Scenic Fall Drives in Grand Canyon

Ease into the trip by exploring the heart of the South Rim with minimal walking, stunning canyon views, and a peaceful sunset.

Late Morning / Early Afternoon
Arrive at the South Rim through the South Entrance and stop by the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to pick up maps, get ranger advice, and explore the exhibits. Take a short, accessible walk along the Rim Trail to Mather Point for your first canyon views. Then, visit Kolb Studio and Lookout Studio at your own pace to enjoy photography, Native-made art, and stunning vistas. If you have extra time, take a leisurely stroll along an easy section of the Rim Trail or hop on the free South Rim shuttle to explore more viewpoints.

Evening
Check in at The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn® Resort in Tusayan, AZ, and enjoy a savory fall dish for dinner at Desert Lounge + Grill. Afterward, unwind with complimentary s’mores by the outdoor firepits. For a memorable evening, consider heading back into the park for sunset and stargazing at Yavapai Point, known for its wide views and convenient parking.

Spend the day cruising the 25-mile drive to Desert View, stopping at overlooks and taking in views at your own pace. Very little walking required, and the views are some of the best in the park.

Morning
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at the Canyon Room, then set out for Desert View via AZ-64 through the park. Along the scenic drive, stop at lookout points or take short, flat hikes through the forest trees for more canyon views.

Scenic stops along the drive (in order):

• Pipe Creek Vista
• Shoshone Point (a short forest walk with panoramic views at the end)
• Duck on a Rock Viewpoint
• Grandview Point (short walk from parking to stunning panorama)
• Moran Point (layered rock formations, wide vista)
• Lipan Point (one of the best sunrise/sunset spots)

Afternoon
Arrive at Desert View Watchtower and either climb the historic tower for a bird’s-eye view or enjoy the sweeping canyon vistas from the surrounding area. Grab lunch at the Desert View Market & Deli, or enjoy a picnic with grab-and-go items from The Squire. Then, visit the nearby Tusayan Ruin & Museum before driving back toward Grand Canyon Village. Wrap up your afternoon with a short walk along the Trail of Time, a paved, interpretive section of the Rim Trail near the Yavapai Geology Museum.

Evening
Enjoy dinner at Yavapai Tavern, and if you’d like, relax afterward with a quiet nightcap or a local brew on the patio. Later, head to Hopi Point or Mather Point to take in the golden hues of sunset over the canyon.

Enjoy another peaceful canyon morning, beginning with the awe-inspiring sunrise over the rim.

Morning
Check out of The Squire and grab your favorite fall beverage from Starbucks in Tusayan before heading to Hopi Point or Mather Point for a breathtaking sunrise. For the best golden autumn colors, arrive about 30 minutes early and stay at least an hour after the sun rises. Be sure to dress warm!

Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Yavapai Dining Hall or Yavapai Café before hopping on the free park shuttle (red route) to Hermits Rest, stopping at scenic overlooks along the way. If you’re visiting between November 30 and February 28, you can drive this route in your personal vehicle!

Optional: Visit the Grand Canyon Railway Depot in Williams, AZ to get a glimpse into the park’s rich history.