes to Mather Point, Yavapai Point.
Red Route (Hermit Road): The scenic West Rim viewpoints. Bus-only most of the year.

All shuttles are free, run frequently, and make hiking segments of the Rim Trail very easy because you can walk one direction and ride back.

BEST SUNRISE & SUNSET VIEWPOINTS

Sunrise: Mather Point (easy access), Yaki Point (quiet and stunning), or Yavapai Point (great light on canyon walls).
Sunset: Hopi Point (most popular), Mohave Point (excellent light on the river), or Pima Point (farther and less crowded).

TWO-DAY ITINERARY FOR FIRST-TIMERS

DAY 1 – EASTERN RIM TRAIL + VILLAGE AREA + SUNSET

Morning: Start at the Visitor Center. Walk to Mather Point for your first major viewpoint. Then continue along the Rim Trail toward Yavapai Point & Geology Museum. This is a beautiful, easy segment with incredible panoramas.

Walk: Visitor Center → Mather Point → Yavapai Point (about 1.2 miles)
Stop inside Yavapai Museum for great exhibits and panoramic windows

From Yavapai Point, continue walking to Grand Canyon Village. This section gives you classic views and plenty of photo stops. You can grab lunch in the Village.

Early Afternoon: Explore Grand Canyon Village: Bright Angel Trailhead, Lookout Studio, Kolb Studio, and El Tovar area. This is the most historic area of the rim.

Late Afternoon: Begin the first section of the western Rim Trail by taking the free Red Route bus to Hermits Rest Road. You don’t have to walk far—pick a stop like Trailview Overlook or Maricopa Point and walk 1–2 miles, then catch the shuttle.

Great short walk: Powell Point → Hopi Point → Mohave Point
This area gets increasingly dramatic the farther west you go

Sunset: Stay at Hopi Point or Mohave Point for one of the best sunsets in the entire park. Catch a shuttle back after dark.

Dinner: Village or your El Tovar dinner night if scheduled for Day 1.

DAY 2 – WESTERN RIM TRAIL (HERMITS REST ROAD) + SUNRISE OPTION

Sunrise (optional, but highly recommended): Take the Orange Route to Yaki Point or walk from Visitor Center to Mather Point. Yaki is the quieter, more beautiful choice.

Morning: Focus on the Hermits Rest Road (Red Route), which is the most scenic section of the entire Rim Trail and only accessible by shuttle. Choose a few segments to walk instead of tackling the entire 7.5 miles.

Best easy segment: Hopi Point → Mohave Point → Pima Point
Best viewpoint for Colorado River visibility: Mohave Point
Nicest end-of-route stop: Hermits Rest (snacks, water, historic building)

Lunch: Either bring a picnic (very common) or head back to Grand Canyon Village.

Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed visit to additional viewpoints you missed the day before or spend time browsing historic sites like the Depot, Hopi House, or Lookout Studio.

Optional: Walk more of the Rim Trail near Bright Angel Trailhead
Optional: Take short walks behind El Tovar and Rim Trail overlooks

Dinner: Your El Tovar reservation (if this is the Day 2 night). Plan extra time to enjoy the lobby or views afterward.

Final Sunset (if not too tired): Either revisit your favorites or choose a quieter spot like Shoshone Point (requires a short walk, usually lightly visited).

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Start early and end late to take advantage of cooler weather and softer lighting.
Bring layers—mornings can be cold even in summer.
Use the shuttles liberally—they make Rim Trail hiking very flexible.
Carry water and snacks even on short segments; there are long stretches without services.

SUMMARY

With two days at the South Rim, focus Day 1 on the eastern Rim Trail and Village area, and Day 2 on the dramatic viewpoints along Hermits Rest Road. Add sunrise at Yaki or Mather, and sunset at Hopi Point or Mohave Point. With dinner at El Tovar, you'll have a classic Grand Canyon experience with the most iconic views and easy, enjoyable walking routes.

Two day visit to the South Rim

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