Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas offer you the chance to witness one of the most epic landscapes on earth. The best part is that there are so many ways to visit this legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s just a day trip away.
With so many tours available, it’s easy to make the journey. Whether you travel by bus, helicopter, or airplane (or a combination of all three!), the perfect Grand Canyon tour is waiting for you. I certainly found it much more fun than playing the slots.
Check out my complete guide on the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas to see how the tours compare and my top picks for each type of tour, including trips to Antelope Canyon and combo tours. I’ve also included plenty of travel tips from my own personal experience visiting the Grand Canyon.
Do you want to see the available offers straight away?
Traveling to the Grand Canyon by bus, helicopter or airplane?
Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas have three modes of transportation — by bus, helicopter or airplane (or a combination of two or more).
Bus tours to the Grand Canyon are the most affordable due to the number of passengers, but they are also the longest. Depending on which rim of the canyon you visit, a bus tour lasts between 10 and 15 hours round-trip. The Grand Canyon West Rim is located approximately 130 miles from Las Vegas, while the South Rim is located 280 miles away.
TourScanner Tip! I recommend approaching the bus ride like a long flight. Bring whatever you need to stay comfy while enjoying the views (light snacks, neck pillow, headphones).
Helicopter and airplane tours cut this time by more than half, lasting between 3 and 4 hours. These tours accommodate a smaller number of passengers and are more private, but come at a higher cost. Airplane tours typically fly over the canyon, while on a helicopter tour, you may have the option of landing in the canyon.
Visiting the West, South or North Rim?
There are three sections of the Grand Canyon that are easily accessible from Las Vegas: the West Rim, South Rim and North Rim. The North Rim is only open in the summer months, while the West and South Rim can be visited year-round.
Here are the main differences:
West Rim
- 130 miles from Las Vegas
- Skywalk Experience
- Most aerial tours go here
South Rim
- 280 miles from Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon Village
- More viewpoints and hiking trails
North Rim
- 260 miles from Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon Lodge
- Cooler temperatures, more remote
TourScanner Tip! I highly recommend the South Rim if you want the best views, but only the West Rim has the Skywalk — an experience adrenaline junkies shouldn’t miss.
Check out our article on how to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon for a deeper look at the differences between the West Rim, South Rim and North Rim.
Grand Canyon Bus Tours
Due to its affordability, a bus tour is the most popular way to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Check out my top picks for the best bus tours to the West and South Rim, and see what other variations you can choose from.
For more details, you can also visit our guide about the best Grand Canyon bus tours from Las Vegas.
Best West Rim Bus Tour
I can’t recommend this West Rim bus tour by Comedy on Bus Tours enough. Thanks to its reasonable price, range of inclusions and professional guided services, this tour frequently receives 5-star reviews.
You’ll start your journey with breakfast en route before stopping at the Hoover Dam for a photo op. Drive through the Joshua Tree Forest towards Grand Canyon West, where you’ll explore Eagle Point and have the option of strolling along the Skywalk, a glass walkway towering nearly 5,000 feet above the canyon floor. You can then head to Guano Point for lunch or a short hike.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers, best value for money
Operator: Comedy On Deck Tours
Highlights: Breakfast and lunch meal ticket included, Hoover Dam stop, and optional Skywalk (at additional cost)
Price: From $155
Discounts: $99 on Sundays from October to February
Add-ons: Skywalk (+$30), 45-minute helicopter ride (+$282.50)
Duration: 10.5 hours
Route: Hoover Dam, Joshua Tree Forest, Grand Canyon West
Compare West Rim Bus Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Line Las Vegas | From $99 |
| 12 hours |
| iTravel USA | $199 |
| 9 hours |
| Grand Canyon Destinations | $214 |
| 11 hours |
| Adventure Photo Tours | $279 |
| 11 hours |
| Gray Line Las Vegas | $279 |
| 12 hours |
| Pink Jeep Tours | $339 |
| 9 hours |
| Vegas to Hollywood Tourz | $499 |
| 7-8 hours |
| Comedy on Deck Tours | Price dependent on group size |
| 9.5 hours |
Best South Rim Bus Tour
While traveling to the South Rim from Las Vegas may take longer, this bus tour by Grand Canyon Destinations makes the trip well worth it. With stops at iconic Route 66 towns along the way, an included lunch box and engaging commentary from a guide, you’ll enjoy top-notch services.
