Quick answer
- Choose the West Rim for a shorter day (10–12 hours), the Skywalk or a helicopter landing below the rim.
- Choose the South Rim for the classic national-park panoramas, if you can handle a 14–15 hour day.
- Price: West Rim coach tours from about $99, South Rim tours from about $139.
Side-by-side comparison
| West Rim | South Rim | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Las Vegas | About 125 mi (200 km) | About 280 mi (450 km) |
| Drive each way | 2–2.5 hrs | About 4.5 hrs |
| Coach day tour length | 10–12 hrs | 14–15 hrs |
| Managed by | Hualapai Tribe | National Park Service |
| Park passes accepted | No | Yes |
| Skywalk glass bridge | Yes | No |
| Helicopter landing below the rim | Yes | No |
| Elevation | About 4,800 ft (1,460 m) | About 7,000 ft (2,130 m) |
| Tours from | $99 | $139 |
Why most day trips go to the West Rim
The West Rim is less than half the distance from Las Vegas. That means more time at the canyon and less time on the road, plus experiences you can only have there: the Skywalk and helicopter landings beside the Colorado River.
When the South Rim is worth the extra hours
The South Rim is Grand Canyon National Park, with the famous wide panoramas at Mather Point and Yavapai Point. If those views are the reason for your trip, or you can stay a night near the park, the longer journey is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Which rim is better for a day trip from Las Vegas?
For most people the West Rim, because it is about 125 miles away compared with about 280 miles for the South Rim.
Can I see both rims in one day?
Not realistically. They are about 4 hours apart by road.
