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Helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon have become increasingly popular, resulting in more helicopter operators and competitive pricing starting as low as $250 per person.Flying directly to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas on a commercial airline is complicated. The closest commercial airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) but as a commuter airport, you won’t find direct service from LAS airport. Instead, you would have to fly from LAS into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and take an expensive connecting flight to Flagstaff. You’d then drive 90 minutes to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

A number of private charter companies offer one-hour flights directly to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Airplane tours feature luxury “flightseeing” airplanes built for sightseeing, featuring high wings and panoramic windows for clear viewpoints. Many tours boast breathtaking views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, the Mojave Desert and the winding Colorado River before reaching the Grand Canyon.

A more scenic alternative, albeit a bit longer drive, is to take I-515 south from downtown Las Vegas to US-93 southbound. Exit US-93 to visit the Hoover Dam if time permits and then jump back on US-93 heading east while crossing over the Colorado River and getting on I-40 to continue to the South Rim.If you prefer to let someone else do the driving and favor an on-the-ground mode of transportation, there are a vast number of bus tours — some even narrated — that include hotel transfers from Las Vegas and take guests directly to the South Rim.

Helicopter tours from Las Vegas range in length from short flights over the Grand Canyon to fascinating experiences that involve a full day including Champagne, food and a stop on the canyon floor.

To reach the South Rim from Las Vegas, take Highway 93 south to I-40. From there, get on I-40 east to Route 64. Then jump on Route 64 north and you’ll arrive directly at the South Rim in approximately one hour. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. The iconic Grand Canyon Railway is the highlight of traveling by train from Las Vegas to the South Rim. If you can embrace the 12+ hour round-trip by rail, you’ll be presented with majestic scenery — particularly on the last leg of the journey — from the comfort of a vintage rail car.

While many methods of transportation exist to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, the right one for you will depend on how much time you have to explore away from Sin City. Those with limited time may opt for an airplane or helicopter tour to take in memorable aerial views, while others might prefer the independence of driving themselves or using buses or trains.

Experiencing the Grand Canyon from this bird’s-eye perspective on a privately chartered airplane is certainly more costly than driving. However, if time is of the essence, flying affords you more time at the South Rim plus astounding aerial views.

These air-conditioned luxury motorcoaches include strategic quick stops at scenic points, including Grand Canyon National Geographic Center, Hoover Dam and Route 66. Many will also include lunch, refreshments and live commentary by an experienced guide for as low as $75 per person.The freedom afforded by having your own car means you can decide what highlights to hit, where to stop and how long to stay on your visit to the Grand Canyon.

Soar over the most beautiful landscapes at Grand Canyon National Park like a VIP in a helicopter. Companies such as Papillon Helicopters and Maverick Helicopters offer tours that depart from a helicopter air terminal near LAS Airport. Tours include round-trip transportation from all major Las Vegas hotels. (Popular helicopter aviation company Blade offers rides from Las Vegas to nearby cities, yet none to the Grand Canyon — although you can always charter a private Blade ride.)

The drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon’s iconic South Rim — the most-visited section due to its superior canyon viewpoints and accessibility — is approximately 275 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and takes around 4.5 hours.If you’re short on time and simply want a glimpse of the Grand Canyon, the West Rim is only a two-hour drive from Las Vegas and offers an adrenaline-filled zip line and Skywalk experience. But you won’t be awarded the same staggering views as the South Rim from Grand Canyon National Park, the only section of the park open year-round. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) has a Rent-A-Car Center that houses 11 rental companies under one roof. Since the Las Vegas Strip (where the majority of visitors stay) is less than a 10-minute Uber or Lyft ride from the airport, it’s easy to rent a vehicle conveniently and affordably just before taking off for the Grand Canyon.

If you are driving yourself or renting a car, the world-renowned National Park, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is just a short drive away from Sin City.Papillon offers daily helicopter tours, airplane tours, and Grand Canyon from Las Vegas tours. Departing Las Vegas by air really offers the most options for your Grand Canyon vacation getaway and gives you more time to explore the park’s most interesting sites.

