* * Under Construction * * A collection of guided tours available from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Note, there are also guided tours departing from the areas surrounding the South Rim. This Inside Page will not include those tours. This is specifically for tours departing Las Vegas.
PLANNING A GRAND CANYON TOUR : :
Visitors going to Las Vegas who want to experience the Grand Canyon should make sure they have sufficient time in their itinerary. GCNP is not "next door" to Las Vegas. Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) is 280 miles from Las Vegas. This is about 5 hours average drive-time. It is about an hour air ride from Las Vegas. It's a one-day adventure getting there, whether driving yourself or using a guided tour. Forum writers on TripAdvisor advise that the best experience is to spend at least a full day or an overnight at the canyon. Typical tours from Las Vegas provide 2 - 2.5 hours at GCNP. Both coach tours and air tours offer options for overnight excursions. It is also possible to buy "flight only" tickets from some of the air tour companies and arrange your own tour by taking a taxi into the park once arriving at GC Airport. If you are able to go to GCNP by rental car, set aside 2 days in your itinerary and book lodging at the park or nearby. Many of the Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas actually go to Grand Canyon West. It is scenic but in a more intimate setting (described below). You are lower and closer to the canyon floor, river, and walls but the West Rim has only two main viewpoints. It is not part of GCNP but is part of the Grand Canyon. It covers 122 out of 277 miles of the Grand Canyon. More information on many of the tours below can be found by searching the Las Vegas Forum and the Grand Canyon National Park Forum. See below for information about a video about Grand Canyon West.
* * Disclaimer * * this information was collected from sources here on Trip Advisor, and from other websites. The information may be incomplete or even incorrect (hopefully not....) If you see information that is incorrect, please fix it. If you have information to add regarding the guided tours operating from Las Vagas, please do so.
GEOGRAPHY : :
There are many entry and viewpoints for seeing the Grand Canyon. Some are located through Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim and South Rim) or the Hualapai Indian Reservation (Grand Canyon West). Keep these locations in mind when choosing a guided tour.
1. Grand Canyon West - Hualapai Indian Reservation*
The area immediately east of Lake Mead, on the southern side of the Colorado River, is administered by the Hualapai Nation (pronounced Wall-O-Pie) and is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. The Hualapai Indian Nation includes the Supai, Havasu, Havasupai, and Yavapai People. They have attached the name of Grand Canyon West to the area. The town of Peach Springs is within Hualapai territory, as is the Quartermaster Viewpoint. Grand Canyon West's Eagle Point is where the Grand Canyon Skywalk is located. The Skywalk has been completed and rolled out over the side canyon. It opened March 28, 2007. It will operate from a temporary visitors center until the permanent center can be completed. The only viewpoints that you can access by accompanied motor coach are Eagle and Guano Points.
The Skywalk has been advertised as being "4000' above the Colorado River." It is not. Rim elevation is about 4,100' above sea level. The river / bottom of the canyon, is at about 1,200. The canyon depth is therefore about 2,900'. In contrast the elevation at GCNP South Rim is about 7200' and the canyon there is about 5000' deep.
Grand Canyon West is about 3 hours driving time from Las Vegas, 5 hours from the actual GCNP South Rim, and 6 hours from Phoenix. In contrast, Grand Canyon National Park is about 5 hours driving time from Las Vegas, and 4 hours from Phoenix. All parking and ticket pricing to the West Rim can be purchased prior to arrival through Destination Grand Canyon. You can access their site at www.destinationgrandcanyon.com . You can also purchase tickets upon arrival at Grand Canyon West. Your fees per person will include:
From a public video by GrandCanyon.com tours, "If you're expecting those vast expansive views (ed: which you have seen of GCNP), you won't find them at Grand Canyon West." For anyone contemplating a visit to Grand Canyon West, GrandCanyon.com has a very comprehensive and unbiased video about Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk on their web site: http://www.grandcanyon.com/grand-cany...
While it does contain some brief mention of their own services, it is primarily a very good overview of what GCW is and what to expect.
*Often incorrectly called the "West Rim". The actual West Rim is a 7 mile section of Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) located on the South Rim between the Grand Canyon Village's Historic District, and Hermit's Rest (the westernmost viewpoint at GCNP South Rim). The real West Rim is also called the West Rim Drive and/or Hermit Road.
2. Havasupai
East of the area administered by the Hualapai is territory administered by the Havasupai Tribe. This area includes the Hualapai Hilltop (note the confusing name), Supai, and Havasu Canyon and Falls. The Havasupai land borders Grand Canyon National Park and does not extend to the river.
