Congratulations on your decision to visit THE Grand Canyon South Rim. Following are tips that should help you prepare to make this one of the best adventures ever.
If you are driving, remember to keep on the lookout for animals in the road, substantially before you arrive at the gates of the Grand Canyon.
Always have plenty of water with you, preferably reuseable/refillable containers.
Lodging
Book as far in advance as possible. Recommended site is: Grand Canyon Lodges (or call:888-29PARKS 297-2757 or 303-29PARKS 297-2757.) Book for as many days as you can, it is easier to cancel or shorten your visit than it is to try to get an extra day once you arrive. *Note: I currrently work with Xanterra in the Yavapai Lodge. Living and working in a national park was on my bucket list. THE Grand Canyon is a paradise in its own right.
Cellular Service
If cellular service is important to you--bring Verizon. You may be in a contract--but again, if cellular service is important you can buy an inexpensive phone for prepay service. Some sales people may tell you that prepaid won't work in the canyon, it does in fact work in Grand Canyon Village and on some nearby trails.
Otherwise, you can make local and 800# calls from your room or the lobby. If you need long distance, the solution is to buy a calling card. You may want to bring one with you, although you can buy one from the General store.
Weather--Sunrise
This is Monsoon season. It gets hot; it also gets chilly in the early morning. However, most guests are very pleased with the temperature after visiting Las Vegas and surrounding areas.You can expect short thunderstorms as well as luxurious blue skies. You may be granted with a heavenly sunrise and sunset; you may get a day when the glory is obscurred. Whatever the case, if you try and catch sunrise--the beautiful palettes of colors start rolling in about 30 minutes before actual sunrise. Please dress for a chilly morning (Think mid spring or mid fall. Some people bring their favorite blanket and a thermos of coffee). 
Animals
Please pay attention to the signs and do not attempt to feed or pet the animals which roam freely wherever they please. Personally, I prefer not to turn my back on the grown elk if I know they are there. However, if they are not communicating in their squeaky language, you may not know they are there.
Just as vacations to the Mississippi Coast can be negatively impacted by a child/toddler getting jelly fish stings, the same with squirrel bites in the Grand Canyon. Yes, they REALLY bite fingers. Top that off--fines by the Park Service bite as well.
More later. Thank you for visiting.
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