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THE 10 BEST Grand Canyon National Park Tours & Excursions

Grand canyon national park tours.

• Helicopter Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Walking Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Private Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Photography Tours
• Shopping Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk Upgrade with Lunch

2. Grand Canyon West Tour with Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Skywalk

3. Grand Canyon Helicopter 45-Minute Flight with Optional Hummer Tour

4. Small-Group Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff

5. Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views

6. 45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona

7. 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour

8. Full Day Chauffeur for South Rim Grand Canyon Tour from Tusayan

9. Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion

10. Grand Canyon West with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop & Optional Skywalk

11. Grand Canyon Landmarks Tour by Airplane with Optional Hummer Tour

12. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Tour from Las Vegas

13. Grand Canyon with Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon Van Tour

14. Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package

15. Grand Canyon Deluxe Day Trip from Sedona

16. Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion from Sedona

17. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas

18. Grand Canyon West with Hoover Dam Stop, Optional Skywalk & Lunch

19. 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am

20. Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains Small Group VIP Tour

21. Desert View Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep

22. Grand Canyon Complete Day Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff

23. Small-Group Full Day Tour in Sedona and Grand Canyon

24. Half-Day Private Grand Canyon Guided Hiking Tour

25. Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour

26. Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix

27. Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Adventure from Scottsdale or Phoenix

28. 25-min Grand Canyon South Rim EcoStar Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer

29. Grand Entrance Grand Canyon Tour - Pink Jeep

30. Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Sedona

What travelers are saying.

• Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam Stop and Skywalk Upgrade with Lunch
• Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk
• Grand Canyon West with Lunch, Hoover Dam Stop & Optional Skywalk
• Small-Group Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff
• Grand Canyon West, Lunch, Hoover Dam Photo Stop, Optional Skywalk
• Canyon Ministries Grand Canyon Christian Tours
• Four Season Guides
• Wildland Trekking
• Arizona River Runners
• All-Star Grand Canyon Tours
• Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours
• Bright Angel Bike Rentals and Tours
• Canyonology Treks

Deals of the Week   European Long Weekends   Up to 50% OFF

Grand Canyon Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Grand Canyon tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Grand Canyon and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 142955 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Grand Canyon travel companies & tour operators with 142955 reviews

Bindlestiff Tours

• Excellent - 1,452 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

Great trip. Wonderful guide.

Awesome trip, i had an amazing time ans will highly recommend.

• Excellent - 985 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

Overall, the tour was great. The best part of our whole vacation. I wonder if we stayed in a different hotel the second night if it would’ve cut down some of the driving. All of the stops were beautiful and interesting. Mark is very knowledgeable about the area and was very willing to help us with whatever we needed. he stressed how important it is to stay hydrated. If someone was running a little late, he handled it well and kept us on time.

J'ai beaucoup aimé ce que nous avons visité! Le guide nous donnait des informations sur chaque site ce qui était très agréable. Je trouve que malheureusement nous n'avons pas assez de temps pour chaque lieu visité mais cela est compréhensible au vue des distances parcouru. J'aurai bcp apprécié un jour de plus afin de visiter Zion park et Bryce canyon Merci beaucoup pour cette belle découverte de l'ouest américain !

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,690 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

My son and I had a great hiking adventure on the Sedona tour! The scenery was stunning, the hikes were fun! Tolman was an excellent guide, who was very knowledgeable about the area, he had great hiking tips, and he picked some enjoyable challenging hikes for us! He was also an excellent cook! He prepared us some great meals! His positive outlook on everything helped the group of strangers on the trek quickly bond which led us all to have a great hiking experience!

Bamba Travel

• Good - 1,688 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

Overall, the tour was very fun and we'll put together. The tour guides were all friendly, and seemed to work well as a team. Accomodations were not bad, but there were better options directly adjacent. Food options were pretty much all fast food, which makes sense for the tour concept. However, dinner options could have been a bit better. We really would have appreciated a little more hiking and exploring time, and a couple of the guides did the best to accommodate that. However, 20 minute stops are just not enough time to get "out and experience" the areas.

We had a great time on our tour. It was jammed pack full of fun and information. Our guide Patricia was the best. She knew so much history about the states we travelled to and the parks we visited. I would definitely recommend this tour and Patricia.

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 255 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

Matthew (CEO) was great. As issues/challenges arose (which they inevitably do) Matthew addressed them, and provided options/alternatives, which he presented to the group and the group came to a consensus. A suggestion for Management/Tour Operator, The "meeting" with a Native American who was to talk about his/her Native American culture, should be given "guardrails" and stay within their "Lane". There are those who do not share the presenter's same political viewpoint as the presenter and the presenter should respect that his/her audience may have differing political viewpoint(s) and stay away from brining politics into their presentation. Again Matthew (CEO) was a great ambassador for the Tour Operator and we would definitely take another tour/trip with Matthew!

It was phenomenal! Sights, hikes, people, food, enhanced our journey.

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

• Good - 92 reviews for Grand Canyon tours
• This operator has no Grand Canyon reviews

• Excellent - 74,884 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

Loved the pace, itinerary, travel companions, tour guide, driver

Great guide and driver, impressive hotels.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,077 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

Europamundo

• Good - 2,965 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

• Excellent - 863 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

Wildland Trekking

• Excellent - 44 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

My brother and I were scheduled to take this tour in Oct. We live on opposite coast, so we were ecstatic about the tour and being together. We’re both in our 60’s. Unfortunately, 26 days outside the 30 day cancellation time, he tore his achilles tendon. When I called to see if I could defer to a future date, I was told to find another person. When I asked if there was somebody in management I could speak to, I was told there was nobody there, someone would call. I’ve yet to receive a call. They have no problem keeping my 3100$ This is a huge disappointment. I couldn’t imagine giving this company more money to do the trip next year. Shame on them!!