It is a 250 mile drive to get from Hoover Dam to Grand Canyon National Park. On this drive, you’ll travel over historic Route 66, through Kingman, Arizona and Williams, Arizona, and before arriving at the South rim.

The closest part of the canyon is a two and a half hour drive each way from Las Vegas. Locations further afar within the 1,900 square mile National Park can add a few hours to your trip each way.The West Rim is the closest section of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. More expedited options exist to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon as well. Many flights to Grand Canyon and tours from Las Vegas can make this trip shorter, more scenic, and bundle other adventurous and exciting excursions. You’ll travel over Route 66 and pass Hoover Dam, Kingman, Arizona, and historic Williams, Arizona. The route is full of sweeping Mojave desert landscapes and rises up into high mountain vistas of the Kaibab National Forest.The most popular rim to travel to from Las Vegas is the Grand Canyon West Rim. This is where you will head to if you are going to take a trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Why drive when you can be whisked away on a world-class tour of the Grand Canyon? There are daily nonstop private Las Vegas helicopter flights from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and a number of private aircraft flights as well.Don’t expect the drive to be on smooth or fast freeway! It’s an adventure with most of the drive on 2-lane roads, a few miles of bumpy dirt road with 25 MPH speed limits! The drive is remote and beautiful.

Beautifully built out Spec Suites now available! High end finishes featuring modern gray hardwood flooring, all glass offices, modern exposed ceilings, with kitchenettes in each suite. Each suite features beautiful windows letting in outstanding natural light while showcasing the Las Vegas Valley, as well as the stunning Spring Mountains. Located in a premier southwest location just minutes from the CC-215 at the Flamingo interchange, and surrounded by local and national retail, restaurant, and service amenities, a higher than average parking to square footage ratio with covered parking coming soon, this property is the perfect location for any professional business. All common spaces have also been fully modernized and renovated. Pilon and Building Signage Available. Each Spec Suite features a different layout and options to allow you to select the suite that best suits your needs! Suite 210: – +/- 3,663 SF – Four all glass offices – One Conference Room -Plenty of Open Office Space Suite 208: +/- 2,446 SF – 5 all glass offices – Only suite with drop ceiling in place Suite 206: +/- 3,365 SF – 6 all glass offices Suite 204: – +/- 2,328 SF – 4 all glass offices Suite 200: – +/- 1,911 SF – 4 all glass offices – Lovely eat in kitchen area Suite 204: +/- 2,328 SF – 4 all glass offices Suite 2GG: – +/- 16,775 SF – Gray shell condition – Outstanding TI offered – Perfect for Call Center build out or other large user5. Tenant Electric: The landlord pays for all services and the tenant is responsible for their usage of lights and electrical outlets in the space they occupy.

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Grand Canyon West Rim: Soar from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon’s magnificent West Rim. Aboard half-day helicopter and airplane tours, guests can stroll across the glass-bottomed Grand Canyon Skywalk, pay a visit to the local Native American village, explore breathtaking viewpoints such as Eagle Point and Guano Point, touch down at an exclusive landing site on the canyon’s floor, take a boat cruise along the Colorado River.Elevate your Southwestern adventure with a 2-day/1-night excursion at Bar 10 Ranch in the Grand Canyon North. This multi-day extravaganza will begin with an airplane flight soaring over the Mojave Desert to the north canyon. Then embark on an off-roading trek through Lake Mead Recreation Area and Whitmore Canyon. From there, explore the remote canyons on a horseback trail ride and wrap up the day with an evening campfire dinner. After a night sleeping under the desert stars, enjoy breakfast and a morning of outdoor recreation before boarding your return flight home. The Golden Eagle helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon West Rim with Las Vegas Strip is the perfect tour for visitors with limited time to explore the Las Vegas region. In just 5 to 10 hours, experience an all-inclusive Grand Canyon half-day trip! These day trips from Vegas are the perfect fit for vacationers wanting a truly comprehensive tour of the Southwest United States.

