Exploring the Grand Canyon: South Rim vs. West Side

Alright, my little travelers, we’re heading to the Grand Canyon now! I’ve been to the South Rim and the West Side, but I’ve yet to check out the North Rim. Once I make it there, I’ll add my thoughts to this page.

Does it enough to write a page about it. Heck yeah! Just a heads-up: the North Rim is closed in the winter, so be sure to check the website before planning your visit. Cheers!

The West Side is the closest part to the nearby cities, which makes it feel a bit more money oriented. What I mean by “money-oriented” is that entry to the Grand Canyon there is $68. If you want to do the Skywalk, that’s another $26, plus taxes and fees, bringing it to about $103 per person. Visiting a national park shouldn’t break the bank! Plus, you can’t take your phone onto the Skywalk. They take your picture, and then you have to buy it, which costs around $17 to $69 depending on how many photos you want. You can check your tickets online.

Because of the price, I’m not sure it’s worth it, but if you’re short on time, it’s still an option.

If you can, I totally recommend visiting the South Rim. You’ll get a better sense of why it’s called the Grand Canyon—it's massive! You can hike, catch a stunning sunset, and just enjoy the experience.

So, let’s dive into each spot I’ve visited in the Grand Canyon!

South Rim

Shoshone Point

This one involves a 2-mile round trip hike, but trust me, the view at the end is totally worth it! It’s less crowded than some of the other viewpoints, giving you a more peaceful experience. From Shoshone Point, you’ll get a fantastic panoramic view of the canyon, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is a great starting point for your trip. You can pick up maps, get information on various trails and viewpoints, and learn about the park’s geology and history. There are also exhibits and a short film that really help set the stage for your adventure.

Hermit’s Rest

Hermit’s Rest is a lovely spot for catching sunsets over the canyon. The scenic drive leading to it is full of great overlooks, making it easy to stop and soak in the views along the way. At Hermit’s Rest, you’ll find a cozy little stone building and a nice patio where you can relax and enjoy the stunning colors as the sun sets over the canyon.

West side

There are 3 locations you will visit when you are in the west side of grand canyon. These are Grand Canyon Skywalk, Eagle Point and Guano Point. You can get your ticket in the Grand Canyon West you can also get it online as well. If you are visiting the grand canyon in the peak season I recommend buying your ticket online so you don't need to wait in the line when you arrive there.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Skywalk is one of the most famous attractions on the West Rim. It’s a glass bridge that extends 70 feet out over the canyon, giving you a breathtaking view straight down! You can take stunning photos from the Skywalk, but keep in mind you can't take your phone or cameras onto it. Instead, the staff will take photos for you, which you can purchase afterward.

I didn't get my photos because I didnt want to pay extra for those photos. If you would like to see what its looks like you can check here.

Eagle Point

It is next to the skywalk so you can just visit here while you are there. You will see pretty much everything what you see from the skywalk. In the skywalk there is a glass under your feet so it is cooler.

Guano Point

Guano Point offers nice panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. The viewpoint is accessible via a short walk from the parking area.