tours of grand canyon south rim

Grand Canyon Guided Tour

Destination.

Grand Canyon

From $184 in Flagstaff From $194 in Sedona

Grand Canyon Guided Tour from Flagstaff or Sedona

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 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

Depart from either Flagstaff or Sedona, Arizona, in the morning. 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!

Price Includes & Overview

• Top-rated Grand Canyon tour
• All entrance fees
• Family friendly
• Small-group tour (12 or less)
• Includes picnic-style lunch catered by Brandy’s Restaurant, drinks, and snacks
• Optional stop at a Navajo trading post on return to Flagstaff
• Flagstaff departure is 8:00am, return around 5:00pm
• Sedona departure is 7:30am, return around 5:30pm

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%)

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.

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Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tour

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Grand Canyon South Rim Tours

Peer out the window from one of these Grand Canyon helicopter tours and you'll experience a visual feast without rival. More than half a million visitors take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour each year. Most of these helicopter rides take off from either the Grand Canyon Airport in the village of Tusayan just outside the South Rim, from Las Vegas, Nevada or Sedona, Arizona.

Grand Canyon helicopter tour companies upgrade and maintain their fleet often for first-class comfort, passenger protection, and environmental protection, and tour narration can be offered in up to seven different languages, making a helicopter tour a great choice for groups and travelers of any age, ability, or nationality on a moderate budget.

Ask any of the 22,000 Colorado River runners who brave Grand Canyon river rafting trips each year to describe the experience and you're likely to hear that it is the trip of a lifetime. If your bucket list includes rafting the Colorado River, you'll be happy to know that there is a range of options almost as long as the 277-mile section of the river that cuts through the Grand Canyon. Many Grand Canyon river rafting trips depart by van from Flagstaff or Las Vegas and commonly put-in at points such as Lees Ferry, Phantom Ranch or Peach Springs. Some trips require a roughly 10-mile hike down into the Canyon at the beginning, and some require a 10-mile hike out at the end. Dories, rafts, and motorized rigs are the watercraft of choice through this world-class river rafting wonderland, and trips can be powered by oar, motor or paddle. Trips are moderately expensive, often require some advance planning, and last anywhere from one day to three weeks.

In one day and on a moderate budget (under $400 per person), you can whitewater raft from Peach Springs toward Grand Canyon West, or take a smooth-water float from Lees Ferry, about 50 miles north of the North Rim. If your budget, travel planning and vacation schedules allow, you can embark on a 4 - 9 day excursion on the Upper or Lower half of the Grand Canyon in a motorized or oar-powered raft or dory for as little as $1,110 per person. For the extreme level of adventure and budget, you can spend two-to-nearly-three weeks rafting the entire length of the Grand Canyon, from Lees Ferry to Lake Mead, to the tune of about $5,550 per person.

Once you've narrowed down your choices by trip length, style, and budget, be sure to ask your river outfitter for help with your travel planning pre-and-post river trip. Your transportation will likely be covered by the outfitter, and you can find accommodations (and a hot shower, trust us!) before and after your river trip here.

The proverbial "walk in the park" is a great way to explore the Grand Canyon. Millions of visitors stroll along the South Rim Trail each year, taking a self-led tour from viewpoint to viewpoint; no guide required. But hiking the Grand Canyon's more difficult trails, mule trips, day hiking, and overnight backpacking provides the sturdy traveler challenging access to the amazing inner Canyon from the South, North and West Rims (from Havasupai Hilltop; not to be confused with Grand Canyon West.)

Hiking the Grand Canyon with a guide offers adventurers several benefits beyond simple access to the Colorado River, well-known trails and classic views. Professional guides and hiking outfitters coordinate and provide for your transportation, required backcountry permits, utmost safety, first-rate gear, extraordinary meals, and years of experience and knowledge to share.

You can take a guided Grand Canyon tour day hike of some of the most famous trails from the South Rim, or go further into the Grand Canyon than you might attempt on your own on an overnight trip. Guided backpacking trips typically last 3 - 5 days and offer a range of difficulty, views, destinations, periods of solitude and amenities. Expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $300 per day per person, a considerable value when you keep in mind all that comes with an all-inclusive guided hike or backpacking adventure.

Ground tours are some of the easiest, most affordable, accessible, and laid-back tours to the Grand Canyon. Perfect for groups of various ages, abilities, and budget, ground tours allow Grand Canyon visitors to ride to their destination in air-conditioned comfort while taking in the scenery and receiving expert narration from their guide. Upon arrival at either the South Rim or Grand Canyon West, ground-tour participants are allowed ample time to wander to various viewpoints, take photos, explore visitor's centers, stroll along the trails and listen to a ranger or Hualapai-led talks.

Ground tours from Las Vegas are commonly destined for Grand Canyon West, home of the glass Grand Canyon Skywalk attraction, and are highly recommended for visitors who like having their transportation, tickets and upgrade options available in an all-inclusive booking experience. We recommend you inquire about adding a stop at Hoover Dam to your ground tour from Las Vegas; this man-made engineering marvel, located at the state line between Arizona and Nevada, is not to be missed.

Starting your trip from Phoenix, Sedona or Flagstaff? Ground tours to the South Rim are readily available from all three of these Grand Canyon gateways. With hotel pickup frequently included at no extra cost, it's easy to take a ground tour to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and enjoy spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert, Mogollon Rim, and Red Rock Country along the way. No matter what your departure point, all Grand Canyon ground tours pack a full 14 - 18-hour day with views, adventures, and memories.

For nearly a century, since Grand Canyon National Park was established in 1919 and the Santa Fe Railway stretched from Williams to the South Rim, the train has been an integral part of the Grand Canyon's history. In the middle of the 20th century, when Route 66 came roaring into town and newly popular automobiles barreled into town on the wheels of progress, rail service to the Grand Canyon ceased. But in 1989, Max and Thelma Biegert revived and restored the rail line, establishing one of the South Rim's most popular attractions - the Grand Canyon Railway.

Today, Grand Canyon visitors have a range of options among Grand Canyon Railway train tour packages. From train-only tickets to railway and lodging packages, visitors are invited to select from a variety of seating classes, overnight accommodations and other options to custom design the train tour package that's right for them.

Riders board the train in Williams in the morning, ride up to Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim and have several hours to spend walking the Rim Trail, taking the shuttles to various viewpoints, visiting the visitor's center, listening to ranger-led talks, taking photos, dining overlooking the rim, and more. Visitors take the train back to Williams in the late afternoon. Be sure to watch out for train robbers (!) - a band of marauders just might board the train, providing riders with a little bit of theater and lighthearted fun.