The pinnacle is reaching the Grand Canyon South Rim, where you can spend some free time exploring areas of interest such as Mather Point, Hopi House, and Bright Angel Point. If you’d prefer a more informative experience, you can pay for a guided walking tour instead.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers, best value for money
Operator: Grand Canyon Destinations
Highlights: Time for free exploration, deli lunch box included, dinner stop (meal not included)
Price: $114
Discounts: $99 on Saturdays
Add-ons: Hot breakfast (+$20)
Duration: 15 to 16 hours
Route: Boulder City, Kingman, Seligman, Grand Canyon South Rim
TourScanner Tip! The South Rim has a free shuttle bus service. Use it if you want to travel more quickly to the next viewpoint.
Compare South Rim Bus Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Line Las Vegas | $121 |
| 14 hours |
| Grand Canyon Destinations | $185 |
| 15 hours |
| Top Canyon Tours | $209 |
| 14 hours |
| Fun Group | Price dependent on group size |
| 14 hours |
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours are among the most popular options for trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. These tours only last half a day, including hotel transfers and flying, and give you the option of flying over the Grand Canyon or landing directly inside it.
Best Helicopter Flyover Tour of the Grand Canyon
This helicopter flight will take your Grand Canyon tour to new heights. Departing from Boulder City, you’ll fly over the Hoover Dam, Fortification Hill, and Lake Mead before arriving at the Grand Canyon. Your deft pilot will follow the curve of the Colorado River and fly between the canyon walls, bringing you up close to its incredible geology.
This tour is highly rated thanks to the personalized services and comfortable ride on an A-star helicopter. You’ll fly for 90 minutes, ample time to admire and take photos of the canyon and other sights.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers
Operator: 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Highlights: Refreshments included, guided commentary, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: $499
Discounts: $449 for early departure
Duration: 3 hours
Route: Hoover Dam, Fortification Hill, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas Strip
Compare Helicopter Flyover Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papillon Helicopters | From $469 |
| 4 hours |
| Papillon Helicopters | From $499 |
| 4 hours |
Best Helicopter Tour with Grand Canyon Floor Landing
Rather than simply viewing the Grand Canyon from above, you can opt for a tour that lands on the canyon floor. On this excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to have a champagne picnic 4,000 feet below the West Rim.
Flying out of Las Vegas, you’ll pass over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Then, your pilot will navigate down into the canyon, where you can stop and savor some drinks and light bites. Use the opportunity to take some stunning photos from inside the canyon and toast to an unforgettable day out.
Why I recommend this tour: Variety of upgrade options
Operator: Papillon Helicopters
Highlights: Champagne picnic, guided commentary, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: From $569
Add-ons: Sunset Tour from $609, Vegas Upgrade from $669, Vegas Sunset from $709
Duration: 4.5 hours
Route: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West
Compare Helicopter Landing Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papillon Helicopters | From $539 |
| 4 hours |
| Maverick Helicopter Tours | $598 |
| 4 hours |
| 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours | $599 |
| 4.5 hours |
| Papillon Helicopters | $609 |
| 7 hours |
| Maverick Helicopter Tours | $649 |
| 5 hours |
Best Helicopter Tour of the Grand Canyon at Sunset
For the most unparalleled views, choose a Grand Canyon helicopter tour at sunset. During this luxurious excursion, you’ll land on a private bluff 3,500 feet below the rim overlooking the Colorado River, where you can sip on champagne and relish a selection of light snacks.
