Grand Canyon tours

Much like deciding how many days to spend at the Grand Canyon, deciding when to visit the Grand Canyon can depend on your preference. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Summer. Early summer is an ideal time to go on our tours to the Grand Canyon if weather is your number-one concern. Temperatures are milder and more enjoyable this time of year. July and August are the busiest months of the year for trips to the Grand Canyon, and they’re also the hottest.

• Spring and fall. During these seasons, fewer visitors travel to the Grand Canyon, which means that those who do will enjoy fewer crowds. Temperatures can be chilly during these seasons, so be sure to pack warm layers if you visit then. 

• Winter. Our Grand Canyon tours center around the South Rim, which is open all year. Travelers who book tours of the Grand Canyon during the winter can enjoy the Canyon’s scenery without having to navigate crowds, and they can also enjoy seeing the Canyon dusted with snow.

Travelers can experience the Grand Canyon from four general destinations: the South Rim, the North Rim, Grand Canyon West, and Grand Canyon East. The National Park Service manages the North Rim and the South Rim. Here are a few details about each: 

The South Rim. The South Rim, which is open year-round, is the most popular rim among visitors who book Grand Canyon trip packages, and it’s where we take travelers on our Grand Canyon tours. Here, visitors who book Grand Canyon tour packages can enjoy a visitors’ center, lodges, restaurants, museums, viewing points, and walking paths.  

The North Rim. The Grand Canyon’s North Rim is more remote and is home to just one lodge and one campground, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prefer to explore farther off the beaten path. Note that the North Rim closes entirely during the winter season, except for backcountry camping and cross-country skiing.

For travelers who want to explore the North Rim on a tour, our in-house travel planners will be happy to design a Customized Tour that includes the North Rim, or to arrange an independent pre- or post-tour stay at the North Rim to add to any of our Grand Canyon tours.

No matter which of our Grand Canyon travel packages you choose, be sure to bring these items along for a fun, comfortable, and enjoyable experience.

• Comfortable walking shoes. Groomed walking paths and paved sidewalks are plentiful along the South Rim, but sturdy, supportive shoes will go the extra mile in keeping your feet, knees, and hips comfortable as you explore.

• An insulated, reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated as you explore the Grand Canyon is of utmost importance. You can fill up a reusable water bottle at a number water fountains along the way. An insulated option will keep your water chilled.

• Sun protection. Pack sunscreen, a brimmed or billed hat, sunglasses, and light layers to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.

• A camera and an extra memory card or roll of film. You’ll want to have these on hand to capture the colors, textures, and changing light of the Grand Canyon.

• A sporty backpack. A backpack with exterior pockets will keep your water bottle within easy reach; your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, wallet, and other essentials tucked safely away; and your hands free for gripping railings and snapping photos.  

The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States. Figuring out what to see and do there might feel a little overwhelming, but when you book any of our Grand Canyon guided tours, you won’t have to! Here are a few highlights you can enjoy when you visit the Grand Canyon on a guided tour.

• The South Rim. When you travel on one of our tours to the Grand Canyon, you’ll accompany your Tour Director to the South Rim, where you can take advantage of hop-on-hop-off shuttle bus service and enjoy free Ranger Talks, museums, shops, geological and historical information, and much more.

• The Colorado River. Scientists estimate that the Grand Canyon began forming some 5 or 6 million years ago, as the Colorado River began to carve through deep layers of rock. Visitors can enjoy views of the river in the distance from various lookout points along the South Rim. Or for dramatic views of the Colorado from the sky, travelers on our U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Zion tour can book an optional helicopter ride over the Canyon.

• Grandview Point. At a height of nearly 7,500 feet, this appropriately named spot affords some of the most iconic views of the Grand Canyon and its prominent buttes. Learn about another popular viewing point at the Grand Canyon in our regional guide to the world’s top national parks.

• South Rim Village. In this historically preserved railroad village dating back to the early 1900s, visitors will find the upscale El Tovar hotel and restaurant, as well as shops, such as Hopi House and Verkam’s Visitor Center.

Ride the shuttle. When you book one of our vacation packages to the Grand Canyon, you’ll have free time to explore the site at your leisure. We suggest taking advantage of the national park’s excellent and efficient hop-on-hop-off shuttle buses, which follow color-coded routes to various trailheads and viewpoints throughout the park.

Plan ahead. Situated in the South Rim Village, the historic El Tovar hotel is a popular spot for visitors who want to refuel with a hearty meal and a refreshing drink while enjoying Grand Canyon views. The hotel’s restaurants and lounges are open to non-guests, but reservations are required in advance.