17 Best Grand Canyon Tours

Grand Canyon is one of the most popular spots in the United States. The Colorado River flows for 277 miles (445.79 km) and combines with its tributaries to form a 220-mile-long (354 km) gorge over 6,000 feet deep. Through millions of years of evolution, this valley has only widened and deepened. It’s currently 18 miles (28.97 km) wide at its widest point, and it stands 500 times larger than the Empire State Building! It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and definitely worth your time.  

It attracts over 4.5 million visitors annually, leading to an abundance of opportunities to explore the park by boat, bus, or foot. There are a lot of choices when it comes to picking the best tour for your Grand Canyon trip. However, with so many options to choose from, how do you look for the best Grand Canyon tours? Simple! Check out this guide for an in-depth look into the Best Grand Canyon tours.

Grand Canyon National Park – South Rim with Lunch 

So, it’s time to take a trip, and you want to head to the Grand Canyon. You could do this by yourself or with a group, either way; it will be an excellent time! However, the real question is this – should you pick the North or take a trip to the South? Our recommendation is to take the South Rim with lunch. 

Not only is it one of the most visited places on earth, but it is also without a doubt one of the most amazing places on earth that almost five million people visit each year. What draws all these people to it? The sights. And for a good reason, too, because the sights really are spectacular. 

Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour 

You don’t have to wonder about the bird-eye view of the scenery at the Grand Canyon; you can see it from inside a helicopter! A helicopter landing expedition takes you up close with all the grandeur of this marvel like few other things can. 

So, if you enjoy the scenery from above and are looking forward to a helicopter trip too, then this one is definitely for you. It will also give you a chance to relax and take in the stunning sights as you fly over the South Rim of the valley. 

Scenic Canyon River Adventure Tour 

Want a little excitement? How about a bit of nature? Or a whole lot of them both? Well, that’s what you get with this Scenic Canyon River Tour through one of the USA’s most beautiful desert landscapes. 

Scenic Canyon River Tour offers rafting, canoeing, tubing, and kayaking your way through the Grand Canyon National Park. It gives you a chance to explore and enjoy the river and vast valley like never before. 

By Paul Hermans, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour 

Hundreds of thousands (yes, hundreds of thousands!) of people visit the Southside of the Grand Canyon each year. It is situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet, and taking this particular bus journey gives you access to the best sights and scenery of the place. 

One of the best ways to see this beautiful natural wonder is by taking a bus tour. Several companies offer different kinds of tours. The most common tours are shuttle tours (park at one point and go to others), half-day (park at one end and return to it after the tour), and full-day (park at one point and finish at another spot).  

Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views 

Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour will enable you to enjoy a private outing through the ravine and take in all of the sights and scenes that it has to offer. It includes an expert naturalist to guide you, an unparalleled scenery of both North and south sides, a chance to gaze at ancient geologic formations along the way, and most importantly, an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking sunset scenery from the very edge. 

This one is by far the most popular Grand Canyon tour that offers the best of its highlights. From the comfort of a Hummer, you will spend seven to eight hours exploring through some of the most stunning sights like Guano Point, the Abyss, and Painted Desert. 

By The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company, CC BY 2.0, Link

The Inner Canyon Tour 

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven wonders of America. An enormous valley carved out by the Colorado River; the Inner Canyon has extraordinary scenery of rock formations, plants, animals, scenic and endearing topographies. It will take you on a ride of a lifetime that will last for few hours and maybe even years after. 

So, if you want to soak in all the glory of this natural wonder, make sure to set aside enough time to take in all its sights and scenery. This trip is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing trip instead of getting tired on vacation. It is a leisurely trip and a luxury experience that you can take at your favored pace, with no rush and no deadlines to meet! 

3-Day Tour of Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon from Las Vegas 

If you’re visiting Las Vegas and want to get out of the city and explore The Southwest, this three-day trip is a great way to do just that. The three days will be spent in three National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion Park, the Grand Canyon, and across Las Vegas. 

This Grand Circle Tour is a perfect getaway from Las Vegas for you and your family! With this package, you have the freedom to do activities that are important to you (even if that means dipping your toes into the nightlife of Las Vegas!). There are no preprogrammed itineraries, no strict schedules, just the freedom to discover the wonders of Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park by day and enjoy the modern Luxury of Las Vegas by night. 

Grand Canyon West Rim: Skywalk, Helicopter & Boat Options 

Whether you’re a seasoned VIP traveler or a first-time visitor, West Rim Skywalk is a destination and trip of a lifetime. It is considered an offbeat option by many travelers visiting Arizona. 

If you stay on land, it will still take you hours to fully enjoy all the views this magnificent skywalk has to offer. Boats are pretty popular, but you’ll miss out on much of the iconic scenery that’s present over the river level. Helicopters are another option that offers stunning aerial views of the West Rim and beyond and scenic flights over various points in the area. And if you’re in for an adventure, perhaps the West Rim is more your speed anyway!  

Grand Canyon East Rim Drive by Jeep and IMAX Movie 

Heading to the Grand Canyon is a must-do activity in the United States that you should not miss at any cost. And for people who are looking for a unique and extraordinary escapade while visiting the Grand Canyon, we would recommend adding another activity to your itinerary: travel in an open VIP 4×4 vehicle along the East Drive. 

