Best Grand Canyon Day Tour
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Getting from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon is simple! Flagstaff is located just 80 miles south of the Grand Canyon which makes it an excellent location to begin your trip to this natural wonder of the world! There are several ways to visit the Grand Canyon; by train, helicopter, river raft, shuttle, bicycle, mule and by foot. Whichever you choose, your journey from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park will be an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. The south rim is home to Grand Canyon Village, an area full of historic buildings, restaurants, souvenir shops and the starting point of many Grand Canyon tours. This is the easiest portion of the Grand Canyon to visit while staying in Flagstaff. Due to the immense amount of tours and activities offered at several locations in the Grand Canyon, we will focus on South Rim services. For more Grand Canyon tours and information, go to TheCanyon.com.
The Grand Canyon Railway has been taking tourists to the Grand Canyon since 1901. The train station is located in Williams, just 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The train departs daily at 9:30 am and takes its passengers 65 miles to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The trip is a leisurely and scenic ride that takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival at the south rim, the view of the canyon is just steps from the train depot. The Grand Canyon village is also walking distance and contains many sights and activities to explore. The train departs at 3:30 each afternoon and arrives back in Williams at 5:45 pm. The Grand Canyon railway offers 6 different classes of service; from the most basic seating on the Pullman carriage to the luxurious observation dome, the needs of each passenger is fulfilled with a variety of ticket prices. First-class and coach are wheelchair accessible and meet ADA requirements. Children prices include anyone 15 yrs and younger.
- Pullman Car: Adult $65 Children $29
- Coach: Adult $79 Children $49
- First Class: Adult $152 Children $118
- Observation Dome: Adults: $181 Children $149
- Luxury Dome: $219; children 15 and younger not allowed
- Luxury Parlor: $219; children 15 and younger not allowed
Grand Canyon Railroad Information
To get to Williams from Flagstaff, it is a quick drive down I-40 W or daily shuttle service is available through Arizona Shuttles $24 per person each way. Shuttles to Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon Railway offers an inner canyon tour. This tour takes it’s guests in a 4x4 air-conditioned van 4,000 ft down to the bank of the Colorado River at the base of the canyon where a packaged lunch can be enjoyed. This is a way to really see every angle of the Grand Canyon and will surely be the trip of a lifetime.
Adults: $269 , Children (15 and younger) $209
There are several shuttles that will pick you up from your hotel or from the downtown Flagstaff Amtrak station and take you to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Many shuttles stop in Williams as well as Tusayan along the way. A $6 entry fee is charged to pay for entrance into Grand Canyon National Park. These are strictly for transportation with no guided tour.
There is no view that can compare to seeing the Grand Canyon from above ground level. Aerial tours of the Grand Canyon are offered by several different companies and leave from many different locations. Flagstaff is closest to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, therefore, aerial tours that leave from Tusayan airport will be the easiest to access.
Helicopter & Plane Tours
Most Grand Canyon helicopter tours take off from the Grand Canyon airport in Tusayan near the south rim. These tours take approximately 40-45 minutes and fly over several points of interest including the Zuni Corridor, Kaibab Forest and the confluence of the Colorado River. Prices range based on the day of the week, time of year, tour company, and type of helicopter. Guests can expect to pay $120 to $150 for a tour.
If you’d like to see the north rim of the Grand Canyon, helicopter tours leave from the Grand Canyon airport in Tusayan and fly over the Kaibab plateau to the widest portion of the Grand Canyon, the north rim. These tours take 25-30 minutes and include views of the Dragon Corridor and the Tower of Ra. Prices range based on the day of the week, time of year, tour company, and type of helicopter. Guests can expect to pay $200 to $240 for the tour.
Look for Eco-Star helicopter for a speciality180 degree windows and forward-facing seating; the view is un-matchable. These tours are 40-45 minutes in length, flying over the eastern portion of the Grand Canyon with price range based on the week, time of year, tour company, and type of helicopter. These Grand Canyon helicopter tours cost around $300 - $320.