3. Grand Canyon South Rim - Grand Canyon National Park
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) contains the areas that most think of as the "Grand Canyon". There are two entrances to GCNPL. The South Entrance is located 60 miles north of Williams Arizona and Interstate 40 (ground tours from Las Vegas will be coming through this entrance), and about 7 miles north of Grand Canyon Airport located outside of the park in Tusayan Arizona. The East Entrance is located at Desert View, one of the more spectacular view points at the South Rim. It is about 25 miles east of the Grand Canyon Village, and about 25 miles west of the junction of Arizona Hwy 64 and U.S. Hwy 89 (about a mile south of Cameron Arizona).
Note: If you opt for a Motorcoach Tour from Las Vegas be prepared for a very long bus ride (12-14 hour day typically with the bus ride being 4-5 hours each way). Once in the park, there are miles of roadways along the rim of the canyon (some accessible only via shuttle bus except for winter months) and many hiking trails. Park Rangers offer programs and guided hikes, and the in-park concessioner offers guided motorcoach tours within the park.
Rim elevation is 7,000'. The river / bottom of the canyon is at about 2,000'. The canyon depth is therefore 5,000', over 15 football fields. The canyon at the South Rim is about a mile across.
A nice collection of photosis posted on the GC National Park website, and much information is available in the TripAdvisor Grand Canyon National Park section.
4. Grand Canyon North Rim - Grand Canyon National Park
Far less visited, the North Rim is also part of Grand Canyon National Park. Access to the North Rim is seasonal. It is open from mid May to mid October, weather permitting.
Rim elevation is 8,000'. The river / bottom of the canyon is at about 2,000'. The canyon depth is therefore about 6,000'.
5. Lees Ferry (near Page), Arizona
Lees Ferry, below Page and the Glen Canyon Dam, is one Colorado River entry point for raft trips into the National Park. (See Inside pages for Grand Canyon for information on raft trips.)
HELICOPTER TOUR OPERATORS : :
Helicopter tours in Las Vegas are extremely popular and perhaps the most popular type of tour for the area. Prices for these tours range between $250 - $1000 per person depending on the type of tour that you choose. You'll find that most of these tours are also broked through travel agencies so be sure to do your shopping wisely so that you find the best deal!
In Las vegas the following avaition companies offer sightseeing flights. #1 Sundance, #2 Maverick, #3 Stars & Stripes, #4 Heli USA, #5 Papillon, #6 Serenity. Maverick, Sundance and Papillon fly out of Las Vegas. The others and mojority of Papillons flights fly our of Boulder City. Maverick is also limited flights from the Henderson Airport.
1. SUNDANCE HELICOPTER TOURS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Getting there - Most via helicopter, some via airplane, SUV, or coach (bus).
Destination - West Rim.
Activities - Some tours include landings on canyon floor, landings on canyon rim, rafting in Black Canyon (departing below Hoover Dam), pontoon boats on Colorado River, horseback rides, Hummer off-road tour, also the Grand Canyon picnic tour can be taken in the evening which will also include a sunset ride back to Vegas and a night tour over the strip all lit up.
Meals - Some tours include picnics, cookouts, buffet meals.
NOTES: All tours are outside Grand Canyon National Park aside from flying above the Canyon.
2. PAPILLON TOURS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Getting there - Most via helicopter, some via airplane, SUV, or coach (bus).
Destination - Most to West Rim, some to South Rim
Activities - Some tours include landings on canyon floor, landings on canyon rim, rafting in Black Canyon (departing below Hoover Dam), pontoon boats on Colorado River, horseback rides, Hummer off-road tour, or overnight lodging at the South Rim or near GCNP.
Meals - Some tours include picnics, cookouts, buffet meals.
NOTES: Papillon also operates tours from Grand Canyon Airport at Grand Canyon South Rim. Be sure to look for tours from Las Vegas on their website.
3. SCENIC AIRLINES
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Getting there - Most via airplane, some via helicopter, SUV, or coach (bus).
Destination - To all areas.
Activities - Primarily overflights plus ground tours. Has "transportation only" option. One of 2 airlines providing service from Las Vegas area to GC Airport. Has options for overnight stay.
Meals - Some tours include meals
NOTES: Operates from GC Airport and Boulder City Airport.
4. GRAND CANYON AIRLINES
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Getting there - Most via airplane, some via helicopter, SUV, or coach (bus).
Destination - Grand Canyon South Rim Airport
Activities - Primarily overflights plus ground tours. Has "transportation only" option. One of 2 airlines providing service from Las Vegas area to Grand Canyon South Rim Airport. Has options for overnight stay.