I went on the 3-day Zion Basecamp Tour. This trip was quite different from, and far worse than, what Wildland promises. The three main issues: (1) the trails were far more crowded than advertised; (2) there was far less hiking than advertised; and (3) the health & safety protocols were inadequate. In addition, there was a surprising lack of attention to detail with regard to gear and to food. For context, I have been on dozens of guided hiking, kayaking, rafting, and climbing tours. And I occasionally lead kayaking trips myself. I am aware that things occasionally go wrong, and that everyone has an off day. Until now, I had never left less than a 5* review for a guided trip; indeed, I just left a 5* review for the Bryce & Escalante Basecamp Tour which I took immediately after this trip. But, with hindsight, I would not have gone on this particular trip even if it had been free. [Update: I have revised the review from 1* to 2*, because Wildland contacted me and seem interested in making improvements. For instance, they revised the trip description] Some details: TRAILS FAR MORE CROWDED THAN ADVERTISED Wildland rates this trip 2/5 for solitude: “Expect to have some solitude, as much as an hour at a time without seeing other groups”. This is laughable. I cannot recall ever being on hikes as crowded as the 2 days we spent in Zion. We were within 5 yards of other groups almost the entire time. And we were there in March, before the peak of Spring Break. Zion sees even more visitors during April – mid October, when Wildland runs most of its trips. To be clear, I don’t blame Wildland for the crowding. I do blame them for misleading advertising. If they wish to keep the current solitude rating, they need to switch to something other than the two most crowded hikes in the park. Or else they should acknowledge that the hikes are exceedingly crowded—in which case I would have booked a different trip. FAR LESS HIKING THAN ADVERTISED Wildland indicates that this trip involves “21 miles / 34 kilometers” of hiking over 3 days. In fact, we only did 14 miles of hiking. In particular, in Zion, we never did “enjoy the start of the morning in relative solitude with a lesser-traveled hike through the lower canyon”. And, in Snow Canyon, we only hiked 4 miles. Part of the problem was that the group included a guest who has suffered a knee injury and had limited mobility. The guest was very apologetic, and indicated that they had actually contacted Wildland prior to the trip to inform them of the situation. To be clear, I applaud Wildland for accommodating guests with limited mobility. But then they should have 2 guides and split the group. Or else they should have alerted other guests that the trip would involve very limited hiking—in which case I would again have booked a different trip. INADEQUATE HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS Guides really should wear gloves when preparing meals. They should also set up hand-washing stations when on the trail, and remind guests to wash their hands before touching group utensils, and before digging into communal packages (for instance, of chips). Wildland is just asking for gastro-intestinal issues. Wildland also claims that “use of face masks to cover nose and mouth are required at all times in company vehicles and public transportation”. In fact, after day 1, the guide no longer bothered to wear his mask; and by day 3 nobody was wearing them. I realize that mask-wearing is a controversial topic. But Wildland should either enforce its stated policy, or else change it to “masks optional at all times”— in which case I would have booked with a different company. GEAR Wildland forgot to provide ground cloths for the tents, or rain covers for the backpacks. Really, what rookie makes this sort of mistake? Also, Wildland never provided the promised camp chairs. FOOD Wildland advertises “eat like royalty”. This is obviously subjective, and in any case I don’t go on a hiking trip for the cuisine. I will say that the food would have been fine for a backpacking trip. But it was far inferior to that of any other guided car-based or raft-based camping trip I have been on. Indeed, even I generally cook more interesting meals when car-camping (and cooking is not exactly my strong suit). Sample meals: Breakfast: coffee; two pancakes with cream cheese; granola with some blueberries (no yogurt, milk, or nuts). Dinner: pasta with tomato sauce and a few veggies; chocolate squares for dessert. Lunch was fine, especially considering that the guide brought it with him in his pack. Frankly, I doubt many guests would complain if the guide just laid out the ingredients after breakfast, and instructed guests to prepare and carry their own lunch sandwiches…

Bucket List Group Travel LL…

• Excellent - 15 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

• Excellent - 4,618 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

ATP - AlliedTPro

• Good - 4 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

• Excellent - 5,345 reviews for Grand Canyon tours

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Top 21 Things to do at the Grand Canyon

T he Grand Canyon is one of the top U.S. national parks and a top destination for the entire U.S  The South Rim is a year-round destination for young and old. Visitors come from across the world to see the awe-inspiring view. The Colorado River carved the canyon micron-by-micron over millions of years. Each layer of dusty-colored rock represents a different era and it’s over a mile deep. There is a lot to see in the area so here are the top things to do at the Grand Canyon.

Which Part of the Grand Canyon Should I Visit

The canyon features four major areas—north, south, west and east. However, not all areas are open year-round, like the North Rim, since it receives significant snow from the fall until the spring. The South Rim is the most popular area to see. It also offers the most activities both inside of the national park and its gateway town of Tusayan.

The western part of the canyon is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. It offers more adventure-based activities along the Skywalk. This area is best for those staying in Las Vegas and want to see the Grand Canyon as well.

Grand Canyon National Park at a Glance

Top things to do at the grand canyon.

Visit Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon IMAX

• Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Grand canyon scenic airlines, grand canyon apache stables, colorado river rafting, grand canyon railway, bearizona drive-thru wildlife park.

• West Rim Helicopter Tours
• Grand Canyon Caverns

Lowell Observatory

• Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort

Meteor Crater Natural Landmark

Walnut canyon national monument, flagstaff arboretum, top places to see in grand canyon national park south rim.

• Walk along the Rim Trail for views of the Grand Canyon.
• See a sunset or sunrise at Mather Point or Yaki Point.
• Tour the Historic Grand Canyon Village, like the El Tovar Hotel, along with Bright Angel Lodge.
• Shop for crafts at the Hopi House.
• Walk through Kolb Studio.
• Look over the Grand Canyon edge at the Lookout Studio.
• Find the Bright Angel Trailhead, it’s the trail that the mules use to get to Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon.

While exploring the Grand Canyon, consider using its free shuttle. It’s color-coded and easy to use. Parking is limited at popular points on the South Rim, and find the most parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. 

You can spend as little or as much time as you want. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $35, and you can purchase a digital pass at recreation.gov .  

Grand Canyon National Park Guide 

Things to do in tusayan arizona .

Located just outside the South Entrance, it is a resort town with a Western flavor. Activities and tours are available for everyone, from family travelers to RVers to high-adventure types.  

See the inner depths of the Grand Canyon on a 6-story screen in a 37-minute film. Learn about the Grand Canyon’s history along with the people who call it home. 

Located at 450 State Route 64, the IMAX film starts every half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Winter hours are 10:30 a.m to 6:30 p.m. Adult admission (11+) is $13.50, kids admission (6 to 10) is $10.50, and kids 5 and under are free. 

Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center 

In addition to the IMAX theater, there is an information desk with Grand Canyon tours and maps, souvenir shopping, and restrooms. 

Located at 450 State Route 64. Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Winter hours are  10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from November 1 to February 28.  Free to enter.