See our full list of helicopter tours on our Grand Canyon website:
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours »
Skydiving
For those who crave the ultimate adventure in combination with scenic views of the Grand Canyon, skydiving is now available at the south rim. Paragon Skydive is located at the Tusayan airport which is 11 miles south of the canyon. Shuttle service from surrounding areas is available upon request. They offer a variety of different tandem skydiving packages with video and picture options. Prices range from $299 to $479 based upon which package you choose. Paragon is a member of the United States Parachute Association and they are open year-round. To make a reservation, visit their website https://www.paragon-skydive.com or call +1 928 224 9661.
If you prefer to see the Grand Canyon from your own two feet, there are a plethora of trails to explore. Keep in mind that the canyon is an arid environment and water is not available for the majority of most hikes. Do not plan on hiking without plenty of water, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100 F.
South Rim Day Hikes:
- Rim Trail: Easy and partially paved. Meanders from village to Hermits Rest.
- Bright Angel Trail: 12 miles roundtrip, some steep sections.
- South Kaibab: 6 miles round trip, some steep sections.
- Hermit Trail: 5-7 miles round trip. Difficult with rugged terrain. Experienced hikers only.
- Grandview Trail: 6.4 miles round trip. Difficult with rugged terrain. Experienced hikers only.
South Rim Guided Hikes:
From the visitor center in Grand Canyon village, there are several ranger-led walks that take place along the rim year round. The subject of these tours range from geology and history to animals and stars. Dates and time vary based on the season.
In order to do any backcountry hiking, rim to rim hiking, overnight backpacking or travel below the Tonto platform into the inner canyon, a special use permit is required. For more information visit www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/sup.htm
For commercially guided hikes with shuttle rides, lunch and cutomization, please see our recommended Grand Canon hiking guides below or visit our Grand Canyon website's hiking page.
One of the most popular ways to see the Grand Canyon is by boat. Several tour companies provide rafting trips down the Colorado. There are many different options when choosing a river trip. You can spend as few as three days to as many as 18 days on the water. Rafting trips involve several hours per day traveling down the river. Each night s spent at different campsite and day hiking down various side canyons is usually an option. Children as young as 7 years old are allowed on some sections of the river; however, an age limit of 12 years is most common. These trips are great for active, senior-aged adventurers as well! All meals and camping equipment are included in your guided tour price. There is a long list of professional guide services that offer rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. You can find some of our preferred river guides below or see a full list of Grand Canyon river rafting trips on our Grand Canyon travel website.
This is one of the most family-friendly ways to see many scenic viewpoints along the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Guided tours and bike rentals are provided by Bright Angel Bicycles located right next to the visitor center at the south entrance. You can opt to rent a bike and simply explore several bike-friendly pathways on your own or you can book a tour with a guide. These bikes are for paved roads, not downhill trails.
Guided Bike Tours:
Hermit Road Tour: 6 mile round trip. 3.5 hours. $47- $62, ages 2 and up! Mostly flat and paved. Yaki Road Tour: 7-mile round trip, 3 hours, $42- $52, ages 2 and up! Mostly flat and paved. *Tours include a helmet, bicycle rental, and 2-way shuttle transportation from the shop if needed.
Bike Rental Rates for 26” bike size and helmet:
Adult:
Children 20-24” bike and helmet:
For questions and reservations call: (928) 679-0992 or visit their website Bike Grand Canyon
RECOMMENDED GRAND CANYON TOURS
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the … More
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.
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Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Ex … More
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, and awe-inspiring that you simply must see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This value-for-money self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails. Explore Grand Canyon at your own pace with over 60 stories laid out on a 45-mile route.
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Maverick Helicopter Tours
Maverick Helicopters provides helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. Thebest way to discover the incredible scenery of the Grand Canyon South Rim.
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9.5
Journey through stunning Arizona landscapes on this full-day tour from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit the Grand Canyon and explore Route 66 with an expert guide who handles all the driving and logistics, leaving you free to soak in the incredible scenery. Explore highlights of the Gran … More
Journey through stunning Arizona landscapes on this full-day tour from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit the Grand Canyon and explore Route 66 with an expert guide who handles all the driving and logistics, leaving you free to soak in the incredible scenery. Explore highlights of the Grand Canyon, and drive through the Sonoran Desert on this small-group tour. With numbers limited to 13 participants, you can enjoy a more intimate experience of the Southwest's natural beauty. Choose between a small-group or private option.