Just before the sun begins to set, you’ll take off and witness the landscape transform. Heading back towards the landing, you’ll pass over the Las Vegas Strip as the glittering lights come to life.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers, private bluff landing
Operator: Maverick Helicopter Tours
Highlights: Champagne and light snacks, guided commentary, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: $675
Duration: 4.5 hours
Route: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West, Las Vegas Strip
Compare Helicopter Sunset Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papillon Helicopters | $629 |
| 4 hours |
| 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours | $649 |
| 4 hours |
Alternatively, you can check out what helicopter tours are available from Tusayan to the South Rim, and read our blog on Grand Canyon helicopter tours from South Rim for more information.
Grand Canyon Airplane Tours
While airplane tours may not be as flexible in their landing, they do offer better value for money in comparison to helicopter tours. You’ll have the opportunity to fly over the Grand Canyon or combine the flight with tours on the ground.
Best West Rim Airplane Tour
This airplane tour will give you more bang for your buck, as you’ll enjoy a one-hour flight over the top sights of the West Rim. Departing from Las Vegas, you’ll soar over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam before heading to the Grand Canyon, where you can soak up views of the Colorado River, Eagle Point, and the Skywalk.
Flying in a Vistaliner, the large windows allow for panoramic vistas of the landscape, and your experienced pilot will provide insightful commentary as you fly. Grand Canyon Airlines has been operating since 1927 and is regarded as the longest-running air tour service in the world, making your trip a part of history.
Why I recommend this tour: Best value for money
Operator: Grand Canyon Airlines
Highlights: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: From $269 to $299
Duration: 4 hours
Route: Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West, Las Vegas Strip
Best South Rim Airplane Tour
Grand Canyon Airlines doesn’t just do flights. On this excursion to the South Rim from Las Vegas, you’ll make a landing so you can enjoy a hummer ride through the Grand Canyon.
There are not many flights from Las Vegas that head to the South Rim, so this day tour allows you to make the most of your time in the area. Departing from the city, you’ll journey over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam and the West Rim. To reach the South Rim, you’ll cover over 60 miles, meaning plenty of sightseeing.
Upon landing, your group will embark on a 2-hour Hummer tour and picnic in the national park before flying back to Las Vegas.
Why I recommend this tour: Most complete tour available
Operator: Grand Canyon Airlines
Highlights: Fly over West and South Rim, hummer tour and picnic in Grand Canyon
Price: From $629 to $709
Duration: 9.5 hours
Route: West Rim, South Rim
Compare Grand Canyon Airplane Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon Airlines | $179 |
| 45 minutes |
| Grand Canyon Airlines | $384 |
| 7-8 hours |
Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Tours
While much smaller in scale, Antelope Canyon is world-renowned for its stunning water-eroded gorges. Located over 2 hours northwest of the Grand Canyon, it’s possible to visit both on a day tour or multi-day trip.
Best Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Day Tour
This highly reviewed tour offers a 3-in-1 experience, visiting the major landmarks of Arizona: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, and, of course, the Grand Canyon.
Traveling in a spacious vehicle from Las Vegas, you’ll first visit Horseshoe Bend before enjoying a guided tour of Antelope Canyon. Then, you’ll continue on to the Grand Canyon. You’ll have lunch en route before disembarking at the South Rim. Here, you can stop at one of the various viewpoints before returning. On the way back, stop at Seligman, a famous Route 66 town.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers
Operator: Fun Group
Highlights: Small group max 12 people, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included
Price: $355 for Antelope Canyon
Add-ons: Lower Antelope Canyon (+$25), Lower Antelope with tacos/burger (+$31)
Duration: 17 to 19 hours
Route: Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon South Rim
Compare 1-day Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Travel | $399 |
| 17 hours |
| Aqua Travel | $459 |
| 19 hours |
| Q Travel LLC | Price varies by group size |
| 16 to 18 hours |
Best 2-Day Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Tour
If you don’t want to spend 20 hours traveling in one go, spread your trip over 2 days with an overnight tour of the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon. On this tour with a maximum of 4 people, you’ll travel by air-conditioned minivan. Starting with a tour of the Hoover Dam, you’ll journey on Route 66 to the Grand Canyon to explore sights you might not otherwise enjoy on a big bus tour.
