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Grand Canyon tours are as
unique as the people who take them. How would
you like to see the canyon? Is it by airplane,
helicopter,
bus trip, rafting,
or something else you are looking for? Here
are some super-sized something else ideas:
IMAX Theater
Start here or end here, but don't miss
the view of the Grand Canyon at the National
Geographic Visitor's Center IMAX Theater. You
will see the thrilling innermost depths of the
canyon that few people see via amazing IMAX
technology projected on a 6-story high screen.
The Center is just south of the South Rim park
entrance. See a preview
of the film at their web site.
Or combine a tour of the spectacular, less
seen North Rim by air and finish with a trip
to IMAX theater when you take a North
Canyon Imax Discovery Tour.
Mule Rides
Only 1% of visitors make it to the
bottom of the Grand Canyon. You don't have to
hike it or raft it. Go by mule. Trips depart
from both South Rim and North Rim, but only
South Rim trips go to the Colorado River.You
can make reservations up to 11 months in advance,
and trips usually are sold out 6-8 months ahead,
so reserve early!
You must be in good physical health, not more
than 200 lbs. (91 kilograms) weight fully dressed,
minimum height 4 feet 7 inches (1.38 meters),
and speak and understand fluent English.
For the greatest adventure, plan a two-day
overnight trip to Phantom Ranch at the bottom
of the canyon. The mule trip departs from Bright
Angel Trailhead on the South Rim. Eat a light
lunch at Indian Garden, then proceed along the
cliffs of the Inner Gorge, across the scenic
suspension bridge over the Colorado River, and
up Bright Angel Canyon to  Phantom
Ranch. Cabins are furnished with bunk beds,
sink, and toilet. A steak dinner is served in
the evening and a hearty breakfast in the morning.
You return on the South Kaibab Trail for more
beautiful panoramic views to the top. The ride
down is about 5 1/2 hours and back up about
4 1/2 hours. Reservations are though Xanterra
at 888-297-2757.
North Rim mule rides are available for 1 hour,
half day, or full day trips into the canyon.
For reservations call Grand Canyon Trail Rides,
435-679-8665.
Drive-Yourself Audio Tours
Travel at your own pace in your own vehicle
as you listen to these self-guided
audio tour packages. This makes for a complete,
economical family vacation.
4X4 Tours
Take Out-Back
Trips to the Escalante Grand Staircase,
Toroweap Overlook, slot canyons, or the petroglyphs.
Ride in an air conditioned 4-wheel drive vehicle.
If you own a 4x4 vehicle, you may arrange to
follow along on one of the trips. Photographers
may arrange private tours.
 Horseback
Rides
Ride through the old trails used by
cattle rustlers, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance
Kid, and Texas Ranger Elijah Moore on this 7-day
horse ride vacation tour. This trip takes
in areas of the Grand Canyon North Rim, Zion,
Bryce Canyon, Straight Canyon, and Paria. Learn
about land and outlaw history. At night a hot
shower and a full course chuck wagon meal await
you.
Hiking Tour
This is the challenge for the ultimate
hiker who wants to make the trip as part of
a group, a 4-day Rim-to-Rim Trek package
vacation. The trip departs from Flagstaff
for a 5-hour drive to the North Rim. Hikers
descend partway down the North Kaibab Trail
to stay overnight at Cottonwood Camp. Day 2
is a walk to Bright Angel Campground at Phantom
Ranch with the afternoon spent visiting with
trail hikers from around the world or sitting
near the bank of the Colorado River. Day 3 begins
the upward journey with overnight camping in
the cottonwood trees at Indian Gardens 5 miles
away. Day 4 is a short hike to the top of the
South Rim.
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Havasupai Reservation
This is one of the most beautiful areas
of the canyon, but visitors are limited and
reservations for trips must be made far in advance.
(See
Havasupai web site.) Take a guided foot
hike or horseback ride 3000 feet into the Grand
Canyon to see picturesque blue-green waterfalls
that enchant people from around the world. There
are 3 major waterfalls--Navajo, Havasu, and
Mooney Falls. The hike is considered moderately
difficult. Lodge accommodations are available
in Supai Village.
For a list of all tours you can book on this
web site please see our Tours
Summary page. Remember to book well in advance,
as popular tours fill up quickly.
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