south rim tours

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Last updated: June 12, 2023

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PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

928-638-7888

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Best Grand Canyon South Rim Day Tours »

Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon South Rim is the most popular rim at Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim offers the National Park experience with convenient visitor services like a hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus service, concierge and food services, and a wide range of hotel options within minutes of the park entrance gate. Grand Canyon South Rim is open year-round and hosts free Ranger Talks, museums, shops, geological and historical information, as well as the Grand Canyon IMAX Experience, Grand Canyon Railway, and much more.

Grand Canyon South Rim at a Glance

• Affliliation: US National Park Service (National Park Passes accepted)
• Open: Year-Round 24/7
• Mailing Address: PO Box 129 Grand Canyon , AZ 86023
• Directions to Grand Canyon South Rim »
• Telephone: (928) 638-7888
• Best Places to Stay: Grand Canyon Village & Tusayan , Williams , Flagstaff , Sedona
• Grand Canyon Visitors Center
• Bright Angel Trail
• South Kaibab Trail
• Hop-on-hop-off Shuttle
• Grand Canyon Trail of Time
• Desert View Watch Tower
• Lookout Studio
• Mather Point, Yaki Point, Grand View Point, Yavapai Point, Moran Point, Lippan Point

Grand Canyon Railway

• Grand Canyon Imax Theater
• Ground & Helicopter Tours

For most South Rim visitors, one day is enough to take pictures, walk around the rim and even take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour or vehicle tour. But if you're planning on exploring the Grand Canyon a little more in-depth, staying in or near the park is a great idea. This will allow you to take longer hikes, experience the truly epic sunrises and sunsets at the Canyon, and experience more about what makes the Grand Canyon a Natural Wonder of the World.

Driving Distances to Grand Canyon South Rim

• Tusayan - 1.8 miles (4m)
• Phoenix - 230 miles (3h 30m)
• Flagstaff - 79 miles (1h 30m)
• Las Vegas - 280 miles (4h 15m)
• Zion National Park - 336 miles (5h 50m)
• Monument Valley - 170 miles (3h 30m)
• Moab - 320 miles (6h 00m)

Airports Closest to the South Rim

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Flagstaff Pullium Airport (FLG) (Direct flights from PHX & DFW on American Airlines) ( Pro Tip: If you fly from Phoenix to Flagstaff on a connecting flight, get excited. Choose a window seat on the left side (west side) of the plane flying to Flagstaff, or the right side (east side) of the plane flying from Flagstaff. You'll get a stellar view of Sedona that's tour-worthy in its own right.)

Though if you get stuck on the other side of the plane, the view of Flagstaff isn't bad either...

Monthly Average Temperature Grand Canyon South Rim

Monthly average temperature inner grand canyon (below the rim)*.

*Note: Warmer temperatures have been trending in recent years and may indicate that actual temperatures in the future may be warmer than the above averages. Please take extreme caution when hiking down into Grand Canyon during warm months. 2021 set a record number of deaths and rescues due to heat exhaustion.

Grand Canyon Village - It doesn't get any closer than staying at Grand Canyon National Park itself. This will allow you to get the most of every minute of your timer here. Enjoy those once-in-a-lifetime sunrises and sunsets that are worth catching every second of.

Tusayan - Located just outside of Grand Canyon South Rim's entrance gate. Tusayan has several familiar hotel brands as well as boutique lodging. There are grocery stores and dozens of dining options to fit everyone's needs

Williams - Located about 55 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and is a charming town located on Historic Route 66. Williams is where the Grand Canyon Railway departs and is home to Bearizona, a drive-thru wildlife park. Williams has several hotel, dining and entertainment options. This is the best place to stay nearest to Grand Canyon South Rim if you're taking younger kids on this trip.

Flagstaff - Located about 79 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and is a great place find a hotel you're looking to explore more of the Southwest. Flagstaff is a vibrant, college, mountain town chock-full of outdoor enthusiasts and local breweries. Depending on the time of year, visitors can also go skiing and sledding in Flagstaff, or go for a scenic hike up Mt. Humphreys or any one of the innumerable hikes in this part of Arizona. Flagstaff hotels make a great basecamp for anyone wanting to spend a few days exploring.

Sedona - Known for its beautiful red rocks and rare energy. Located about 110 miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, visitors will encounter nothing short of a stunning experience. Sedona offers luxury resort spas , cozy bed and breakfasts and cabins along the creek. If you're more of a luxury traveler, a Sedona hotel or resort might be the way to go when visiting Grand Canyon South Rim.

The South Rim is most accessible and therefore the most popular destination at Grand Canyon, attracting 5 million visitors each year. The South Rim is where you'll find visitor's centers, historical buildings, and over two dozen viewpoints and trailheads. Because of its popularity, visitors should expect crowds particularly in the busiest seasons - spring, summer and fall.

Tours at Grand Canyon South Rim

A guided tour of some sort is an excellent way to experience the Grand Canyon's South Rim and is highly recommended. Helicopter tours and air tours on a plane over the Grand Canyon are both a great way to see the Grand Canyon as well as get away from the crowds. Another way of seeing the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is to book a van, Jeep, bus or railway tour to ride up to Grand Canyon Village and have several hours to do the aforementioned activities at the rim, then take a ride back to the tour's origin in the late afternoon.

Many of the South Rim visitors get to the park, look over the edge of the Grand Canyon, take a few pictures and call it a day. It's quite the trek to make just to look at a big hole in the ground! But that's just it! The Grand Canyon is a Natural Wonder of the World for so many reasons. Experience and learn more about the Grand Canyon from a guided tour that fits your travel, interest, and learning style. From self-guided audio walking tours in multiple languages to air, auto, and rail tours, tours at the Grand Canyon South Rim offers visitors the opportunity to engage with something truly majestic and unique.

GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOURS & PLACES TO STAY

Papillon Helicopters

What guests like about this place ».

Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly

Briar Patch Inn - Sedona

Briar Patch Inn is the #1 Ranked B&B in AZ since 2011 and has received Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence The Briar Patch Inn features 19 cabins situated on 9 lush acres in Oak Creek Canyon, just 3 miles north of Sedona. Each individual cabin is dressed in distinctly different southwestern decor. The lush grounds - home to wildlife, birds, and two resident sheep - showcase rambling walking paths, canyon oaks, giant pines, and sycamores, all providing the perfect setting to nurture your relationship with nature. Healthy, bountiful, homemade breakfasts are offered by the creek in spring and summer and by the lodge fireplaces in fall and winter. An attentive, longtime staff strives to provide a quality of fine service that is the hallmark of this "magical" sanctuary. A Fodor's Choice and a Frommer's favorite.

Sedona Lodging | Free Hot Breakfast | Family-Friendly | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Good for Nature Lovers | Retreat & Workshop Venue | Intimate Wedding Venue | Massage Therapy

Grand Canyon Airlines

Leaves from Lake Powell/Page | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Lake Powell/Page | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Optional Ground Tour | Optional River Tour | Optional Ground Tour

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Shuttle Services Provided | Hotel Pickup

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Family-Friendly | Hotel Pickup | Professionally Guided | All Fees Included

The Quail Cottage Clarkdale

Sedona Lodging | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | BBQ/Grill | Family-Friendly

Arizona Private Tours

Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Flagstaff | Multi-Attraction Tours

Sedona Real Inn & Suites

Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | Fireplace(s) | Free Hot Breakfast | Concierge | Pet-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Fitness Center

Canyon Dave Tours

Private Tours Available | Educational | Lunch Included | Family-Friendly | Family Business | Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Day Tours

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.

Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | All Fees Included | Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale

The Sol Cottage

Escape the city at Sol Cottage on Oak Creek. Hike, swim, fish or simply enjoy the tranquility of Oak Creek Canyon. Custom-built cottage brimming with natural light in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona. Enjoy stunning views and relax a few steps away from forest trails and Oak Creek. We invite you to wake to the sounds of the water while soaking up the sun on our beautiful balcony. Comfortably accommodates up to 4 people with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

Conveniently located in the North side of Sedona treat yourself to the beauty and serenity that Oak Creek Canyon has to offer. Unwind in our spacious living room and prepare a meal in a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy a night's rest in one of our two bedrooms and fall asleep to the sounds of the creek.

Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen

Family-Friendly | ADA Accessible | Things to Do in Williams

Wildland Trekking

Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Shuttle Services Provided | Gear Rental Available or Provided | Meals Included | Multi-Day Tours

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River!

Professionally Guided | Multi-Attraction Tours | Multi-Day Tours | Additional Tour Options Available | Private Tours Available | Lunch Included | Shuttle Services Provided

Pink Jeep Adventure Tours

Family-Friendly

Oak Creek Terrace Resort - Sedona

Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub

Canyon Villa B&B Inn Of Sedona

Sedona Lodging | Outdoor Pool | Romantic

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour

• Fully Guided Personal Tours
• Professionally Narrated Stories
• Tour Valid Forever
• Works Offline
• Tour At Your Own Pace
• Location Aware, Plays Automatically
• Don’t Miss Any Sightseeing Points
• No Groups. No Tips

Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Additional Tour Options Available

Maverick Helicopter Tours

Family-Friendly | Reserve Now Pay Later | Additional Tour Options Available | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Optional Ground Tour

Best Grand Canyon Day Tour

Private Tours Available | Shuttle Services Provided | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours | Additional Tour Options Available | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly

Custom Grand Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix

Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Family-Friendly | Hotel Pickup | All Fees Included | Professionally Guided

Sky Ranch Lodge - Sedona

Sedona Lodging | Whirlpool Tub | Fireplace(s) | Shuttle Services Provided | Pet-Friendly | Wedding Venue

Junipine Resort Sedona

Sedona Lodging | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Whirlpool Tub | Family-Friendly | On-site Restaurant | Fitness Center

Hilton Sedona At Bell Rock

Sedona Lodging | Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Whirlpool Tub | Outdoor Pool | On-site Restaurant | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Golf Course | Fitness Center | Wedding Venue

Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views

Make the most of limited time and see the highlights of Grand Canyon National Park in just a couple of hours on this sightseeing tour. Ride in a windowless, open-air Hummer and listen to commentary from your guide as you visit some of the canyon’s best lookout points, where you can hop out, take photos, and explore. Since this is a small-group tour, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, too.

• Visit multiple lookout points within Grand Canyon National Park
• Enjoy the undivided attention of a private driver/guide
• Ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time
• Choose from multiple departures to best suit your schedule

Grand Canyon National Park Bus Tour from Las Vegas

Explore the natural side of Arizona with a day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park South Rim on our luxury bus tour. Your professional bus driver is trained to provide you with interesting facts about the history, flora, and fauna on one of the great wonders of the modern world.

Once you arrive at the South Rim, enjoy stops along the rim such as Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge. Explore popular attractions in the Grand Canyon National Park such as El Tovar, Hopi House, Kolb Photo Studio, and the Bright Angel Trail and make memories of a lifetime!

Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Adventure from Scottsdale or Phoenix

Make the most of your time in Arizona with a full-day tour that visits both the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Depart early from Scottsdale or Phoenix to explore the south rim of the Grand Canyon, taking in two prime viewpoints and strolling along the rim, then eating lunch. Continue to Sedona where you check out the uptown district, and get photo ops at red rock sites.

• Includes lunch and entrance fees
• Hear insightful commentary from the guide
• Learn about Arizona’s history and natural features
• Hotel pickup and drop-off provided

Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Custom Options Available | Hotel Pickup | All Fees Included | Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Family-Friendly | Educational

Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas

• - Grand Canyon National Park, a must-see World Heritage site in the Southwest
• - Antelope Canyon, a renowned slot canyon whose colors and shapes have captivated photographers from around the world
• - Horseshoe Bend where you can overlook the winding Colorado River below.

On the way back to Las Vegas, we will have a short break in Seligman, a small town on Route 66. This is a nice little stopover where you can enjoy the old American atmosphere.

Leaves from Las Vegas | Family-Friendly | Multi-Attraction Tours

Adobe Grand Villas - Sedona

Sedona Lodging | Romantic | Free Hot Breakfast | Whirlpool Tub | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Pool

Signature Tour - Grand Canyon South Rim with Ground Tour from Phoenix

Marvel at the Grand Canyon's vast expanse and some of the American Southwest's most awe-inspiring terrain during a scenic flight from Phoenix. Your pilot flies at the perfect altitude to clearly view the natural beauty of Arizona, including Tonto National Forest, San Francisco Peaks, Montezuma Well, and the Red Rocks of Sedona. Experience this majestic wilderness from the ground and air on a day-long tour that includes a stop in the National Park and the historic village.

• Full-day tour of the Grand Canyon by airplane, from Phoenix
• Soak in spectacular aerial views of the Grand Canyon and other Arizona landmarks
• Fly over Tonto National Forest, the Red Rocks of Sedona and Montezuma's Well
• Learn about the wildlife, geology and history of the Grand Canyon and Arizona

Family-Friendly | Multi-Attraction Tours | Professionally Guided | Educational | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale

In the Spotlight

RELATED TRIP IDEAS

OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM

Best Grand Canyon Day Tours »

Grand Canyon South Rim

It may surprise you or thrill you to know that Grand Canyon National Park is not a theme park. While the South Rim's Grand Canyon Village does offer most of the goods and services that one might want or need, and is capable of aptly serving the 4 million visitors that come each year, you won't find a glittering boulevard of flashing signs, myriad restaurants, souvenir shops at the park's access. The South Rim truly preserves the National Park feel and caters to enabling guests to have the safest, most enjoyable experience. Grand Canyon is beyond anything humans could fabricate. The South Rim leaves all the awesomeness to Mother Nature. The village of Tusayan, right outside the south gate, is a modest small town with several quality hotels and motels, a smattering of restaurants and the Grand Canyon airport.

South Rim Hours

The South Rim is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Of course, there's not much of the Grand Canyon to see in the dark hours, but you don't want to miss the opportunity to stand on Mather or Yaki Point and see the sunrise over the East Rim, otherwise known as Desert View, nor do you want to leave before experiencing the sunset from Hopi, Yaki or Mather Points. There are evening park ranger programs and dark-sky star-gazing you won't want to miss. During the daylight hours, be sure to take in all the sights, browse the visitor centers, stroll the Rim Trail or hike a bit down into the Canyon on Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails, attend free ranger talks, and grab a bite to eat at one of the lodges or in the Marketplace Cafe. Because Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim is the most developed of the three rim areas, with most of the essential services you might need, like an ATM, pet kennel, post office, clinic, food, chapel, day care and National Park departments, you'll find plenty of things to do from dawn 'til dusk.

