The Most Popular Rim of the Grand Canyon: Discover the Ultimate Tourist Attraction

Choose the Rim you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Sep 18, 2023 10:34
Discover the breathtaking majesty of the Grand Canyon's rims and join the thousands of adventurers who flock to our StrawPoll website to settle the great debate: "What is the most popular rim of the Grand Canyon?" With a myriad of awe-inspiring vistas and unparalleled natural beauty, the Grand Canyon offers a multitude of unique rims, each boasting its own captivating charm. At StrawPoll, we're hosting a thrilling ranking of these geological wonders, and now it's your turn to cast your vote for your favorite rim or suggest a missing option. Unveil the secret of the Canyon's allure and immerse yourself in the excitement of determining the ultimate fan favorite. Don't miss your chance to be part of this grand-scale event - journey through the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and cast your vote now!

What Is the Most Popular Rim of the Grand Canyon? (September 2023)

  1. 1
    74
    votes
    The South Rim is the most popular and busiest rim of the Grand Canyon. It offers a variety of viewpoints, hiking trails, and visitor services. It is also the location of the Grand Canyon Village, which is the main hub for lodging, dining, and shopping.
    Description
    The South Rim is the most visited part of the Grand Canyon and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic natural wonder. It stretches for approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) and is located in the state of Arizona, USA. The South Rim is known for its accessibility, diverse wildlife, and extensive hiking trails that cater to all skill levels.
    • Elevation: Approximately 7,000 feet (2,133 meters)
    • Length: Approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers)
    • Location: Arizona, USA
    • Accessibility: Easily accessible by road and shuttle services
    • Visitor Center: Multiple visitor centers for information and services
    South Rim in other rankings
  2. 2
    31
    votes
    Grand Canyon West
    Jonas.tesch · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Grand Canyon West

    Hualapai Tribe
    Grand Canyon West is popular for its Skywalk, a glass-bottomed bridge that extends over the canyon. It also offers helicopter tours, zip-lining, and other unique experiences.
    Description
    Grand Canyon West is a popular tourist destination and a section of the Grand Canyon located on the Hualapai Native American Reservation in Arizona, USA. It offers breathtaking views and unique experiences for visitors to enjoy.
    • Location: Arizona, USA
    • Distance from Las Vegas: Approximately 2.5 hours
    • Access: Accessible by road
    • Attractions: Skywalk, helicopter tours, zipline, and boat rides
    • Skywalk: Glass-bottomed horseshoe-shaped bridge extending over the edge of the canyon
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    The North Rim is the least visited rim of the Grand Canyon, but it is popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers more solitude and stunning views of the canyon.
    Description
    The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is a majestic and lesser-visited section of the iconic natural wonder. Located on the north side of the Colorado River, it offers breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and a more secluded and peaceful experience compared to the busier South Rim.
    • Elevation: approximately 8,000 feet (2,438 meters)
    • Average Temperatures: summer: 50-80°F (10-27°C), winter: 20-45°F (-7 to 7°C)
    • Visitor Center: The North Rim Visitor Center provides information, exhibits, and ranger-led programs.
    • Trails: The North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Point Trail, and Transept Trail are popular hiking options.
    • Lodging: The Grand Canyon Lodge offers rustic cabins and motel rooms for overnight stays.
    North Rim in other rankings
  4. 4
    16
    votes

    Desert View

    Mary Colter
    Desert View is located on the South Rim and is known for its historic watchtower and panoramic views of the canyon. It is also a popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
    Description
    Desert View is one of the most popular rims of the Grand Canyon, located on the South Rim. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding landscape. Desert View is known for its iconic watchtower, which stands tall and offers visitors a unique perspective of the canyon. It is a must-visit spot for tourists seeking a glimpse of the grandeur and beauty of the Grand Canyon.
    • Location: South Rim of the Grand Canyon
    • Watchtower Construction Material: Stone and mortar
    • Watchtower Design Style: Pueblo Revival architecture
    • Viewing Platform: Offers 360-degree panoramic view of the canyon
    • Outdoor Observation Deck: Provides unobstructed views
  5. 5
    8
    votes

    Hermit's Rest

    Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter
    Hermit's Rest is a historic building on the South Rim that offers stunning views of the canyon. It is accessible by shuttle bus and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.
    Description
    Hermit's Rest is a historic rest area located at the western end of Hermit Road in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was built in 1914 as a rest area for tourists visiting the canyon and is now a popular tourist attraction.
    • Location: South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
    • Year Built: 1914
    • Architectural Style: Rustic architecture
    • Design Inspiration: Native American and Swiss chalet styles
    • Accessibility: Accessible by Hermit Road shuttle/bus, private vehicle, and hiking
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    Bright Angel Point is located on the North Rim and offers breathtaking views of the canyon. It is accessible via a short hike and is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
    Description
    Bright Angel Point is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Grand Canyon, offering panoramic views of the canyon's awe-inspiring beauty. Perched at an elevation of 8,148 feet (2,484 meters), it provides a stunning vantage point that showcases the vastness and intricate details of the natural wonder.
    • Location: North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
    • Elevation: 8,148 feet (2,484 meters)
    • View: Panoramic view of the Grand Canyon
    • Access: Accessible via the Bright Angel Point Trail
    • Trail Length: 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers)
    Bright Angel Point in other rankings
  7. 7
    5
    votes

