Things to do in South Rim
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Kolb Studio
Photographers Ellsworth and Emery Kolb arrived at the Grand Canyon from Pennsylvania in 1902 and made a living photographing parties going down the Bright Angel Trail. Because there was not enough water on the rim to process the film, they had to run 4.5 miles down the trail to a spring at Indian Garden, develop the film and race back up in order to have the pictures ready when the party returned. Eventually, they built a small studio on the edge of the rim, which has since been expanded and now holds a small bookstore and an art gallery with changing exhibits.
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Watchtower
Scramble to the top of Colter’s stone tower at Desert View and pat yourself on the back for having reached the highest spot on the rim (7522ft). Unparalleled views take in not only the canyon and the Colorado River but also the San Francisco Peaks, the Navajo Reservation and the Painted Desert. The Hopi Room has festive murals depicting the snake legend, a Hopi wedding and other scenes.
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Tusayan Ruins & Museum
Near the East Entrance, 22 miles east of the Village, you’ll come across what’s left of the nearly 900-year-old Ancestral Puebloan settlement of Tusayan. Only partially excavated to minimize erosion damage, it’s less impressive than other such ruins in the Southwest. A small museum displays pottery, jewelry and 4000-year-old twig animal figurines.
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El Tovar Dining Room
Set a stone's throw away from the canyon's edge, it has the best views of any restaurant of the state, if not the country. If you don't get a table with a view - you can request it in advance but it won't be guaranteed - the grand stone and dark oak dining room warms the soul like an upscale lodge of yore, and the food, especially the steaks, makes the trip worthwhile.
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Arizona Room
Striking a wonderful balance between casual and upscale, this restaurant is a solid option. Antler chandeliers hang from the ceiling and picture windows overlook the canyon. Mains include steak, chicken and fish dishes. No reservations; there's often a wait.
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Bright Angel Restaurant
Families love this busy, down-home coffee shop for its casual vibe and kid-friendly menu. However, with no canyon views and only perfunctory service, it’s the least appealing of the rim’s three table-service restaurants.
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Desert View Trading Post Snack Bar
Snack bar by the East Entrance serves breakfast, burgers and other predictable basic fare.
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Deli at Marketplace
Fresh sandwiches and picnic goodies to go, plus pizza and fried chicken.
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