There are twelve glorious months a year to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and each season has its own strengths and negatives. The spring and fall are less crowded, and the Kaibab Plateau surrounding the South and North Rims is ablaze with wildflowers from late March through May and with golden aspen in early October. Winter at the South Rim offers the chance to see the multitudinous layers of rock dusted in white, and the smallest crowds of the year, opening the door to availability of the choicest lodging on the Rim and nearby. These three seasons may, however, bring unpredictable temperatures, limited visibility, reduced shuttle routes, shorter days, and fewer National Park programs from which to choose.

If your visit will occur during the peak summer season at the South Rim, May through September, you'll certainly experience the best months when it comes to weather, available programs and school vacation schedules. But the flip side to visiting the South Rim in summer means crowds, sold-out hotels and tours; expect crowded parking lots, viewpoints, hiking trails, food outlets and ranger talks. The best way to combat the crowds is to plan at least 12 months in advance and book your reservations early for lodging, campgrounds, tours, and fine dining. You should also plan to park outside the entrance, and use the Park Shuttle system and your own walking power liberally. Above all, be sure to pack your patience and flexibility; it's easier to relax and deal with the crowds and lines if you keep and open mind and an open schedule.

South Rim Reservations

Planning ahead is key to getting the most of your Grand Canyon trip. If you want to stay in one of the National Park lodges or Trailer Village on the South Rim, you can — and should — make your reservations up to 13 months in advance. The same is true for most whitewater rafting trips and mule rides down to Phantom Ranch on the Colorado River; your chances of getting a spot on these trips diminish as the date approaches, so get in early. You may also want to make advance dining reservations at the El Tovar hotel dining room; El Tovar guests can make reservations 6 months in advance, while non-guests can book a table 30 days from arrival.

At 6 months out from arrival, on the advance planning timeline, you can make reservations for Mather Campground. Up to 4 months prior, you can submit a request to obtain a Backcountry Permit as well as a spot at one of the campgrounds below the Rim — at Bright Angel or Indian Garden Campgrounds. Click here for more information on campgrounds and backcountry permits.

Below, you'll find resources for making reservations for the most quickly sold-out experiences:

• Grand Canyon Lodges by Xanterra South Rim Resorts — www.grandcanyonlodges.com
• El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina, Maswik, Thunderbird and Yavapai Lodges, Phantom Ranch and Trailer Village
• El Tovar Dining Room and Phantom Ranch Canteen
• Mule Rides and Overnight at Phantom Ranch (Inner Canyon)
• Grand Canyon Railway — www.thetrain.com
• Mather Campground tent and RV sites (no hook-ups) National Park Service — www.recreation.gov

South Rim Entrance Fees

The South Rim is a bargain: just $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, and $20 per person if you enter by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway or are going on a private rafting trip. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge. The fee is good for seven consecutive days and is good for both the South and North Rims. You can enter through either the south gate near Tusayan via Highway 64, or the east gate known as Desert View. Either way, you'll need to pay the entrance fee to see the views of the South Rim; you just can't get close enough to the rim to see anything from the road outside the Park. Once inside, the ranger talks, visitor centers and shuttle buses are all free to the public.

Annual Passes

• Grand Canyon National Park 2021 Annual Pass - $70
• America the Beautiful - Annual Pass - $80 This pass, available to the general public, provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee.
• America the Beautiful - Military Annual Pass - Free
• America the Beautiful - Senior Passes - Lifetime: $80 Annual: $20

You can purchase your passes at the Entrance Gate of the park on online . All annual passes are valid for one full year from month of purchase (through last day of that month).

Average Fees for Grand Canyon Hotel and Guided Tours

The average costs for hotels, tours and attractions at the South Rim represent a wide range of possibilities. From once-in-a-lifetime experiences to the most affordable family or group trips, there are things to do and places to stay at any budget level. Here's just a sample of estimates, exclusive of taxes, gratuities and fees where applicable:

South Rim Tours & Activities

• Helicopter tours — $199 per person
• Ground tours — $72 per person
• Train tours — $75 per person
• Air tours — $300 per person
• Guided day hiking — $110 per person
• Guided backpacking for 3–7 days — $800–$1500 per person
• River rafting (motor) rafting 5–9 day Lower Canyon — $1700 per person
• River rafting (oar) rafting 5–9 day Lower Canyon — $2500 per person

South Rim Lodging Inside the Park (per night, peak season)

• El Tovar Hotel — $183
• Bright Angel Lodge — $94
• Kachina Lodge — $191
• Thunderbird Lodge — $191
• Maswick Lodge — $92–$176
• Yavapai Lodge — $125–$166

South Rim Hotels Outside the Park (per night, peak season)

• Tusayan Hotel/Motel $90–$190
• Williams Hotel/Motel $60–$190
• Flagstaff Hotel/Motel $55–$250
• Sedona Hotel/Motel $75–$235
• Sedona Resort $150–$350

Campgrounds (per night)

• Trailer Village — $35
• Mather Campground — $18
• Desert View — $12

Shuttles/Transportation

• Grand Canyon park-and-ride shuttle within park — FREE
• Phoenix to Flagstaff shuttle — $38–$42 per person
• Sedona to Flagstaff shuttle — $25 per person
• Flagstaff to South Rim taxi/shuttle — $42–$58 per person
• Flagstaff airport to hotel complimentary shuttle — FREE (See a list of Flagstaff hotels with airport shuttles )
• Flagstaff airport to hotel taxi — $3 load, $1.70–$1.90/mile, $0.50/minute traffic wait
• Flagstaff city bus (public transportation) — $1.25/single ride; $2.50/unlimited rides day pass

Dining (average meal per person)

• Grand Canyon National Park Lodges casual dining (cafeterias, cafes, deli) — $6–$14
• Grand Canyon National Park Lodges upscale dining (lodges, dining rooms) — $15–$35
• Tusayan fast food chains — $18

South Rim Shuttles to the Park

If you're interested in taking a shuttle to the Grand Canyon, from Las Vegas or Phoenix or Flagstaff, it is possible, although not our number one recommendation. We encourage folks to drive themselves, since each of the three possible routes, are all highway and relatively easy to drive, although some are better in inclement weather.

• Phoenix to Flagstaff shuttle — $38–$42 per person each way
• Sedona to Flagstaff shuttle — $25 per person each way
• Flagstaff to South Rim taxi/shuttle — $42–$58 per person each way
• Las Vegas to South Rim shuttle — $99 per person each way

Inside the Park

For those visitors interested in hiking rim-to-rim and taking a shuttle back to their original position, or starting a river rafting trip from the Upper Canyon, and getting a shuttle ride back after they've climbed out of the Canyon at the end of the trip, there are TransCanyon Shuttle and TheGrandCanyonShuttle.com. Both companies' shuttles are priced at $85 per person each way, and make 2 stops a day between the South and North Rims, a 4 ½ hour ride. Trans Canyon also runs a twice-daily shuttle from the South Rim to Marble Canyon/Lees Ferry, where most Upper Canyon river rafting trips put in. Reservations for both companies are required.