Yes, you can do a day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon! This popular excursion allows visitors to experience some of the most stunning sights in the American Southwest. From Las Vegas, you can drive to the West Rim or Grand Canyon National Park along the picturesque Route 66. During the journey, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery, capture stunning photos and make wonderful memories. Once you reach the Grand Canyon, you’ll be able to spend several hours exploring its many viewpoints and trails before making your way back to Las Vegas in time for dinner! A day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is even easier when you take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour with Papillon or a Grand Canyon flight.This canyon experience brings together three of the most popular activities available at Grand Canyon West. Guests enjoy a helicopter tour from the Las Vegas area over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead before descending to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Canyon tours from Sin City, national park tours, and a wide array of day trips to Grand Canyon’s West Rim are all available daily from America’s entertainment capital. All full-day trips from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon include complimentary hotel pick-up, professional drivers and tour guides, and a light lunch. For the more adventurous souls, get off the beaten path and explore Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona or embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure through the Colorado River. The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Take this all-encompassing Grand Canyon West Rim tour to a new level with added VIP Front-of-the-Line Skywalk Bridge passes! The most thorough way to explore the West Rim from top to bottom via airplane, helicopter, boat, and standing in the sky.Both the North Rim and South Rim are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. On average, both drives take approximately four and a half hours. The National Park is so massive that if you want to drive from the North Rim to the South Rim, it is a 4.5-hour drive of 220 miles!

The crown jewel of our Grand Canyon helicopter tour collection! Experience a canyon floor landing with a champagne toast and refreshments. You can enhance the experience with a sunset departure, flying over the Las Vegas Strip just as the neon lights come to life.

Grand Canyon North Rim: Escape the crowds and explore the raw beauty of this remote section of the canyon. The quieter, less commercialized side of the Grand Canyon is ideal for explorers who want to venture off the beaten path. This tour includes an airplane flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River before disembarking for an ATV adventure near Bar 10 Ranch on the most northern side of the canyon.Features: Land at the Bottom | Stand on the Edge | Skywalk | Views of Lake Mead | Views of Hoover Dam | Grand Canyon West | Colorado River | Airplane | Helicopter | Boat

The Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter Tour is an all day adventure. It begins with shuttle transfers from your Las Vegas hotel to the Boulder Terminal. Board a fixed-wing airplane and enjoy views of the famed Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the winding Colorado River.

Colorado River: Want to pair an exhilarating helicopter ride with an exciting day on the water? Papillon has you covered. We offer multiple daylong adventure tours from Las Vegas to the Colorado River.Hop aboard one of Papillon’s state-of-the-art airplanes or helicopters to take in the inspiring aerial views of the Grand Canyon West Rim. These helicopter and airplane tours provide stunning aerial views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West. Some of our Grand Canyon helicopter tours even touch down at a private landing site on the canyon floor overlooking the mighty Colorado River and grant you entry to the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Grand Canyon South Rim: Discover the widest and deepest parts of Grand Canyon National Park on an airplane tour of the South Rim. Whether on the ground or in the sky, this rim is full of breathtaking sights. Guests can also upgrade a South Rim airplane tour to include an exhilarating helicopter flight over the National Park or a Hummer excursion to some of the South Rim’s most breathtaking lookouts. Many of these national park tours can even include stops at renowned viewpoints such as Bright Angel Point and Mather Point.While you can hop in a rental car and be staring deep into the ancient canyon rocks in under three hours, flying to this natural wonder aboard a helicopter tour or scenic airplane tour is the best way to see as much of natural wonder as possible on a relaxing day trip.

Grand Canyon National Park: Board a luxury motorcoach to see the most breathtaking views the Grand Canyon South & North Rims have to offer. These daylong excursions include stunning sights of the Mojave Desert as you cruise along historic Route 66 before reaching the Grand Canyon!Day trips from Las Vegas range from hour-long helicopter flights to full-day Grand Canyon adventures. You’ll see the wonders of the American Southwest on all of Papillon’s Vegas to Grand Canyon excursions. These all-inclusive sightseeing tours aren’t just limited to flight. In addition to breathtaking aerial views aboard one of our state-of-the-art helicopters or airplanes, half-day tours often include boat cruises, Hummer tours, ATV adventures, and more. In just a few short hours, travelers can explore the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, the Mojave Desert, Colorado River, Lake Mead, and more famous landscapes. Each Grand Canyon rim contains a number of world-renowned landmarks, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Grand Canyon Village, Bright Angel Lodge, Grand Canyon Railway, Grand Canyon Lodge, and much more.But this region is so massive that if you want to see a significant portion of it you are better off booking a helicopter or airplane tour. Keep this in mind; If you were to drive from the North Rim to the South Rim, it is a 4.5 hour drive of 220 miles! This distance can be covered quickly by an aerial tour and you’ll have access to regions of the Grand Canyon that can only be seen from the sky.