RECOMMENDED GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOURS

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

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

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

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

Canyon Dave Tours

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

Papillon Helicopters

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

Arizona Private Tours

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

Pink Jeep Adventure Tours

Family-Friendly

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

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

Wildland Trekking

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

Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion

The Grand Canyon is undoubtedly beautiful, but this helicopter tour of the iconic canyon elevates the views to a whole new level. Soar over Kaibab National Forest and into the Dragon Corridor—the deepest and widest part of the canyon. Upgrade your tour to include a Hummer tour of other essential Grand Canyon sights after the ride; your car is waiting for you for a seamless transition.

• Grand Canyon North Rim helicopter tour
• Bring your camera for unbeatable views of the canyon
• A memorable travel experience great for first-time and return visitors alike
• Upgrade to include a Hummer tour after the helicopter ride

Optional Ground Tour | Family-Friendly

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

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

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

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

Grand Canyon Railway

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

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

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

North & East Rim Imperial with Ecostar Family Flight

Recommend for groups of 4+. Take the Imperial Air tour on an aircraft dedicated exclusively for yourself and your family/friends.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with VIP Skywalk & Pontoon Boat Ride

Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado River. Finish with VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottom deck that hovers above the sandstone walls. A souvenir photo and coach transfers are included. ** Please note: Effective for travel prior to April 1, 2024, the price displayed does not include a USD30 per person fuel fee. This fee is payable direct to the supplier on the day of your tour **

• Grand Canyon helicopter combo tour from Las Vegas
• View Hoover Dam and the sandstone canyon walls on a helicopter ride
• Land on the floor of the Grand Canyon Take a pontoon boat cruise along the Colorado River
• Marvel at the breadth of the canyon from the glass-bottom Skywalk at Eagle Point with skip-the-line admission
• Hotel transport and souvenir Skywalk photo included

Leaves from Las Vegas | Multi-Attraction Tours

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

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 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

Custom Grand Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix

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

Grand Canyon West, Lunch, Hoover Dam Photo Stop, Optional Skywalk

Visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon on this full-day tour from Las Vegas. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, passing by Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest on the way. At the Grand Canyon West Rim, enjoy four hours of free time to explore highlights like Eagle Point and Guano Point. On the way back, stop by the Hoover Dam bridge for photos.

• Full-day tour to the Grand Canyon West Rim from Las Vegas
• Includes lunch, granola bar and bottled water
• Skywalk and helicopter upgrades available
• Round-trip transfers from select Las Vegas hotels

Leaves from Flagstaff | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours

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

In the Spotlight

RELATED TRIP IDEAS

MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM

Canyon and Rivers Adventure Tour

The Canyon River Adventure is the Number 1 tour in Northern Arizona that combines 3 tours into one for you. Not only will you see Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, and Glen Canyon…but you also hike through Antelope Canyon!  You will fly over Grand Canyon, then take a 4 Wheel drive vehicle to world famous Antelope Canyon, and then float down the Colorado River through magnificent Glen Canyon just before Grand Canyon begins… What an unforgettable day this will be for you.  The Antelope Canyon With Rafting adventure will get you to the bottom of the Canyon! Air Tour,  4×4 Tour, and Float Trip – ALL in ONE!

Tour Operates March 1st – October 31st Annually

Grand Canyon

Your adventure begins at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport where you will board your flight to Page, Arizona via Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon and Glen Canyon.

Antelope Canyon

Take a 4 wheel drive vehicle from the Page Airport to Upper Antelope Canyon where you will take a tour from a local guide thru this majestic, unique Canyon. You will have the opportunity to walk thru this magnificent slot canyon that has only been open to the public for very few years now.  Peter Lik recently sold the worlds most expensive photograph in history of Antelope Canyon for $6.5 million . The Antelope Canyon With Rafting adventure takes you to the area’s where Kenny Loggins filmed his “ Conviction of the Heart ” music video, where Michael Bolton filmed his “ Said I Loved You…But I Lied ” music video, and where Britney Spears filmed her “ I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman ” music video. These music video’s were filmed on the canyons of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon.

Glen Canyon

You will be transported through a two-mile tunnel to the base of Glen Canyon Dam where you will board a 15-20 Passenger, motorized river raft and cover 200 million years in about a 15.5 river-mile float through some of the most breathtaking scenery of the Mighty Colorado River. You will glide between canyon walls that rise a thousand or more vertical feet. After a brief stop to marvel at ancient petroglyphs, lunch will be provided.

Marble Canyon

Your next destination is the ever unique Lee’s Ferry, where your Motor coach or van will be waiting to pick you up and return you thru the Marble Canyon portion of Grand Canyon National Park. You will go across the Marble Canyon Bridge as you return to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You will be returned to your Hotel or where you left your vehicle with time to see a wonderful Sunset of the Grand Canyon!

What's Included?

What to bring.

Check out other touring options

Combo Adventure
Canyon and Rivers Tour

Helicopter Adventure
Imperial EcoStar Tour

Grand Canyon Discovery Air Tour

Grand Canyon South Rim Tours

Explore the most famous and widely photographed part of the Grand Canyon: the South Rim! Part of the Grand Canyon National Park, this region offers renowned viewpoints like Bright Angel Point and Mather Point. You can see the deepest and widest areas of the canyon and some of the oldest exposed rock in the world from the sky on a helicopter, bus, or Hummer Grand Canyon tour with GCSA. Grand Canyon South Rim tours depart from Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon National Park.

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 ground tour along the canyon rim features a Hummer vehicle customized for sightseeing. The perfect addition to your Grand Canyon National Park vacation!

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.

Float along the serene Colorado River between ancient canyon walls on this 15.5-mile rafting trip. Absorb the wild natural beauty of this magnificent landform and even drift past ancient petroglyphs carved in the canyon walls themselves.

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.

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.

Types of South Rim Grand Canyon Tours

Airplane Tours of the Grand Canyon South Rim

From the ground, you can only experience a small portion of the magnificent landscapes that the Grand Canyon South Rim has to offer. While there are no shortage of spectacular sights from the ground, you can enhance your day trip to the Grand Canyon National Park with an unforgettable aerial adventure. Grand Canyon South Rim airplane tours can be paired with a Hummer tour through Grand Canyon National Park or a helicopter ride over the widest and deepest parts of the canyon.

Discover all Grand Canyon South Rim airplane tours

Helicopter Tours of the Grand Canyon South Rim

Soar into adventure aboard a Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter tour. These world-class aerial adventures will take you on a thrilling ride over the widest and deepest parts of the Grand Canyon South and North Rims. Experience the panoramic views of the ancient canyon walls and the Colorado River roaring below.