One of the best ways to see the canyon is from above. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter, then this is an ideal location for this bucket-list adventure. Papillon offers several different tours and aircraft, both fixed-wing and helicopter. Aerial tours can also be combined with land tours. 

Located at 3568 Airport Rd., at the Grand Canyon National Airport. Open daily with flights from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March to October, with shorter winter hours for the rest of the year.  Fares start at $269 per person. 

For nearly 100 years, Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines has been flying over the canyon and shuttling passengers to nearby destinations. Book a scenic flight and fly the length of the canyon. The Airline flies from Las Vegas, Nevada; Page, Arizona; and the West Rim airport. 

Located at 3555 Airport Rd., at the Grand Canyon National Airport. Open daily with flights starting at 9 a.m. Fares start at $179 per person.

Take a one-hour or two-hour guided horseback ride through the Kaibab National Forest. Guided rides are available from mid-March to the first week of November. Riders must be 6 years old and 48 inches tall. All riders must be under 230 pounds. 

Located at 472 Moqui Dr. One-hour rides are $58.50 per person. Two-hour rides are $110.50. 

Raft the river that carved the canyon with a raft trip down the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. Find a trip that suits your group from one-day calm floats to multi-day trips with white water.  

Find several concessionaires approved by the National Park Service. 

Take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon, including the option for sunset and guided hiking tours. 

Pink Adventure Tours is located at 450 State Route 64. Open year-round. Several tours are available for $109 per person. 

Grand Canyon Jeep Tours and Safaris is located at 408 State Route 64. Open from March 1 to end of November. Several tours available from $120 per person. Alternative fuel vehicles available. 

Skydiving 

Jump out over the  canyon from 16,000 feet for the ultimate rush. Paragon Skydiving offers tandem jumps with seasoned skydivers.  

Packages start at $329 per person. Open daily with seasonal hours, and jumps depart on the hour. Located at 1542 Liberator Dr. at the Main Terminal of the Grand Canyon National Airport.

Where to Eat in Tusayan 

Big e steakhouse and saloon.

After exploring the canyon all day, enjoy a steak dinner. Afterward, head to the saloon for a full bar stocked with wine, local beer, spirits and coffee drinks. 

Located at Bldg 395 State Route 64, Grand Canyon. Open daily from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Las Vegas National Park Road Trip 

Things to do in williams arizona.

With its convenient location on Interstate 40, roadtrippers might prefer Williams. 

This scenic railroad chugs out of its station daily, and service started in 1901. Passengers depart the Williams Depot bound for the log cabin depot at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. See the high desert along with the Kaibab National Forest on the 64-mile route.

The train departs daily from Williams at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Ride in a restored vintage rail car in six different classes. 

Ride in a vintage 1923 rail car with bench seats and windows that open (no air-conditioning). And the seats flip so families can face each other. Round trip adult fare (16+) is $69.98, and round trip kids fare is $35.98 (2 to 15). 

Enjoy air conditioning in a 1950s-era rail car. The round-trip adult fare (16+) is $89.98, and the round-trip kids fare is $55.98(2 to 15).

With oversized seats and complimentary snacks, First Class offers streamliner cars with air conditioning. Round trip adult fare (16+) is $169.98, and round trip kids fare is $129.98 (2 to 15).

Enjoy a streamliner-era dome car with a complimentary snack service and a bar available. The round-trip adult fare is $199.98, and the round-trip kids fare is $189.98(2 to 15). Kids 2 and younger are not allowed in dome cars.

Upstairs find a dome observation car outfitted like a parlor car. Downstairs find a lounge with a private bar. Complimentary sparkling wine departure cocktail included.  Round trip adult fare (16+) is $239.98 and no one under 16 is allowed. 

Ride in style with a luxuriously appointed rail car. Located at the end of the train, head out to the viewing platform to enjoy the desert scenery. Round trip adult fare (16+) is $239.98 and no one under 16 allowed.

Grand Canyon Railway offers multi-day packages with lodging at its depot in Williams and inside Grand Canyon National Park. A pet resort is also available when you visit the Grand Canyon. 

Route 66 

In 1926, this road was considered a super highway that originated in Chicago, Illinois, and traveled across the U.S. to Long Beach, California. In most areas, the original Route 66 was gobbled up by more modern roads, though you can find it alive and well in Williams. 

Drive through 160 acres on a three-mile route in your own vehicle to see North American animals, such as black and grizzly bears, mule deer, Rocky Mountain goats, American badgers, and Alaskan tundra wolves. You can also see American bison, bobcats, beavers, prairie dogs, and pronghorn deer. 

Located at 1500 Route 66. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission (12+ ) starts at $30 and kids (4 to 12 ) are $20. 

Where to Eat in Williams

Pine country restaurant.

Pine Country Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring favorites like traditional breakfast items, sandwiches, and burgers, as well as steak and pasta dishes. The dessert case is the first thing you see when you arrive. Find house-made pies, like key lime, several varieties of apple, and seasonal favorites. 

Located at 107 N. Grand Canyon Blvd. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Top Things to Do at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Things to do in grand canyon west.

As the closest gateway town to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West offers adventure tours and the heart-dropping Sky Walk. While in Grand Canyon West, you can learn about people who live around the Grand Canyon, like the Hualapai, Navajo, Hopi, and Havasupai at Eagle Point. You can also explore the traditional village or see a weekend performance in the shaded outdoor amphitheater. 

Then hop a shuttle to Guano Point to see the old tramway tower used for harvesting guano. Grand Canyon West also offers helicopter tours, river rafting, and a zip line. 

General admission ( 4+) starts $49 per person. The Sky Walk requires an additional timed ticket and is $26. 

On the western rim of the Grand Canyon, walk over its edge and see unparalleled views of the Colorado River. Step out a 10-foot wide, horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet from the canyon wall. 

Located at 808 Eagle Point Rd. in Peach Springs, about 130 miles (209 km) from Las Vegas. 

Float the Colorado with a one-day, two-day or five-day paddling trip that includes camping on the banks. From $429 per person and available from mid-March to the end of October.  

Helicopter Tours

See the western portion of the Grand Canyon then land at the bottom to hike. Additionally you can reserve a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. 

Trips start at $399 per person. Located at 5001 Diamond Bar Rd., Peach Springs, helicopter tours depart from the Grand Canyon West Airport. 

Grand Canyon Caverns  

Explore the largest dry cavern in the U.S., 200 feet below the surface of the earth. Tours depart starting at 9:30 a.m. 

