If you are entering the park at the South Entrance, from the direction of Williams, the best thing to do is head directly to the visitor center. A few displays show a brief overview of the park and a little about the history. The park staff are on hand to answer questions and provide information on hiking trails and attractions.

From the visitor center, a short path leads to Mather Point Overlook, where there are a couple of large viewing areas on a peninsula jutting out into the canyon, with great vistas over the canyon.

The Rim Trail is a mostly paved walking path that follows the rim of the Grand Canyon for 13 miles. It runs from South Kaibab Trailhead, east of the Visitor Center, to Hermit's Rest, at the far west end of Hermit Road.

This nearly level path, with a mix of sun and shade from scattered trees, is one of the most scenic walks in North America, with fabulous views along the entire distance of the trail.

You can access it in front of the visitor center at Mather Point, in the Village, or from any of the scenic stops along Hermit Road. If you have limited time and are only interested in a short walk, a good option is the section from Mather Point, heading west to Yavapai Point and the Geology Museum.

One of the most interesting and informative exhibits in Grand Canyon National Park is the Geological Museum. The location for this museum was chosen by a group of high profile geologists in the 1920s because the views from here were the most representative of the geology of the canyon.

The museum describes in detail the layers of rock visible as you look out the long wall of windows. Huge diagrams describe the formation of the canyon, from the uplifting of the rocks to the erosive power of the water running through the canyon far below.

From the windows, you can see the hiking trails below, including a great view of the route out to Plateau Point, an offshoot of the Bright Angel Trail, and a side path leading down to the Colorado River.

Hermit Road is a seven-mile scenic drive along the canyon rim, with numerous viewpoints. This is the most popular route in the park.

If you are visiting between the beginning of December and the end of February, you can do this drive in your own vehicle. From March 1 to November 30 you must use the park shuttle buses, which operate every 10 to 15 minutes and stop at nine overlooks.

All the overlooks along this route offer incredible vantage points over the canyon. Although it may be the source of some debate, some of the best views can be had from Maricopa Point, Hopi Point, The Abyss, and Pima Point. If you are short on time, you may want to skip the last stop, Hermit's Rest.