South Rim helicopter tours lift off from our terminal in the South Rim. If your Grand Canyon tour is departing from Las Vegas, you'll be transported to the South Rim via a fixed-wing airplane or luxurious motorcoach. If you're already planning a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park, you can simply hop on your helicopter tour from the South Rim.

Discover all Grand Canyon helicopter tours

Hummer Tours of Grand Canyon National Park

Make the most of your Grand Canyon South Rim vacation with a guided Hummer tour to some of the most impressive areas of the national park. Aboard a customized open-air Hummer with ample seating, you'll enjoy the beauty of popular landmarks like Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point. Hummer tours can be upgraded to tour at sunset or made private for your group. You can also pair your Hummer adventure with a breathtaking airplane or helicopter tour.

Bus Tours to the Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines may be the world's premier Grand Canyon air tour operator, but we also offer ground tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Sit back and relax on a spacious, air-conditioned motorcoach and enjoy as sights of the ancient Joshua Tree Forest, the Mojave Desert, and the Hoover Dam pass you by. You can even upgrade your Grand Canyon South Rim bus tour to include an unforgettable helicopter flight or a Hummer ride through the national park.

Discover all Grand Canyon bus tours

South Rim Grand Canyon Tour FAQs

The Grand Canyon South Rim is home to some of the most famously breathtaking landscapes in the world. This is also the most developed rim of the Grand Canyon. During your trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim, check out a few of these exciting activities.

• Gaze in awe at beautiful lookout points like Bright Angel Point and Mather Point
• Soar over breathtaking landscapes like Zuni Corridor and the Kaibab National Forest during a world-class helicopter or airplane tour
• Embark on a guided Hummer excursion to scenic sites like Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point
• Explore the historic architecture and quaint gift shops in Grand Canyon Village
• Climb to the top of Desert View Watchtower for a 360-degree view of the South Rim

Check out your must-see guide to the Grand Canyon National Park .

There's a reason people have been flying with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines for over 90 years. With a dozen world-class Grand Canyon South Rim tours to choose from, each individual has plenty of options for their dream Grand Canyon vacation.

Here are a few of the best and most popular Grand Canyon South Rim tours.

• South Rim Airplane Tour with Sunset Hummer
• Grand Canyon Connoisseur with Hummer
• Grand Canyon Connoisseur with Helicopter
• South Rim Bus Tour with Helicopter

With a Grand Canyon South Rim tour from GCSA, you can experience the most remarkable sights at the South Rim in just one day.

With the Grand Connoisseur Airplane Tour with Hummer , guests will soar over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River. After touching down at the South Rim, board a customized Hummer for a tour of the Grand Canyon National Park's most famous viewpoints.

If you're more interested in catching fantastic aerial views of the widest and deepest parts of the Grand Canyon, replace the Hummer with a state-of-the-art helicopter. Aboard a Grand Connoisseur Airplane Tour with a Helicopter, the bird's-eye views of the canyon are breathtaking and unforgettable.

Yes. We recommend that customers book in advance to take advantage of our great online prices.

We are happy to take bookings in advance or upon arrival at one of our terminals. However, the best prices are available online and our tours often sell out.

Get more answers to frequently asked questions about GCSA tours.

The Spring and Fall are widely considered the best times of the year to make a trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim. During these periods, the daytime temperatures are cool and the crowds are thin.

• Experience Grand Canyon

Village Tour & Rim Walk

Enjoy this family-friendly tour of the Grand Canyon's South Rim and Historic Village. Photo Credit: Denise Vasquez Photography

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

• Difficulty: Wheelchair Accessible
• Trip Length: 3 Hours
• Cost: $120/per guest / 3 guest minimum
• Group size: 3 - 6 guests

Grand views, intriguing plants and animals, and rich Native American history!

It’s hard to imagine a better destination than Grand Canyon for the adventurous family! On fun-filled short walks along and below the rim, our expert guides will share the many wonders of the world’s most famous chasm.

• Is your group larger than 6? 
• Want to hike a little longer? 
• Don't see the date you want?
• Please email us for group rates at [email protected] .

Trip Highlights

• Learn about the wonders of Grand Canyon from an experienced, expert guide
• Expect to see sweeping views, ancient rocks, telltale fossils, curious critters, and diverse plants
• Discuss the Native American connections--both past and present--to a place many call home | See pictographs at the top of Bright Angel Trail (no dogs allowed on trail)  Learn about the fascinating ecosystems of Grand Canyon
• Grab some of the best photos of your vacation

The total mileage for the day will be under 4 miles. 

Your day will end at 12:00 p.m., 11:30 a.m., or 11:00 a.m. much the same way it began; surrounded by compelling views of the world’s most famous chasm.

 Don't forget to bring: 

• Comfortable, athletic or hiking shoes with GOOD tread
• 1 liter of water per person (33 ounces = 1 liter) 
• Comfortable backpack to hold: snacks, water, and other items (please don't forget SNACKS!) 
• Sun protection: Sunglasses, Wide-brimmed hats, Sunscreen
• Rain gear for monsoon season 
• Please check the gear list in your itinerary for further ideas and information! 

Meet Location : Maswik Lodge - front entrance 

Details : We will visit and learn about: Train Depot, El Tovar, Hopi House, Verkamps Visitor Center, Trail of Time, Bright Angel Lodge, CCC telephone poles, Kolb Studio, Native American pictographs, ancient fossil beds, and so much more! 

End location : Bright Angel Trailhead

Let our experts show your family why they call it Grand Canyon. During a private guided tour, a Field Institute instructor will weave the canyon’s story during a 3-hour walk in Grand Canyon's historic Village. The historic rim trail has a great deal to offer the inquisitive mind. Ancient rocks and fossils, historic Native American pictographs, amazing plants and animals, and some of the most breathtaking views in North America will be yours to enjoy. 

Additional information

Meet times will vary on season. March-April 9:00 a.m. | May 8:30 a.m | June-September 8:00 a.m. | October - November 9:00 a.m.

From there, we will either walk towards Bright Angel Trail for your hike down to Second Tunnel or walk through the historic area of Grand Canyon Village on your way to the Train Depot, El Tovar, Hopi House, and Verkamp's Visitor Center. 

Once we are near Verkamps Visitor Center, we will head west towards Bright Angel Lodge and learn about historic CCC structures, Kolb Studio, historic Native American pictographs which are 100 yards down Bright Angel Trail and 200-million-year-old marine fossil beds. This activity is family-friendly! 

• Is your family larger than 6? 
• Please email us for special pricing at [email protected] 

What's included

Price for the class includes:

Our expert instructor.

Gear lists.

What's not included

You are responsible for:

All of your gear

Water and food

Transportation to and from the Canyon.

Lodging during your trip.

Guide gratuity (industry recommendation 15-20% of trip cost,  read this article to receive more guidance ).

