West - Short visit to Grand Canyon South -what should we do?

Looking for some suggestions and even a guideline.

We are driving to the Grand Canyon(coming in from Havasu), arriving late afternoon and camping (Mather Campground) before setting off the next day around lunch time for Las Vegas. Sadly this is all the time we have here, an hour of two of sunset in the evening and barely the first half of the following day. Wondering what we should we do? is there a recommended fairly short hike we could do to see a bit more of the canyon, we are young and dont mind covering as much as we can into what little time we have here. We want good photo oppourtunites, as many as we can get.

Thanks

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/grandcanyonnationalpark/

Thanks, appreciate this is a bit of a niche question. Really wish we had more time to be, every hike seems to take the best part of a ay and it seems as if we really are going at the warmest time of year. Our camp ground (Mather) looks pretty central beside the grand canyon village which is a plus.

Take the bus to Hermits Rest, the stops along that route are some of the best views. If you have any time after that either go to the visitor center which is right near an impressive look out, or hike as far as you have time for down the Bright Angel Trail (to judge time allow twice as much time to come up as you take going down, so go down until you've used up 1/3rd of your time then head back up). If you do hike be prepared (good boots, hat, water, sunscreen, snacks, it takes a lot of energy and will be hot). Even getting a half hour down the trail though will give a slightly different perspective.

Thanks, good advice. Sad we have so little time here, will be sure to get up early for sunrise. We are young guys so hopefully can cover a good bit of distance in a short amount of time.

Only if you are an avid hiker and good shape, would recommend the south Kaibab trail to ooh-ah point or 1 1/2 mile rest. To 1 1/2 miles it takes me 3 hours roundtrip. The parks service says you have to take shuttle but you can park across entrance where it says buses only and walk 10 minutes to trailhead.

Also recommend grandview trail which is very, very steep, but even if you hike in for 20 minutes views are phenomenal.

Would NOT recommend Bright Angel unless you have more time as views get better towards the end (it is enclosed in a canyon) whereas the two trails above have more open scenery.

If don't want to hike then take bus.

Only if you are an avid hiker and good shape, would recommend the south Kaibab trail to ooh-ah point or 1 1/2 mile rest. To 1 1/2 miles it takes me 3 hours roundtrip. The parks service says you have to take shuttle but you can park across entrance where it says buses only and walk 10 minutes to trailhead.

Also recommend grandview trail which is very, very steep, but even if you hike in for 20 minutes views are phenomenal.

Would NOT recommend Bright Angel unless you have more time as views get better towards the end (it is enclosed in a canyon) whereas the two trails above have more open scenery.

If don't want to hike then take bus.

Thanks...

We are young guys so the hike should not be a concern, maybe the heat though. Plan on rising early, and as I have said, sadly we have to head off about lunch time to Las Vegas-Via Hoover Dam (How long will this take??).

Maybe we should do some of Kaibab and Bright Angel. Good advice about doubling the the time it takes to get down to get back up.

So where exactly can we/should we park. Coming from mather campground in the village and if it will save time not returning then we could take the car, otherwise maybe we should take the shuttle and return to the campsite before our departure??

You won't have time to do both. The views are better on South Kaibob but it takes longer to get to the trail head. Bright Angel trail head is closer. Grand View is out of the way. While Bright Angel is in a side canyon it still has some interesting views in that canyon, but not the expansive view of the whole canyon that Kaibob has. I agree Kaibob is a better hike but I don't think as good for limited time (plus hotter and more difficult for a first time Canyon Hiker). Three hours round trip to Ohh Ahh is pretty quick. I would do the bus the evening before to Hermit, and hike early next morning. You will be a little hot and sweaty though after the hike so may wish to reverse that if you don't have time for clean up after the hike but then bring a light in case you don't make it up by dark (and the sunsets won't be as nice from inside the side canyon). The Bright Angel trail is right near the lodge, a long walk or short bus ride from the camp. Probably not worth moving the car from camp. Longer ride to Kaibob trail head, maybe 15-20 minutes but that is 40 minutes round trip when you only have a few hours.