After staying overnight in Page or Flagstaff, the next you’ll visit Horseshoe Bend before touring Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide. With breakfast, accommodation, transport and entrance fees all included in the price, this tour is certainly worth it.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers, best value for money
Operator: Max Tour
Highlights: Small group max 14 people, accommodation included, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: $449 per person for a minimum group of 4
Duration: 2 days
Route: Day 1 – Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Day 2 – Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon
Compare 2-Day Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fun Group | From $743 |
| 2 days |
| Aqua Travel | From $749 |
| 2 days |
| TakeYourTrip | Price varies by group size |
| 2 days |
| Ace Tours LLC | Price varies by group size |
| 2 days |
Best 3-Day Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Tour
Extend your tour by an extra day to explore more of the American Southwest. On this comprehensive 3-day tour, you’ll visit the highlights of Arizona as well as the national parks of Utah.
On day 1, you can hike through Zion National Park before exploring the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park. After overnighting in Page, you’ll then travel to Horseshoe Bend. Next, take a guided tour of Antelope Canyon before going on a jeep tour of Monument Valley.
On the last day, you’ll visit the Grand Canyon South Rim, where your guide will take you to three of the top viewing spots. Traveling on Route 66 back to Las Vegas, you’ll also stop at historic towns such as Williams.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers, best value for money
Operator: Max Tour
Highlights: Small group max 14 people, accommodation included, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: $799 per person for a minimum group of 4
Duration: 3 days
Route: Day 1 – Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park, Day 2 – Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, Day 3 – Grand Canyon
Compare 3-Day Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire Vacations | From $600 |
| 3 days |
| Fun Group | From $1,022 |
| 3 days |
| Aqua Travel | From $1,255 |
| 3 days |
| Q Travel LLC | Price varies by group size |
| 3 days |
You can also refer to our complete guide on Antelope Canyon tours from Las Vegas, which includes a helpful map and tips to make the most of your time at both canyons.
Grand Canyon Multi-Day Tours
Make the most of your time in the American Southwest by embarking on a multi-day tour that visits the Grand Canyon and more of the iconic landmarks and parks that define this region. Whether you choose an overnight stay or a longer 3-day trip, these tours won’t leave you wanting.
Best 2-Day Grand Canyon Tour
On this two-day tour, fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Grand Canyon. Camp inside the park or stay in a Tusayan, either way, you’ll have much more time to explore the South Rim and enjoy the unique opportunity to watch the sunset over the landscape.
On the first day, you’ll travel along Route 66 from Las Vegas and then spend a few hours walking along the rim and watching an IMAX movie about the canyon. The next day, you can choose your own adventure, with options of hiking in the canyon or taking a helicopter ride at an additional price.
Why I recommend this tour: Best value for money, Freedom of choice
Operator: Bindlestiff Tours
Highlights: Small group max 9 people, choice between camping or lodging, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: From $410
Duration: 2 days
Route: Grand Canyon South Rim
Best 3-Day Grand Canyon Tour
Extend your adventure to a three-day tour that visits four national parks, including the Grand Canyon. Departing from Las Vegas, you’ll begin your journey with visits to Zion and Bryce National Parks in Utah. The next day, continue on to Arizona, where you have the option of adding on a tour of Antelope Canyon before going on a jeep tour of Monument Valley.
On the final day, you’ll travel to the Grand Canyon South Rim, where you can spend your time as you wish and even take a helicopter tour at your own expense. Each night, you’ll camp or stay in nearby towns, depending on your preference.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers
Operator: Bindlestiff Tours
Highlights: Small group max 12 people, choice between camping or lodging, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: $830 with camping, $1,365 with lodging
Duration: 3 days
Route: Day 1 – Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park, Day 2 – Antelope Canyon (optional) and Monument Valley, Day 3 – Grand Canyon South Rim
Bonus: American Southwest 7-Day Tour
Spend a whole week touring Utah and Arizona on this 7-day excursion. Beginning with explorations of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, you’ll spend day 5 traversing Monument Valley before the epic finale at the Grand Canyon.