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Grand Canyon Airlines
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Don't just view the Canyon from the rim when you can fly the Grand Canyon with a legend! Since 1927, Grand Canyon Airlines has been the premier fixed wing provider of scenic Grand Canyon tour flights. Specially patented, exclusive aircraft provide crystal clear viewing with narration in eight different languages. The classic Grand Discovery Tour is the ultimate Canyon view.
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9.5
Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours
Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will … More
Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will discuss with you your experience and skill level in order to decide which hiking trails would be the best fit for you. Is there a specific trail you have been dying to hike? Great! Our professional guides are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Because our hiking tours are completely private, your hiking experience is personalized and can be as long or as short as you want. On our Grand Canyon hiking tours, you can opt for a full day of hiking, or we can split the day between hiking and sightseeing. You’ll experience the canyon like never before. When you walk down the canyon, you are walking through geologic time. See the rock layers, and learn about the canyon’s millions of years of geologic history. Enjoy picture-perfect viewpoints along the trail and capture every breathtaking moment.
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Professionally Guided | Lunch | Hotel Pick-ups | Shuttle Transportation
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Wildland Trekking
Go on an epic journey to Sedona, the Grand Canyon or more! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.
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Best Grand Canyon Day Tour
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our profess … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
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9.9
IMAX Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
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Grand Canyon Expeditions
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The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, and what better way to see it than from its heart, on a Colorado river rafting trip? This unique trip down the Grand Canyon ranges from running world-class rapids to hiking and swimming in the side canyons to investigating the remains left by the first inhabitants of the Grand Canyon. Let our experienced guides show you the wonders of the Grand Canyon. This is not a tour of the Grand Canyon, it's an adventure!
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Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Trip Begins in Las Vegas
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Western River Expeditions
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Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Sedona, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West and Las Vegas. Choose from a variety of Air Tours, River Rafting, Weddings including Grand Canyon hotels … More
World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Sedona, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West and Las Vegas. Choose from a variety of Air Tours, River Rafting, Weddings including Grand Canyon hotels, IMAX attractions, or even fly the Vegas strip by night.
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9.5
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experi … More
Colorado River & Trail Expeditions offers rowing, paddle, motor, kayak support, and hybrid all-inclusive rafting trips. We offer a variety of trip lengths and options. We specialize in taking our clients to the best spots in the Grand Canyon. We pride ourselves in having friendly experienced guides, serving great food, and supplying our customers with the most modern equipment and gear. In addition we are a member of various environmental groups and do our best to take care of the Grand Canyon and our Earth.
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Professionally Guided | Trip Begins in Las Vegas
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Grand Canyon Railway - Williams, AZ
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon Nation … More
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon National Park.
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Arizona Private Tours
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and … More
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.
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Canyon Dave Tours
Here is the essence: we specialize in good times, splendid viewpoints, and entertaining education. You get an in-depth look into the natural science behind the scenes. You take home a thorough knowledge of where you've been and what it looked like. You won't forget your viewpoints and ours … More
Here is the essence: we specialize in good times, splendid viewpoints, and entertaining education. You get an in-depth look into the natural science behind the scenes. You take home a thorough knowledge of where you've been and what it looked like. You won't forget your viewpoints and ours, and you won't feel that you've missed something and have to come again (unless you want to). Isn't this how you travel?
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Full-Day Inner Canyon River Tour to the Bottom of Grand Canyon
Spend a day exploring the Grand Canyon's Inner Gorge on a full-day excursion from Flagstaff—ideal for travelers of all ages and physical conditions. With this tour, save time searching for parking or waiting in the visitor center’s long lines, and journey 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) to th … More
Spend a day exploring the Grand Canyon's Inner Gorge on a full-day excursion from Flagstaff—ideal for travelers of all ages and physical conditions. With this tour, save time searching for parking or waiting in the visitor center’s long lines, and journey 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) to the bottom of the canyon in an air-conditioned, off-road vehicle. This leaves just enough time for lunch at the river’s edge.
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Family-Friendly | Hotel Pick-ups | Lunch
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