Grand Canyon South Rim: Self-Guided Tour

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car. Everyone can listen at the same time!

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Note: This 45-mile-long tour covers the essentials of the Grand Canyon in 2-3 hours.

This self-guided driving tour takes you to all the best vistas, hikes, and attractions along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and tells you the secret history behind this famous landscape. Walk the scenic South Rim Trail, catch a sunset at Mather Point, and much more.

Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park. The tour of this natural wonder of the world begins just outside the park, near the welcome sign.

Before arrival, download the app that will function as your guide, narrator, and map all in one. Then, proceed into the park and start with hearing the early history of this location.

Your first stop will be at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, where you’ll find Mather Point, your first good look at the canyon.

From there, proceed to Yavapai Point and the Yavapai Geology Museum, where you’ll get insider knowledge on the canyon’s complex geology and how these layers of rock help us see back in time millions of years.

Next, head to Grand Canyon Village to optionally purchase snacks and souvenirs. Then, walk along the South Rim Trail. There’s a reason this trail is the most popular spot in the park: the views it offers are unbeatable.

As you walk, dive into the peculiar construction of the Hopi House, the enigmatic architect who built it, and the heated feud between galleries along the rim.

The next part of the tour takes place aboard the free Grand Canyon Shuttle. Get directions to the shuttle, then head down Hermit Road, which isn’t accessible to cars. Along the way, stop at some incredible vistas, including Powell Point, Hopi Point, and The Abyss.

Arrive at Hermit’s Rest, which features a hiking trail for the avid adventurer, then head back to explore the eastern half of the park.

More great views await you at Pipe Creek Vista and the aptly named Grandview Point, which also features a lush hike below the canyon’s rim.

Continue toward Moran Point and get acquainted with the Hopi and their traditions, as well as the Ancient Puebloans who preceded them.

Finally, you’ll arrive at the impressive, medieval-looking Desert View Watchtower, offering more spectacular views and snacks to purchase. The tour concludes here, having taken you through the entire park.

Note: Hermit Road isn't accessible by private vehicle during the summer. The tour will instruct you to park at stop 15 and walk from stops 16-22, then take the shuttle for stops 23-31. The stops after 31, on the eastern side of the park, can once again be accessed via private vehicle.

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Action Tour Guide app, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Points of Interest along the Grand Canyon South Rim:

• Grand Canyon National Park Sign
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center
• Mather Point
• Yavapai Point
• Yavapai Geology Museum
• Grand Canyon Village & Railway
• Hopi House
• Lunch and Ice Cream
• Lookout Studio & Kolb Studio
• Trailview Overlook
• Maricopa Point
• Powell Point
• Hopi Point
• Mohave Point
• Monument Creek Vista
• Pima Point
• Hermit's Rest
• Pipe Creek Vista
• Duck On A Rock Viewpoint
• Grandview Point
• Moran Point
• Lipan Point
• Navajo Point
• Desert View Watchtower
• Yaki Point
• South Kaibab Trailhead
• Tusayan Museum

Benefits Over Live Guides and Group Tours:

• This is a flexible and self-led tour that uses location-sensing technology as you drive.
• The tour features in-depth audio narration that plays as you drive.
• You can purchase just one tour for the entire car and use it as many times as you wish.
• The audio tour is valid for one year after download, and you can use it as often as you want within that time.
• Once downloaded, the tour works completely offline, and you can tour your way by choosing when to start, stop, fast-forward, or rewind.
• If you need any help, you can always reach out to a real person via call, chat, or email.

This is a self-guided experience and not an entrance ticket. It begins at 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA. Be sure to check your email before you begin to download the Action Tour Guide app. Then, enter your unique password into the app and access your tour. These steps require strong wifi/signal. Once at the starting point at 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA, the tour audio will automatically begin. Follow the audio instructions and the route. Have questions? Visit Action Tour Guide’s Help page: https://actiontourguide.com/faq/

• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Easy-to-use app: download the Action Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Unique password: access your tour on the Action Tour Guide App

What's not included

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
• Food/Drinks

• Embark on a self-guided journey with the Action Tour Guide app, serving as your comprehensive guide, audio narrator, and map in one convenient package.
• Secure a vehicle prior to the tour. A single purchase is sufficient for the entire vehicle, not requiring individual bookings per passenger.
• Post-booking, expect an email containing the Action Tour Guide app download link and a unique password to unlock your exclusive tour access.
• Experience a tour crafted by local experts, brought to life through the storytelling of creative writers and the voice of professional narrators.
• Engage with animated videos at numerous stops, offering visual insights into unseen aspects, from historical scenes to hidden interiors.
• Your purchased tour remains valid for one year from the booking date, offering flexibility should your travel plans evolve—no need for booking adjustments within this period.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Grand Canyon, Arts events in Grand Canyon, Literary Art events in Grand Canyon.