Best of the Grand Canyon South Rim with Kids

We left our hotel in Sedona, Arizona early so we could get to The Grand Canyon about ½ hour after sunrise. At that time there was no line yet to enter the park. We were also able to find a parking spot near the Bright Angel Lodge, but the lots were all filling quickly. So we recommend you get to the South Rim early!

Bright Angel Trail

Our whole family enjoyed hiking down the Bright Angel Trail. The trail steadily descends, zig-zagging down into the canyon, and offering beautiful views at every turn.

Some of us turned around after 1.25 miles so we could have time for a part of the Rim Trail. And I’ll be honest, I knew the way up was going to be strenuous so I didn’t feel up to going farther down, knowing I’d need to hike back up! My girls and I hiked the 2.5 mile round trip in about 1 ½ hours with lots of stops on the way back up.

My husband and son continued down the Bright Angel Trail to Indian Garden and back (about 4.8 miles each way). They loved the greenery and flowers at the little oasis of Indian Garden and had a great time on the trail. They did the 9.6 miles in just over 4 hours. 

Rim Trail

My girls and I really enjoyed walking along the Rim Trail and the views from Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio, Trail View Point, Maricopa Point, and Powell Point. We all met up at Powell Point before heading back to our car.

We were all glad that we dressed in layers because the shady spots were pretty chilly early in the morning, but it got warmer down in the canyon and also along the Rim Trail up top.

Getting Around

Since parking lots fill up so quickly, it’s easiest if you can park once then hike, bike, or take the free shuttle everywhere else you want to go.

There is a free shuttle bus between viewpoints, but it fills up quickly, especially now with seats blocked off due to COVID. So just know that you might need to wait a while for a ride. We saw quite a few people biking between stops, so that would be a great way to get around as well.

We enjoyed the canyon for most of the day then made the drive to Page, Arizona for our next adventure. Even though it was a quick trip, it was absolutely worth the drive for the incredible hiking and breathtaking views of the canyon!