Additional notes

Where should you stay?

• Xanterra Parks & Resorts
• Yavapai Lodge

Participants should come seasonally prepared and be enthusiastic about outdoor exploration. We do not cancel or transfer tours for weather events.

Testimonials

The Zelkovic Family

“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”

The Jankowskis

“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”

“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”

Joe Sweeney

“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”

“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”

Papillon Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tours

Papillon South Rim helicopter tours depart from a private terminal just outside the park itself, built with guest experience in mind. Easily able to accommodate 1,000 passengers a day, this facility features an expansive glass staging area -where visitors have a 180-degree view of the arriving and departing aircraft.

The South Rim Terminal is located just 3 miles outside the Grand Canyon National Park and serves as a launch point for our North Canyon Tour , Imperial Air Tour , South Rim Airplane Tour and Canyon Smooth Water Bus Trip . When it comes to exploring the Grand Canyon South Rim, there's no better place to start your adventure.

The Grand Canyon South Rim

Located in northern Arizona , t he Grand Canyon South Rim is one of the canyon's most popular destinations. Located in the Kaibab National Forest, this area offers a different experience with every season. Wildflowers bloom along the Kaibab Plateau in the spring, aspen leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, and canyon walls become lightly powdered in snow in the winter. Unlike other rims, the South Rim is open year round, so there is never a bad time to visit. 

The South Rim is the most developed out of the rim areas, which means there are more services available here than most parts of the canyon. It also means the area can be prone to crowds. Peak season for the South Rim is in the summer, May through September. While the summer offers some of the best weather for the area, other seasons bring less of a crowd and offer a more private experience. No matter what season you plan to visit, you'll want to make sure you plan your trip well in advance. For more information check out our Grand Canyon National Park Guide.

Must-See Highlights of the South Rim Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers an array of breathtaking sights and highlights to explore. One of the must-see spots is Yaki Point , which can be reached conveniently via the shuttle buses and provides stunning panoramic views of the canyon, making it a favorite among photography enthusiasts. Another highlight is the scenic Desert View Drive , which takes you to the East Entrance and offers various overlooks such as the historic Watchtower.

The Visitor Center serves as an excellent starting point, providing valuable information and exhibits that guide visitors to captivating hiking trails such as the renowned Bright Angel Trail and the scenic Rim Trail . Mather Point and Hermit Road are additional must-see areas that showcase the grandeur of the South Rim. Mather Point provides an excellent introduction to the stunning beauty of the South Rim and is a great spot to witness the ever-changing colors of the canyon, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the golden hues paint the landscape in a mesmerizing display. Hermit Road is a scenic route that offers several designated viewpoints along its stretch. This road is closed to private vehicles during the peak tourist season, making it a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Visitors can hop on one of the shuttle buses and explore the different overlooks, each providing a unique perspective of the canyon. If you plan to visit the South Rim, please note that the National Park Service manages this section of the Grand Canyon and charges entrance fees to ensure the preservation and maintenance of this natural wonder.

Contact Numbers

South rim of grand canyon tours.

North Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

Imperial with EcoStar Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

Grand Discovery Air Tour

Soar over the Grand Canyon aboard a state-of-the-art helicopter or airplane. The South Rim is the gateway to your Grand Canyon helicopter tour or scenic Grand Canyon flight aboard a Papillon aircraft. Discover all the incredible ways to tour the Grand Canyon South Rim with our popular tours.

The views of the Grand Canyon on board our North Canyon helicopter flight will leave you awestruck! There’s no better way to see some of the world’s most colorful and ancient geology than up close on a North Canyon helicopter tour.

You’ll fly from Grand Canyon Village , over the Kaibab National Forest, across the deepest and widest part of the canyon, and have sweeping panoramic views of the Colorado River , North Rim , and famous rock formations in some of the most remote parts of the Grand Canyon National Park . You'll also see incredible temples and buttes as you fly back through the Dragon Corridor before touching back down at the South Rim helipad.

This exhilarating helicopter tour takes you on a tour covering 2 billion years of geological time and is the perfect addition to any Grand Canyon getaway!

Imperial with EcoStar

Take in all the famous Grand Canyon sights aboard the most comfortable sightseeing helicopter available! Our EcoStar helicopter flight transports you to the North Rim , South Rim, and the wild Eastern portion of Grand Canyon National Park in a state of the art aircraft with panoramic windows for the ultimate aerial sightseeing and photography experience!

On this tour, you'll fly over some of the widest and deepest regions of the Grand Canyon and enjoy non-stop, awe-inspiring views of remarkable rock formations, colossal, colorful canyon walls, and dense, remote forests.

Get ready for nearly an hour of non-stop, stunning aerial views aboard this private helicopter tour!

For the ultimate bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon this airplane tour is for you! Unlike other Grand Canyon flying tours, the Grand Discovery Airplane Tour features a fleet of aircraft with high-set wings, assuring that every seat offers our guests an unobstructed view to capture beautiful photographs!

On the Grand Discovery Air Tour, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon South Rim , including Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers , Kaibab National Forest, and the Kaibab Plateau. You’ll also take in all the famous South Rim viewpoints from a stunning birds-eye perspective.

All these tours depart from Grand Canyon National Park Airport and each aircraft comes equipped with climate control and headset narration for each passenger.

This tour is an affordable sightseeing addition to any Grand Canyon National Park vacation!

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

Arizona Private Tours

What guests like about this place ».

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

Grand Canyon Railway

Family-Friendly | Leaves from Williams

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

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

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

Grand Canyon Getaway

Family-Friendly

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

Munds Park RV Resort

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

Hotel Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon, an IHG Hotel

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Professionally Guided | Lunch Provided | Hotel Pickup

Best Western PREMIER Grand Canyon Squire Inn

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

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

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

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

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

Maverick Helicopter Tours

Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan

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 from the Air

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Grand Canyon

Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona's most distinguishable landmark — a natural wonder you must see to believe. Stretching 277 miles from end to end, the Grand Canyon's rocky walls descend more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River continues to carve away at the rugged landscape. Everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime, and area businesses and outfitters make experiencing the canyon accessible to everyone.

From the Rims

If you are short on time or prefer to take in fantastic panoramas from paved viewing points, simply visiting the Grand Canyon creates memories that stick with visitors forever. Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is the most popular visitor area, with plenty of places to eat, shop and stay the night in area hotels or campsites. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a fun family alternate for a short visit to the canyon. It operates turn-around trips from Williams to the South Rim year-round, with a three-hour window to see the canyon. Its annual Polar Express excursions are the stuff holiday traditions are made of. While less developed with fewer services and closed during the colder months, the North Rim is open from May to October and offers a unique and uncrowded way to explore the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon West is also a favorite for short visits. Its Skywalk takes Grand Canyon visitors out over the rim on a glass bridge that hovers 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Choose your vantage point and get ready to take pictures you will never delete.