    Mather Point

    Stephen Mather
    Mather Point is located on the South Rim and offers panoramic views of the canyon. It is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus and is a popular spot for visitors to take their first glimpse of the canyon.
    Description
    Mather Point offers one of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. Located on the South Rim, this popular viewpoint provides visitors with an expansive vista of the canyon's magnificent beauty. The overlook is named after Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, who played a significant role in the preservation of the Grand Canyon.
    • Location: South Rim
    • View: Breathtaking panoramic view of the Grand Canyon
    • Accessibility: Easily accessible by shuttle buses and private vehicles
    • Height: Approximately 7,120 feet above sea level
    • Size: Expansive viewing area with ample space for visitors
    Mather Point in other rankings
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Yavapai Point is located on the South Rim and offers expansive views of the canyon. It is also home to the Yavapai Geology Museum, which offers exhibits and information about the geology of the canyon.
    Description
    Yavapai Point is a scenic overlook located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States. It offers stunning panoramic views of the canyon with an unobstructed vantage point. The point is named after the Yavapai Native American Tribe that historically resided in the area.
    • Location: South Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona, United States
    • Elevation: 7,325 feet (2,233 meters) above sea level
    • Access: Accessible by a paved road and parking area
    • Viewing Angle: 360 degrees panoramic view of the canyon
    • Distance from Visitor Center: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)
    Yavapai Point in other rankings
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Lipan Point is located on the South Rim and offers stunning views of the canyon and the Colorado River. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset photography.
    Description
    Lipan Point is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints at the Grand Canyon. Located on the South Rim, it offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the canyon's vastness and stunning geological formations. Standing at Lipan Point, visitors can see the expansive Vishnu Schist cliffs, the sprawling Colorado River, and the intricate layers of colorful rock stretching for miles.
    • Location: South Rim of the Grand Canyon
    • View: Panoramic view of the Grand Canyon
    • Features: Exquisite Vishnu Schist cliffs, Colorado River view
    • Accessibility: Accessible by road, parking area available
    • Hiking Trails: Connects to multiple hiking trails
    Lipan Point in other rankings
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    Toroweap is located on the North Rim and is a remote and rugged area of the canyon. It offers stunning views of the canyon and is accessible only by a rough dirt road. It is popular among experienced hikers and backpackers.
    Description
    Toroweap, also known as Tuweep, is a stunning and remote viewpoint located on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park. It offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the majestic canyon walls, carved by the powerful Colorado River over millions of years. With its dramatic cliffs and relatively untouched beauty, Toroweap is a hidden gem for those seeking a truly immersive and awe-inspiring experience in the Grand Canyon.
    • Location: North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
    • Elevation: 3,000 feet (910 m)
    • Distance from South Rim: approx. 50 miles (80 km)
    • Access: Requires a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle and a permit
    • Facilities: No visitor center, lodging, or services available

Missing your favorite Rim?

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Ranking factors for popular rim

  1. Accessibility
    The ease of reaching the rim, its proximity to major transportation options, and availability of parking and shuttle services are important factors affecting its popularity.
  2. Visitor facilities and amenities
    The availability and quality of visitor centers, restrooms, lodging, dining, and other facilities will affect the overall experience of visitors and contribute to a rim's popularity.
  3. Viewpoints and scenic vistas
    The number, variety, and quality of viewpoints and vistas that offer breathtaking and unique views of the canyon will impact a rim's popularity.
  4. Hiking and recreation opportunities
    Trails and recreational activities available in a particular rim - both for novice and experienced enthusiasts - will affect its popularity. These could include hiking, biking, mule rides, and river rafting.
  5. Educational and interpretive programs
    The availability of ranger-led programs, tours, and informational displays contribute to visitors' understanding and appreciation of the Grand Canyon, impacting the popularity of a rim.
  6. Crowdedness
    More popular rims often attract larger crowds, which can be a factor for some visitors when choosing which rim to visit.
  7. Seasonal accessibility
    The length of time a rim is open each year and the variation of experiences offered during different seasons can affect its popularity.
  8. Proximity to other attractions
    A rim's popularity can be influenced by its proximity to other natural wonders, urban centers, or tourist attractions in the region.
  9. Wildlife and natural features
    Unique ecosystems, vegetation, and opportunities to view wildlife can add to the overall allure of a rim.
  10. Safety and ease of navigation
    Rims with well-marked trails and clear signage providing safety information may draw more visitors.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular rim of the Grand Canyon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite Rim is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

  • 1681 views
  • 172 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Rim once every 24 hours. The rank of each Rim is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.


More information on most popular rim of the grand canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. While the canyon itself is an awe-inspiring sight, one of the most popular activities for tourists is taking in the stunning views from various lookout points. One of the most breathtaking views is from the rim of the canyon, which offers a panoramic vista of the rugged landscape. With several rims to choose from, visitors often debate which one offers the best experience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the different rims of the Grand Canyon and explore which one is the most popular among visitors.