Best South Rim Tours

• Helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon— $199 per person
• Pros: Helicopter tours pack tons of drama, action and value into 45 minutes and they're great for all ages, abilities and time of year
• Cons: Not easy on the budget
• Railway tours — starts from $75 per person
• Pros: Grand Canyon Railway is a superb all-day option and appeals to kids from 2 to 92. Moderate to luxury fares available and it's transportation and a tour in one package
• Cons: Requires transportation to and usually an overnight in Williams
• Pros: The fastest way to get to the South Rim from Las Vegas or Phoenix/Scottsdale, and like the Railway, it's transportation and a tour in one
• Cons: Pricey
• Pros: Arguably the best way to intimately experience the Grand Canyon, with all the safety, equipment and trip planning you mightn't accomplish on your own
• Cons: Must be in sufficient physical condition
• Pros: This is the kind of bucket list experience you can brag about forever. Heavy on the adrenaline, and cheaper than an oar-powered trip
• Cons: Not for young children, requires far advance planning and a hefty budget

Sunrise/Sunset

• Mather Point
• Navajo Point
• Mohave Point
• Lipan Point
• Desert View

Attractions

• Historic Buildings
• Lookout Studio
• Train Depot
• Desert View Watchtower
• Visitor Centers, Gift Shops and Bookstores
• Market Plaza (shops, services and food)
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center
• Verkamp's Visitor Center
• Kolb Studio
• El Tovar Gift Shop and Newsstand
• Bright Angel Lodge Gift Shop
• Yavapai Museum of Geology
• Tusayan Ruin and Museum

Outside the Grand Canyon, there are a multitude of natural, historical, cultural and commercial attractions within 200 miles. From a modern IMAX theater to preserved ancient ruins; an imaginary prehistoric town to a forest of real petrified fossils; golf and ski resorts to a drive-through wildlife park; northern Arizona is a cache of treasures that will enrich your Grand Canyon trip.

• Within 75 miles
• National Geographic IMAX Theater and Visitor Center — Tusayan
• Bedrock City — Valle
• Planes of Flame Air Museum — Valle
• Wupatki National Monument — Cameron
• Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife Park — Williams
• Elk Ridge Ski and Recreation Area — Williams
• Elephant Rocks Golf Course — Williams
• Arizona Snowbowl Ski and Snowboard Park — Flagstaff
• Flagstaff Nordic Center — Flagstaff
• Wing Mountain Snow Play Area — Flagstaff
• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument — Flagstaff
• Lowell Observatory — Flagstaff
• The Arboretum at Flagstaff — Flagstaff
• Pioneer Museum — Flagstaff
• Museum of Northern Arizona — Flagstaff
• Within 150 miles
• Grand Canyon Caverns — Peach Springs
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park — Kayenta
• Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive — Sedona
• Out of Africa Wildlife Park — Camp Verde
• Zion National Park — Springdale, UT
• Within 200 miles
• Petrified Forest National Monument — Holbrook
• Jerome State Park (former ghost town) — Jerome
• Bryce Canyon National Park — Bryce, UT

Weather is one of the number one things visitors search about the Grand Canyon (case in point: you're reading this.) Folks want to know what to expect of the temperature swings; sun, rain and snowfall; road conditions; what to pack and what to wear. We've covered these topics in depth here , but to satisfy your curiosity right here and now, hover over this interactive chart to see the average monthly temperatures at the South Rim: (Currently being updated)

Hiking Safety

Grand Canyon offers some of the most challenging hiking and backpacking found anywhere in North America. Steep trails, intense heat, fast changing weather, and elusive water and shade combine to make for harsh conditions - even on a good day. Over 250 visitors are evacuated from the Canyon for medical emergencies by the park service Search and Rescue team each year. Proper planning and training is imperative.

The reward for those willing to make the effort, a mere fraction of the visiting public, is a chance to marvel at the unfolding beauty of the Inner Canyon. For those that are capable it is truly an experience not to be missed.

Day hikers are not required to obtain a permit from the park service. They should choose their route carefully, and let someone know where they are going and when they plan on returning. Each year several day hikers become lost or disoriented in the Canyon, and several perish as a result. Don't become a statistic. Do your homework, don't take any undue risks, and stay well within your known limits in terms of physical exertion.

Plan for twice as much time and effort to go up than it takes to go down. As with all day hikes, get a reliable weather forecast and dress accordingly, wear sturdy shoes and a brimmed hat, and take a gallon of water per person, plus salty snacks for each person in your party.

The best day hike for newcomers to the Grand Canyon is a descent of the Bright Angel Trail. This historic trail begins in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and tumbles seven miles to the Colorado River below. However, going to the river and back in a single day is strongly discouraged for any hiker on any day. The good news is that there are obvious places to change course and head back uphill, including rest houses (with treated drinking water during the hot summer months) which are found at 1.5 mile increments between the top and Indian Garden Campground, located halfway to the bottom.

Cell Service

Cell phone service is intermittent at times, both on the Rim and certainly down in the Inner Canyon. Not all wireless providers offer coverage in the Grand Canyon. Be careful not to rely on your cell or smartphone for all your directions, reservations, up-to-the-minute weather and emergency safety needs while at the Grand Canyon. However, you can now access free, 2-minute ranger talks on topics ranging from geology, to historical sites, the California condors and air quality. Just look for the "Park Ranger Audio Tour" signs located all along the Rim, call 928-225-2907, and enter the stop number.

RECOMMENDED SOUTH RIM TOURS & LODGING

Backland Luxury Camping

Take your loved ones on a trip they will never forget. Backland is a luxury eco-resort near the Grand Canyon. Completely surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, our one-of-a-kind tents, chef-prepared meals, and secluded location completely redefine the concept of glamping. Dine by the fire in our glass-walled restaurant, relax with a massage in our tented spa, marvel at the grandeur of the universe through our complimentary telescopes, and take advantage of miles of nearby hiking trails.

• Complimentary Breakfast
• Onsite Glass Walled Restaurant
• Onsite and nearby hiking trails
• Close to the Grand Canyon and dozens of local attractions
• Pond with sand beach, fishing, and kayaking
• Snowshoes and sledding onsite when it snows
• Panoramic windows
• Huge stargazing skylights over the beds (Skyview tents only)
• Automatic climate control, fully insulated, and energy-efficient
• King-sized beds
• Full en-suite bathroom with showers
• Luxury linens
• Electricity in tents
• Tentside parking + electric vehicle charging at reception
• Private Outdoor patios
• Coffee makers + mini-fridges
• Ecological toiletries + water conservation fixtures

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Pet-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Family-Friendly | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Rental Equipment Available | Games Provided | Hot Drinks Provided | Spa | Eco-Friendly | On-site Restaurant | Breakfast Included

Grand Canyon Railway

Family-Friendly | Leaves from Williams

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Hotel Pickup | Family-Friendly

Sedona Real Inn & Suites - Sedona

Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Outdoor Pool | Hot Tub | Free Hot Breakfast | Sedona Hotels & Lodging

Raptor Ranch RV Park & Campground

RAPTOR RANCH Campground is only 20 MINUTES FROM THE SOUTH RIM ENTRANCE!

We are located close to the Grand Canyon. The campground offers 32 RV Sites, 25+ Tent Sites. FREE Raptor Flight Demonstrations to All Campers! and FREE admission to Bedrock City.

There is free WiFi Available in Lounge & Laundry Room. We have a Grocery Store on Site, Campfire Rings, Firewood Available at the Camp Store, Giftshop, Showers, Snacks, Coffee, and an Overflow Parking.