Rumors persist this cave is haunted . The one-hour-long Ghost Walk utilizes K2 meters to register paranormal activity. Departs nightly at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. depending on season.

Located at 115 mile marker on AZ-66 in Peach Springs, Arizona. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission (12+) starts at $21.95 and kids (6 to 12) are $10.95. 

Note: Tours are still unavailable.

Things to do in Flagstaff Arizona

Outdoor enthusiasts might want to use Flagstaff as their base in the Grand Canyon. It offers several smaller National Park Service sites and is the first official Dark Sky city.  

A mathematician opened the observatory in 1894 for solar system exploration. In 1930, the Lowell Observatory discovered Pluto. The Lowell Observatory is a National Historic Landmark. It’s home to the 24-inch (61-cm) Clark Refracting Telescope and the 13-inch (33-cm) Pluto Discovery Telescope. 

The Lowell Observatory offers several tours, such as its Lowell Tour or its Story of Pluto Tour. During the day, there are several specialized talks. Solar and night sky viewing is also available.

Located at 1400 W. Mars Hill Rd. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m. (6 p.m. on Tuesdays). Adult general admission is $29, students $19 and kids (5 -17) $17.

Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort 

On the western slope of Mt. Humphreys, find an all-season mountain resort on the tallest point in Arizona. Arizona Snowbowl offers 777 skiable acres with 55 runs from green to black. Find six aerial lifts, including a 6-person high-speed lift, along with two surface lifts. 

The ski season runs from late November until the end of April. The scenic chair lift transports hikers and mountain bikers from the summer through October for fall color. 

Located at 9300 North Snowbowl Rd, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lift tickets are required, and lessons and equipment rental are available onsite. 

See where a meteor crashed into the earth 50,000 years ago. It’s considered to be one of the best-preserved meteor impact craters in the world. The crater is 3,900 feet (1,200 m) across and 560 feet (170 m) deep and includes an interpretive center and rim tours. 

Located on Interstate 40 at Exit 233, Winslow. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission (12+) is $29 and kids (6 to 12) are $20. 

See how people lived in the area from AD 600 to 1400. Along Island Trail, explore the 25 cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. They farmed corn, squash, and beans below the cliff. 

The area became a national monument in 1915. The Civilian Conservation Corps stabilized the site in the 1930s as a part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress program that put young men to work in parks across the U.S. 

Located on Interstate 40 at Exit 204, Flagstaff. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $25 or use a NPS annual pass.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument 

The area around Flagstaff is volcanic, including Mt. Humphreys. See a cinder cone along with lava fields. 

Located at 6082 Sunset Crater Rd.,Flagstaff. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  A 7-day private vehicle pass is $25 for neighboring Sunset Crater and Wapatki national monuments. 

Wupatki National Monument

Explore the ancient pueblos of the Wupatki that built multi-level structures 900 years ago, including the 104-room Wupatki Pueblo. Find several short hiking trails to explore partially preserved pueblos. 

Located at 25137 N. Wupatki Ln., Flagstaff. Open sunrise to sunset. A 7-day private vehicle pass is $25 for neighboring Sunset Crater and Wapatki national monuments.

Explore a 200-acre property to see the native trees and plants of northern Arizona. With 750 different plant species, learn how plants adapt to the Colorado Plateau. 

Located at 4001 S. Woody Mountain Rd. Open from May 1 until October 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission (18+) is $12 and kids (5 to 17) are $7. Dog-friendly.

Top Things to Do in Flagstaff

How to get to grand canyon national park south rim.

Located north of east-west Interstate 40, Grand Canyon is a frequent road trip stop. Head north on Arizona Route 64 from Williams, AZ, to get to the South Rim Entrance, which is open 24 hours a day. 

Williams, AZ, offers Amtrak train service on the Southwest Chief line. Amtrak offers vacation packages including meals and tours of the South Rim. 

Las Vegas offers the largest international airport (LAS) in the Southwest. The Strip and the surrounding city offer dining, lodging, and entertainment options. Las Vegas is about 274 miles from the South Entrance. 

Weather at Grand Canyon’s South Rim 

Winter : Highs 40sF (8 to 9C), Lows mid 20sF (-4 to -2C)

Spring : Highs mid 50s to mid 70sF (15 to 25C), Lows low 30s to mid 40sF (0 to 8C) 

Summer : Highs mid 80sF (26 to 29C), Lows 50sF (11 to 15C)

Fall —Highs low 50s to mid 70sF (15 to 25C), Lows mid 40s to upper 20s (6 to -3C)

Average Rain and Snow averages about 1 inch per month. 

Where to Stay near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim offers the most year-round services and attractions.

Tusayan– Located right outside the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. This town is one mile long, though it offers the most convenient lodging and dining outside of the Grand Canyon Village. Also, Tusayan is a base for many commercial tours and flightseeing operations.

Williams —Located along Interstate 40, Williams is a larger community than Tusayan and it’s 53 miles south of the South Rim Entrance. Additionally it’s the departure point for the Grand Canyon Railways.

Flagstaff —Located southeast of Grand Canyon National Park, this mountain destination offers easy access to the canyon along with the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and southern Utah. It’s 72 miles from the South Rim entrance.

Las Vegas —For air travelers, Las Vegas offers the most flights along with The Strip . It’s the closest city to the Grand Canyon SkyWalk on the western side of the Grand Canyon (not at the South Rim).

The post Top 21 Things to do at the Grand Canyon appeared first on Carful of Kids .

national geographic® visitor center / IMAX

Things to see and do.

Located at the South Rim entrance of the Grand Canyon, the Visitor Center provides news, travel information about Grand Canyon attractions, hotels, a variety of selected Grand Canyon tours and Park passes. Visitors can take part in interactive exhibits to learn about the Grand Canyon, watch our famous IMAX® movie and talk to local area representatives. Inside the center guests can also enjoy a meal at our Explorer’s Café dining area which includes Pizza Hut®, fresh deli sandwiches and other items or take their time to browse through our National Geographic® branded merchandise store.

The IMAX Experience at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets dramatizes the adventure and discovery of the National Park, with thundering sound and breathtaking footage giving visitors an exciting glimpse of what lies beyond the entrance. The IMAX® Theater is one of the first of its kind ever built, and is designed to accommodate large groups in a comfortable, temperature controlled environment.

grand canyon visitor center highlights

Plan your trip.

