You are staring at the Google Map, zooming to and fro that gargantuan red-orange con. My question is, which is the best grand canyon rim to visit, the South Rim vs. West Rim, is actually the most effective? It always appears to be a straightforward question, and as you dig deeper and deeper, you realize that there is no subject of the mind. Both sides of the tires have their attractions, peculiarities, and stunning Grand Canyon views. Even within these parameters, the best rim will look different to different people depending on their tastes and times, as well as their preference to use roller-coaster glass walkways.

Ok, let’s do this step-by-step so we can savor the journey without moving too quickly beyond a measured step.

Finding the Best Grand Canyon Rim to Visit

Genuinely, there really is no one answer to the question of which is the best grand canyon rim to visit  that attracts everyone’s opinions. For instance, the South Rim has precious scenic views and historic hotels all very close to some excellent vantage points, and vertical drop-offs and fun adrenalin levels such as Skywalk are part of the West Rim. The last is also easily accessed from Las Vegas.

Neither is superior in all aspects—it is just a matter of aligning the rim to your travel needs.

The South Rim: Classic, Iconic, and Unforgettable

Most of the images of endless layers of canyons dissolving into the horizon that seem to persist as the postcard images of the area were most likely taken at the South Rim. It is the crown jewel and a timeless masterpiece, and in the view of many travelers, the best Grand Canyon rim to visit. Another major plus of the South Rim Grand Canyon weather is the fact that summers can be warm but not scorching, and winter presents a magical snowfall, whereas spring or fall are great as well. Absolute perfection. Indeed, the majority of them believe that the weather conditions in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during these shoulder seasons are the best, but it is not during the best time to visit south rim grand canyon when crowds are huge.

The views and stays finish off. South Rim hotels in the Grand Canyon are available in different varieties, including rustic cabins and historic places such as the El Tovar Hotel, where Teddy Roosevelt actually lodged himself. And the views of the old Grand Canyon? Unreal. Mather Point, Desert View, and Yavapai each view seems to be the most splendid until the next one points out that it is. To a first-timer, it is no wonder many refer to the South Rim as the grand canyon best rim: it is accessible, iconic, and can give anyone an immediate wow feeling that they are indeed at the Grand Canyon.

The West Rim: Bold, Adventurous, and a Little Flashy

We can now change gears again. Say goodbye to all the historic lodges and imagine that you are on a glass-bottom bridge that stretches out 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. The West Rim. It is run by the Hualapai tribe as opposed to the National Park Service, which gives it a more wild, adventurous feel. To most adventure mongers, this is the best grand canyon rim to visit when they need adrenaline. The best time to visit west rim grand canyon is when west rim grand canyon weather is generally warmer, drier, and sunnier than in the South; there are no snowy ridges here; heat requires water to be highly valued. The ideal season to visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is either the spring or the fall, so that you will not get knocked down by the heat.

Stays at the West Rim Grand Canyon hotels are mostly in Peach Springs or even in Las Vegas, which is ideal for day-trippers staying on the Strip. Of course, there is the Skywalk. The view of the entire canyon underneath while walking on that glass bridge is not one I will forget—and not one I would like to repeat. The West Rim supposedly is less authentic, as it lacks the dozens of traditional South Rim views of the Grand Canyon; however, the address has its rewards: helicopter trips, raft excursions, and even ziplining. This is probably the Grand Canyon’s best rim in case of a desire to act and get immediate access.

A Few Personal Tips

• Do not underrate the drive times. This canyon is enormous. The South Rim and West Rim are many hours apart, so unless you are a road-tripper extraordinaire, choose one per visit.
• The South Rim Grand Canyon hotels also require early booking. They go quickly, more quickly than you would imagine, especially during summer.
• At West Rim, bring a hat and sunscreen. There is little shade around, and that desert sun can make itself felt.
• Take your time. Rushing the Grand Canyon viewpoints would be similar to skipping to not listen to your favorite song—you would miss all the good stuff.

Final Thoughts

So, what is better, the South Rim or the West Rim? To be honest, both do. It is the South Rim that is the life and blood of the canyon, the one that makes you utter something like, “This has to be real?” The West Rim is the outlandish brother, as it challenges you to leap off glass and take the plunge (figuratively, of course).

Personally, I would recommend the South Rim to be the best Grand Canyon rim to visit for most travelers, especially when they go to the place for the first time. However, when you come to Vegas and have limited time on your agenda and really want to get a rush of adrenaline, the West Rim could be the ideal solution to your personal scenario.

It is a win-win situation. And because the Grand Canyon (depending on which rim) is an extremely rare place that can make you feel simultaneously insignificant and remarkably fortunate. And that is what travel is all about, right?

And, in case you are finally willing to make this choice come true, you can check tours on Viator; there are such options as relaxation walks around the South Rim and even helicopters over the West Rim. Sometimes, the best rim that you could visit in the Grand Canyon is just the one that you can follow right now.

For more ideas on city tours, cultural highlights, and foodie adventures, visit 2minuteread.