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Few bucket lists are missing a visit to the Grand Canyon, a massive natural wonder created by the surging waters of the Colorado River. Multiple layers of various rock give the landscape incredible visual depth, while simultaneously providing excellent grounds for all sorts of exploration. While just driving nearby roads, or taking a peek at an overlook would certainly be fulfilling, a number of other experiences prove to be more immersive if one truly wants to dive into this amazing site. These are the best tours and things to do when visiting the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Landmarks Tour by Airplane
Maybe you’ve seen part of the Grand Canyon from the ground, but have you seen it from the sky? The massive landmark can be viewed to a great extent from this fixed-wing aircraft with oversized windows. Everyone gets a prime view of the Painted Desert, East Rim, Horseshoe bend and other prominent sites of the geological masterpiece. You get to see much of the canyon in one hour when otherwise it would take days, so this is great for those short on time.
Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion
There’s more than one way to see the canyon from the sky—numerous helicopter tours are available through Viator or other companies. This particular option whisks passengers over Kaibab National Forest, then into the deepest and widest section of the landmark. You’ll be flying smoothly in a modern, sleek helicopter with large windows, and the option to continue with a Hummer tour on the ground is available.
Self-Drive 1-Day Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour
The turbulent Colorado River weaves through the Grand Canyon and is an exhilarating way to experience the area. On this tour, you’ll start at the gateway of the canyon, being led by native Hualapai Indians through the rugged waters. As a bonus, the rafts will pull over at various points to see sites like majestic hidden waterfalls. Lunch is included in the one day adventure.
Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views
Bypass the rafting and go straight for a Hummer tour if barreling down dicey rapids isn’t your thing. This Hummer is super cool, since it’s specially designed to be open air in the summer, but has the ability to be enclosed when it gets chilly. You’ll speed through highlights of the Grand Canyon, making great time if you don’t have many days to invest.
Grand Canyon Hermit Road Bicycle Tour
Hermit Road is a scenic stretch in the South Rim, offering spectacular overlooks and relatively easy terrain for bikes. For the more difficult uphill stretch, guests are taken up via bus, which also totes the equipment. You’ll get an expert-guided, up-close view of this iconic road, which is partially free of vehicle traffic. Bikes and helmets are included.
Grand Canyon Private Limo Luxury Tour from Las Vegas
Not everyone likes the more rugged adventures within the canyon, so if you’re feeling a bit more swanky, opt for a luxury limo to cart you and your friends from Las Vegas to the West Rim. It’s a full day trip, in a vehicle fit for a superstar. Sip champagne while your driver fills in the informational details about the terrain you’ll be traversing.
Bright Angel Trail Day Hike Tour
Hiking is an essential, and likely the best, thing to do in the Grand Canyon. It’s simple, variable and provides the most up-close viewing. The Bright Angel Trail day hike offers customizable options for all difficulty levels, from the extremely fit to those who’d prefer a light stroll. A major bonus is the frequent restroom facilities dotted amongst the paths, and we all know that it takes away a lot of worries, making room for more fun.
Mule Rides
Riding a mule through the rocky paths of the canyon is one of those classic excursions. Visitors can trot through the North Rim on either a one hour ride, or a half-day one. You can register at the Grand Canyon Lodge.
Bright Angel History Room
Bright Angel History Room is within a lodge that Mary Jane Colter designed in the 1930s. Built to accommodate those coming in on the Grand Canyon Railway, the lodge now honors Colter‘s magnificent ideas, such as the fireplace that recreates the geologic sequence found in the rock layers of the actual canyon. This is an educational and visually incredible stop.
Grand Canyon Railway
Riding the Grand Canyon Railway takes just over two hours each way, and every second is a mesmerizing experience fitting for solo travelers, families or couples. You’ll be in a classic train car with wide-open views from large picture windows, so it’s just a comfy, exciting way to experience the South Rim. Operating since 1901, guests also are getting a taste of history at the same time.
Yavapai Geology Museum
Yavapai Geology Museum is focused on the geology of the canyon and has been in operation for nearly a century. It was built to meld seamlessly with the rock and landscape of the surroundings, so it’s both interesting to explore, and just awesome to look at.
Grand Canyon Village
No visit is complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon Village, where a harmonious blend of tourist attractions and stunning views come together to create a neat area that basically everyone loves. Watch short informational videos, grab some grub at the deli, load up on gift shop goodies or marvel at the views from Mather Point. Stopping at the village is a fantastic way to kick off, or end your time here in the grandest of all canyons.