From the Canyon Floor

If your group leans more toward the adventurous side, find many ways to fully immerse yourself in this natural wonder of the world. Trailheads at any of the entry points lead to steep switchbacks that take visitors into the canyon. Commit to a few hours to hike to plateaus fully encircled by the canyon walls. To hike to the Colorado River on the canyon floor, plan to camp overnight before hiking back up from the river to the rim. Many experienced hikers join seasoned outfitters on grueling rim-to-rim hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures to fully immerse themselves in the splendor of the canyon. Outfitters also offer Grand Canyon white-water river rafting adventures on the Colorado River, which can last from half a day to two weeks. Helicopter tours, mule rides and mountain bike rim trails offer other memorable ways to see the canyon in person. Survey the adventure level of your travel companions, and then use the following resources to plan the adventure of a lifetime in the Grand Canyon.

3 Perfect Days in the Grand Canyon

This three-day itinerary in Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim covers all the must-see stops and gives you the scoop on where to photograph the sunset.

3 Perfect Days in

The grand canyon, ways to explore.

Plan Your Trip

Getting to the grand canyon.

Find the best routes to reach the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon.

South, North, and West Rims

The Grand Canyon is like a paintbrush, dipped in golds and pinks and oranges and purples, swept over narrows and crags in an area that’s an...

Arizona's Must Sees

Around the Rim Tours

Explore the Grand Canyon with a guided tour or ride – on a bike, on foot or perched atop a friendly mule.

Outdoor Adventures

First-Timer's Guide to the Grand Canyon

For those making their first trip to the Grand Canyon, here's an expert take on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around.

Grand Canyon Air Tours

See the canyon from high above with a helicopter or airplane tour.

Outdoor Adventure

Hiking the Grand Canyon

Explore the Grand Canyon by foot. From the most popular hike on the Bright Angel Trail to many more hikes that offer a scenic view.

Rafting the Canyon

Choose from motorized or oar-powered expeditions ranging from four days to two weeks for a new perspective.

Family Activities

Grand Canyon for Kids

Find out how your kids can become Junior Rangers during your Grand Canyon vacation.

Accommodations

Historic lodges, hotels to rugged campgrounds, the Grand Canyon has a wide range of places to stay – book early.

Awesome Grand Canyon Fun for Families

Experience Arizona's world-famous landmark through the eyes of a child (although these family friendly activities promise fun for all ages).

More to Discover in Arizona

Road Trips & Tours

The Old West, Wilderness and Wine: Traveling in Southeast Arizona

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Arizona's a big state with a lot to see and do for just about anyone, but these 13 experiences are only found here.

Arizona's Roadside Attractions

Find all kinds of roadside sights—odd, unexpected and one-of-a-kind— across Arizona.

Grand Canyon After Dark

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the best places in Arizona to view the night sky and go stargazing.

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From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

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The 6 best grand canyon bus tours from las vegas.

Go beyond the glitz and glam to see one of the country's top natural landmarks.

The Best Grand Canyon Bus Tours

Courtesy of National Park Express

While the Strip is certainly one of Las Vegas' most famous features, it's not all the city has to offer. A trip to Las Vegas wouldn't be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring natural wonders just outside of it, such as the Grand Canyon. Tourists and locals alike will enjoy a break from the bright lights and bustling city on a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. As one of the largest natural canyons on Earth, the Grand Canyon is more than 270 miles long, meaning there are multiple destinations to explore; the most popular are the South and West Rims.

We've rounded up the top options for Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas, whether you seek an adventurous ride or a more tranquil sightseeing experience.

Best Overall: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus/Helicopter & Landing Tour with Optional Skywalk

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Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: From $358 per person Duration: About 10 hours

Visitors can experience the ultimate Grand Canyon bus tour paired with an unforgettable helicopter ride down to the floor of the canyon. The adventure begins on an air-conditioned tour bus that departs from the Vegas Strip and carries passengers to the West Rim. From there, passengers will board a helicopter that descends 4,000 feet, landing on the floor of the canyon. Visitors can explore the canyon floor before reboarding the motorcoach and continuing onto Grand Canyon West, which is home to Guano Point, Eagle Point and Hualapai Ranch. You'll also have the option to brave the world-famous glass Skywalk for sweeping views (and an additional fee).

Local tip: Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribal Nation. In the tribe's traditions, the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River are considered living, spiritual entities. When visiting Grand Canyon West, travelers are immersed in the rich culture and history of the Hualapai Nation.

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Best West Rim Tour: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $99 per person Duration: About 11 hours

Located in Peach Springs, Arizona, the West Rim is only a few hours from Las Vegas. This tour will show you the best that the West Rim has to offer, including the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk bridge (for an added fee). After being picked up from select Vegas hotels and traveling three hours on an air-conditioned bus, passengers get to spend up to four hours exploring the West Rim. A must-see lookout point at the West Rim is Guano Point, from which you can hike to Highpoint Hike and get a view of the Colorado River.

A lunch box, snacks and plenty of water are included with the tour. One unique feature of this outing is that you get to stop at the Hoover Dam for a photo during the bus journey (but keep in mind this stop is available seasonally). You can also choose from several upgrades, including a Skywalk admission ticket, a helicopter ride or a boat excursion.

Local tip: Because it's closer to the Las Vegas desert, this side of the Grand Canyon is the warmest year-round, with hot and dry summers, mild shoulder seasons, and occasional snowfall in the winter.

Best Budget: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas

Tour operator: Grand Canyon Destinations Price: From $84 per person Duration: About 15 to 16 hours

A South Rim bus tour offers a quieter, more historic sightseeing experience. The South Rim is one of the most popular parts of Grand Canyon National Park . Guests can see the wide variety of flora and fauna native to the area. This bus tour – which takes around four hours to get to the South Rim's Mather Point from Vegas – gives visitors the opportunity to walk along Bright Angel Trail; it leads to Bright Angel Lodge, located in the Village Historic District.

You can also stock up on snacks and souvenirs at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, since the tour only includes a box lunch and water. Or, upgrade your excursion with the guided walking tour add-on. Another historic part of the tour is the scenic drive along the famous Route 66, one of the first U.S. highways.

Local tip: Located farther from Vegas, the South Rim is cooler, with rainy and snowy winters, and more moderate temperatures in spring, summer and fall.