The Eastern edge forms a part of Northern Arizona, and it remains open all year round. This drive is very popular because it has a fantastic view; it’s close to Las Vegas (300 miles), and this is one of the few areas that allow camping within the park’s boundaries. Plus, Jeep and IMAX Movie collectively create an amazing trip for all those who like to cruise through the desert lanes. 

Sedona: Grand Canyon Railway Full-Day Scenic Rail Tour 

The epic Sedona Railway Tour offers an exciting vacation experience for families, couples, or anyone who wants to enjoy a day on the train. 

The Sedona is a narrow-gauge heritage Luxury railway running between Williams, Arizona, and Grand Canyon National Park South side. Starting in 1901, the trains run on 39 kilometers (24 miles) of track along an 18-minute route between Grand Canyon’s South Rim and Grand Canyon Village. The railway is among the best ways to get to the park’s South side. 

By Robert1979, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Canyon Smooth Water Bus Trip 

Imagine enjoying a leisurely ride down the majestic Colorado River with soft splashes of water hitting the bottom of the boat, warm Arizona sun radiating over you, and spectacular red rock formations towering on each side.  

The Canyon Smooth Water Bus Tour is your answer for exploring this grand locale in the exact same manner. With the river raging beside you, this trip will take you to lengths that no other boat can. 

One Day White Water Rafting Adventure 

Imagine spending the day rafting on crystal-clear water down a scenic river. Between rapids, you will take breaks for some relaxing kayaking and forest hikes. You will also travel with trained VIP guides who know what they’re doing while also feeling like friends. Both bragging rights and new friends will be yours when you’re done. That is what One Day White Water Rafting offers. 

Starting at the foothills of the Grand Canyon, this one-day white water rafting experience will take you through raging rapids, turbulent waves, and chiseled cliffs. At the center of these beautiful memories is the unforgettable thrilling escapade that you will cherish for life! 

Grand Canyon Mule Rides – North and South Rim 

With the Grand Canyon being one of the most-visited parks in America, it makes sense that there are endless tours available for visitors. There are numerous ways to see this spectacular natural site, but nothing beats the thrill of a mule journey down to the floor of the ravine. Yes, down. To the floor.  

Mules are surefooted with excellent footing, making them ideal for steep granite trails, and don’t worry – they are well trained too! In fact, these mule journeys are one of the best ways to enjoy the Grand Canyon, significantly if you can’t hike or don’t have time for multiple days out. If you only have a day to visit the South side, opt for a mule ride and discover several fun activities you can do in this majestic place. 

Grand Canyon Overnight Tour 

At night, under the starlit skies, the Grand Canyon is spectacular. The edge of the Grand Canyon looms in complete darkness in a stark juxtaposition with the dreamy, starry night. The valley’s edge is visible in the far distance like some luminescent border on a surreal painting. 

This overnight tour will let you immerse in a completely different experience, and it is not for everyone. It is pitch dark with very little to no light pollution, and you can’t see anything but endless depths below you, but for that very moment, on this overnight trip, you will feel on top of the world! 

Bright Angel Trail Day Hike Tour 

Hiking the Grand Canyon is a bucket-list item for many people. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that all avid adventure-seekers dream of. One of the most common and accessible hikes here is the Bright Angel Trail. The journey down the Bright Angel Trail takes you from the quaint village of Grand Canyon Village to the Phantom Ranch by the river. You will cross the historic El Tovar Bridge, 2447 ft above the valley floor – words fall short for the sheer scale of the immense vastness in front of you. 

Along this trail, you will also see diverse plant varieties, interesting geological formations, and a breathtaking view of a huge rock spire known as “The Watchtower.” You will also learn about geology as you cross Bright Angel Shale, Hermit Shale, Coconino Sandstone, and Supai Group. Adoration for nature inspires many words but putting the splendor of the Grand Canyon in words is almost impossible. 

By Sharon Mollerus, CC BY 2.0, Link

3-Day Grand Canyon Classic Hike to the Colorado River 

The Grand Canyon is one of those places that can take your breath away. It’s an utterly unique landscape whose impact on a first-time visitor cannot be overstated. It’s also a hiking destination unlike any other, with a spectacular 14-mile rim to river hike that challenges even the most experienced backcountry hikers. 

But remember, it is not the most accessible place to hike, nor is it a place for inexperienced hikers. It’s remote, expansive, and the temperature can range wildly. Because of this, it’s crucial to plan carefully before choosing a hiking trip such as this. 

Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour 

Every thrill-seeking nature lover loves Arizona, and it is clear why! Off-roading in the Grand Canyon National Park is an exciting way to experience it. Sunset safari to the Grand Canyon with entrance gate detour is one of the most sought-after tours in Arizona, best suited for adventurous people. 

Along this 9-mile trip, there are stunning views combined with hilly terrains and surroundings. Here, you’ll also get the chance to journey through red rock formations, smooth white rapids, and lots of native flora and fauna. 

Whether you’re looking for a great Grand Canyon Helicopter tour or a unique Grand Canyon hiking tour, one of the very first things you should be doing is bookmarking this blog and then checking out reviews for the tour you liked most. 

Grand Canyon tours are a great way to immerse yourself in this natural wonder without having to worry about all the planning that it would take to get there yourself. You can go on a wholly guided trip, or you can take an independent tour depending on your personal preferences!