Check-In: 1:00 pm, Check-Out: 12:00 pm

Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Propane Refilling Station | Pet-Friendly | Laundry | Shower | Dump Station | Community Restrooms | WiFi | General Store

Wildland Trekking

Popular Hikes | Professionally Guided | Popular Hikes | Leaves from Flagstaff | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Professionally Guided | Lunch Provided | Hotel Pickup

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan | Optional Skywalk Tour

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour

• Fully Guided Personal Tours
• Professionally Narrated Stories
• Tour Valid Forever
• Works Offline
• Tour At Your Own Pace
• Location Aware, Plays Automatically
• Don’t Miss Any Sightseeing Points
• No Groups. No Tips

Additional Tours Available | Family-Friendly | Self-Guided

Munds Park RV Resort

Flagstaff Hotels & Lodging | Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | General Store | Laundry | Shower | BBQ/Grill | Dump Station | Fitness Center

Arizona Private Tours

Leaves from Flagstaff | Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Professionally Guided

Best Western PREMIER Grand Canyon Squire Inn

Family-Friendly

Grand Canyon Getaway

Hotel Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel

The Rock Trail House - Flagstaff

Flagstaff Hotels & Lodging | Family-Friendly | BBQ/Grill | Laundry | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit

The Quail Cottage Clarkdale

Sedona Hotels & Lodging | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Family-Friendly | Laundry

Maverick Helicopter Tours

Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan

Best Grand Canyon Day Tour

Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five million people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.

Family-Friendly | Leaves from Flagstaff | Optional Air Tour | Professionally Guided | Lunch Provided

The Sol Cottage

Escape the city at Sol Cottage on Oak Creek. Hike, swim, fish or simply enjoy the tranquility of Oak Creek Canyon. Custom-built cottage brimming with natural light in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona. Enjoy stunning views and relax a few steps away from forest trails and Oak Creek. We invite you to wake to the sounds of the water while soaking up the sun on our beautiful balcony. Comfortably accommodates up to 4 people with two bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

Conveniently located in the North side of Sedona treat yourself to the beauty and serenity that Oak Creek Canyon has to offer. Unwind in our spacious living room and prepare a meal in a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy a night's rest in one of our two bedrooms and fall asleep to the sounds of the creek.

Sedona Hotels & Lodging | Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry

Eva's Family Retreat - Flagstaff

Flagstaff Hotels & Lodging | Family-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fireplace/Pit | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Games Provided

Grand Canyon Hike & Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy a great tour with a knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic guide who loves what they do. We provide door-to-door service from your stay place with everything you need to have a great time. Grab your camera and leave the lunch, snacks, beverages, hiking equipment, and driving to us! We pick up in the following towns: Flagstaff, Williams, Tusayan, and Grand Canyon.

Currently, the Park Service is not allowing us to mix groups due to COVID-19 safety procedures, so we are unable to provide this tour for less than 4 people. If you have a smaller group, please reach out to our company directly to discuss other options. By far our most popular hiking tour, this hike and sightseeing tour offers guests varying views of the Canyon, from the inside out. This tour is for guests who want to enjoy an excellent tour of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but also spend some time below the Rim.

Popular Hikes | Lunch Provided | Hotel Pickup | Professionally Guided | Gear Provided

In the Spotlight

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Grand Canyon Guided Tour

Tour office, flagstaff, arizona, grand canyon, grand canyon guided tour from flagstaff, part walking tour. part van tour. one incredible journey to the grand canyon..

Explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world on our top-rated Grand Canyon Guided Tour—rated the #1 Grand Canyon sightseeing tour from Flagstaff on Tripadvisor!

Leave the logistics and driving to us, and enjoy a tour that covers nearly 25 miles along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon .

The Experience

Departing in the morning from Flagstaff, Arizona, enjoy a comfortable ride through the Ponderosa Pine forests as you make your way to the Grand Canyon. Once we arrive, our guides will ensure you don’t miss a thing with multiple stops along the rim, including all of the best viewpoints and historic places. Explore famous and historic buildings, such as the El Tovar Hotel, Desert View Watchtower, and the amazing Tusayan Ruins.

Our Grand Canyon Guided Tour also makes a stop at the Tusayan Geology Museum where your guide will take you through the amazing rock layers of the canyon. Learn about the history of the area and about the culture of the people who have inhabited it for centuries. We provide lunch, snacks, and beverages to keep energized for a full day of sightseeing.

Rain or shine, our professional guides are helpful, knowledgeable, and eager to answer all of your burning questions about the Grand Canyon. On our tour, we make it our duty to give you a unique experience at one of the most beautiful destinations in the country. Book your tour with Grand Canyon Adventures today!

4 and older

Yes, a picnic style lunch is included with this trip.

We recommend reserving your trip well in advance to ensure availability, as our trips fill up quickly.

8:15 am- 5:00 pm

Price Includes & Overview

• Top-rated Grand Canyon tour from Flagstaff
• All entrance fees
• Family-friendly
• Small groups tour (12 or less)
• Includes picnic-style lunch catered by La Bellavia Restaurant, drinks, and snacks
• Optional stop at a Navajo trading post on return to Flagstaff
• Drop off in Flagstaff at around 5:00 pm.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Small backpack for personal items
• Gratuity for guide (industry recommendation is 10-20%)

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Grand Canyon South Rim Airplane Tours

Soar into adventure with Grand Canyon South Rim airplane tours. Experience spectacular aerial views of the South Rim’s deep gorges and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the South Rim Grand Canyon airplane tours departing from Las Vegas and Grand Canyon National Park.

South Rim Airplane Tours Near You

Experience fantastic aerial views of the widest and deepest parts of the Grand Canyon aboard a South Rim airplane tour. These tours feature some of the Grand Canyon National Park’s most notable viewpoints. The best part? They depart from multiple Southwestern locations. Whether you want to enhance your visit to the Grand Canyon National Park or you are visiting a nearby city and looking for things to do, GCSA has you covered.

Over 40 million visitors flock to the neon lights of Las Vegas every year. The Entertainment Capital of the World is known round-the-world for high-stakes gambling, drive-thru weddings, incredible golf, and extravagant casinos. But did you know that Las Vegas is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes and national landmarks in the country? While you’re in the city, take a break from the lights to explore the beautiful Southwestern landscapes. Aboard one of Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines’ South Rim airplane tours from Las Vegas, you’ll get to do just that.

En route to the Grand Canyon South Rim, your airplane will soar over world-famous landmarks like the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon. After touching down in Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll continue the Grand Canyon Deluxe airplane tour with motorcoach transportation to the South Rim’s most famous viewpoints. Be sure to snap a few pictures at the famed Mather Point, where the entire 10-mile expanse between the South and North Rims will unfold before your eyes.

Want to continue your aerial sightseeing experience? Upgrade to the Grand Canyon Deluxe airplane tour with helicopter . This deluxe South Rim airplane/helicopter tour combo is a dream for photographers and sightseers alike. Take in panoramic aerial views of the steep canyon walls and the Colorado River flowing below. More interested in extending your time on the ground? The Grand Canyon Deluxe airplane tour with Hummer may be the ticket. After your airplane flight into the Grand Canyon, hop on a two-hour ground excursion to journey through the National Park. Stop at famous lookout points like Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point.

Each of these Grand Canyon South Rim airplane tours from Las Vegas conclude with an airplane flight back to Las Vegas and complimentary hotel drop-off.  

Discover all the Grand Canyon airplane tours from Las Vegas

The most popular tour to the Grand Canyon with an added helicopter ride! This is one of our passengers' favorite Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. Only from the air can you really see the beauty and scale of the Grand Canyon.

Enjoy a roundtrip flight from Boulder City, Nevada to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Stunning views await at multiple scenic overlooks during a 2-hour guided tour on an open-air Hummer.

From the ground, you only get to experience a small portion of the magnificent landscapes that the Grand Canyon South Rim has to offer. If you’re already planning a day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park, think about enhancing your outing with a South Rim airplane tour .