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Best South Rim Tour: Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Tour from Las Vegas with Lunch

Tour operator: National Park Express Price: From $119 per person Duration: About 13 hours

This guided bus tour includes lunch, bottled water and a granola bar to snack on during the day, as well as admission to some of the most popular Grand Canyon destinations, like Mather Point and Bright Angel Point. You'll get about three hours total at the Grand Canyon. Plus, you can select your own pickup location from several Las Vegas-area hotels and be dropped off at one of three locations (Excalibur, Horseshoe or Treasure Island).

Local tip: Visitors who are looking to experience the wildlife native to the area often choose the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is home to more animal species than the West Rim, such as coyotes and bighorn sheep.

Best All-Inclusive: Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk

Courtesy of Comedy on Deck Tours

Tour operator: Comedy on Deck Tours Price: From $149 per adult Duration: About 10.5 hours

This full-day Grand Canyon tour run by Comedy on Deck Tours gives guests several options to customize their experience, such as a VIP Skywalk tour. But there is also a great base package. Guests are treated to not one but two sit-down meals from local restaurants: a freshly prepared breakfast and a barbecue lunch with an incredible view of the canyon. Additionally, this all-inclusive tour also stops at the Hoover Dam on the way to the Grand Canyon, so guests get to experience two national landmarks for the price of one. The professional comedian who doubles as tour guide makes for an even more fun experience.

Local tip: The West Rim is typically less crowded than the South Rim, so it may be a good option for your Grand Canyon destination if you're hoping to avoid all the tourist congestion.

Best for Families: Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

Tour operator: Canyon Tours Price: $85 per person Duration: About 14 hours

Although there are plenty of kid-approved activities in Las Vegas itself, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is a must-see for any family vacation. This South Rim bus tour from Canyon Tours offers a full day of activities that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Not only will youngsters marvel at the beauty of the canyon, but they can also have an interactive experience at the IMAX theater, which plays a film that takes you into the center of the canyon. Visitor centers throughout the park also offer free activities that allow children 4 and older to earn an official Junior Ranger badge and learn about nature, history and park preservation.

Local tip: The South Rim is divided into different viewpoint areas that visitors can explore. One of the most popular viewpoints is Hermit Road, which is ideal for families with children.

Frequently Asked Questions

The exact tour duration depends on the company you choose, but you should budget at least 10 hours for the entire experience.

You'll pay at least $85 per person for a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. This price will vary based on company, tour inclusions and location along the canyon.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Taylore Fox is a Las Vegas local who has two decades' worth of experience living in and exploring the city. As an experienced writer, reader, researcher and learner, she believes there is always something new to learn and explore, even in one's own hometown.

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Grand Canyon South Rim Signature Hummer Tour

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

Drive through the Grand Canyon and enjoy the South Rim’s hidden gems and breathtaking viewpoints with fewer crowds.

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
• Ground tour of the Grand Canyon National Park with potential stops at Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point
• 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 embark on your 2-hour ground tour through the Grand Canyon’s most exciting areas and viewpoints in an open-air style Hummer.

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 unique trip takes you through the Grand Canyon National Park to some of the best Grand Canyon viewpoints, with potential stops at Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point. Each tour is uniquely modified by your tour guide to avoid crowded lookouts and visit more tranquil areas for a more personal and private experience. You will have the opportunity to take pictures, explore, and sight-see at each stop before re-boarding your Hummer vehicle for the return drive to the Buck Wild depot.

All Hummer vehicles are windowless and equipped with an open-air style roof so you can enjoy the beautiful desert weather while capturing stunning photos en route to each scenic destination.

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.

• $118 per person – 8:30am
• $118 per person – 11:30am
• $114 per person – 2:30pm

Similar Tours You Might Like

Grand canyon south rim bus tour, grand canyon deluxe airplane and hummer tour, grand canyon exclusive floor landing helicopter tour, grand canyon imperial helicopter tour.

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You'll Love These 12 Fun-Filled Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Vegas, According to Reviews

Are you looking for the top-rated bus tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?

You’re exactly where you need to be because this guide highlights the top Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas. How can I vouch for them? After years of van-living and road-tripping across the western USA, I have seen the Grand Canyon from multiple perspectives and rims. And these bus outings will hit the best spots.

I’ve sifted through them all and included only the best-rated and most well-reviewed in this article — so you can simply book and be wowed by the scale of these canyons!

Editors Choice !   Book this Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk . It’s my top pick, with 5 star reviews from over 5,600+ people, and even has a Viator 2023 award for Best Experiences.

Las Vegas is more than just a city of glitz and glamour; it’s the gateway to one of the world’s seven natural wonders. These excursions not only promise a comfortable ride to the best canyon overlooks but also offer additional experiences like a thrilling Skywalk or a historic visit to the Hoover Dam.

Still wracking your brain about which of these Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas is your perfect match? Keep scrolling to find out which is best for you.

Top 3 Picks: Bus tours from Vegas to Grand Canyon

Grand canyon west rim & hoover dam.

Best West Rim Grand Canyon Day Trip

• 2023 Viator Experiences Award-Winner
• Optional Skywalk Add-on
• All-inclusive Food & Transfer

Grand Canyon South Rim & Hoover Dam

Best South Rim Grand Canyon Day Trip

• 3 Hours in the Park
• Enjoy a Hike or a Guided Walk

3 Day Grand Canyon + Zion, Bryce & Monument Valley Tour

Best Multi-Day Trip to See Everything

• 3 National Parks (+Death Valley Add-on)
• 2 Navajo Nation Attractions
• Jeep Ride and Helicopter Ride

12 Best Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Bus Tours

I’ve hand-picked each option on this list based on a variety of criteria:  customer ratings and reviews, unique features, knowledgeable guides, and more.

This iconic Northern Arizona landmark is a massive landscape that spans hundreds of miles and is divided into a few main sections: the North, South, and West Rim. Because an undrivable canyon separates these areas from one another, traveling between them could require hours of driving.

I’ve separated the following into three categories: 

• Best Grand Canyon Day Trip  where the main focus is on the National Park
• Best Adventure Day Trip  tours with included activities or additional highlights
• Best Multi-Day Trips  where you may visit many other national parks and famous American attractions

Best Grand Canyon Day Trip Bus Tours from Las Vegas

1. grand canyon west rim & hoover dam.

Best & Cheapest Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour

Length:  13 Hours |   Ratings:  4.5 out of 5 Stars |   Book now

See the world’s largest natural wonder, the Grand Canyon, with  this best bus tour around Las Vegas!  Travel comfortably with a modern luxury bus with AC and a restroom. Your tour guide and driver will make you laugh and learn as you head towards the west rim.

Start your day with an included breakfast, then photo stops at the Hoover Dam Bridge and an ancient Joshua Tree Forest . Once you reach Grand Canyon West , stroll around Eagle Point (home of the Skywalk), Hualapai Ranch, and hike up Guano Point, which presents excellent views of the Colorado River.