Meals - None on flights to Grand Canyon Airport.
NOTES: Operates from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Airport.
5. MAVERICK HELICOPTER TOURS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Getting there - Via helicopter.
Destination - Most to West Rim but includes some South Rim tours.
Activities - Primarily helicopter tours over Las Vegas and to the Grand Canyon. The Travel Channel ranked them as having two of the 10 best helicopter thrill rides.
Meals - Included on most flights.
NOTES: Operates from McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas.
5. VISION AIR & HOLIDAYS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Getting there - Via airplane operated at the West Rim.
Destination - Most to West Rim but includes some South Rim tours.
Activities - Primarily airplane over the West Rim.
Meals - Boxed lunch included in tour.
NOTES: Operates from North Las Vegas Airport.
They do not operate or fly Helicopters
SMALL GROUP TOUR OPERATORS : :
The small group tour operators offer much higher personal contact with their guests because their group sizes are much smaller then coach tours. You'll also find that they offer more extreme adventures versus the comfortable, casual tour that coaches offer. Most of the small group tour prices range between $119 - $205 per person.
1. PINK JEEP TOURS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Getting there - Via SUV (Jeep or Suburvan). All group sizes are generally 6 or less.
Destination - West Rim, North Rim, Zion National Park, Death Valley, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Mt Charleston
Activities - Optional helicopter ride to/from canyon floor and pontoon boat ride on Colorado River.
Meals - Some tours include lunch.
NOTES: All tours are outside Grand Canyon National Park and operated at Grand Canyon West Rim.
2. GRAND-ADVENTURES.COM
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Getting there - Via 15 Passenger Van. All group sizes are 9 or less.
Destination - Grand Canyon South Rim, Zion National Park, West Rim.
Activities - Fully guided walking tour that includes a picnic lunch on the rim. Most tours offer 3-4 hours inside of the respective parks.
Meals - McDonald's breakfast, full picnic lunch, and refreshments.
NOTES: Operates to the South and West Rims.
3. ADVENTURE PHOTO TOURS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Getting there - Via Minibus up to 20 passengers.
Destination - Grand Canyon South Rim, Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Death Valley.
Activities - Fully guided walking tour that includes a picnic lunch on the rim.
Meals - Continental breakfast, full lunch, and refreshments.
NOTES:
4. DESERT FOX HUMMER TOURS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can Be Found Here
Getting there - Via Hummer or Luxury SUV.
Destination - West Rim
Activities - Personal tour guide.
Meals - Tour to West Rim includes lunch.
NOTES: Tour is conducted at Grand Canyon West Rim and offers no tours to the South or North Rim.
5. REBEL ADVENTURE TOURS
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Getting there - Via Hummer. Groups normally 10 or less.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam
Activities - Personal tour guide.
Meals - Tour to West Rim includes lunch.
4. CASINO TRAVEL & TOURS
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Getting there - Via Minibus. Groups normally 20 people or less.
Destination - Grand Canyon South Rim, Hoover Dam, Red Rock, Lake Mead, Las Vegas Trip Tours
Activities - Personal tour guide.
Meals - Tour to West Rim includes lunch.
LARGE COACH TOUR OPERATORS : :
Large coach operators offer more leisurely travel as opposed to the small group operators. Both types of tours have advantages and disadvantages but all of them combined offer traveleres a great variety to choose from when visting Las Vegas. Most coach tour prices range from $89 - $179 per person.
Grand Canyon Tour & Travel dba Hoover Dam Tour Company
Getting there- Deluxe full size motor coaches
Destinations-South Rim GC National Park, Grand Canyon West
Activities- Hoover Dam Tours, Colorado River Float trips
Meals_ Breakfast snacks, Lunch includes with most tours
1. GRAY LINE TOURS
TripAdvisor Reviews Can Be Found Here
Getting there - Motorcoach (bus)
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Some tours include Hoover dam tours, float trip on Colorado River (departing below Hoover Dam)
Meals - Some tours include lunch.
2. SWEETOURS
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Getting there - Motorcoach (bus)
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site). They are also privately owned and operated.
Activities - Some tours include Hoover dam tours, float trip on Colorado River (departing below Hoover Dam). They also allow you about 2 hours to walk along the trail at South Rim Village, dropping you off at Mather Point and allowing you to walk to Bright Angel Lodge.
Meals - Continental breakfast, boxed lunch on all tours.
