Gran Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

Visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and spend a different day in a natural environment. Walk the rims of the canyon, get hidden views of the site, water and aerial activities.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

12 min read

Gran Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon | ©Paul Fundenburg

Visiting the Grand Canyon is one of the things to see and do in Las Vegas. It is a natural wonder that brings together a millenary geological history, amazing landscapes, with a unique animal and plant life. All these are natural attractions that you can get to know up close by taking a guided tour of the region.

You can walk across the Hoover Dam Bridge, tour the south or west rim of the Grand Canyon, see breathtaking landscapes from the Eagle Point and Guano Point viewpoints, enter the National Geographic visitor center, take a helicopter ride, do water sports, among other activities.

1. Tour the south rim of the Grand Canyon by bus and enter the National Geographic Visitor Center

At the Grand Canyon| ©Pom'
At the Grand Canyon| ©Pom'

If you are an adventurous person who likes to take advantage of every moment of your trip to explore the natural environment, you will be interested in joining a tour of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas.

In a comfortable bus, you'll tour the entire south rim of the rock formation, stop at the National Geographic Visitor Center, and learn about this historic region. In addition, you will have the opportunity to do some complementary activities.

This tour can begin with a pick-up at your hotel or meeting point.

On board a bus, you will travel from Las Vegas directly to the Grand Canyon. This is approximately a three-hour drive, during which the driver in charge will give you a series of commentaries related to the history of the city.

Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon, the bus will follow the red and orange-lined road along the south rim, while you are amazed by the breathtaking natural views.

Afterwards, you'll stop at the National Geographic Visitor Center, where you can grab a coffee and a light lunch, browse the exhibit area, or enter the IMAX theater. In the IMAX theater, you will see the movie "The Grand Canyon" projected on a giant screen with surround sound of approximately 12,000 watts of power.

Also, for an additional price to the tour, you can board a helicopter for approximately 20 minutes to see the Grand Canyon from another perspective. Also, if you wish, you can repeat the tour along the south rim, but this time in a Hummer.

Practical information

  • Duration: more than 1 hour
  • Price: from about 200 dollars
  • What these tours usually include: in addition to transportation and the presence of a professional guide, these tours usually include park entrance fees and entrance fees to the National Geographic Visitor Center.

Book a Grand Canyon South Tour

2. Grand Canyon South Rim Quick Tour from Las Vegas: learn about the history of this ancient mineral formation

Grand Canyon South Rim| ©Mike McBey
Grand Canyon South Rim| ©Mike McBey

If you are short on time during your visit to Las Vegas and don't know what to see and do in 2 days, you might consider taking a quick tour of the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park aboard a bus.

This is a must-do adventure on your visit to this city, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast.

Normally, a luxurious, air-conditioned bus with comfortable chairs will pick you up at your hotel or meeting point. The driver will then drive for approximately three hours to finally arrive at the Grand Canyon. During the transfer time you will be able to observe the scenery through the large windows.

Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon, the entrance fee is covered in the tour price, so you will only have to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the south rim. In addition, you'll get several overlooks with fantastic panoramas to photograph.

Meanwhile, you will listen to the driver's commentary about how this natural monument was formed, what is the predominant flora and fauna, among other interesting facts.

Practical information

  • Duration: more than 1 hour
  • Price: starting at $150.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: usually this type of tour includes the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park, pick up from the hotel and the company of an expert guide.

Book a Grand Canyon South Tour

3. Join a guided walking tour on the west side of the Grand Canyon and discover the hidden landscapes of the region

North Rim| ©Kyle Greenberg
North Rim| ©Kyle Greenberg

Among the best tours and excursions from Las Vegas is the popular walking tour of the west side of the Grand Canyon, where you'll discover a series of hidden landscapes at Eagle Point and Guano Point overlooks. In addition, with the help of your guide, you will identify the wildlife present in the region.

The route of this tour begins with a bus transfer to the Grand Canyon, where you will begin a walking adventure with your guide. The tour follows the west side of this majestic natural monument and usually includes a first stop at Eagle Point, a lookout point with a unique and indescribable view.

Afterwards, you will continue moving to reach the Guano Point Mine , which is another important stop on this tour, as from there you will see another angle of the Grand Canyon. In fact, this area is very popular because it has been the setting for the filming of several big screen movies.

Finally, the guide will take you on a dirt road that continues from the last viewpoint. This way, you will get to know new perspectives of the environment, flora and fauna, and take some pictures. Afterwards, you will return to the city with enough time to walk along the Strip in search of the best casinos in Las Vegas, museums or other attractions.

Practical information

  • Duration: 1 hour (Approx.)
  • Price: starting at $80.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: this tour usually includes a specialized guide, national park fees and bus pick-up from the hotel.