Round-trip transfers from select Las Vegas hotels are included in the price. Add-ons like the Skywalk tickets or a Helicopter Ride are extra.

Cons: For a 13-hour day, it’s tough to find a more complete and budget-friendly option than this. But, you’ll be with a group of up to 54 other travelers. If you prefer a smaller group, we’ve got an alternative for you.

2. West Rim & Hoover Dam (Small Group)

Best Small Group Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour

Experience the Grand Canyon in style with  this small-group day trip from Las Vegas.  You’ll ride in a plush, modern vehicle with leather seats equipped with USB ports and outlets.

But it’s not just about the vehicle. With a small group size  limited to 14 people,  you’ll definitely be able to get some face time with your friendly guide.

At the Grand Canyon, you’ll have up to 3 hours of your own time to explore one of the world’s seven natural wonders. You’ll also make stops at the Hoover Dam, Dolan Springs, and the West Rim – where you can buy an optional Skywalk ticket upgrade.

Lunch is covered , with a sandwich, wrap, or salad supplied for you. What’s more, round-trip hotel transport is included.

3. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Bus Tour

Best Grand Canyon South Rim Tour

Catch the best rim on  this full-day bus tour to Grand Canyon’s South Rim! Your luxury bus comes complete with air conditioning, a restroom on board, and a guide. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the desert scenery along the way.

The South Rim is my favorite section of the park, and you’ll get to see the best views, like Mather Point, Bright Angel Point, and the Hopi House . You can upgrade to a guided walk or go off on your own.

But that’s not all! Make a pit stop at Boulder City and Kingman Visitor Center for a yummy hot breakfast and refreshments. Explore this historic city that’s been a go-to spot on Route 66 for countless travelers.

This package has got you covered with lunch, snacks, and bottled water to keep you energized all day long. Plus, convenient pickup and drop-off from most city hotels, so transportation is no sweat!

4. South Rim Full-Day Trip + Awesome Add-Ons

Best South Rim Bus Tour If You’re Looking For More Add On Fun

Although this tour has fewer reviews, this full-day guided tour of the Grand Canyon has all the benefits of the one above but with a few fun add-ons worth mentioning.

Optional Add-ons:

• IMAX movie with a ticket to the 34-minute film located in the Visitor Center
• Be a bird with a 25-30 minute helicopter flight
• Adventure in a 2 hour Hummer ride around the canyon rim

Like the others mentioned above, you’ll be bumping along in a comfy state-of-the-art motorcoach. Your pro driver & guide will share live narration as you head to the South Rim. You’ll even get to stop at two stunning scenic overlooks along the way!

Best Adventure las vegas to grand canyon Day Trips

5. south rim, antelope canyon, horseshoe bend day tour.

Included Destinations

• Horseshoe Bend
• Antelope Canyon (Antelope Canyon X or Lower Antelope Canyon)
• Grand Canyon South Rim

Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff, gazing out at the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon . Then, the kaleidoscope colors and shapes of photogenic Antelope Canyon , one of my all-time favorite spots. And finally, Horseshoe Bend , the famous bend in the Colorado River.

If you’re looking for a one-day trip covering all of these incredible sights, then  this Northern Arizona tour from Las Vegas   is perfect for you.

You’ll be picked up at either Bellagio or Circus Circus before heading towards Horseshoe Bend, Page where you’ll hike about 1.2 kilometers until you reach a cliff overlooking the Colorado River.

The next stop is Antelope Canyon, where a friendly Navajo guide shows you a natural light display. And lastly, at the South Rim, you’ll explore two viewpoints in the Lipan Point, Moran Point, Bright Angel, and Yavapai Point areas.

On your way back to Sin City, you’ll make a quick stop in Seligman, an authentic old-school American vibe town on Route 66.

6. Grand Canyon White Water Rafting Trip

Join this guided full-day Grand Canyon whitewater rafting trip   down the majestic Colorado River! Journey through the heart of the canyon on an adventure-packed day trip, which includes a visit to the Hualapai Indian community of Peach Springs.

Along the 5.5 hour thrilling adventure , you’ll encounter a series of exciting class 3 to class 6 rapids, guided by your expert Hualapai guide. So that you know, the Colorado River is rated as one of the best and most challenging whitewater rafting rivers in the world! It’s on my dream bucket list.

You’ll also discover hidden canyons and waterfalls, including Travertine Falls, with a maximum of eight passengers per raft.

A boxed lunch and, of course, all your white water rafting gear and equipment will be provided.

7. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & Route 66 Tour

• Route 66 Motoporium

Explore some of Northern Arizona’s best natural and manmade wonders on  this Grand Canyon bus tour.

Start your day by hiking the Trail of Time on the South Rim. Visit other viewpoints, including Yavapai Point, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Bright Angel, Hopi House, and more.

Drive on the renowned Route 66, a famous American bypass road filled with roadside oddities. Journey to one of them, the Route 66 Motoporium , for a garage of vintage cars. Finally, admire the architecture of the Hoover Dam on the way back.

Did I mention that lunch, snacks, and drinks are included? Plus, partake in all this as a small group with hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.

8. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & 7 Magic Mountains (Small Group)

• “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign”
• Seven Magic Mountains
• Grand Canyon West Rim

On this small-group bus trip,  the excitement starts even before you reach the canyon. Your group of at most 13 travelers will first stop at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign .” Then, take an artsy stop at the Seven Magic Mountains, a colorful installation in the middle of the desert.

At the National Park, you’ll have roughly four hours to roam the west rim trails and viewpoints. And for the ultimate thrill-seekers, step over the Skywalk.

Best Multi-Day grand canyon trips from las vegas

9. grand canyon & antelope canyon 2-day tour.

• Antelope Canyon

Embark on an adventure with  this 2-day Grand Canyon tour.  Get excited as you traverse through some of the most remarkable desert landscapes on the planet.

The voyage kicks off with a visit to the Hoover Dam, where you’ll get the lowdown on its important role in supporting Las Vegas. Then, it’s time to hit the open road along the iconic Route 66. At the South Rim, get ready for three stunning views at Yavapai Point, Grandview Point, and Lipan Point.

On day two, the adventure starts with a bang at Horseshoe Bend . Then, it’s off to Lower Antelope Canyon , where a local Navajo guide will lead you through the vibrant slot canyons.

What’s Included:

• National Park entrance fees
• 1 Night in a Hotel
• Drinks and Snacks
• Lower Antelope Canyon entry ticket ($75)

10. 4-in-1 Grand Circle Two-Day Tour

• Zion National Park
• Bryce National Park
• Lake Powell
• Monument Valley

Join this 4-in-1 Grand Circle Tour   exploring four awesome natural attractions in just two days! Imagine watching the sunrise over Monument Valley, the meandering Colorado River flowing through Horseshoe Bend, the beautiful light beams of Antelope Canyon, and hiking along the Grand Canyon rim.

