Here is my experience at the GC. 1 trip to the South Rim for 4 days in September, very cool to cold evenings, nice days, great views, and nice ranger programs. That part of Arizona is tilted to the south-this is important because water falling on the south rim drains to the south with very little draining into the GC. So the South walls of the Canyon are steeper and less eroded than the north rim. In general the river is about 2 miles from the south rim and about 7 miles from the north rim. Different views for photography from both sides. For the North rim, we have visited 2 times--again both in September, much cooler, less crowds, but great viewing points that you can drive to. We have also floated 188 miles--6 days--thru the Grand Canyon. Still more great views but this time looking up. So, plan on more than 1 trip! Summary--1st trip go to the South Rim, 2nd trip go to North Rim, 3rd trip--FLOAT the Colorado River!