A Grand Canyon South Rim airplane tour with GCSA will soar over famous views like Zuni Corridor, Point Imperial, the Confluence of the Colorado River, Kaibab Plateau, and the contrasting greenery of the lush Kaibab National Forest. This 45-minute airplane excursion allows you to discover the true magnificence of the Grand Canyon while still leaving enough time to explore the sites on the ground.

Want more exploration time with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines? Upgrade to the South Rim airplane tour with Hummer to explore the South Rim’s stunning views. A knowledgeable driver/guide will share interesting and entertaining facts about the canyon while driving your group to each of the desert viewpoints. Stops may include Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,  book a South Rim airplane tour with Hummer at sunset to watch the majestic scenery of this Natural Wonder change colors before your eyes. By the time you arrive back at the terminal, you will have enough memories and photos to last a lifetime.

Experience aerial views of the fantastic gorges and rock formations that have been carved by nature throughout the canyon walls. Enjoy breathtaking scenic views of the Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, Confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado River, Kaibab National Forest, and Kaibab Plateau.

This scenic adventure includes an airplane tour over the Grand Canyon as well as a guided ground tour with Buck Wild Hummer Tours. Take flight from our Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines terminal and soar over Dragon Corridor, Zuni Corridor, and pass Imperial Point as you head toward and the North Rim.

This memorable experience combines a sightseeing airplane flight over the Grand Canyon with a sunset Hummer tour of the most scenic overlooks at Grand Canyon National Park. The air tour portion begins at the Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines terminal. Fly over the magnificent Dragon Corridor, Zuni Corridor, and pass Imperial Point as you head toward and the North Rim.

A scenic airplane flight over remarkable landmarks including the Grand Canyon's Eastern Rim takes passengers to Page, Arizona - where a daylong adventure is about to begin! See the mystical Antelope Canyon and raft through Glen Canyon on a smooth water float trip.

South Rim Airplane Tour FAQs

The price of a tour over the Grand Canyon depends on a number of factors. The tour length, the departure location, the destination, and any upgrades can all have an influence on the cost. 

We try to make the booking process as convenient and simple as possible. That’s why the cost of each airplane tour is conveniently located next to the tour listing. And with GCSA, the rate we quote you online is the rate you’ll pay. No hidden fees or surcharges. Just great prices.

We fly world-class airplane tours to four destinations:

• Grand Canyon South Rim
• Grand Canyon West
• Grand Canyon North
• Page, Arizona

The South Rim acts as host to some of the most famous and photographed areas of the Grand Canyon National Park. Some of the sights you may see on your airplane tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim include:

• Bright Angel Point
• Mather Point
• Zuni Corridor
• Point Imperial
• The Confluence of the Colorado River
• Kaibab Plateau
• Kaibab National Forest
• Duck on a Rock
• Yavapai Point
• Moran Point

To see which landmarks your tour will transport you to or over, visit the tour listing page on our website.

Visitors travel from around the world to fly with us. Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines offers airplane tour narration in 16 different languages. Please specify which language(s) your party speaks when you book your reservation.

Discover Grand Canyon South Rim Tours from Las Vegas

The South Rim is the most famous area of the Grand Canyon for one reason: whether on the ground or in the sky, this destination offers some of the most beautiful sights within the entire 1,900 square mile famous National Park.

This destination is easy to see on a tour from Las Vegas aboard a Papillon aircraft! Don’t spend your day driving. Rather, book your Las Vegas Grand Canyon South Rim tour day trip and see the Grand Canyon National Park the right way; from above!

South Rim Tours from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon Deluxe with Hummer

Fly from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park on an airplane tour for a full-day sightseeing excursion. This adventure tour includes unforgettable aerial views as well as stops to several famous lookout points aboard an open-air Hummer.

From: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park

Duration: Approximately 9½ hours from hotel pick-up to hotel drop-off

Features: Stand on the Edge | Airplane | Hummer

Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter

This day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon National Park starts with an airplane flight with aerial views of Hoover Dam. At the South Rim, you'll enjoy a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon expanse!

Duration: Approximately 10-10½ hours from hotel pick-up to hotel drop-off

Features: Airplane | Helicopter | Hummer

Hmm… We couldn't find a tour that fits your selection. Adjust the filters and try again.

Best Grand Canyon South Rim Tours from Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is the canyon's most popular destination for one reason;  breathtaking scenery.

At this rim, you will gaze in awe over the steep-sided canyon that was carved out by the raging Colorado River. You’ll have an opportunity to visit some of the most scenic viewpoints in the entire National Park, including Yavapai Point, Grandview Point, and Moran Point.

This rim, located in northern Arizona, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year making it the activity, transportation, and accommodation hub of Grand Canyon National Park. You can just about do it all here; hiking, camping, helicopter and airplane tours, mule rides and Hummer tours all are available.

At the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village houses many of the park’s most historic buildings and attractions, such as Bright Angel Lodge. This is also where you will find the majority of the Grand Canyon hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.

Since the South Rim is open year round, there is never a bad time to visit. The South Rim is located in the Kaibab National Forest, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. From canyons to prairies, peaks to plateaus, this region is strikingly beautiful. In the spring, wildflowers bloom along the Kaibab Plateau, aspen leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, and canyon walls get a light dusting of snow each winter.

Read on to explore all of Papillon’s South Rim Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas.

Types of South Rim Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

When you fly to the Grand Canyon National park from Papillon’s Las Vegas/Boulder City terminal you’ll embark on a full-day excursion of scenic views and nonstop adventure.

Any day trip from Las Vegas, whether it is a helicopter, aircraft, or ground tour, is supported by the the first and largest Grand Canyon helicopter sightseeing company.

Since 1965, we’ve remained the world's most experienced and largest sightseeing company and now specialize in tours from Las Vegas.

Helicopter Tours at the Grand Canyon South Rim

Papillon offers a wide variety of full day tours to South Rim or shorter flights that take off and depart if you are already at Grand Canyon National Park. 

As the preferred provider for the Grand Canyon National Park Service, our helicopter tours are certified to fly the entire Grand Canyon. With Papillon, you can soar over the Kaibab National Forest, famous canyon lookout points, and the mighty Colorado River. A world-class helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim is sure to be an adventure you'll never forget.

Airplane Tours to the Grand Canyon South Rim

You can leave your hotel in Las Vegas and be flying above the Grand Canyon about two hour later when you book a sightseeing airplane tour with Papillon!

On your way to Grand Canyon National Park, fly above Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Colorado River, and Grand Canyon West and capture unforgettable views of all these marvels.

Want a combination tour? Check out our Grand Canyon Air Tour Deluxe with Hummer where you’ll board a customized Hummer after your flight to the Grand Canyon and visit scenic lookout points in style.

Our state-of-the-art airplanes are specifically designed for sightseeing, with high wings and large windows. Each aircraft comes equipped with climate control and headset narration for each passenger. Worried about a language barrier? No problem. Our airplane tours offer translation amenities too.

Explore Flights to Grand Canyon .

Tips for the Best Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim Tour Experience

Here are a few tips for visiting Grand Canyon South Rim from Las Vegas:

• Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. The air is thin and dry with an elevation averaging 7,000 ft 
• Bring layered clothing. Early morning temperatures are usually cold and temperatures rise dramatically as the day progresses. Please dress in layers or bring a jacket.
• Hiking boots or a good pair of tennis shoes are recommended. You’ll regret wearing  flip flops, sandals, or open-toed shoes.
• Visit multiple viewpoints – Grand Canyon is massive and beautiful from many different angles. The park is huge so get out and experience the scenery from different angles. The best way to do so is from various viewpoints.

Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim Tours FAQs

How far is the grand canyon south rim from las vegas.

The Grand Canyon South Rim is 277 miles (446 kilometers) from the Las Vegas Strip. It takes between four to five hours to make the drive from Las Vegas. Instead of renting a car, choose one of Papillon’s many daily helicopter or sightseeing aircraft adventures and get there quicker and in luxury! With a Papillon tour, you can get to any part of the Grand Canyon you want to explore quickly!

What time of year is best to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

Peak season to visit the Grand Canyon South Rim is in the summer from May through September. However, this is not the best time of year in regards to temperature. Spring (March- April) and Fall (October and early November) offer cooler temperatures, thinner crowds, and a more serene overall experience. Overall, the summer months are the most crowded time of the year. For a more private experience, visit the South Rim during the off-season.

What departure times do you offer for South Rim tours?

Most South Rim Grand Canyon tours and flights have multiple departures ranging from early morning to late afternoon. Some products offer multiple departures a day as well.

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour by Action Tour Guide

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour

An audio guide, map, and tour book — all in one app!

Rich Stories

Engaging, entertaining stories narrated by an award-winning artist!

Location Aware

Automatically plays when you approach an interesting site! The tour knows where you are & where you’re going.

At Your Own Pace

No crowded tours, no set start times, and the freedom to take any breaks you want!

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Grand Canyon Tours From Las Vegas

Thinking about taking a day trip while vacationing in Las Vegas, NV? Only a few hours from the Strip, the Grand Canyon National Park is the ideal escape for a day tour that will have you back in your hotel room that same evening. Gray Line offers a wide variety of Grand Canyon tour packages, including tours to both the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West Rim. With several options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect sightseeing tour that checks all the boxes off your list.

Why Visit the Grand Canyon?

As one of the “Seven Wonders of the World,” the Grand Canyon is a must-see destination. The mile-deep canyon formed millions of years ago as the Colorado River cut a deep channel through layers of hard rock, exposing beautifully ribboned layers of the Earth’s crust. The canyon measures in at 270 miles long and stretches across northern Arizona. There is truly nothing quite like it, which is why people of all ages from around the world come to witness this breathtaking Southwest landmark.

The Grand Canyon is our most popular destination choice with its picturesque views and awe-inspiring features. Our professional tour guides provide expert narration, pointing out the amazing sites throughout the entire tour and offering insight on this historic natural wonder.

Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tours From Las Vegas

Enjoy a grand canyon bus tour from las vegas to the west rim of the grand canyon complete with stops at eagle point, guano point & hualapai ranch.

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours from Las Vegas

Full-day grand canyon south rim bus tour features exciting views of the extinct volcano on fortification hill in lake mead national recreation area.

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours with Hummer Adventure

Take a day trip to the grand canyon south rim on a luxury bus tour from las vegas. explore the grand canyon in style aboard a state of the art hummer.

Grand Canyon West Rim by Luxury Limo Van with Walking Guide

Enjoy a relaxing bus tour from las vegas to the west rim of the grand canyon complete with stops at eagle point, guano point, and the hoover dam.

Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tours with Skywalk Tickets

Enjoy a round trip motorcoach tour from las vegas to the grand canyon west rim, where you experience the newest attraction - the grand canyon skywalk.

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours with IMAX Tickets

Take a bus tour from las vegas to the grand canyon south rim. includes a stop at the grand canyon visitor's center and imax movie theater complex.

Grand Canyon West Rim Freedom w/Skywalk and Hoover Dam Stop from Las Vegas

Enjoy a relaxing bus tours from las vegas to the grand canyon west rim, where you can experience the grand canyon skywalk.

Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tours with Helicopter Landing and Skywalk Tickets

Grand canyon west rim bus tour with a thrilling helicopter ride to the canyon's base and a 20-minute exploration. skywalk experience included.

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours with Helicopter Ride

Experience one of the seven wonders of the natural world. this grand canyon south rim bus tour package includes a 25-minute helicopter tour.

Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tours with Helicopter Landing

Grand canyon west rim bus tour with a thrilling helicopter ride to the canyon's base and a 20-minute exploration.

Grand Canyon West Rim by Luxury Limo Van with Walking Guide & Skywalk Tickets

Enjoy a round trip small group tour from las vegas to the grand canyon west rim, where you experience the newest attraction - the grand canyon skywalk.

Grand Canyon West Rim Freedom from Las Vegas

Enjoy a relaxing bus tours from las vegas to the west rim of the grand canyon including breathtaking photo opportunities of the hoover dam.

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours with Skydiving

See the grand canyon like never before with our thrilling skydiving tour from las vegas training with a professional tandem instructor is included.

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Grand Canyon South Rim Signature Sunset Hummer Tour

Enjoy the scenic sunset over the grand canyon from an open-air hummer.

See the Grand Canyon National Park’s most inspiring viewpoints and prepare to experience a breathtaking sunset at the South Rim.

Reserve Tour Now

• Description
• Tour Features
• Free South Rim Guides

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour Highlights

• Windowless hummer vehicles with an open-air style roof
• South Rim ground tour with multiple viewpoints and culminating stop to watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon
• Each tour is uniquely modified by the guides to escape crowded areas & enjoy more private and personalized experience

Depart from the Grand Canyon South Rim and get ready to experience rare close-up views of the Grand Canyon, including some of the South Rim’s most scenic and secluded areas and viewpoints.

Passengers are required to provide their own transportation to and from the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Passengers must check-in 20 minutes before departure time at Buck Wild Hummer Tours Terminal, 469 State Route 64, Suite A Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Your South Rim Experience

This sunset Hummer ground excursion offers a rare sightseeing opportunity for visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park. Travel to several scenic locations along the Canyon rim aboard a modified Hummer touring vehicle designed with a windowless, open-air style roof. Enjoy the desert breeze while taking stunning photos and watching the desert scenery pass by. Reach your final stop in time to watch the sun set behind the magnificent Grand Canyon landscape.

Each tour will be customized by your Hummer driver and guide. They will personally select the locations with the least amount of traffic for a more personal, secluded experience with fewer crowds.

What Our Customers Say

Why book with us.

• Locally owned & operated
• Highest-rated tour agency
• Open 7 days a week
• Tours operate 365 days a year
• Free pickup on the Vegas Strip
• Full-day or half-day tours

South Rim Visitor Guide

Owned and operated by the National Park Service, the South Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Village and some of the Grand Canyon's most iconic viewpoints. Plan your Grand Canyon South Rim adventure with our printable guide, including popular viewpoints, what to wear and pack, how to come home with that perfect Grand Canyon pic, and everything else you need to know before you go.

Read our full South Rim Visitor Guide to learn about what to see and do at the South Rim.

Planning Your Trip

Get ready for your Grand Canyon adventure with our printable planning resources! Our free printable trip planner has all the information you need to know before you go, including what to wear, what to pack, tips for visiting with children, and how to come home with that perfect Grand Canyon photo.

For more information on visiting the Grand Canyon, check out our complete  Grand Canyon Visitor Guide .

Tour Booking Form

South rim signature hummer tour, tour length: approximately 2 hours (check-in time 20 mins before the tour departure), tour departs: daily (excluding december 25th) from the south rim of the grand canyon.

