Plan a visit to the South Rim, the most accessible and popular section of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is beyond “grand” – it is hard to grasp the vastness of this “7 Natural Wonder of the World,” the only one in the USA. While the July 2025 Bravo Dragon wildfire on the North Rim is devastating, this can still be your Grand Canyon time. The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is fully operational – there is a huge canyon and a raging rapids river separating the canyon walls of the south and north rims.
Some days there may be some smoke in some areas of the inner canyon (this photo is from July 31st – the camera at Yavapai Point), and other days there is none. However, smoke has not be over to the South Rim. Bright Angel Trail is open from the rim to Havasupai Gardens for those who want to venture into the Canyon (keeping in mind all the water and heat warnings, depending on weather conditions) for what can truly be some of the most striking views you will ever experience. See current conditions on the National Park Service site.
How to see the Grand Canyon
Between 4-5 million visitors enter Grand Canyon National Park, a vast majority on the South Rim, but know that it is not nearly as crowded as it was before 2020. It is a place where people from all over the world fall to their knees in awe; its many miles of rim allow for disbursement of crowds throughout the far reaches & even into the canyon. This might be your Grand Canyon time, for as President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in the kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.”
Take advantage of local knowledge to make the most of your time at the Grand Canyon
However, due to its sheer size and changing weather conditions, visitors need a plan so they don’t become overwhelmed or disappointed. For instance, at the Sheridan House Inn, in Williams, AZ, one hour from the Grand Canyon, innkeepers will tailor an itinerary with each guest to best meet their desires for their Grand Canyon adventure. Having a local “expert” to assist in navigating your trip will make all the difference from a good experience to a grand experience. Don’t just rely on online commentary for your trip planning, as much of it is not current – for instance, lines have been non-existent at the park entrance much of the year (watch the cameras) even though two hour waits are what people hear about.
People can drive the 1 hour trip to the park, or take the Grand Canyon Railway, a 2.5 hour each way trip from right in Williams, departing at the Grand Canyon Depot inside the park; it runs just about every day of the year, leaving at 9:30am and returning to Williams at 5:45pm – don’t worry, you’ll have a wonderful cooked to order breakfast at the Sheridan House before you need to be at the train. If you drive or take the train, there are busses to navigate the park, Bright Angel Bikes even rents e-bikes to get around and which allow you to get up on Hermits Rest Road for some amazing viewpoints.
For something even more convenient, with less stress and hassles, two highly recommended tour companies pick up right at the Sheridan House on their all-day tours – let them worry about where to go and park, lunch is included, and they literally bring the Grand Canyon to life. Above and Beyond Grand Canyon Tours are private and they offer a $100 discount to Sheridan House guests – being private, each tour is curated for the desires of their guests. Canyon Dave Tours highlights so much of the amazing geology aspects of the park. There are other tours as well, which are highlighted in material guests receive after booking at the Sheridan House Inn.
Sheridan House Secret Spot
There are plenty of ways to keep away from crowds, even at this busiest of national parks. Guests who have stayed at the Sheridan House love getting information about their “secret spot” (the photo above shows visitors at this very special point) when they check in. It’s amazingly private, romantic and out of the way, perfect for one of our picnics.
Plan your special moment at the Grand Canyon
We have had many guests get married, renew their vows, honor the passing of a loved one, or take time for reflection. Make your memories at this grandest of places to be.
Don’t Wait to See This Amazing Wonder
Every viewpoint, every time of year, and every turn in the road makes the Grand Canyon worth a visit, or worth going back over and over. While staying at the park means you are right there, but it is rather isolating. Spending time there and then returning to the Sheridan House luxury bed and breakfast, for adults, takes you a world away from the touristy spots to stay and have a meal. Coming back to a beautiful room, the cool mountain air, and maybe a gourmet intimate dinner by the fire pit after a day at the canyon prepares you for a wonderful night’s sleep in luxurious beds followed by a breakfast to fill you for the next day’s adventures at the Grand Canyon or somewhere else in this most unique place in America, Northern Arizona. Don’t wait for tomorrow isn’t promised.