On your next visit to Las Vegas, plan a Grand Canyon day trip! There are many adventure tours from Las Vegas available and travelers can explore the Grand Canyon in just a few short hours!Features: Land at the Bottom | Stand on the Edge | Views of Lake Mead | Views of Hoover Dam | Grand Canyon West | Colorado River | Airplane | Helicopter | Boat

Fly to the Grand Canyon National park on this full-day excursion departing from Las Vegas/Boulder City terminal. This adventure tour includes unforgettable views from above and along the rim aboard a customize Hummer. Not too short, not too long, Papillon’s 1 to 4-hour day trips from Las Vegas are the perfect Grand Canyon tours! These quick adventures are a great fit for Las Vegas guests who are pressed for time but still desire to see as much of the Grand Canyon as possible. Hop aboard one of our airplanes – specifically designed for sightseeing – and take in inspiring aerial views of Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, The Colorado River, and Grand Canyon West.Grand Voyager Rim to River guests receive one of the most comprehensive Grand Canyon experiences available. Experience Grand Canyon West by Airplane, Helicopter, Pontoon Boat, and ground adventure!

10. Controlled fires are good for the canyon’s landscape. Fire has been a part of the Colorado Plateau ecosystem for thousands of years. It naturally thins the forest, recycles nutrients into the soil and stimulates new plant growth. Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park work to strike a balance between restoring and maintaining natural processes associated with fire, and protecting human life and property.1. The Grand Canyon is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep, 277 miles long and 18 miles wide. While the park doesn’t include the entire canyon, it does measure in at a whopping 1,904 square miles in total. In comparison, Rhode Island is around 1,212 square miles.

12. Hit the trail for some of the best views in the country. Mule trips, rafting the Colorado River and stargazing — there is so much to do at the Grand Canyon. If you can only do one thing: Take a hike. Whether it’s long or short, all trails come an exceptional view.11. Want to have the canyon to yourself? Head to Tuweep. A visit to Tuweep (also spelled Toroweap) Overlook offers a chance for an uncrowded, rustic and dramatic experience at the Grand Canyon. Here a 3,000-foot sheer drop provides stunning views of the North Rim of the canyon and the Colorado River. But be warned — the area can only be reached by negotiating difficult roads with a high-clearance vehicle.6. The most dangerous animal in the park is the rock squirrel. From bighorn sheep and the California Condors to the Gila monster, the Grand Canyon is home to a large array of wildlife. But it’s the rock squirrel that causes the most trouble. Every year, dozens of visitors are bitten when they try to feed these animals. To stay safe, do not approach or feed any animals found at Grand Canyon (or any park). Learn more about keeping wildlife wild.

7. Visiting the North Rim and South Rim in the same day may be harder than you think. As the crow flies, Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim and the lodge on the North Rim are only about 10 miles apart. However, to drive between them through the park, over the Colorado River and loop around the canyon, you have to travel 215 miles or about 5 hours. That’s just one small way to understand the immensity of this incredible place. For more than a century, tourists from all over the world have visited the Grand Canyon to experience its awe-inspiring vistas. First protected in 1893 as a reserve and later as a national monument, it wasn’t until February 26, 1919, that the Grand Canyon became a national park. As we celebrate nearly 100 years of protecting this special place, check out 13 great facts about this Arizona icon. 5. The Grand Canyon was carved over some 6 million years. Geological activity and erosion by the Colorado River created the Grand Canyon as we know it today. It is one of the most studied landscapes in the world, with extensive fossil records, a multitude of geologic features and rich archeological history. Learn more about the history of the Grand Canyon.