During your trip, you’ll go hiking through the different parks, with additional experiences, such as a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon, coming at an extra cost. You also have the option of adding Antelope Canyon to your itinerary for a fully comprehensive experience.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers, Most comprehensive
Operator: Bindlestiff Tours
Highlights: Small group max 8 people, choice between camping or lodging, guided commentary
Price: $1,795 with camping, $3,525 with lodging
Duration: 7 days
Route: Day 1 – Zion National Park, Day 2 – Bryce Canyon National Park, Day 3 – Arches and Canyonlands National Park, Day 4 – Arches and Canyonlands National Park, Day 5 – Monument Valley, Day 6 – Grand Canyon South Rim, Day 7 – Las Vegas
Compare Grand Canyon Multi-Day Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline Expeditions | $345 |
| 2 days |
| Bindlestiff Tours | $366 |
| 2 days |
| Bindlestiff Tours | $425 |
| 2 days |
| 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours | $949 |
| 2 days |
| Bindlestiff Tours | Price varies by group size |
| 3 days |
| Bindlestiff Tours | $830 |
| 3 days |
| Bindlestiff Tours | $910 |
| 3 days |
Grand Canyon Combo Tours
There’s more to visiting the Grand Canyon than a few photo stops. Combo tours allow you to incorporate other activities, such as boat rides, into your bus, helicopter, or airplane tour.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing + Boat Ride and Skywalk
With this 3-in-1 combo tour, you can see the Grand Canyon from both the air and the water. A comfortable helicopter will take you over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from Las Vegas before descending to the canyon floor.
Disembark your chopper and catch a pontoon boat ride down the Colorado River. If that’s not enough excitement for one day, you can also head back to land and enjoy VIP access to the Skywalk.
Why I recommend this tour: Most comprehensive tour
Operator: Papillon Helicopters
Highlights: Small group max 6 people, hotel pickup and drop-off, all inclusive
Price: $899
Duration: 7 hours
Route: Grand Canyon West Rim
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flyover + Rafting/Kayaking Trip
On this combo tour, you’ll embark on a 90-minute roundtrip helicopter tour from Las Vegas over the West Rim of the Grand Canyon before going sailing down the Colorado River. During your flight, you’ll pass over the Hoover Dam and Fortification Hill before descending beneath the West Rim to follow the path of the river through the canyon.
Landing back at Boulder City, you’ll then transfer to the Black Canyon, where you can choose between rafting or kayaking down the Colorado River. If you go rafting, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at Willow Beach.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers
Operator: 5 Star Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Highlights: Small group max 9 people, choice between rafting or kayaking, hotel pickup or drop-off
Price: $699
Duration: 11 hours
Route: Grand Canyon West Rim, Black Canyon
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour + Shooting Range
For a truly American experience, you can combine your Grand Canyon helicopter tour with a shooting range excursion. Start the day with a 60-minute helicopter flight that lands in the canyon for 30 minutes, where you’ll enjoy some champagne.
Return to Las Vegas, where you’ll hit the shooting range and customize the experience to suit your taste. For more sightseeing, you can also drive through the Lake Mead National Park Recreation Area to the Colorado River.
Why I recommend this tour: Highest rated by travelers
Operator: Bullets and Burgers
Highlights: Small group max 14 people, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included
Price: $1,300
Add-ons: 5 guns (+$130), 6 guns (+$550), 8 guns (+$1,300)
Duration: 7 hours
Route: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas
Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour + Helicopter Ride and Skywalk
Get the best value for money on this Grand Canyon bus tour, which includes a helicopter ride and entrance to the Skywalk as part of the cost. There are even free show tickets to a Native American cultural performance, making for a fully comprehensive excursion.
Traveling from Las Vegas, you’ll stop at Hoover Dam to take some epic photos before continuing on to the West Rim. Here, you can walk along the Skywalk and look down 4,000 feet into the canyon. Take your journey further with a helicopter ride that descends into the canyon and follows the Colorado River.