(Buck Wild Hummer Tours Terminal, 469 State Route 64, Suite A, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023)

Please Note

• Passengers are required to provide their own transportation to and from the South Rim
• Passengers are required to check-in 20 minutes before tour departure
• Tour reservations made less than 24 hours before pickup time cannot be guaranteed. If we are unable to fit your group in due to late booking, you will receive a full refund.
• This tour requires payment on the day of booking and has a 48-hour cancellation policy.
• Tour itinerary and its components are subject to change at any time without notice for reasons that may include inclement weather conditions, FAA restrictions, and/or any other unforeseen occurrences. 
• Refunds will not be granted due to delays.

* Tour Date

* passenger names.

• $140 per person – 4:00pm

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10 Best Grand Canyon Tours From Las Vegas That Are Worth Taking

T he Hollywood Wild West - Las Vegas is home to so much more than just clubs and casinos . And away from the desert lies a natural paradise with numerous touristy spots. While the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is at the least distance from Las Vegas, all the other spots are not that far away. Tourists love taking road trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon to experience adventure and zest.

A collection of tours from Las Vegas offer travelers a chance to explore the glory of the Grand Canyon along with the hidden gems of the sin city . This was once the land where ancestral tribes made their homes. However, erosion stripped everything off, and what remained was just layers of red rocks. Nonetheless, travelers enjoy splendid views from the rims of the Grand Canyon and other spots around the same.

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Explore The West Rim With Hoover Dam And Skywalk

Grand Canyon is one of the natural seven wonders of the world for good reason. The majestic expanse attracts people from across the world, and the West Rim has a lot of spots for tourists to cover. The Skywalk offers travelers a chance to see the depths of the Canyon. This magnificent 10-foot wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge spans 70 feet out over the Grand Canyon's rim and provides a clear view down to the Canyon's floor, which is 4,000 feet away. Nothing compares to the rush of walking out onto glass at the height of thousands of feet, yet there's no need to worry because Skywalk is sturdy enough to support 70 fully loaded 747 passenger aircraft.

Along with that, travelers can visit the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River on the same day.

• Tour: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk
• Cost: From $99.00/person
• Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes

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Dive Into The National Park Along The South Rim

The Grand Canyon is the second-most visited national park in the US, only behind the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, with an estimated 5.9 million visitors annually. When the park was first established in 1919, 44,173 people visited it annually. The Grand Canyon as we know it today was formed by erosion caused by the Colorado River and geological action. With its huge fossil records, a plethora of natural characteristics, and rich archaeologic past, it is one of the most researched landscapes in the whole world.

• Tour: Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas
• Cost: From $87.12/person
• Duration: 15 to 16 hours

Go Kayaking In The Emerald Cave

If adventure and thrill are on the list for any traveler, they should definitely visit the Emerald Cave and go kayaking with a small group. The shiny marble-like tint of the Colorado River glimmers throughout the cave and creates an aura of tranquility and wonder. The cave is lit in green when the sun reflects off of brown rocks and the algae beneath the waters. It is truly amazing to think how a natural phenomenon creates something so picturesque.

• Tour: Half-Day Emerald Cove Kayak Tour
• Cost: From $115.00/person
• Duration: 5 to 6 Hours

To get just the correct and photogenic shade of the river, try planning a visit between April to October.

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Walk Through The Antelope Canyon

Antelope is the most snapped slot canyon in the southwest of the United States because of its wave-like structure, which gives the canyon a distinctive appearance. Summer is the most popular season for exploring the canyon since the weather is milder and there is less possibility of rain. Visitors from all over the world come to see its magnificent red and orange sandstone cliffs, which were eroded over many years by wind and water. Because of the canyon's unusual geometry, the sunlight reflects off its walls in fascinating patterns, producing a constantly shifting light display.

• Tour: Small-Group Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour from Las Vegas
• Cost: From $249.99/person
• Duration: 14 hours

The Navajo term for the Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánln, which translates to "the place where water runs through rocks."

Celebrate Art At Seven Magic Mountains

A celebration of art and color , it rises more than 30 feet above the Nevada Desert and is constructed of seven enormous towers built of enormous colorful neon stones. The Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone claims that the Seven Magic Mountains reflect the blending of the man-made and the natural, as well as the passing traffic on the highway and the nearby mountains and lakes. The unique juxtaposition of the brown landscape with the bright and vibrant boulders is very interesting for tourists to observe and marvel over.

• Tour: Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains Small Group VIP Tour
• Cost: From $199.99/person
• Duration: 12 to 13 Hours

Even though the sun glimmers over the boulders to make photographs more lively in the afternoons, it is best to visit the site during the early mornings to avoid crowds.

Explore Bryce Canyon And Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon, which is celebrating an entire century of wonder, is most renowned for its hoodoos, which are artistically sculpted rock spires that erosion has left intact. The greatest places to see hoodoos are along our day hiking paths, which provide a close-up and personal view of these unusual rock formations. The Bryce Canyon Amphitheater region is where you'll find the majority of the gorgeous day hikes and trailheads. In contrast, the backcountry paths of Bryce Canyon provide woods and meadows, breathtaking vistas of far-off cliffs, and isolation, but fewer hoodoos. On the other hand, Zion's distinctive collection of flora and animals will amaze you as you take in the past's rich history and the present's exhilarating experiences.

• Tour: Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park Day Tour with Lunch from Las Vegas
• Cost: From $130.38/person
• Duration: 13 hours

Awaken Adventure At Primm And Hidden Valleys

When visiting Las Vegas, there's little more satisfying than getting a bit dirty, and the best way to do it is on an adrenaline-pumping RZR trip through the Primm and Hidden Valleys. Drive your own boosted RZR 1000s that are less than a year old on this trip, which departs from Las Vegas. Exhilarating adventure and spirit drive the tourists to undertake a tour on mountain bikes through the rugged terrains while enjoying the surrounding scenic spots, making it one of the most adventurous activities in Vegas and Nevada.

• Tour: Extreme RZR Tour of Hidden Valley and Primm from Las Vegas
• Cost: From $195.00/person
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours

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Horseback Riding At Red Rock Canyon

Grand Canyon is one of the biggest adventure hubs in the world. Any tourist seeking extreme fun and zest in life surely plan a visit to this wonder. From biking and hiking to camping and educational field trips, travelers can find their favorite activity and have a day of fun at Red Rock Canyon. Many tourists also enjoy horseback riding through the desert. Visitors may experience Red Rock Canyon's highs and lows from their car, bicycle, or horseback, thanks to the gorgeous 13-mile drive, which has several gorgeous rest spots and trailheads along the route. The upkeep and tourist amenities for this renowned picturesque route are supported by admission fees.

• Tour: Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque
• Cost: From $189.00/person
• Duration: 5 hours

Kayak Tthrough The Black Canyon

The Colorado River is perfect for kayaking and taking in the breathtaking sights that pass one by. The steep depths of the Black Canyon surround travelers from all sides. If one is lucky enough, they may also get to spot the Peregrine Falcon, one of the fastest birds in the world. Being the world's oldest rock lends the Black Canyon its name; it is also believed that the shadows made in depth have contributed to the darkness of the canyon.

• Tour: Half-Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon from Las Vegas
• Cost: From $149.00/person
• Duration: 3 hours

Venture Across The South Rim

The Grand Canyon's South Rim, which draws 5 million people a year, is the area that is easiest to access. There are tourist centers, historical structures, over twenty overlooks, and trailheads on the South Rim. First-time visitors to the region typically select it because of the plethora of tourist services and family-friendly activities in addition to its stunning scenery. The South Rim is accessible all year. The South Rim has four different seasons due to its elevation of 7,000 above sea level.

• Tour: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour with Optional Upgrades
• Cost: From $121.00/person
• ​​​​​​​Duration: 14 hours