Best Grand Canyon Tours

For visitors who only can or want to dedicate a few hours to the Grand Canyon rather than a full day or even multiple days, this tour in open-sided safari-style vehicles hits the highlights in only three hours. Tours are limited to just 12 guests, so you'll never feel cramped, and there's even a chance you might end up with a private experience (the minimum number of guests for the tour to run is two). The trip starts with a pickup in Tusayan before heading into the national park via back roads, avoiding the long lines at the entrance gate. It stops at three viewing locations; the last stop, at Grandview Point, is timed for spectacular sunset views.

If you don't have a rental car or you simply don’t want to be hassled by the long drive from Flagstaff or Sedona, you can leave all the logistics to someone else when you book this small-group tour. With a maximum of 14 guests, it provides a pretty intimate experience, allowing you plenty of time to ask your guide questions. We love that the tour doesn’t just stop at the Grand Canyon; guests visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and Wupatki National Monument, too. We also appreciate that lunch is included.

It's about a three-hour drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, but when you book this budget-friendly tour, you get to make that journey in an air-conditioned bus with an entertaining guide leading the charge. You'll also get to make a quick photo stop at the Hoover Dam. Once you're at the Grand Canyon, the tour becomes a fully DIY adventure. You can choose to upgrade your experience with things like a helicopter ride, zip-lining, and a journey over the glass-bottom Skywalk, or you can opt for free hikes to scenic overlooks.

While most visitors simply take in the view of the Grand Canyon from its rim, more adventurous types will descend part way down its walls — or even all the way to its floor. Trails are steep, of course, so if you’re keen to make the trek, we recommend booking a guided tour like this private one for some extra safety, not to mention expert narration on the canyon’s human and natural history. This tour stands out for its ability to tailor the hike to the participants’ skill level. We also love that this is an all-inclusive tour, from lunch and snacks to gear like hiking poles and microspikes if the trail is icy.

For the ultimate Grand Canyon backcountry experience, book this rim-to-rim guided tour, which follows 24 miles of trails down the walls of the canyon, past waterfalls, and along the Colorado River. Though the journey is pretty intense, you'll be provided with all the gear you'll need, including tents and sleeping bags, and your guide will double as chef throughout the trek. Though this tour is offered year-round, we’ve selected the autumn tour, as weather conditions are milder than in summer or winter. Still, heat waves and snowstorms can always sneak up on you, so you'll want to be prepared for anything.

A helicopter ride is exhilarating in itself. But a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon? That's on a whole other level. This tour provides you with the most air time of any Grand Canyon helicopter tour — 45 minutes — allowing you to travel across both the North and South rims and see sights like the Desert View Watchtower, Nankoweap Mesa, Dragon Head, and the Tower of Ra. Flights depart from Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, but hotel transfers are not included. The departure location, however, is prime for guests who’d like to pair their helicopter journey with a hiking or driving tour.

Guests have been taking the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the town of Grand Canyon Village since 1901. Today, there are six classes on the train, which range from more budget-friendly options to a swanky Luxury Parlor car with complimentary snacks and a sparkling wine toast. Musicians will roam up and down the train to provide onboard entertainment, though looking at the scenery outside might be entertainment enough. Once you get to the Grand Canyon, you're free to spend a few hours however you see fit. We recommend booking a guided tour, which can be added to your train journey.