Papillon Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tours

Papillon South Rim helicopter tours depart from a private terminal just outside the park itself, built with guest experience in mind. Easily able to accommodate 1,000 passengers a day, this facility features an expansive glass staging area -where visitors have a 180-degree view of the arriving and departing aircraft.

The South Rim Terminal is located just 3 miles outside the Grand Canyon National Park and serves as a launch point for our North Canyon Tour, Imperial Air Tour, South Rim Airplane Tour and Canyon Smooth Water Bus Trip. When it comes to exploring the Grand Canyon South Rim, there's no better place to start your adventure.

The Grand Canyon South Rim

Located in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon South Rim is one of the canyon's most popular destinations. Located in the Kaibab National Forest, this area offers a different experience with every season. Wildflowers bloom along the Kaibab Plateau in the spring, aspen leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, and canyon walls become lightly powdered in snow in the winter. Unlike other rims, the South Rim is open year round, so there is never a bad time to visit.

The South Rim is the most developed out of the rim areas, which means there are more services available here than most parts of the canyon. It also means the area can be prone to crowds. Peak season for the South Rim is in the summer, May through September. While the summer offers some of the best weather for the area, other seasons bring less of a crowd and offer a more private experience. No matter what season you plan to visit, you'll want to make sure you plan your trip well in advance. For more information check out our Grand Canyon National Park Guide.

Must-See Highlights of the South Rim Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers an array of breathtaking sights and highlights to explore. One of the must-see spots is Yaki Point, which can be reached conveniently via the shuttle buses and provides stunning panoramic views of the canyon, making it a favorite among photography enthusiasts. Another highlight is the scenic Desert View Drive, which takes you to the East Entrance and offers various overlooks such as the historic Watchtower.

The Visitor Center serves as an excellent starting point, providing valuable information and exhibits that guide visitors to captivating hiking trails such as the renowned Bright Angel Trail and the scenic Rim Trail. Mather Point and Hermit Road are additional must-see areas that showcase the grandeur of the South Rim. Mather Point provides an excellent introduction to the stunning beauty of the South Rim and is a great spot to witness the ever-changing colors of the canyon, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the golden hues paint the landscape in a mesmerizing display. Hermit Road is a scenic route that offers several designated viewpoints along its stretch. This road is closed to private vehicles during the peak tourist season, making it a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Visitors can hop on one of the shuttle buses and explore the different overlooks, each providing a unique perspective of the canyon. If you plan to visit the South Rim, please note that the National Park Service manages this section of the Grand Canyon and charges entrance fees to ensure the preservation and maintenance of this natural wonder.