The toughest part about choosing a Grand Canyon tour is opting to visit the South Rim or the West Rim. Both of them are fantastic places. So, in an effort to break this tie, I'm going to do a quick rim-by-rim evaluation that will ensure you're paired with the spot that's best for you.
Are you looking activities or scenery?
The West Rim excels in fun-based activities. It's the only place where you can ride a heli 4,000 feet to the bottom. Then, if you're so inclined, you can walk upstream and river raft the Colorado River.
The internationally famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is based here. This attraction is a magnificently designed glass-bridge that lets you walk 70 feet beyond the edge as it lifts you 4,000 feet above the river. Don't look down if you are prone to vertigo.
More exotic activities here include a chopper flight to a working cattle ranch, ATV trail rides, Hummer 4x4 adventures, and horseback riding. One of my favorite things to do at the West Rim is the Hoover Dam one-day, smooth-water float trip to Willow Beach.
The South Rim is more serene when compared to the West Rim. What it lacks in "thrills" it makes up in natural splendor. This is the section of the National Park that even the park rangers refer to as the "real" canyon.
There are no helicopter tours to the base at the South Rim. If you want to get to the base, you have to hike. That said, the air tours here are excellent. The heli ride from Tusayan goes directly into the center of the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest section of the Grand Canyon, while airplane trips cover the South, East, and North rims.
There's also the fantastic one-day Grand Canyon rafting journey that operates from April to November. Options include taking a coach or airplane to Page, AZ, and then transferring to a river raft. This is a smooth-water trip so there is no whitewater. Kids ages four years and older are allowed.
The hiking trails at South Rim are amazing. Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and the Rim Top trails are the most in demand. For view points, go to Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Hopi Point. Most excursions include guided tours to these tourist attractions.
Where's your starting point?
Grand Canyon West is just 120 miles from Las Vegas. Helicopters, planes, and coaches can do the trip in 45 minutes, 25 minutes, and 2.5 hours, respectively. The South Rim is too far for Vegas helicopters. Your only options are the plane or the coach.
I highly advise taking the 45-minute plane flight from Vegas to the South Rim. It's fast, comfy, and one of the greatest deals on the market. The coach is incredibly affordable, but one-way drive time is 5.5 hours and total tour time is a whopping 15 hours.
Phoenix and Sedona tourists can drive to the South Rim in 4 hours and 2 hours, respectively. There are coach, plane, and chopper tours from those locations but it's cheaper to drive yourself and do an air tour from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan.
How much time to you have?
Grand Canyon West trips from Las Vegas are ideal day trips. The lengthiest tour is one day. Air-only trips are around 4 hours, and that includes hotel pick up and drop off. The Ground Canyon South Rim car takes 15 hours at a minimum, which is why I advocate for the plane trip because it will have you back on the Vegas Strip in time for your evening plans. Tours that originate in Northern Arizona are full-day trips. I often tell people to reserve a room inside the park and stay the night. Easier said than done as National Park hotels are generally reserved a year in advance.
How much can you spend?
South Rim and West Rim bus tours are the most affordable and include lots of add-ons like smooth-water rafting, glass bridge passes and chopper rides. Air tours are more expensive, but you also see more of the Grand Canyon in less time. I calculate that what you see on a half-hour helicopter tour is equal to a few days on the ground. Plus the airborne views are outstanding.
Let's see the canyon!
Grand Canyon tours are loaded with excitement and beauty. The two best locations are Grand Canyon West and the West Rim. The challenge is which rim to visit. If you are beginning from Las Vegas, the West Rim is your closest option. However, if your heart is set on the South Rim, take the 45-minute airplane flight. I recommend doing the South Rim for travelers starting out from Phoenix and Sedona. The key to being sure you get the break of your dreams is too reserve in advance over the Internet. Follow this approach and you'll get your Grand Canyon trip at a decent price.
Mr. Kravitz is a professional travel writer who reports on things to do at the Grand Canyon. If you are planning a canyon trip, check out his Top 3 Grand Canyon tour operators. His rankings are based on quality, safety and price. Spend several minutes on his page & there's a good chance you'll find the canyon tour of your dreams.
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