Book a Grand Canyon West Tour

4. Fly over the Grand Canyon by helicopter and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour| ©total 13
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour| ©total 13

Traveling by helicopter to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is a tourist activity that you must experience, as this way you will enjoy a privileged aerial view of this desert region.

To join this activity and admire one of the greatest natural wonders of the world from a unique perspective, you have several options, depending on the guided tour with reservations:

  • You can depart from Las Vegas on a bus and, upon arrival at Grand Canyon National Park, go directly up in a helicopter, which will not make any landings for approximately one hour. This is the estimated time to fly over the rocky region and view its natural beauty.
  • If you have more time to explore the Grand Canyon in depth, you can choose an excursion with complementary activities. You will go from Las Vegas by bus to the Grand Canyon to visit its viewpoints and then fly over the region in the helicopter.

Whatever the tour, during the flight you will hear interesting comments about each of the places observed, which will complement the visual experience. In addition, from the heights you will have a unique panoramic view of the Grand Canyon:

  • You will admire the historic Hoover Dam.
  • You will see the crystal clear and calm waters of the majestic Lake Mead.
  • You will identify the impressive cliffs of Grand Wash, which are part of the great Hualapai Indian Reservation.
  • You will contemplate the continuity of the High Desert, also known as the Mojave Desert.

Practical information

  • Duration: more than 1 hour.
  • Price: starting at $200.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: this tour usually includes audio narration, national park fees and bus pick-up from the hotel.

Book a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon

5. Grand Canyon and amazing Hoover Dam bus tour from Las Vegas

Hoover Dam Tour| ©Renee Grayson
Hoover Dam Tour| ©Renee Grayson

On your trip to the famous "Capital of Sin", you can leave for a day the characteristic bustling atmosphere of the city and get in touch with nature, doing some outdoor activities.

To do so, you can sign up for one of the best excursions to the National Parks from Las Vegas and visit the imposing Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam and other points of interest.

The tour takes place in a comfortable bus that will take you to the Grand Canyon to spend an unforgettable day while admiring the most emblematic landscapes of the region:

  • The first stop is at the amazing Hoover Dam, where you will have time to explore the surroundings and take souvenir photos.
  • Then, from the west rim of the Grand Canyon you will have the opportunity to see the famous Colorado River.
  • Next, you will continue on to the long-awaited Guano Point and Eagle Point overlooks, where you will get the so-called hidden views of the Grand Canyon.

Finally, you will board the bus for a light snack and return to the city, a journey of approximately three hours. You'll arrive in time to continue with your list of activities, such as attending the best shows at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, relaxing at a spa or browsing the restaurants on the Strip in search of new flavors, and more.

Practical information

  • Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
  • Price: from 100 dollars.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: this tour usually incorporates national park fees, photo stop, light snack and bus pick-up at an assigned location in the city.

Book a Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam tour

6. Two-day tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon: visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Antelope Canyon| ©Vicente Villamón
Antelope Canyon| ©Vicente Villamón

If you don't know what to see and do in Las Vegas in 5 days, a tour to the Grand Canyon with an overnight stay in Seligman Village, on Route 66, would be a good idea.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful scenery from Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

Once you are on board the bus, the three-hour drive to the Grand Canyon Park will begin. There, you will discover various hidden landscapes from Guano Point and Eagle Point overlooks, take pictures and view the natural surroundings.

Afterwards, you will visit the historic Hoover Dam, see the famous Route 66 and spend the night in Page or Flagstaf Arizona.

The experience continues the next morning with a hike through Horseshoe Bend to view the Colorado River. Finally, hike through Antelope Canyon, an area with great visual appeal due to its peculiar shape and color.

Practical Information

  • Duration: 2 days (Approx.)
  • Price: from 400 dollars.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: this tour usually includes overnight accommodation, national park fees, breakfast, three tourist stops and pick-up at a designated location.

7. Explore the waters of the Colorado River on a Grand Canyon rafting adventure from Las Vegas

Colorado River from the Grand Canyon| ©Don Graham
Colorado River from the Grand Canyon| ©Don Graham

If you are in Las Vegas and want to do adventure tourism, you will be interested in exploring the so-called Grand Canyon Gorge, where the whitewater of the Colorado River flows through.

My advice is that you dare to go down this section of the river on a rubber boat and live an unforgettable rafting adventure with an expert guide.

The tour begins in a comfortable air-conditioned van, with which you will be transferred to the entrance of the Grand Canyon. There, a native guide from the Hualapai tribe will take you through this beautiful natural monument to challenge several rapids along 40 miles of the Colorado River.