Bump about on Navajo Tribal Park in a guided Jeep tour and learn about Navajo culture and history. Plus, you’ll enjoy the insane scenery of Lake Powell, the second-largest reservoir in the US.

With a maximum of only 10 travelers, this small-group venture is designed to let you experience the best of each destination. And when the day is done, relax in overnight accommodations and wake up to a free breakfast at the hotel.

11. Grand Canyon, Zion, & Monument Valley 3-Day Trip

Included Destinations:

• Lake Powell (Antelope Canyon Tour Optional)
• Grand Canyon (Helicopter Ride Optional)
• Death Valley (Add On)
• Wild West Ghost Town (Add On)

Embark on  this ultimate 3-day adventure  through Monument Valley, Bryce, Zion, Lake Powell, and the South Rim.  From Navajo-guided  jeep tours  to  helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon , this non-stop adventure will bring you deep into the heart of this magical land.

Be surrounded by the creamy orange cliffs of Zion Canyon . Afterward, journey to Bryce Canyon and hike through geological structures known as hoodoos.

Opt for an optional helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view of the Grand Canyon or hike beneath the rim. If you’re up for more  desert adventures extending to California ,  add-ons like Death Valley or Wild West Ghost Town Explorer  are available.

Once the day’s ended, settle into full-service campsites with hot showers and amenities like swimming pools, hot tubs, and Wi-Fi.

This tour package covers every essential. With a guide to lead the way, transport, and meals, entry fees are included except for optional activities. You can choose camping or single lodging.

12. 3-Day National Parks Tour: Grand Canyon, Zion & Bryce Canyon

• Lower Antelope Canyon
• Bryce Canyon

This epic three-day tour  takes you to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion Park.

Departing from Las Vegas strip , you’ll be transported through the desert and Navajo Indian reservation to see how the Colorado River created one of the most incredible wonders on earth –  The Grand Canyon . And that’s just the beginning.

On your excursion, hike some iconic sites in Bryce and Zion , like the Weeping Rock, Angel’s Landing, and The Great White Throne. Your guide will walk with you while they explain this region’s geological history, wildlife, and culture.

This package includes everything you need  to experience the American West comfortably and conveniently. You’ll travel by air-conditioned minibus, and two nights of accommodation with daily breakfast are included.

Commonly Asked Questions

This is going to be a long day trip! So, how much does it cost, what’s the quickest way to get there, and when’s the best time to visit? Here are answers to common questions.

How far is the drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?

Your journey to the Grand Canyon depends on which rim you plan to visit. The west rim may be reached in 2 hours, but if you want to go to the South and North Rims, it will require an 8-10 hour round trip!

• Las Vegas to West Rim Distance:  125 miles, ~2 hours one way
• Las Vegas to South Rim Distance:  275 miles, ~4-4.5 hours one way
• Las Vegas to North Rim Distance:  280 miles, ~5 hours one way

What part of Grand Canyon is best to tour?

The most popular area from Vegas is the West Rim , which lies just 120 miles from the city. Tourists choose here for some of the best canyon views and to conquer a fear of heights on the Skywalk, a glass overhang built 4000 feet above the canyon floors.

There’s no denying that both the south and north rim are pretty far for a day trip , but the south rim is the most beloved part overall. Here you can find hundreds of miles of trails as well as scenic drives with vistas like Mather Point, Bright Angel Trail, and Desert View Drive.

The North Rim is best if you are looking for seclusion and a rugged adventure. It is about the same distance as the South Rim but much less accessible. More remote and wild, the North Rim contains fewer epic viewpoints, and many roads are closed from October to May due to weather conditions.

These reasons make the North Rim a less desirable destination for travelers looking for a day trip. This may be best for a road trip instead of a bus tour.

A day trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is long, but worth it if you have limited time or don’t have access to a rental car (since in America, you must be 26). If you can spare more time, I recommend staying in the area overnight or seeing more than one section of the park. 

Day trip bus tours to Grand Canyon start as cheap as $99 for just the tour itself with no additional add-ons and can go up as high as $250 if you add optional activities or want a smaller group.

A bus is likely the cheapest way to get from the Grand Canyon. You can also find a good deal on a rental car if you book in advance.

A typical bus tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon will be a full-day affair, ranging from 10 – 15 hours. The west rim is 2 hours closer than the South Rim, so the tour can be much shorter if you opt for the former option.

This route has no direct public transportation, so you will have to book a tour to go between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon by bus. As listed above, there are many options for bus tours ranging in price and activity. You may be able to take multiple connections to get there yourself.

That depends largely on your budget and schedule. Driving will save you money if you have a bigger group and give you more flexibility. However, a tour may be better for you if you want a knowledgeable guide or effortless transport.

If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, April through June are fantastic months: temperatures are moderate and it’s just before peak season. Summertime is hot and crowded, while winter can be icy with slippery trails – not to mention that the north rim of the canyon is usually closed during this time.

Yes! Booking your trip at least a week in advance will help ensure that tickets are available for your desired date/time slot. While some offer last-minute bookings, they fill up quickly, so it’s best to avoid risking it.

Yes! It’s totally possible — and cheaper!–to visit the grand canyon without taking a tour by renting an RV or going by car. However, you’ll need an authorized guide and permit if you want to access closed-off areas like Havasu Falls.

Since there are many things that you can see during your visit, allowing yourself extra time here can make sure that you don’t miss anything important! You’ll want at least 4 hours of exploring time if you’re short on time, but I recommend dedicating at least 1 full day, so that you have enough time for activities such as hiking and river rafting!

Helicopter rides vary depending on the length of flight & type. Expect to spend anywhere between $120-$500 per seat; however, the most popular options begin at around the $200 mark for a flight ranging anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour in length.

Final Thoughts: Best grand canyon tours from las vegas by Land

A visit to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is an unforgettable experience, from a single day to a multi-day trip spanning Southwestern USA.

In case you’ve just scrolled to the end:

• To choose the best value West Rim Tour with hotel pickup included,  join this tour from Las Vegas.
• To see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon,  book here.
• For the ultimate multi-day trip to see the best of Southwest USA and the national parks,  book this one.

Regardless of which you pick, the Grand Canyon is incredible, and I’m sure you’ll love the views as much as I did! And once you’re back, why not check out other Las Vegas activities like seeing Antelope Canyon , Death Valley, or a delicious food tour!

The post You’ll Love These 12 Fun-Filled Grand Canyon Bus Tours From Vegas, According to Reviews appeared first on Nomadicated .