There are a few options for day trips to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, including a scenic helicopter tour over the South Rim or a coach trip also to the South Rim. The Grand Canyon is quite possibly the most famous national park in the world? Definitely the most famous canyon in the world. So, if you're in Las Vegas and haven't visited before its definitely worth taking the day to explore. However, don't underestimate the journey and the size of the Grand Canyon itself, you'll have to choose a rim to visit.
There are currently at least 5 different indigenous groups in the area of the Grand Canyon, 'the canyon is not now nor ever was, as silent, unmoving and still as it appears from its rim' - Kenneth Shields Jr. These tribes were forced out and into small reservations, in 1975 a comparatively small amount of ancestral land was given back to the Havasupai people. The Grand Canyon NPS and the tribes have started to work in partnership in recent years, yet more is still needed.
Day trip from Las Vegas to South Rim | $75 | 14hr round trip
My newly found ‘Camp America’ friends and I decided against spending our last remaining dollars, before flying home, on a helicopter ride that might end up with one of us being sick, especially when my friend told us she was a very nervous flyer- (I found this out when we flew to Las Vegas from L.A.). If you're interested in a helicopter tour check out our other Grand Canyon Blog here .
Instead we opted for a common coach route to the southern rim booked through ‘Canyontours’. At a cost of $75 we weren’t sure what to expect as most other tours were in excess of $100, but this budget trip did not disappoint.
Canyontours included;
-pick up and drop offs at our hotel
-a packed lunch
-free wifi
-airconditioned vechicle
We also had a few short stops along the way to stretch our legs. One being along Route 66, a perfect place for a photo opportunity. Air conditioning was also a bonus as in August it reached a sweltering 42*c. The views and trails were spectacular and definitely worth the length of the journey.When you arrive,, just don’t get too close to the edge, especially just for a photo. After our allotted time at the canyon (2ish hours) we hopped back on the coach for the long ride back to our hotel.
More about the South Rim
With some of the most stunning and easily accessible views, it's no wonder the south rim is the most popular. Dud you know the Grand Canyon is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island, you could fit the entire city of London in it 3 and a bit times, and the entire population of the world could pile in and you’d still have room. You could place the Empire State Building on top of each other 4 times, but get this, it's still not the world's deepest. For more about trails, helicopters, other rims, view points and staying at the Grand Canyon rather than travelling from Las Vegas visit out more comprehensive blog post here.
Trails
Socks and Sandals