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stunning view awaits at Moran Point, named for Thomas Moran, a landscape painter whose work aided in designating the Grand Canyon as a national monument in 1908. Further along the road is Tusayan Ruins & Museum, where you can walk around the remains of an excavated Puebloan village dating to 1185. Finally, at the end of the road lies the Watchtower, another Mary Colter masterpiece, inspired by ancient Puebloan watchtowers. The terrace provides panoramic views of canyon and river, and climbing the circular staircase inside takes you past Hopi murals and leads to the 360-degree views on the top floor. High-tail it back to the village and wave goodbye to the South Rim characters on the late-afternoon train back to Williams.

Wendy Yanagihara

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

The South Rim lies 70 miles north of Williams, which in turn is located 35 miles west of Flagstaff.

Do

Grand Canyon Railway

Ride the rails and forgo the hassle of traffic and parking on the South Rim. 800-843-8724; www.grandcanyonrailway.com; 233 N Grand Canyon Blvd, Williams; adult/child from $75/40; departures from Williams vary seasonally 8:30-10am;

Kolb Studio

The Kolb brothers’ former home and studio now houses a small museum and bookstore. 928-638-2771; Grand Canyon Village; admission free; 8am-7pm;

Tusayan Ruins & Museum

The tiny museum features ancient Puebloan split-twig animals found intriguingly in canyon crevices. 928-638-7888; 22 miles west of Grand Canyon Village, Desert View Dr; admission free; 9am-5pm;

Verkamp’s Curios

Designed by architect Charles Whittlesey, this souvenir shop has been around as long as the Grand Canyon has been a destination. 928-638-2242, 888-817-0806; www.verkamps.com; Grand Canyon Village; 9am-6:30pm

EAT & DRINK

Arizona Room

Since it doesn’t take reservations, chat up your fellow waitlisters over a cocktail just outside. 928-638-2631; Grand Canyon Village; lunch $8-13, dinner $16-27; 11am-3pm Mar-Oct, 4:30-10pm Nov-Dec;

Grand Canyon Brewery

Typical pub fare accompanies the Williams brews. 928-635-2168; www.grandcanyonbrewingco.com; 233 W Rte 66, Williams; pints $4.50, pitchers $15; 3pm-midnight Mon-Thu, 11am-midnight Fri-Sun;

Red Raven Restaurant

Fresh, creative and sophisticated cuisine in a casual and unpretentious atmosphere. 928-635-4980; www.redravenrestaurant.com; 135 W Rte 66, Williams; lunch $6-10, dinner $10-22; 11am-2pm & 5-9pm Tue-Sun;

SLEEP

Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins

The cabins are most coveted, but lodge rooms (with shared shower) are cozy and immaculate. 928-638-2631; www.grandcanyonlodges.com; Grand Canyon Village; r $79-90, cabins $111-159, ste $138-333;

El Tovar

By far, the most upscale hotel on the South Rim, with loads of character. 928-638-2631; www.grandcanyonlodges.com; Grand Canyon Village; r $174-268, ste $321-426;

Grand Canyon Hotel

Reasonably priced and centrally located on Route 66, this historic building has unique rooms and friendly vibes. 928-635-1419; www.thegrandcanyonhotel.com; 145 W Rte 66, Williams; dm $20, r $60-110;

The Red Garter B&B

With only four rooms and the most delectable pastries in town, it’s best to book ahead. 928-635-1484; www.redgarter.com; 137 Railroad Ave, Williams; r $120-145

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.grandcanyon.org

www.grandcanyonhistory.org

LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner

TRIP

5 Rim-to-Rim Canyon Hike

10 Southwest by Train

30 South Rim Art

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South Rim Art

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WHY GO Artists have long been seduced by the natural majesty of the Grand Canyon, and they’ve left their mark. Now it’s your turn to photograph or paint the South Rim, explore the rim’s history and shop for Native American art and jewelry along the way.

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TIME

1 – 3 days

DISTANCE

90 miles

BEST TIME TO GO

Year-round

START

Canyon Village, AZ

END

Tuba City, AZ

ALSO GOOD FOR

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Two of the most visible artists on the South Rim were – and are – the Kolb brothers, Emery (1881–1976) and