The Visitor Center is the first place to begin planning your vacation to the Grand Canyon – both on and offline. The Center provides year round information on lodging, attractions, exhibits, shopping and tours.

Adventure Store

The Grand Canyon Adventure Store located inside the Visitor Center, offers an extensive selection of Native American arts and crafts and great Grand Canyon souvenirs. There is an abundance of branded merchandise along with books on the Grand Canyon. Purchase IMAX tickets here as well.

IMAX® Theater

Plan your adventure.

Located at the South Rim entrance of the Grand Canyon, the Visitor Center provides news, travel information about Grand Canyon attractions, hotels, a variety of selected Grand Canyon tours and Park passes. Visitors can take part in interactive exhibits to learn about the Grand Canyon, watch the famous IMAX® movie and talk to local area representatives. Begin your Grand Canyon adventure here. Start by visiting the website to learn more and purchase IMAX® tickets.

LOCATION MAP + DIRECTIONS

VISITOR INFO

National Geographic® Grand Canyon Visitor Center/ IMAX 450 State Route 64 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 (928) 638-2468 Visit Website

photo gallery

The Visitor Center offers convenient guest services such as Grand Canyon information, free maps, National Geographic Store, book tour reservations, and you can purchase your National Park Pass here. Once you have purchased your pass (which is good for everyone in your group), you can take the FREE National Park and Ride Shuttle located in front of the National Geographic Visitor Center.

Inspired Imperfection

Food, adventures, & musings on juggling a business, loving a family, living inspired, and embracing imperfection

Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center In Tusayan

Published By Jennifer Bourn on March 31, 2018

Every time we told someone that we were road tripping to the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks during spring break, all we would hear is how crowded the Grand Canyon is and how long the lines are. I admit that while we were excited to visit the Grand Canyon for the first time, we weren’t excited about the crowds.

In fact, much of my vacation research was focused around the best ways to enjoy the Grand Canyon and avoid the crowds, which was why our very first stop at the Grand Canyon was the National Geographic Visitor Center .

Located outside the South Rim entrance of the Grand Canyon in Tusayan, the National Geographic Visitor Center provides park news and park passes, maps and brochures, and information about Grand Canyon attractions, hotels, trails, and Grand Canyon tours.

We made this our first stop because you can buy your National Park passes here instead of at the park entrance. The entrance lines get gnarly, stacking 20+ vehicles deep across every lane, so this was a huge bonus for us. When you have pre-paid passes, there is a special lane that allows you to enter separately and skip the long lines!

While at the Visitor Center, we browsed the National Geographic Store, which has branded merchandise, field guides, maps, clothing, souvenirs, toys, DVDs, books, maps, Native American arts and crafts, jewelry, and more. We also checked out the museum quality exhibits about the history of the Grand Canyon and grabbed a snack in the Explorer Cafe.

WiFi At The Grand Canyon:

All of the hotels in Grand Canyon Village claim to have WiFi, but the WiFi weak and so many people are trying to connect to it, that it’s basically useless. Be prepared to rarely have a signal and to keep your phone in airplane mode the whole time.

We ended up heading to the National Geographic Visitor Center a few times just for their WiFi so we could check email, share photos via social media, and connect with family.

Grand Canyon IMAX Movie

The Visitor Center has a full-size, six-story, air-conditioned IMAX theater that seats 488 people! Every hour, the theater shows Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets , a short 34 minute movie experience that takes you into the Grand Canyon.

During this film, you will soar over the rim of the canyon, take a whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River, dive into the depths of the craggy canyons, and experience the history and beauty of the 277 mile Grand Canyon while sitting comfortably in the theater. You’ll also learn about the Anasazi who inhabited the Grand Canyon 4,000 years ago and join Major John Wesley Powell as he challenges the unexplored Canyon and raging Colorado River in 1869.

Grand Canyon Tours

The National Geographic Visitor Center is also the place to go if you want to take a guided tour of the Grand Canyon. From helicopter tours and rafting expeditions on the Colorado River, to the world-famous Pink Jeep Tours , there is something for everyone.

Know Before You Go

• The Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan is located at 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, Arizona 86023, just one mile from the South Rim National Park Entrance.
• Open March 1 through October 31 from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, and November 1 through February 28 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• The IMAX Movie Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets plays hourly 365/year and is available in eight languages. It is only 34 minutes and covers 4,000 years of Grand Canyon history.
• You can purchase your National Park passes here to skip the long lines at the Grand Canyon National Park south entrance.
• During impacted times, you can park here and ride a free National Park shuttle into the park. The buses come every 20 minutes, so you never have to wait very long.
• The National Geographic Store has branded merchandise, field guides, maps, clothing, souvenirs, toys, DVDs, books, maps, Native American arts and crafts, and more.
• At the Explorer’s Cafe, you’ll find a Pizza Hut Express, rice bowls, fresh deli sandwiches, soups and salads, and desserts, as well as beer and wine.
• Clean public restrooms are available.
• Pink Jeep Tours are based here and offer three tours: the Grand Entrance Tour; visiting a few South Rim scenic vistas; the Grand Deluxe Tour, exploring the entire South Rim; and the Grand Finale Tour, taking you to watch the sunset.
• WiFi throughout Grand Canyon National Park is a joke, but there is good WiFi here! Stop in, grab a snack in the cafe, and catch up on email or Instagram your heart out.

Previous Mohave Museum Of History And Arts In Kingman, Arizona

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Jennifer Bourn

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Grand Canyon Bus Tours from Las Vegas – Full Comparison!

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This article compares the best Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas to help you find the perfect tour for you. There are so many to choose from, so I’ve made it easier to understand the differences to save you time when deciding which tour to choose.

After taking a bus tour myself, I created a list of the best West Rim and South Rim tours, starting with my top pick, followed by other favorites listed by price from lowest to highest.

My list is also divided into group tours (for up to 60 people) and private or small group tours (for up to 15 people).

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas

West Rim or South Rim?

The West Rim and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are both reachable on a day trip from Las Vegas. However, there are several important differences you must consider when choosing which one to visit.