2. The Grand Canyon itself can influence the weather. The Grand Canyon has an elevation spanning from around 2,000 feet to over 8,000 feet, allowing it to experience a variety of weather conditions. As a result, the temperature generally increases by 5.5 degrees with each 1,000-feet loss in elevation.8. You can get an aerial view of the Grand Canyon without ever leaving the ground. The Skywalk, managed by the Hualapai Tribe and located on tribal lands, consists of a horseshoe shaped steel frame with glass floor and sides that projects about 70 feet from the canyon rim. It is the most famous attraction at Grand Canyon West.13. Teddy Roosevelt was instrumental in protecting the Grand Canyon. President Theodore Roosevelt first visited the Grand Canyon in 1903 and was deeply moved by the unique landscape. In 1906, Roosevelt signed a bill that proclaimed the area the Grand Canyon Game Reserve, and two years later, he made it a national monument. Of the Grand Canyon, he said, “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”

9. Souvenirs may be bought but not taken. Grand Canyon National Park — a World Heritage Site — belongs to everyone. Rocks, plants, wood and artifacts must be left where you found them so others can enjoy them in the future. Learn more about Leave No Trace.3. Hidden caves abound in the canyon. Tucked within the Grand Canyon are an estimated 1,000 caves, and of those, 335 have been recorded. Even fewer have been mapped or inventoried. Today, only one cave is open to the public — the Cave of the Domes on Horseshoe Mesa.The closest town to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is Meadview,, Arizona. Visitors enroute from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim will also drive through Dolan Springs, Arizona.West Rim is the closest side of the canyon to Las Vegas and is the perfect day trip. From the West Rim, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon and its many majestic rock formations, as well as experience a variety of outdoor activities. Visiting the Grand Canyon West Rim is definitely worth it! It is the closest access point to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. From the Western Rim, visitors can visit famous lookout points Eagle Point and Guano Point, walk on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, land at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, float down the Colorado River on a river tour and enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon in all directions! Aboard the Sunset Grand Celebration with Vegas Strip tour, soar over world-famous landscapes such as the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River in a state-of-the-art helicopter.The West Rim is the closest rim of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. This rim is approximately 125 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The other two tourable parts of the canyon, North and South, are both located over 270 miles from Las Vegas.

Upon reaching the Grand Canyon, experience aerial views of famous lookout such as Guano Point and Eagle Point. Next, touch down and disembark on a private plateau 4,000 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon for exploration time, champagne, and a light picnic. Take to the skies once more for your return flight home at sunset. Your helicopter ride will conclude with a twilight flight over the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip.

Papillon offers daily helicopter, airplane tours, bus, and adventure tours that run from Las Vegas to the West Rim. Discover just a few of the once-in-a-lifetime excursions offered on Papillon Grand Canyon West Rim tours.

With Papillon’s world-class helicopter, airplane, or bus tours, you’ll receive a pass to the West Rim. Plus you’ll get to experience incredible views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Grand Canyon West Rim, and more. That’s a price you just can’t beat!

Grand Canyon West Rim is only about 2 hours driving time from Las Vegas! At approximately 125 miles, this rim is the closest side of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas.Grand Canyon bus tours can be combined with airplane flights over the Grand Canyon, sunset flights or helicopter floor landings, and Colorado River cruises. Many Grand Canyon bus tours also stop a the Hoover Dam.

From bus tours that traverse the Mojave desert and airplane tours that fly high above the Southwest, there are guided tour options to suit any adventurer.The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is located about 5 hours east of Las Vegas. Day trips by bus to the South Rim take about 18 hours door to door. For a shorter tour that’s closer to Las Vegas (with views that are just as impressive), consider visiting the West Rim.

Canyon Tours is a Las Vegas-owned and operated tour agency that specializes in discounted Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas. We have over 20 years of experience in the travel industry and look forward to serving you with all your Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam adventures.

Las Vegas is one of the closest major cities to the Grand Canyon, so the question for Vegas visitors isn’t “should I visit the Grand Canyon?”, it’s “should I drive myself to the Canyon, or take a guided tour?”. Knowing what you can expect to experience during your visit to the Grand Canyon—besides breathtaking views—can help you plan and prepare for your visit. Let us help you plan your adventure to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, Hoover Dam, Boulder City, and other nearby regions.

