The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
South Rim Trail is a popular hike for experienced hikers in Grand Canyon National Park. It's a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site, which is an area that a federal organization of the same name oversees. The goal of the BLM is to preserve nature and important historic sites for the lasting enjoyment of the public. You can search "BLM camping near me" to discover new locations. Other popular attractions near South Rim Trail that you may want to visit during your stay include Pioneer Park, Red Hills Desert Garden and St. George Temple.
South Rim Trail connects Grand Canyon Village with Hermits Rest Point. You have breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River along the rim. Mountain biking is allowed, but this is only recommended for experienced riders. Length: 5.9 miles Intensity: Hard
This was a common path that indigenous people, tourists, and miners took to descend the Grand Canyon. You have expansive views of the inner canyon and formations in the distance. The length of the trail depends on how far along it you want to travel. Reaching Plateau Point is a 12-mile round trip. Length: 12 miles Intensity: Hard
Through interpretive plaques, you can learn about the Grand Canyon's geology along the Trail of Time. The trail begins at Yavapai Geology Museum, crosses through Grand Canyon Village and heads to Hermits Rest. Length: 2.83 miles Intensity: Moderate
Hermit Trail passes through Kaibab Formation, Coconino Sandstone, and Waldron Basin. You can see fossilized animal tracks in the lower section of Coconino Sandstone. The trail length depends on which destinations you want to see. If you plan on traveling more than 11 miles round trip, then you should prepare for an overnight stay. Length: 19.4 miles Intensity: Hard
Guided Grand Canyon rafting tours are available if you'd like to enjoy the scenery while on water. You can go fishing at the Colorado River, but check regulations first to know any limitations on what you can keep. Rainbow trout, striped bass, walleye, sunfish, and catfish are popular species. You could catch other species of trout too. Another possible fishing area is at Bright Angel Creek, where you could reel in trout, striped bass, and catfish.
At the top of a 70-foot watchtower in Desert View, you can enjoy the vast scenery that extends for hundreds of miles. It's a replica of Ancestral Puebloan towers. Mount Hayden, a sandstone spire in Nankoweap Canyon, is a popular climbing spot too.
More than 350 species of birds live in or visit Grand Canyon National Park, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and California condors. Bald eagles started spending winters by the Colorado River in the canyon after 1985. Bighorn sheep, gray foxes, mountain lions, coyotes, and mule deer are other types of wildlife that you may see. Popular wildlife viewing areas include South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ahh Point, Bright Angel Trail, and Havasupai Gardens to Colorado River.
Top areas to have a picnic in the area are Yaki Point, Cedar Ridge, Desert View Watchtower, and Hermits Rest. Eagles, falcons, condors, and hawks are frequently seen in Yaki Point from late August to early November. Cedar Ridge is a plateau that shows half of the canyon below and above you. Hermits Rest features a view of the canyon over a bluff.
You can go for a scenic drive on Hermit Road from December through February. It's closed the rest of the year. The road is only seven miles long but offers beautiful views.
Guided mule and horseback rides are available along the South Rim and North Rim. You can choose a one-hour or half-day guided tour.
You can take a train ride for a western experience while you're in the area. The train departs from the Grand Canyon and stops at Williams Train Depot. You can board the train again to return to Grand Canyon.
Trailer Village RV Park and Mather Campground are two options for RV camping near the South Rim Trail. RVs up to 50 feet long can fit at Trailer Village RV Park. This campground offers full hookups and is open throughout the year. Mather Campground doesn't have hookups and can only accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long.
Bureau of Land Management free camping isn't available near South Rim Trail, but you can still find dispersed options. Dispersed camping is available at Forest Road 688, a well-maintained gravel road. Spots are easier to find on weekdays. Other dispersed camping options include Coconino Rim Road, Forest Road 302, and Forest Road 306.
Winter, March through May and September through November are the best seasons for visiting South Rim Trail. If you want to explore the North Rim too, then you'll have to plan your trip for a season besides winter because the North Rim would be closed. Check in advance when the North Rim is open again because lasting snow could keep it closed as late as May. Be aware that both rims are crowded during the summer. You should make camping reservations in advance to ensure that you don't need to stress over where to camp. Summer is the hottest season at Grand Canyon National Park with the average high temperature at 81–84 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter highs are 44–47 degrees with lows at 17-20 degrees Fahrenheit. The South Rim Trail region is a beautiful place for camping because of the western-style scenery that you probably don't see often. Grand Canyon National Park is one of the eight wonders of the world as well. It's bound to be a memorable experience to visit the South Rim. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines for their respective regions. You should check in advance to know how to correctly dispose of waste, including human waste. Some campgrounds don't have trash receptacles or water, so you need to come prepared. Grand Canyon National Park requires that you use resealable plastic bags to store used toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.
South Rim Trail is located at Grand Canyon Village, AZ., 86023. You can easily find the trail within 0.6 miles from Grand Canyon Village. Head west on Apache Alley, and turn right toward Village Loop Drive/S Vlg Lp. Make a right onto Village Loop Drive/S Vlg Lp, and at the end of the road, turn slight left onto S Entrance Road/N Vlg Lp. Turn right onto El Tovar Road, which comes up quickly after you've turned onto S Entrance Road. After 420 feet, you need to turn right again, and you'll see the path leading to South Rim Trail. There's also a Grand Canyon gift shop and museum here. Ready to visit South Rim Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
