Best Grand Canyon Trips and Tour Packages

Grand Canyon Tour Overview

Grand Canyon is one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the United States. Carved by the wild Colorado River, this over-a-mile-deep gorge is over 277 miles (446 km) long and 18 miles (29 km) wide. Its stunning geological formations, vibrant colors, and rugged landscapes expose over two billion years of Earth’s history.

The vast size and immense natural beauty of the Grand Canyon make it a must-visit destination. Whether you want to hike the gorgeous trails, raft the striking Colorado River, explore the grandeur of Grand Canyon National Park, or discover the untold history of the region’s Indigenous culture, Grand Canyon tours promise a unique and thrilling experience.

Grand Canyon Rims

The Colorado River bisects the Grand Canyon National Park into the North Rim and South Rim. Most visitors begin their Grand Canyon trip from the South Rim, as it’s easily accessible from major cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas and is open throughout the year. In contrast, the North Rim sees lesser crowds and is open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.

Although both North and South Rims are just 10 miles (16 km) away from each other, it takes about 4-5 hours to reach either side by road.

Grand Canyon West is another destination that acts as the gateway to Grand Canyon tours. The West Rim is also open throughout the year.

Grand Canyon Location

Grand Canyon is located in northwestern Arizona, United States. Both the North Rim and South Rim lie within the Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon West Rim is located on the Hualapai Nation’s tribal land, about 241 miles (388 km) west of the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Attractions

Grand Canyon Village: Popular as the major hub for visitors in the South Rim, Grand Canyon Village is known for its stunning views, historical landmarks like Lookout Studio, Kolb Studio, and Hopi House, and trailheads for many Grand Canyon treks.

Desert View Watchtower: Located close to the Desert View Entrance of the park, this 70-foot (21 mt) high stone tower boasts striking architecture and breathtaking views of the surroundings. On display inside the tower are recreations of ancient artifacts and petroglyphs.

Grand Canyon West Skywalk: This 10-foot-wide (3 mt), horseshoe-shaped glass bridge is the major attraction of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. Walking on the bridge, you can see 4,000 feet (1,220 mt) down to the Grand Canyon’s floor.

Havasu Waterfalls: A popular hidden attraction at Grand Canyon, Havasu Waterfalls is a 100-foot (30 mt) tall waterfall that cascades into a stunning turquoise pool. 

Mather Point: Perched over a 7,000-foot (2,100 mt) high cliff just 2 miles (3 km) from Grand Canyon Village, Mather Point offers the most iconic sunset views of the canyon. 

IMAX Theatre: One of the oldest IMAX Theaters located near the park’s south entrance, here you can watch Grand Canyon: The Movie and discover the history of the canyon.

Yavapai Geology Museum: Located on the edge of the canyon rim at Yavapai Point, the Yavapai Geology Museum serves as a knowledge hub on the canyon’s formation and its geology.

Best Time to Visit Grand Canyon

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is during the Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. Summer (July-August) is the peak season when both the North Rim and South Rim are open. 

If you’re looking for snowfall and a quieter ambiance, Winter (December-February) is the best season to visit the Grand Canyon.

Adventure Activities to Do on Your Grand Canyon Tour

Hiking: Hike along popular Grand Canyon trails like Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail in the South Rim and the less crowded North Kaibab Trail in the North Rim.

Grand Canyon Railway Adventure: Add this iconic train ride to your Grand Canyon itinerary. This 64-mile (103 km) heritage railroad connects Williams and South Rim and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. 

Mule Rides: If hiking is not your thing, opt for guided mule rides along the Bright Angel Trail.

Helicopter Tours: Witness stunning aerial views of the canyon’s vast landscape on a helicopter ride that is available for 30 minutes to 5 hours.

Scenic Drives: The 7-mile (11 km) Hermit Road drive and the 22-mile (35 km) Desert View Drive offer breathtaking views and are the fastest ways to explore the Grand Canyon.

River Rafting: Enjoy whitewater rafting on the Colorado River on your Grand Canyon trip.

Grand Canyon Tour Cost

Grand Canyon guided tours can cost anywhere between $730 and $3,000 depending on the services you choose. At AdventureTripr, we offer customized packages with expertly designed Grand Canyon itineraries at affordable costs. 

Grand Canyon Tour Accommodation

Depending on the Grand Canyon tour package you choose, there are many accommodation options available. The Grand Canyon National Park itself has five lodges on the South Rim and one lodge on the North Rim, each offering comfortable accommodations and amenities. For a more rustic experience, you can stay in a camp like Trailer Village or Mather Campground in the South Rim. Additionally, if you want to stay outside the park, many hotels and motels are available in Tusayan and Williams.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Question: Do I need a permit for hiking or camping in the Grand Canyon?

Answer: Yes, a backcountry permit is required if your Grand Canyon itinerary includes overnight camping anywhere in the park except at Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and North Rim Campground. No permit is required for day hikes.

Question: How much time do I need for a Grand Canyon trip?

Answer: If you’re planning to explore the South Rim, you’ll need 2-3 days. For the North Rim, 1-2 days are enough. However, if you want to visit both the rims, aim for at least 4 days for your Grand Canyon tour.

Question: How far in advance should I book my Grand Canyon tour package?

Answer: You should book your tour as far in advance as possible if you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon during the peak season (March-November). If you want to indulge in activities like mule riding, it’s advisable to book at least six months in advance because reservations fill up fast.