Steep hiking path offering many lookouts, with Grand Canyon views & shuttle service.
The Rim Trail is the one South Rim path that works for almost everybody — paved, mostly flat, and threaded right along the canyon edge from Mather Point past the Yavapai Geology Museum toward Bright Angel Trailhead. It's rated 4.9 from over 1,600 Google reviews, which is an unusually high mark for a trail this heavily trafficked, and it's earned it: the views are constant, not occasional.
Unlike almost every other trail in the park, dogs are allowed here on a leash — reviewers note it's the only one in Grand Canyon National Park where that's the case. A stretch of the route doubles as the Trail of Time, a geology walk where each step marks roughly 10,000 years of canyon history, with rock samples set along the path tied to the layers they represent. Benches are spaced along the way, and shuttle stops let you hop on or off rather than walking the whole thing round-trip.
There are no trash cans along the route, so pack out anything you bring in, especially if you're walking a dog. It's an easy-mode introduction to the canyon that still delivers real views — no scrambling required.
1,717 reviews
a month ago
Amazing views, not a lot of safety rails, keep an eye on your kids!!! About $40 for a 7 day pass. Big grocery store in the park with camping gear and wares for sale! Also a post office tgat can stamp your postcards with the Grand Canyon!
2 months ago
The Grand Canyon National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that is dark sky certified. Most of the trails along the rim are accessible. The west most trail is not paved and is more quiet. However the free shuttles will take you everywhere except down the canyon. The air is extremely dry and I recommend something to moisturize your nasal cavity to prevent nose bleeds if you plan on staying for more than a few days. Best time to see wildlife (deer, elk, moose) is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The squirrels are so use to begging that one climb right into my stroller looking for lunch. The annual star gazing event was awesome. We enjoyed the presentations, looking through all the different telescopes, talking to the amateur astronomers, and seeing the milky way rise.
2 months ago
We went down the bright angel trail into the canyon to the 3.0 mile marker. Really no need to go past that to get the full experience. If it’s really sunny and hot out, I recommend just turning around at the 1.5 mile mark. I gave the trail a five star review.
6 months ago
For a paved trail in a very populated park, I give this five stars. If you’re looking for photo wipes, then definitely walk this trail! If you could go further than a quarter mile, you’ll leave the crowds behind and have plenty of time to soak up the scenery. There are benches along the way, but no trash cans, which is unfortunate for dog owners. By the way, dogs are allowed on this trail and I think it’s the only one they’re allowed on in the Grand Canyon national Park. There are a couple of shuttle stops that will get you to the trail instead of parking in Mather point visitor center parking lot as well. And there’s also a section of the trail about a half mile down that I think would make a great learning opportunity for families with kids as it has you imagine what the Grand Canyon would be like as you walk each step which equals 10,000 years. Very creative!
8 months ago
It's the grand canyon if u don't enjoy yourself you might be mentally unwell. Get there early for the sun rise and good parking. Donate when u get there. The parks deserve more funding and more preservation.