Distance from Las Vegas

• West Rim is 130 miles (210 km) away
• South Rim is 280 miles (450 km) away

Bus tour duration

• West Rim bus tours last from 7 to 12 hours
• South Rim bus tours last from 14 to 16 hours

On-site activities

• West Rim has the Skywalk, ziplining and more helicopter tour options
• South Rim has more viewpoints and hiking trails

Jurisdictions

• The Hualapai Tribe operates the West Rim’s attractions and services, which are not part of the Grand Canyon National Park system
• The National Park Service runs all the attractions and services on the South Rim, which is part of the U.S. National Park system

Neither rim will disappoint you. I suggest going to the South Rim if you want the most iconic views of the Grand Canyon and an authentic national park experience.

Visit the West Rim if you’re craving more of an adrenaline rush—whether by traversing the Skywalk, zooming across a ravine on a zipline, or landing on the canyon floor during a helicopter ride.

Read also Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas: a FULL Comparison guide 2024 .

Best Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tours

Group tours, tourscanner top pick : grand canyon west rim bus tour & hoover dam with comedy on deck tours.

This bus tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim not only provides a separate driver and guide but also makes sure to keep you laughing while you’re learning about the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. No wonder it has received an overwhelming number of 5-star reviews from travelers and the Viator Experience Award in 2023.

Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers, Best value for money

Operator : Comedy On Deck Tours Highlights : Hot breakfast and BBQ lunch at the Canyon, Hoover Dam stop Price : $165 from mid-March to mid-September Discounts : $99 on Sundays or $155 Monday to Saturday from mid-September to mid-March Add-ons : Skywalk (+$30), 45-minute helicopter ride (+$282.50) Duration : 10.5 hours Route : Hoover Dam, Joshua Tree Forest, Grand Canyon West Rim

• book this tour

See also Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets Price .

Grand Canyon National Park West Rim Tour with National Park Express

National Park Express offers stiff competition to the next tour on the list. With four hours at the Grand Canyon at about the same price, the main difference comes down to the available add-on features.

Why I recommend this tour: Low price

Operator : National Park Express Highlights : Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included, Hoover Dam stop Price : $139 Add-ons : Helicopter & boat tour (+$400), helicopter, boat tour & Skywalk (+$435) Duration : 10 hours Route : Joshua Tree Forest, Grand Canyon West Rim, Hoover Dam, Boulder City

Grand Canyon West Bus Tour with Hoover Dam by Gray Line

If you plan to travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, this bus tour is most often your most affordable option. On select Fridays and most Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy a substantial discount on the tour price. See below for more details.

Why I recommend this tour: Cheapest option on certain dates, Most add-on experiences

Operator : Gray Line Las Vegas Highlights : Breakfast and lunch included, Hoover Dam stop Price : From $163 Discounts : From $89 on select Fridays, From $129 on most Saturdays and Sundays Add-ons : Walking tour guide (+$20), Skywalk (+$30), a helicopter ride with 20-minute landing at Grand Canyon base (+$330), Skywalk + helicopter ride (+$365) Duration : 12 hours Route : Hoover Dam, Joshua Tree Forest, Grand Canyon West Rim

Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim by Canyon Tours

Besides the low price and multi-lingual audio guide, a key feature that sets this tour apart is that you’ll have a total of four hours at the Grand Canyon West Rim, instead of only three hours like most of the bus tours.

Why I recommend this tour: Low price, Multi-lingual narration available on helicopter tours

Operator : Canyon Tours Highlights : Hotel pickup and drop-off, four hours at the Grand Canyon, lunch included, dinner stop on Route 66 (meal not included) Price : $140 Discounts : $114 (if booked early in advance) Add-ons : Skywalk and lunch (+$55), helicopter tour (+$220) Duration : 11 hours Route : Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge (photo stop), Joshua Tree Forest, Grand Canyon West Rim

SMALL GROUP AND PRIVATE TOURS

Tourscanner top pick : grand canyon west rim in a tour trekker by pink jeep tours.

Get ready to settle in for a comfy ride with Pink Jeep Tours. Their custom-built SUVs, or Tour Trekkers, are decked out with plush leather seats and extra-large viewing windows to ensure you don’t miss any of the gorgeous views on your road trip to the Grand Canyon.

Why I recommend this tour: Ultimate comfort, Only tour with a Hoover Dam guided visit

Operator : Pink Jeep Tours Highlights : Maximum 10 people, luxury SUV transport, lunch included Price : $340 Discounts : $315 for children 3-12 years old Add-ons : Hoover Dam guided tour (+$40) Duration : 9 hours Route : Grand Canyon West Rim, Hoover Dam

Small Group Tour of Grand Canyon West and Hoover Dam with iTravel USA

If you’re pressed for time and want to be back in Las Vegas before nightfall, this tour is for you. You’ll stop at the Hoover Dam on the way there and Joshua Tree Forest on the way back, all while your driver-guide snaps plenty of photos of your group to be later shared with you digitally.

Why I recommend this tour: Shorter roundtrip, Only tour with photo service

Operator : iTravel USA Highlights : Maximum 15 people, free photo service, hop-on hop-off shuttle bus at the canyon, boxed lunch Price : $199 per person (group of 6 or less), $195 per person (group of 7 or more) Add-ons : Skywalk, helicopter trip, or boat ride (must be booked separately) Duration : 9 hours Route : Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West Rim, Joshua Tree Forest

Small Group Grand Canyon West Rim Day Trip by Grand Canyon Destinations

This tour is perfect for you if you appreciate the full attention of a tour guide. Unlike most tours that provide one person to be your driver and guide, here you’ll have the luxury of a guide who can focus completely on your group.

Why I recommend this tour: Separate tour guide and driver, Only tour with a dinner stop

Operator : Grand Canyon Destinations Highlights : Maximum 13 people, a light breakfast snack, boxed lunch and 30-minute dinner stop Price : $214 Add-ons : Skywalk (+$33), hot breakfast (+$20), City Lights helicopter tour (book directly with the tour operator) Duration : 11 hours Route : Grand Canyon West Rim, pass by the Hoover Dam (no stop)

Grand Canyon West Rim Small-Group or Private Tour with Adventure Photo Tours

This option from Adventure Photo Tours allows you to choose to join a small group tour limited to 14 people or upgrade to a private tour for up to 10 people. For the ultimate experience, add on a helicopter ride to the base of the canyon, available for small group and private tours.