Why I recommend this tour: Most comprehensive tour, best value for money
Operator: Sightseeing Tours Unlimited Of Nevada
Highlights: Small group max 15 people, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: $478
Duration: 12 hours
Route: Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon West Rim
Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour + Hummer Tour
Traverse more of the Grand Canyon on a combined bus and Hummer tour of the South Rim. On your journey, you’ll receive fascinating commentary from your guide, making for a fun and informative experience.
At the Grand Canyon, you can visit the National Geographic Visitor’s Center for lunch and then the IMAX Theater Complex. Afterward, board your Hummer to drive further into the canyon and discover the deepest part of the South Rim, stopping at viewpoints such as Moran Point and Yavapai Point.
Why I recommend this tour: Best value for money
Operator: Gray Line Las Vegas
Highlights: Small group max 15 people, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch included
Price: $232
Duration: 14 hours
Route: Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour + Helicopter Ride
See the best views of the Grand Canyon with this combo South Rim tour. Enjoy the comfort of a small group excursion by bus, passing by Fortification Hill and stopping at Bright Angel Lodge at the Grand Canyon.
Relish free time to explore the South Rim at your leisure, then, take off on an incredible 30-minute helicopter tour over Dragons Corridor, admiring the Colorado River from above.
Why I recommend this tour: Best value for money
Operator: Sightseeing Tours Unlimited Of Nevada
Highlights: Small group max 15 people, lunch included, hotel pickup and drop-off
Price: $379
Duration: 14 hours
Route: Grand Canyon South Rim
Compare Grand Canyon Combo Tours
| Tour Operator | Price | Highlights | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Line Las Vegas | $499 |
| 14 hours |
| Gray Line Las Vegas | $499 |
| 12 hours |
| Por Las Vegas Tours | $611 |
| 10 hours |
| Papillon Helicopters | From $769 |
| 10 hours |
Travel Tips
Is the Grand Canyon open for visitors right now?
For up-to-date announcements on openings and closings of the North and South Rim of the Grand Canyon, you can refer to the Grand Canyon National Park Service Operations official website (updated daily).
The West and South Rims are generally open year-round and close only in the event of very severe weather. The North Rim is only open for half the year (generally from May 15th to November 30th).
Can you visit the Grand Canyon during the winter?
Yes! Although the North Rim closes for the winter (from December 1st to May 14th), you can visit the West Rim and South Rim year-round.
According to the National Parks Service, November through February is the least crowded time to visit the South Rim. I visited in January, and I can confirm that the trails were much less crowded than I was expecting.
However, the trails can be icy, so wear appropriate footwear or purchase slip-on shoe traction devices at the Grand Canyon Village.
TourScanner Tip! If you visit in the winter, don’t make the same mistake I did and forget to pack a pair of gloves.
What activities can you do at the West Rim?
The most popular activity at the West Rim is the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway nearly 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above the floor of the Grand Canyon.
Besides the Skywalk, there’s plenty more to do at the West Rim, including zip lining, whitewater rafting, going on a self-guided tour of a Native American Village and admiring the railing-less views from Guano Point.
What can you do at the South Rim?
You can visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM), which features park ranger programs and a cinema showing the 20-minute film, “Grand Canyon: A Journey of Wonder”, every half hour. There are also bookstores and gift shops.
From the visitor center, you can access the Canyon Rim Trail — the most accessible and the only mostly flat and paved trail in the area, suitable for all fitness levels.
TourScanner Tip! There a free shuttle buses to move more quickly between the South Rim viewpoints. Shuttle bus operation changes throughout the year, so I recommend referring to the National Park Service’s shuttle bus map and schedule before your visit.
What’s there to do at the North Rim?
The North Rim only receives about 10% of all visitors to the Grand Canyon, so you can expect much less of a crowd compared to the West and South Rims.
You can grab a bite to eat at the Roughrider Saloon or the Deli in the Pines. The Grand Canyon Lodge also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you hope to book a private cabin, please note that they typically book up a year in advance.
For more detailed information on all the available activities at the West, South and North Rims, check out our list of fun things to do at the Grand Canyon.