Grand Canyon Scenic Drives from North Rim to South Rim

Grand Canyon Scenic Drives

Taking one of Grand Canyon’s many scenic drives is the best way to cover the most ground and see as many Grand Canyon vistas as possible, especially if you’re short on time. Scenic Drives in Grand Canyon National Park offer something for everyone including an incredible variety of Grand Canyon viewpoints, picnic areas and famous points of interest along the way. They are also the same dramatic roads visitors use to get to trailheads, rafting trips and other amazing Grand Canyon destinations and activities. While some drives are on paved two lane highways, others follow dirt 4x4 roads better suited for jeeps and high clearance vehicles. Whatever road you decide to travel at Grand Canyon National Park, one thing is for sure...you won't be disappointed. Read the guide below to find out about the best scenic drives, or check out our Grand Canyon scenic drives map.

Grand Canyon Guru is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks.

Grand Canyon South Rim Scenic Drives

Desert View Drive

Guru Rating

Trip Season

Desert View Drive (also known are HWY 64E) spans the 25 miles between Grand Canyon Village and the Desert View/East entrance station. There are six developed canyon viewpoints, but an additional five unmarked pullouts that offer even more views.

Forest Service Rd 328

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This well-graded dirt road connects to either Rowe Well Road to enter Grand Canyon Village or you can head west towards the Havasupai Indian Reservation and the Pasture Wash/South Bass Trailhead area of Grand Canyon National Park.

Hermit Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This scenic drive starts in historic Grand Canyon Village and takes you to the western end of the South Rim at Hermits Rest. It closely parallels the canyon’s South Rim for seven miles and you can see incredible canyon views along the way, even from inside your car or the park’s free shuttle buses.

Rowe Well Road

Guru Rating

Trip Season

This road starts behind the Maswik Lodge and then takes you out of the park and into the Kaibab National Forest.

Yaki Point Road

Guru Rating

Guru Rating

Trip Season

While this scenic drive is not for the casual visitor or the faint of heart, it is one of the best adventures that Grand Canyon has to offer, leading you to an isolated and breathtaking 3,000 ft drop-off view of the Colorado River.

Recommended Grand Canyon Attractions

Grand Canyon Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff

Duration: 11 hours
Rating: 5 out of 5
from $185 on Viator

Book Now

Grand Canyon East Rim Jeep Ride and IMAX

Duration: 3 hours
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
from $128 on Viator

Book Now

Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Flight

45-minute South Rim Helicopter Flight

Duration: 45 minutes
Rating: 5 out of 5
from $279 on Viator

Book Now

Grand Canyon Railway Train Tickets

Duration: 8 hours
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
from $124 on Viator

Book Now

Ask the Guru

FREE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

Get Grand Canyon ready

Small Group Adventures

Have the Grand Canyon Guru find the perfect small group tour for your Grand Canyon adventure.

Self-Drive Tour Design

Work with our Professional Trip Designers to create a custom Self-Drive Grand Canyon vacation.

DIY Adventure Planning

Grand Canyon Guru’s self-guided itineraries will help you plan the ultimate DIY road trip.

Custom Private Tour Design

Have our Destination Experts design a hand-crafted private tour for a fully guided Grand Canyon experience.

adventure awaits

Download our free guide to the best of the Grand Canyon

Get the guide

Grand Canyon Guide to Scenic Drives