Disclaimers: The listed tours are designed by National Park Express; we do our best to make sure all the tour arrangements and inclusions will be the same as planned. Should any unforeseen situation(s), such as traffic, road conditions, accidents, mechanical problems, public enemies, strikes, riots, political upheavals, authority of law, bad weather or any other natural circumstances beyond our control arise, local agents conducting the tour or our office staff reserve the right to alter the itinerary as necessary for the comfort and safety of the participants. Any additional expenses incurred shall be charged to the participants. Participants should strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the local governments. NPE will not be responsible for individuals, for any and all penalties due to any regulations of the governments of the cities, counties, countries, and other jurisdictions visited. Target, Kohl’s and JC Penney anchored center. Welcome our newest tenants – My Gym Children’s Fitness Center & Mi Amor Art Studio. Located just off the 215 Beltway at Flamingo Road in the highly desirable Summerlin South trade area. Numerous elite housing communities in the immediate area including The Summit Club and The Ridges. Join Flip N Out Extreme, Doggie District, Water Wings Swim School, Orange Theory Fitness, HUE Salon & Lux Suites, The Ride Indoor Cycling and 103° Hot Pilates & Yoga. Former dental office available. Build-out includes reception area, consultation room, three operating rooms, lab, laundry room, staff break room, private office, and separate patient and staff restrooms. Landlord open to retrofitting space to standard open retail layout.This is a great, low-key activity to add to your list of things to do. In the IMAX theater in the Visitor Center, you can watch 34-minute movie about the Grand Canyon. It’s not quite as thrilling as seeing the Grand Canyon from the viewpoints or hiking below the rim, but this makes a great midday activity to do during the summer, since you can escape the heat in the air-conditioned theater. Learn more here.

GRAND CANYON: Check out our Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide for important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and to see all of our articles about the Grand Canyon.

GRAND CANYON: Check out our guides to the Best Things to Do on the South Rim and which South Rim viewpoints are the best ones to visit. For amazing views of the Grand Canyon, check out our guide to the Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours.We stayed at The Grand Hotel in Tusayan. It is the highest rated hotel in the area. The hotel looks impressive from the outside and the lobby is very nice but the rooms are nothing special. On Booking.com it is listed as a 5-star hotel but it looks and feels a lot more like a 3 to 4 star hotel. However, the rooms are clean and quiet and this is our go-to hotel when we visit the Grand Canyon.If 9 hours in a car sounds crazy, but you still want those South Rim views, you can take a helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. These day trips take about 7 to 9 hours and cost roughly $500 per person, but you get amazing aerial views of the Grand Canyon plus a little bit of time on the South Rim. Get more information in our post about Grand Canyon helicopter tours.

In Grand Canyon Village, there is a large parking lot that is open for day trippers and those coming in from Tusayan. On the park map, you will see other parking lots, but these spaces are reserved for visitors who are spending the night in one of the lodges and for staff members.1.5 Mile Resthouse: Distance: 3 miles round-trip. You will rapidly descend from the rim on a switchback trail. The view is good, but honestly, it’s not spectacular. Much of the Bright Angel Trail descends through a canyon, so you don’t get those sweeping views like you get from the rim. This hike is more about the experience going below the rim than having a stunning view.Bright Angel Bicycles has a package where you can rent bicycles for one day. With their Hermit Shuttle Package, you cycle from Hopi Point to Hermit’s Rest. A shuttle transports you back to the Grand Canyon Village so you do not have to bike 14 miles round trip. This is a great option for families with kids and those who do not want a long bike trip.Indian Garden: 9 miles round-trip. Just past 3 Mile Resthouse, the trail “levels out.” You are still walking downhill, but at a lower grade than on the first part of this hike. Indian Garden is a small campground with water. The NPS website recommends going no farther than this point in the summer.

Located on the opposite side of the Colorado River is the North Rim. From this rim, you get very similar, sweeping views of the canyon. There are several viewpoints to visit and a few hiking trails to explore.

The Grand Canyon can be visited year round. Peak season is during the summer months and during the holiday seasons of Easter and Christmas. During these times, expect large crowds, traffic jams to enter the park, and hotels booked to capacity.