Theodore Roosevelt: ‘Leave it as it is. The ages have been at work on it and man can only mar it.’”
$14.99
Grand Canyon Self Guided Driving Tour
Tour Introduction
One mile deep. Two billion years old. And somehow…
even bigger than you imagined.
Welcome to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim—home to some of the most iconic views on Earth.
On this immersive Grand Canyon self guided tour, you’ll drive Desert View Drive, a 25-mile scenic route packed with overlooks, hidden viewpoints, and stories that bring the canyon to life.
But this isn’t just another Grand Canyon South Rim tour.
This is where geology, history, and human stories collide.
Along the way, you’ll discover:
The photographers who ran down into the canyon… just to sell pictures
The architect who designed buildings that look like they grew from the rock
The explorers who risked everything to navigate the Colorado River
Ancient ruins from people who lived here 800 years ago
Overlooks where the canyon drops a vertical mile beneath your feet
And the best part?
You control the pace.
Drive it straight through in under an hour…
or spend the day stopping at every overlook, trail, and viewpoint.
Because the real magic of the canyon happens when you slow down.
Tour Highlights / What You'll See
What You’ll Experience
This cinematic Grand Canyon South Rim self guided driving tour takes you from the historic village to the far eastern edge of the park.
📍 Grand Canyon Village (Start Point)
Begin at Verkamp’s Visitor Center—once a tent selling souvenirs to early travelers in 1898
🏨 El Tovar Hotel & Hopi House
Step into early tourism and Mary Colter’s iconic architectural vision.
🪨 Bright Angel Lodge & Kolb Studio
Discover the story of the Kolb Brothers—photographers who raced down the canyon daily.
🌍 Yavapai Point & Trail of Time
Walk through millions of years of geology—literally one step at a time.
📸 Mather Point
The most famous viewpoint on the South Rim—and your first “wow” moment.
🚗 Desert View Drive Begins
A scenic stretch of road following the rim east with nonstop overlooks.
🌄 Pipe Creek Vista
Your first quiet pull-off with a massive canyon view.
🥾 South Kaibab Trail / Yaki Point
One of the best viewpoints and access points into the canyon.
🌲 Shoshone Point (Hidden Gem)
A peaceful, uncrowded overlook just a short walk from the road.
🦆 Duck on a Rock
A perfectly balanced rock formation shaped over millions of years.
🌅 Grandview Point
Once the main destination before the railroad arrived—still one of the best views.
🧺 Buggeln Picnic Area
A quiet stop with shade and space to relax.
🎨 Moran Point
Named after the artist whose painting helped protect the canyon.
🏺 Tusayan Ruin & Museum
Walk through an 800-year-old Ancestral Puebloan village.
🌊 Lipan Point
One of the best places to see the Colorado River winding below.
⛰️ Navajo Point
The highest viewpoint on the South Rim.
🏰 Desert View Watchtower (Finale)
Mary Colter’s masterpiece—70 feet tall with panoramic views and Hopi murals.
Why This Tour is Different
There are plenty of Grand Canyon South Rim tours.
But this one turns your drive into a story.
You’ll experience:
GPS-triggered storytelling as you drive
Real human stories—not just geology
Flexibility to stop anywhere
Hidden spots most visitors miss
A cinematic, immersive experience
This isn’t just a self guided Grand Canyon tour.
It’s the canyon… explained.
Price:
$14.99
Tour Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is this Grand Canyon self guided tour?
A GPS-based Grand Canyon South Rim self guided driving tour along Desert View Drive.
How long does it take?
Non-stop: ~45 minutes
With stops: 3–5 hours (recommended)
Where does the tour start?
Verkamp’s Visitor Center in Grand Canyon Village.
Do I need internet access?
No. The tour works offline once downloaded.
Is this one of the best Grand Canyon South Rim tours?
Yes—it combines storytelling, flexibility, and iconic viewpoints.