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Hi all thanks everyone I've been debating what to do, i want to do the south rim, is it worth then driving to stay at west rim and then shorter trip back to las vegas? it seems sunset at the Grand Canyon could be lovely so i'd appreciate any information available

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It sounds like you're planning an exciting trip to the Grand Canyon! Both the South Rim and the West Rim offer unique experiences, and it’s great that you're thinking about how to make the most of your visit. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide whether it's worth staying at the West Rim after visiting the South Rim, and some information about the sunset and driving logistics.

South Rim vs. West Rim:

The South Rim is typically the most visited part of the Grand Canyon, and it offers stunning panoramic views, a variety of hiking trails, and the best overall experience of the canyon. It’s also home to more historic landmarks, like the Grand Canyon Village, and it tends to have more amenities and services. The South Rim is also open year-round and provides a more classic Grand Canyon experience.

The West Rim, on the other hand, is a bit different. It's known for the Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends over the canyon, offering dramatic views (but also requires an additional fee). While the West Rim is a shorter drive from Las Vegas (about 2.5-3 hours), it is less developed than the South Rim, and the views aren't quite as expansive or as iconic. The West Rim is located on land that’s part of the Hualapai Reservation, and access is controlled by the Hualapai Tribe, so there are fewer public services compared to the South Rim.

Driving Logistics and Sunset Considerations:

If you're planning to visit both rims, driving to the West Rim after the South Rim could be a long but rewarding journey. The drive between the South Rim and the West Rim takes about 4.5-5 hours one way, depending on traffic and road conditions, so it's important to plan for a long day. That said, the West Rim offers a shorter trip back to Las Vegas (around 2.5-3 hours), so it could save you some time on your return journey. If you want to experience sunset at the Grand Canyon, here are a few things to consider:

South Rim Sunset: The South Rim is renowned for its stunning sunsets, with the colors of the canyon changing dramatically as the sun dips below the horizon. Popular spots to watch the sunset include Hopi Point, Yaki Point, and Mathers Point. If you’re staying at the South Rim, you can easily catch this beautiful view, as the viewpoints are well-developed and accessible by car or shuttle.
West Rim Sunset: While the West Rim has great views, the sunset experience here is different. You’ll have a unique perspective of the canyon, but it’s not as widely recognized for its sunsets as the South Rim. Also, keep in mind that many of the services at the West Rim close relatively early, and there are fewer dedicated viewpoints for sunset photography. If you're staying overnight at the West Rim, it can still be a nice place to relax, but it’s not as iconic as the South Rim for sunsets.
Time Consideration: If you want to catch the sunset at the Grand Canyon and also visit both rims, it might be a challenge to do both in one day. You’ll need to factor in the driving time, and the West Rim is not as close to the South Rim as you might hope for an easy transition. If your main goal is to experience the sunset at the Grand Canyon, I would recommend prioritizing the South Rim and staying there for the night to make the most of the experience.

Suggestions:

If you’re primarily interested in the Grand Canyon experience and the sunset, I would suggest focusing on the South Rim, as it offers the most iconic views and is perfect for a sunset viewing. You can easily find lodging options near the South Rim, and it’s also a great place for hiking or just enjoying the views.
If you’re set on seeing both rims, you could consider staying the night at the South Rim, then driving to the West Rim the following morning. This way, you’ll have time to see the Skywalk and explore, without feeling rushed for the sunset.
If you want to save time and are okay with less iconic views, staying at the West Rim after visiting the South Rim might be a good option, especially since it’s closer to Las Vegas for a shorter return trip.

In summary, while both rims offer unique experiences, the South Rim is the more classic choice for iconic views and sunsets. However, if you're looking for a quicker return to Las Vegas and don’t mind a less expansive experience, staying at the West Rim could be a good option. Either way, you’ll have a memorable experience at the Grand Canyon!

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