You will then move along a horizontal path to see some hidden waterfalls. Also, if you wish, you can climb in a helicopter to ascend 4,000 feet to the rim of the Grand Canyon. Of course, this is an additional cost to the price of the tour.

Practical information

  • Duration: 1 day (approx.)
  • Price: from $600.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: this tour usually includes a native guide, national park fees, breakfast, round trip transportation.

8. Join a VIP tour from Las Vegas and explore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Overlook| ©Bernard Spragg. NZ
Grand Canyon Overlook| ©Bernard Spragg. NZ

VIP Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas will allow you to get in quickly without waiting in line to explore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. This way, you will save time during the tour in order to return early to the city and, why not, attend the best shows in Las Vegas at night, or join one of the food tours.

On the way to the west rim of the Grand Canyon, the guide will tell you the history of this imposing rock formation and that of the Hualapai tribe of Native Americans, who inhabit this region. There is usually a stop for breakfast at a restaurant and, a few miles further on, the tour stops again to walk across the Hoover Dam Bridge.

Once at the Grand Canyon, you can walk along the Guano Point and Eagle Point overlooks to enjoy privileged natural views. You will see the Colorado River and Lake Mead, visit the ancient Joshua Tree Forest, and finally have lunch on the rim of the canyon.

Practical information

  • Duration: 1 day (approx.)
  • Price: starting at $1,900.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: this tour usually includes a specialized guide, national park fees, breakfast, lunch, water and luxury bus for the round trip transfer.

9. Tour the west rim of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and enjoy some complimentary activities

Guano Point,| ©Holiday Point
Guano Point,| ©Holiday Point

On your trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, sign up for a tour stopping at Hoover Dam and Dolan Spring. Take a tour of the west rim of the canyon, with entrance to the skywalk, and helicopter and boat rides on the Colorado River.

With this tour you will experience an exciting adventure of approximately 11 hours, so you will return to the city in time to join one of the night tours in Las Vegas.

Before arriving at the Grand Canyon, you will stop at the Hoover Dam to admire its imposing construction and the scenery of the Colorado River and Lake Mead. Afterwards, you will visit the Joshua tree forest, a unique and millenary species found in the Mojave Desert. You will also tour the town of Dolan Spring.

Finally, you will arrive at the Grand Canyon, where your guide will take you to the two most popular viewpoints in the area:

  • Guano Point, an overlook that will give you a hidden view of the Grand Canyon.
  • Eagle Point, home to the legendary Hualapai tribe and a place where you will see new natural landscapes.

To continue the adventure, you should walk the skywalk, a U-shaped walkway with a transparent floor that is located 1,300 meters above the bottom of the Grand Canyon. From there you will be able to look into the void and for 15 minutes live a unique experience.

Afterwards, you will board a helicopter to descend to the base of the canyon, take a boat ride on the Colorado River and ascend again.

Practical information

  • Duration: 11 hours (Approx.)
  • Price: starting at $500.
  • What is usually included in this type of tour: this tour usually includes a tour guide, national park fees, breakfast, lunch, entrance to Skywalk, helicopter ride, boat ride, professional photos, deluxe shuttle bus to and from the canyon.

Book a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon

What to wear during your visit to the Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon Stopover| ©Tony Hisgett
Grand Canyon Stopover| ©Tony Hisgett

The clothing to wear during the Grand Canyon tour will depend on the prevailing weather. For example, in summer it is recommended to wear light clothing, preferably made of cotton fabrics to keep you cool.

In winter, the ideal is to use more robust fabrics: a polyester T-shirt with long sleeves and over it a jacket with fleece lining.

Regarding shoes, try to make sure they are comfortable and that their soles offer a good level of traction on different surfaces. This way, you will avoid a fall or slip when stepping. Also, do not forget to wear gloves, sunglasses, hat, cap, among other necessary accessories to protect you from the cold or heat.

What is the weather like in the Grand Canyon?

People in the Grand Canyon| ©Tamara Johnson
People in the Grand Canyon| ©Tamara Johnson

The weather in the Grand Canyon usually varies depending on the season of the year. Therefore, during your visit to this majestic natural formation you might encounter various scenarios:

  • In summer the heat can be scorching, sometimes reaching up to 31ºC. The atmosphere is dry and the sky is completely clear.
  • In spring and autumn it is sunny, but the weather is not as suffocating as in summer.
  • In winter the atmosphere is very cold, cloudy and there is even snowfall.

Generally, temperatures in the Grand Canyon oscillate throughout the year between 9ºC and a maximum of 29ºC. The rainy season averages at least 26 days, and during snowfall (January - December) the snowpack can reach a thickness of 12 centimeters.

Book an excursion to the Grand Canyon