Why I recommend this tour: Highly rated by travelers, SUV or luxury van transport

Operator : Adventure Photo Tours Highlights : Maximum 14 people, breakfast and lunch included Price : $278 per person to join a small group tour. Private tours range from $360 per person (10 people) to $840 per person (2 people). Add-ons : Small group helicopter ride (+$232). Private helicopter tour ranges from $320 per person (10 people) to $805 per person (2 people). Skywalk can be booked separately. Duration : 11 hours Route : Hoover Dam, Joshua Tree National Forest, Grand Canyon West Rim

Grand Canyon West Rim All-Inclusive Private SUV Tour From Las Vegas

If you’re looking for exclusivity and efficiency, this private tour promises to have you back in Las Vegas by 2 PM while still giving you plenty of time to relax at Lake Mead and take in the sights of the Grand Canyon. Please note that this tour does not include a stop at the Hoover Dam.

Why I recommend this tour: Fastest roundtrip, Only tour with a stop at Lake Mead

Operator : Vegas to Hollywood Tourz Highlights : Private group, continental breakfast and full lunch included, stop at Lake Mead Price : $499 Duration : 7-8 hours Route : Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West Rim

Private Grand Canyon West Rim & Hoover Dam Tour with Comedy on Deck Tours

If you know what you want and when you want it, this is the option for you. This private tour is fully customizable, which means you can add or remove stops and choose to spend more or less time on any of the activities.

Why I recommend this tour: Fully-customizable tour, Best value for money for larger groups

Operator : Comedy on Deck Tours Highlights : Private group, breakfast and lunch included, stop at Hoover Dam, route flexibility Price : Depends on group size and ranges from $225 per person (15 people) to $1,265 per person (2 people) Duration : 9.5 hours Route : Las Vegas sign, Grand Canyon West Rim, Hoover Dam

Best Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours

Tourscanner top pick : grand canyon south rim bus tour with grand canyon destinations.

Besides its high rating and affordable price, this group tour by Grand Canyon Destinations also stops in Seligman, known as the home of Route 66. Another excellent perk of this Grand Canyon bus tour is that you’ll have a separate guide and driver, so you can rest assured that you’ll be safe and well-informed throughout the journey.

Operator : Grand Canyon Destinations Highlights : Time for free exploration, separate guide and driver, boxed lunch included, dinner stop (meal not included) Price : $114 Discounts : $99 on Saturdays year-round Add-ons : Hot breakfast (+$20) Duration : 15 to 16 hours Route : Boulder City, Kingman, Seligman, Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Tour with National Park Express

If you’re looking for a bare-bones tour without any add-ons or extra amenities, the National Park Express tour is the way to go. It’ll get you to the South Rim and back, but the traveler ratings reveal that not everyone was completely satisfied with their experience.

Why I recommend this tour: Lowest price 

Operator : National Park Express Highlights : Drop-off only at Excalibur, Horseshoe and Treasure Island, lunch included, dinner stop at Kingman on Route 66 (meal not included) Price : $99 Discounts : $79 from mid-September to mid-May Duration : 14 hours Route : Hoover Dam (pass by), Kingman, Grand Canyon South Rim, Kingman

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas with Gray Line

With the only group tour stopping at the National Geographic Visitor Center , this is your chance to preview your visit to the Grand Canyon with a movie on the grandest of screens — IMAX. With 12,000 watts of sound and a screen six stories high, you’ll feel like an eagle soaring through the sky as you immerse yourself in the award-winning Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time.

Why I recommend this tour: Most add-ons, Only tour that stops at the National Geographic Visitor Center

Operator : Gray Line Las Vegas Highlights : hotel pickup and drop-off, stop at the National Geographic Visitor Center, hot or boxed lunch included (depending on add-ons), dinner stop (meal not included) Price : $121 Add-ons : IMAX film (+$19), 2-hour Hummer tour (+$139), 25-minute helicopter ride (+$305) Duration : 14 hours Route : National Geographic Visitor Center, Grand Canyon South Rim, Kingman

Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim by Canyon Tours

If you book this tour early enough in advance, you can secure one of the lowest prices available for a Grand Canyon South Rim bus tour. This is also one of the few tours that offers an audio guide in different languages.

Operator : Canyon Tours Highlights : Hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included, dinner stop on Route 66 (meal not included) Price : $100 (if booked early in advance) Add-ons : IMAX film (+$15), 2-hour Hummer tour (+$135), helicopter tour (+$250) Duration : 14 hours Route : Hoover Dam (pass by), Grand Canyon South Rim, Kingman

TourScanner Top Pick : Grand Canyon South Rim, Hoover Dam and Route 66 with Top Canyon Tours

You’ll find nothing but rave reviews about this small group tour by Top Canyon Tours to the three must-see attractions — the South Rim, Hoover Dam and Route 66. If you’re traveling with children, you’ll even save a few bucks as this is one of the only tours offering a discount for younger travelers.

Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated small group tour, Child discount

Operator : Top Canyon Tours Highlights : Maximum 12 people, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included, Hoover Dam stop Price : $209 Discounts : $199 for children 5-17 years old Duration : 14 hours Route : Grand Canyon South Rim, Seligman, Hoover Dam

Grand Canyon South Rim Small Group Tour with Grand Canyon Destinations

If you’re looking for the lowest-priced small group tour to the South Rim, this is your tour. Grand Canyon Destinations may not have as high reviews as my top pick, but travelers are overwhelmingly satisfied with this experience, which includes breakfast and dinner stops in Boulder City.

Why I recommend this tour: Best value for money, Hot breakfast option

Operator : Grand Canyon Destinations Highlights : Maximum 14 people, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included, dinner stop (at own expense) Price : $185 Add-ons : Hot breakfast (+$20) Duration : 15 hours Route : Boulder City (breakfast), Seligman (pass by), Grand Canyon South Rim, Boulder City (dinner)

Private Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour from Las Vegas with Fun Group

If you prefer sleeping in a little more while on vacation, this is the tour for you. Depending on the season, pickup times are at 7 AM, 8:15 AM, or as late as 10:30 AM in the summer. This is possible because instead of returning to Las Vegas around sunset like most tours, you get to experience that golden hour at the Grand Canyon instead. A truly remarkable and exclusive experience.

Why I recommend this tour: Best South Rim private tour, Only Sunset Tour

Operator : Fun Group Highlights : Private group, Grand Canyon sunset tour, hotel pickup and drop-off Price : Depends on group size and ranges from $103 per person (12 people) to $475 per person (2 people) Duration : 14 hours Route : Kingman, Seligman, Hoover Dam (if requested), Grand Canyon South Rim

Travel Tips

• Most bus tours are stroller and wheelchair friendly. However, the South Rim has more paved paths, which makes it more suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Most tours allow children of all ages. However, some tours have age restrictions of up to six years old, so be sure to confirm this before booking.
• Most bus tours have restrooms onboard and/or stop for bathroom breaks every hour.
• Only small backpacks are allowed due to safety concerns and limited storage space.
• Pets are forbidden. Only service animals are allowed on Grand Canyon bus tours.