3. TRIPLE J TOURS
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Getting there - Motorcoach (bus)
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Includes Las Vegas tours, Grand Canyon South Rim, Death Valley, Valley of Fire.
Meals - Continental breakfast and lunch stop.
4. GRAND TOURS LV
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Getting there - Motorcoach (bus)
Destination - They specialize in South Rim tours and are privately owned and operated. They also give you enough time to walk about 2 miles along the upper rim trail from Mather Point to Bright Angel Lodge.
Activities - Includes Grand Canyon South Rim with enough time to walk along the upper rim.
Meals - Continental breakfast and boxed lunch.
5. QUALITY TOURS OF LAS VEGAS
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Getting there - Via coach bus or VIP 15 passenger van.
Destination - Grand Canyon East Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam, Hollywood one day trip
Activities - Tour operator specializing in Small and large groups Grand Canyon and Hollywood one day tours Meals - No breakfast while boxed lunch included.
6. SHOWTIME TOURS & SHUTTLE SERVICE
TripAdvisor Reviews Can Be Found Here
Getting there - Motorcoach (bus)
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Some tours include Hoover dam tours, float trip on Colorado River (departing below Hoover Dam)
Meals - Some tours include lunch.
7. BLACK CANYON RIVER ADVENTURES
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These tours are from below Hoover Dam, so are not Grand Canyon Tours. However some of the West Rim packages include raft trips in the same canyon.
BOOKING AGENCIES : :
You agents can sometimes offer tours at a discounted rate. It's best to shop and shop wisely so that you find the best deal that fits your travel plans. Make sure that you always book your Grand Canyon tour because it's WHAT YOU WANT TO DO and not because IT'S THE CHEAPEST YOU COULD FIND!
1. BEST LAS VEGAS TOURS
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Booking Tours - They specialize in all sorts of tours in and around the Las Vegas area.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Grand Canyon North, South, and West Rims, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator.
2. GRAND CANYON TOUR COMPANY
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Booking Tours - They specialize in all sorts of tours in and around the Las Vegas area and broker tours. They do not conduct their own tours.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam, the North Rim and many other locations. Have room blocks inside the National Park and now offer overnight packages to Grand Canyon West as well. Please visit their website.
Activities - Grand Canyon North, South, and West Rims, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator.
3. LOOKTOURS (affilated with ALL LAS VEGAS TOURS)
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Booking Tours - They specialize in all sorts of tours in and around the Las Vegas area and broker tours. They do not conduct their own tours.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and many other locations. Please visit their website.
Activities - Grand Canyon North, South, and West Rims, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator.
3. ALL LAS VEGAS TOURS (affilated with LOOKTOURS)
TripAdvisor Reviews Can be Found Here
Booking Tours - They specialize in all sorts of tours in and around the Las Vegas area and broker tours. They do not conduct their own tours.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Grand Canyon North, South, and West Rims, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator.
4. GRAND CANYON HOTELS & TOURS
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Booking Tours - They specialize in all sorts of tours in and around the Las Vegas area and broker tours. They do not conduct their own tours and are a large tour broker.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Grand Canyon North, South, and West Rims, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator.
5. LAS VEGAS GRAND CANYON TOURS
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Booking Tours - They specialize in all sorts of tours in and around the Las Vegas area and broker tours. They do not conduct their own tours and are a large tour broker.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Grand Canyon North, South, and West Rims, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator.
6. DESTINATION GRAND CANYON
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Booking Tours - They are the marketing arm of the West Rim. They only book tours for the West Rim.
Destination - West Rim only.
Activities - Airplane, boating, rafting, helicopter, horseback rides at the West Rim.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator or if you decide to buy it.
7. VIATOR / own look tours
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Booking Tours - They specialize in all sorts of tours in and around the Las Vegas area and broker tours. They do not conduct their own tours and are a large tour broker.
Destination - West Rim, South Rim, Hoover Dam and others (see their web site)
Activities - Grand Canyon North, South, and West Rims, Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Red Rock, Zion, Bryce Canyon.
Meals - It will depend on the tour operator.
7. RIVERS AND OCEANS
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Booking Tours - They specialize in whitewater tours in the Grand Canyon (and other areas) and broker tours. They do not conduct their own tours, but the operators are experienced guides and knowledgeable about all Grand Canyon rafting options. They offer fantastic 3 to 4 day trips that start and end in Las Vegas
Destination - Grand Canyon Colorado River whitewater rafting
Activities - - Grand Canyon rafting / hiking/camping/helicopter ride
Meals - all meals and camping equipment provided