Day Trips to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

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

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More about: Day Trips to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

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 millennia of geological history, stunning scenery, and unique plant and animal life. All of these are natural attractions that you can get up close and personal with a guided tour of the region.

You can walk across the Hoover Dam Bridge, tour the south or west rim of the Grand Canyon, view breathtaking scenery from Eagle Point and Guano Point overlooks, enter the National Geographic visitor centre, take a helicopter ride, do water sports, and more.

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're an adventurous person who likes to take advantage of every moment of your trip to explore the natural environment, you'll want to join 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 Centre and learn about this historic region. You will also have the opportunity to do some complimentary activities.

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

On board a bus, you will travel from Las Vegas directly to the Grand Canyon. It's about 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, as you are amazed by the breathtaking natural sights.

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 theatre. In the IMAX theatre, you will see the film "The Grand Canyon" projected on a giant screen with a surround sound system of approximately 12,000 watts.

Also, for an additional fee, you can take a helicopter ride for approximately 20 minutes to see the Grand Canyon from a different perspective. 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 around $200
  • What's usually included: in addition to transportation and a professional guide, these tours usually include park entrance fees and entrance 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're 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 seats will pick you up at your hotel or a meeting point. The driver will then drive you 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 lookout points with fantastic panoramic views to photograph.

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

Practical information

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

Book a Grand Canyon South Tour

3. Join a guided walking tour of 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. Plus, with the help of your guide, you'll identify the wildlife present in the region.

The route of this tour begins with a bus transfer to the Grand Canyon, where you'll 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.

You will then continue your journey to Guano Point Mine , which is another important stop on this tour, as 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, your 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, the flora and fauna, and take some photographs. Afterwards, you will return to the city with enough time to stroll along the Strip in search of the best casinos in Las Vegas, museums and other attractions.

Practical information

  • Duration: 1 hour (Approx.)
  • Price: from $80.
  • What's included: 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 for a breathtaking panoramic view

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

Helicoptering to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is a sightseeing activity you must experience, as you will enjoy a privileged aerial view of this desert region.

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

  • You can depart from Las Vegas by bus and, upon arrival at the Grand Canyon National Park, hop directly into 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 a tour with complementary activities. For example, you can take a bus from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon to tour the viewpoints and then fly over the region in a helicopter.

Whichever tour you choose, during the flight you will hear interesting commentary about each of the sites you see, which will complement the visual experience. In addition, you will have a unique panoramic view of the Grand Canyon from above:

  • You will admire the historic Hoover Dam.
  • See the clear, calm waters of majestic Lake Mead.
  • Identify the breathtaking cliffs of Grand Wash, part of the great Hualapai Indian Reservation.
  • See the continuity of the High Desert, also known as the Mojave Desert.

Practical information

  • Duration: more than 1 hour.
  • Price: $200 and up.
  • 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 the 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 the city's characteristically bustling atmosphere behind for a day and get in touch with nature with some outdoor activities.

To do so, you can sign up for one of the best National Park tours from Las Vegas to visit the breathtaking 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 for an unforgettable day while you admire the most emblematic landscapes of the region:

  • The first stop is at the amazing Hoover Dam, where you'll 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 catch a glimpse of the famous Colorado River.
  • You will then 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'll 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 taking in the best shows at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, relaxing at a spa, or exploring the restaurants on the Strip in search of new flavours, and so on.

Practical information

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

Book a Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam Tour

6. Two-day Las Vegas to Grand Canyon tour: 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 the Seligman Village on Route 66 would be a good idea.

You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery from Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

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

Afterwards, you'll 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 unique shape and colour.

Practical information

  • Duration: 2 days (approx.)
  • Price: from 400 dollars.
  • What's included: This tour usually includes overnight accommodation, national park fees, breakfast, three sightseeing 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're in Las Vegas and want to do some adventure sightseeing, you'll want to explore the Grand Canyon Gorge, where the whitewater of the Colorado River flows through.

My advice is to go down this stretch of the river in a rubber boat and experience an unforgettable rafting adventure with an expert guide.

The tour starts in a comfortable air-conditioned van, which will take you 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 travel along a horizontal path to see some hidden waterfalls. You can also take a helicopter ride up to 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, transport to and from the park.

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 queuing to explore the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon. This will save you time during the tour so you can get back to the city early and why not take in some of the best Las Vegas shows in the evening or join one of the food tours.

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

Back at the Grand Canyon, you can walk to the Guano Point and Eagle Point overlooks for spectacular 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: from $1,900.
  • What's included: this tour usually includes a guide, national park fees, breakfast, lunch, water and a deluxe shuttle bus to and from the canyon.

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, including a skywalk, helicopter ride and boat ride on the Colorado River.

This tour is a thrilling adventure lasting approximately 11 hours, so you'll be back in town in time to join one of the night tours in Las Vegas.

Before arriving at the Grand Canyon, you'll stop at the Hoover Dam to admire its imposing construction and the scenery of the Colorado River and Lake Mead. Then it's time to see the Joshua tree forest, a unique and ancient species found in the Mojave Desert. You'll also tour the town of Dolan Spring.

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

  • 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, it is a good idea to walk the skywalk, a U-shaped walkway with a transparent floor that is 1,300 metres above the bottom of the Grand Canyon. From there you can look out into the void and enjoy a unique experience for 15 minutes.

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: from $500.
  • What's included: This tour usually includes a tour guide, national park fees, breakfast, lunch, Skywalk entrance, helicopter ride, boat ride, professional photos, luxury 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, light clothing is recommended, preferably made of cotton fabrics to keep you cool.

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

With regard to shoes, try to make sure they are comfortable and that their soles offer a good level of traction on the different surfaces. This will prevent you from slipping or falling when you step on them. Also, don't 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 at the Grand Canyon| ©Tamara Johnson
People at the Grand Canyon| ©Tamara Johnson

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

  • In summer the heat can be scorching hot, 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 stifling as in summer.
  • In winter it is very cold, cloudy and even snowy.

Generally, temperatures in the Grand Canyon range throughout the year from 9°C to a high of 29°C. The rainy season is the rainy season. The rainy season averages at least 26 days, and during snowfall (January - December) the snowpack can reach a thickness of 12 centimetres.

Book a Grand Canyon tour

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 12290 Reviews
  • N
    N. V.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was impressive, especially the Grand Canyon, but I would have appreciated more time to explore on my own.
  • J
    J. Y.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was amazing, a perfect way to see the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam in one day, totally recommended.
  • Z
    Z. K.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved the visit to the Grand Canyon, it was amazing to see it in person. The stop at the Hoover Dam also added a special touch to the trip.
  • V
    V. P.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The excursion was great, we saw beautiful things and learned a lot, it was worth it!
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The panoramic view of the Grand Canyon simply takes your breath away, and the visit to the Hoover Dam was the icing on the cake. I loved the experience, highly recommended for nature lovers.