Visiting the West Rim

No Selfies Allowed on the Skywalk

All personal items must be stored in a locker beforehand, so you won’t be able to sneak your phone out for a selfie. However, after your Skywalk experience, you’ll receive a card with all the photos taken of your group available for purchase, in print or digital.

Buy Attraction Tickets in Advance

Although it’s possible to buy on-site tickets for the Skywalk and other West Rim attractions, most have limited availability and will sell out during the high season. I recommend booking online in advance with the tour provider to avoid the disappointment of sold-out tickets.

Check Zipline Height & Weight Limits

There is no minimum age for the zipline, but you must be at least 4 feet tall (1.22 meters) and weigh from 90 lbs to 265 lbs (40 kg to 120 kg).

Watch What You Wear

The West Rim has a dress code policy to maintain a family-friendly environment. Be aware that shirt and shoes are required at all times. Also, you can’t wear clothes that are too revealing or with offensive language or images.

• West Rim Tours from Las Vegas

Visiting the South Rim

Take Advantage of the Free Shuttle Bus

The South Rim has a free shuttle bus service. I recommend using it if you want to travel more quickly to the next viewpoint. The routes and times change throughout the year, so make sure to check the official National Park Service website for updated information.

Walk the Trail of Time

Between the Yavapai Geology Museum and the Grand Canyon Village, you can walk the paved Trail of Time , on which each meter represents a million years of history.

I found this trail both beautiful and insightful. It was fun to learn about how the Grand Canyon was created over billions of years while stopping at viewpoints to appreciate the result.

Cool Down at the Visitor Center

If you need a break from the heat, you can catch the 20-minute film, Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder, which plays every 30 minutes at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center .

Download the Free National Park Service App

The NPS App is a great tool to create your own self-guided tour of the South Rim. I used it while on the bus to the Grand Canyon to start planning the perfect route around the rim.

• South Rim Tours from Las Vegas

Read also How to Get From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon .

Upcoming Events

Grand canyon south rim events.

Planning your Grand Canyon South Rim adventure? Look no further than our calendar of events! We’ve got everything from exciting happenings within The Canyon to lively entertainment at the nearby gateway town of Tusayan and Squire Resort.

Inside The Park

Grand Canyon National Park Events Immerse yourself in Night Sky Talks, ranger-led talks, stargazing parties, cultural demonstrations, Tap Takeovers and more happening right within The Park.

Outside The Park

Squire Resort Activities Squire Resort, just minutes from the South Rim, offers a variety of on-site events and activities for the whole family. Think poolside games, movie nights, live music, festivals, marathons, cultural events and more!

Signature Beer Tastings and Tap Takeovers

The warm weather months are a perfect time to chill out at Yavapai Tavern while sampling some of Grand Canyon’s best beers and signature food items. So, this year we are inviting some of our favorite brewers to let you taste their wares! Events are held outside on our cozy patio (weather permitting) and include expert knowledge from our featured brewer, swag, samples, and a vibe that can’t be beat. These events are free to attend and open to the public on a first come first served basis. Food and beverage available for purchase during the event.

Upcoming Tap Takeovers:

• April 12 – Historic – Live music from Chad Breen on Friday and Saturday
• April 19 – Mother Road – Live music from Ace Slim on Friday and Saturday
• May 10 – Founders/Avery – Live music from Deb Hilton on Friday and Saturday
• May 17 – Stone – Live music from Juniper Hill on Friday and Saturday
• May 31 – Grand Canyon – Live music from Deb Hilton on Friday and Saturday
• June 7 – Bonehause – Live music on Friday and Saturday
• June 14 – Sierra Nevada – Live music from Smokey Lonesome on Friday and Saturday
• June 21 – Firestone Walker – Live music from Chad Bree on Friday and Saturday
• June 28 – Huss Brewery – Live music from Juniper Hill Friday and Saturday

Night Sky Talks

Join us for our FREE night sky events where you can view the Dark Sky through telescopes and ask our hosts questions about the stars. Each event includes a talk about the James Webb Space Telescope in the Yavapai Atrium, followed by a star-viewing party at the Market Plaza parking lot.

Upcoming Night Sky Talks:

• Wednesday, April 24: Talk at 7:00 PM, Star Party at 8:00 PM
• Wednesday, May 22: Talk at 7:30 PM, Star Party at 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, June 12: Talk at 7:30 PM, Star Party at 8:30 PM

Immerse yourself in amenity-rich accommodations near Grand Canyon National Park.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the park, where you’ll delve into the fascinating history that has shaped this extraordinary landscape.

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News Release

Grand canyon national park announces reopening of trails and campground april 15.

NPS/N. Powell

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communication

The National Park Service is announcing Havasupai Gardens Campground and the Bright Angel and Tonto Trails will reopen for public use April 15, 2024. The areas were closed Dec. 1, 2023, for Transcanyon Waterline project construction activities.  

Plateau Point Trail, from Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point remains closed until June 20, 2024. During this time, Tonto Trail hikers will be able to use a trail detour to connect to and from the Bright Angel Trail.  

The water filling station will be available for use at Havasupai Gardens. The water filling stations at Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile Resthouses are projected to be available by mid-May. 

During the 4 ½-month closure period, construction workers replaced the water distribution lines throughout the Havasupai Gardens area and at the Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile Resthouses.

Work is still in progress at the construction sites at the South Rim and the inner canyon. To date, the contractor facilities and two raw water tanks are nearly completed. Construction of the new South Rim water treatment plant, helibase building and landing pads are in progress. Excavation is being conducted for the new Phantom Ranch water treatment plant. 

Future construction-related trail and campground closures for the project include: 

• Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point: June 21, 2024-March 14, 2025 
• Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge: Dec. 2, 2024-March 14, 2025 
• Bright Angel Campground: Dec. 19, 2024-May 9, 2025 
• Silver Bridge: Sept. 15-Dec. 31, 2025 

The construction areas and schedule are subject to change and visitors are encouraged to check the  park's website for the current operational status. Intermittent trail delays of up to 30 minutes in the vicinity of construction work may occur as necessary throughout the project. 

Last updated: April 8, 2024

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PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

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