The Difference Between
the West Rim and the South Rim
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Here's How You Decide Between the Rims
One of the most popular questions I get via email and live chat concerns the Rims and which one is the best.
Well, going with one or the other is like picking your favorite child. It's too hard and just not going to happen.
So to be helpful (and fair), I will illuminate the best of either Rim and let the chips fall where they may.
Starting Points
The first thing to consider is where you'll be starting. The majority of you will be visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas or points in Arizona like Tusayan (a/k/a South Rim), Sedona and Phoenix.
Thus if you are starting from Vegas, you can go to either Rim. If from within Arizona, you'll want to go to the South Rim. Relatedly, there are no flights or trips or tours between the rims. And if you want to drive from South Rim to the Skywalk (West Rim), prepare yourself for a 6-hour drive.
Next is what you want to see and do. This is critical because both Rims offer different experiences.
Let's start with the West Rim. It's just 120 miles from Las Vegas. Flight time by helicopter is 45 minutes. Planes take 30 minutes and buses require 2.5 hours.
Below the Rim
The West Rim is the ONLY place where you can fly in a helicopter below the Rim and land on the bottom for a Champagne Picnic. This is also the only time you'll have the opportunity to extend such a trip to include a boat ride down the Colorado River.
(FYI: Helicopters and airplanes are NOT allowed to fly below the rim and land at the South Rim. Please bear this in mind as you shop air tours for this part of the Park).
The West Rim heli that lands on the bottom can also be upgraded to include landing at the top for a walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk and up to 3 hours of exploration time inside Grand Canyon West.
Skywalk
Backing up a bit...As noted, the Skywalk is located at the West Rim. Also know as the Glass Bridge, the Skywalk lets folks walk over the edge for 70 feet until they are suspended 4K feet over the bottom. Indeed, it's an incredible sensation and the views are awesome.
I think it's apparent that the West Rim is where you go for thrills and attractions. As for the South Rim, that's where you'll go for pristine scenic beauty, wildlife and cooler temperatures.
The South rests at an elevation ranging between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, which results in a landscape that's lush in Ponderosa Pine trees. In contrast, the West Rim is an arid landscape studded with Joshua Trees and cacti.
South Rim Flights
Recognized as the "official" Grand Canyon, the South Rim offers many travel adventures. Air tours, particularly helicopters, are the most popular. They come in two timeframes: 30 minute and 50 minute and I recommend the deluxe version of the later.
There's also a great airplane tour that covers a good portion of the Park (If you are in Las Vegas, there's a 60-minute direct flight to the South Rim that comes with a helicopter ride). Finally, one trip that travelers at South Rim enjoy are the 1-day float tours and the one-day white water.
The other big difference between the rims is weather. The West Rim is 4,200 feet in elevation inside the Mojave Desert. The South is located in the heights of the Kaibab Plateau at an average of 6,500 feet in elevation. As such, expect very hot days at the West Rim with temperatures regularly over 100 degrees. And at the South you can expect a more temperate climate. Winter at the West is windy and moderate while at the South you can expect snow or snow showers.
Conclusion
The purpose of this article is to differentiate between the West Rim and the South Rim. To my mind, it all starts with where you are starting. Las Vegas travelers will go to either Rim while those in Arizona will go to the South. Time and budget also play a part and then there's your objective: Do you want thrills and action or scenic beauty? If you're the former, it's the West Rim for you. The later and you're going to the South Rim. I hope this helps and if you need more information please contact me at 702-530-8687 or start a live chat (right side of page)