Is it better to drive to Grand Canyon or take a tour?

Safety: Taking a guided tour can be safer than driving yourself, especially if you're not familiar with the terrain or weather conditions. However, there are also some downsides to taking a tour: Cost: Tours can be expensive, especially if you're traveling with a large group or booking a luxury tour.



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There is just one scenic drive open to private cars on the South Rim, Desert View Drive. The 23 mile (37 km) long Desert View Drive features marvelous panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.

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Grand Canyon tours allow you to immerse yourself in a completely different atmosphere and enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. From the number of available attractions to the wide variety of available tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, taking the trip can bring another exciting element to your vacation.

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Because it's home to many of the most memorable viewpoints, the South Rim is the ideal destination for first-time Grand Canyon Visitors. If you have small children, you may prefer to visit the South Rim for its many amenities and activities.

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How Many Days at the Grand Canyon? We recommend between one to three days at the Grand Canyon, though you could stay for longer for a relaxed visit. With only one day at the Grand Canyon, you can check out a few viewpoints, hike into the canyon or on the Rim Trail, and catch the sunset.

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The best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November, when daytime temperatures are cool and crowds are thin. If you decide to visit during the summer (the park's peak season), be prepared for hordes of tourists and very limited lodging availability.

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The Grand Canyon's Best Scenic Viewpoints
  1. Mather Point, South Rim. ...
  2. Redwall Bridge, North Rim. ...
  3. Hopi Point, South Rim Trail. ...
  4. Plateau Point, Bright Angel Trail. ...
  5. Shoshone Point, South Rim. ...
  6. Desert View. ...
  7. Angel's Window, North Rim. ...
  8. Black Bridge or Silver Bridge view from the River.


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The town of Tusayan, which is just 15-20 minutes away from the main Visitor Center on the south rim, has a great selection of places to stay. Grand Canyon Junction (formerly known as Valle) is further out (about 30 minutes to the rim), but is another good option. If you want a hotel, stay in Tusayan, which has plenty.

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For people looking to book a Grand Canyon tour, it's best if you do it in advance. This will give you the chance to be more selective, searching for the best tour for your tastes. The popular tours won't be sold out yet and you'll have a wide range of dates to choose from. Plus, you're more likely to get discounts!

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You don't need to take a tour. When you enter the park you get a park newspaper with all the ncessary information. There's also a tourist center, and there are rangers along the rim who'll provide information and answer questions. Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is a “Do it Yourself” place for visitors.

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Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the least crowded days of the week. Is June too hot for the Grand Canyon? While the temperatures in June in the Grand Canyon can be warm, with high temperatures reaching the low 80s, it's still a pleasant month to visit.

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The average distance across the canyon is only 10 miles, however, the drive between the park's South Rim Village and the North Rim Village is about 212 miles and takes about 4 1/2 hours to drive. It takes time, planning, and effort to visit both rims in one trip.

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There is just one scenic drive open to private cars on the South Rim, Desert View Drive. The 23 mile (37 km) long Desert View Drive features marvelous panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. There is parking at every viewpoint. Be sure to bring enough food and water for everyone in your group.

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$20.00–$35.00. Admission to Grand Canyon National Park is for 7 days and includes both the South Rim, and during their season, the North Rim. No cash is accepted at the park's 3 entrance stations; credit/debit card only.

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Which Rim of Grand Canyon is best – South Rim. Considered by many to be the “true Grand Canyon,” Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim features the vast, expansive views most often seen in magazines, websites, Facebook and on TV.

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The South Rim is by far the busiest and most popular section. It is the at the center of Grand Canyon National Park. This is where you will find Grand Canyon Village which was designed to provide amenities to the tourists.

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Best Times to Visit the Grand Canyon for Smaller Crowds If you can visit during the low season, from November to March, you won't encounter crowds, but you'll need to plan ahead since parts of the park may be closed.

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The South Rim of the Grand Canyon attracts over 5 million visitors each year and by far is the most visited side of the Canyon. That's because it is the most accessible and provides the most amenities.

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Scenery: Both sections have dramatic, incredible Grand Canyon scenery. The upper has the younger rock layers that one gets to experience up close and personal. There are also expansive rim views on one day of the upper.

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July and August are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather. You can get cheaper deals on lodging and activities between November and February.

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Arizona's “Monsoon Season” lasts from mid-June to mid-September generally speaking. Do we get heavy rain during that entire time? No, but the potential exists for it. We frequently get afternoon thundershowers that are more wind and lightning than rain.

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With just one day at the Grand Canyon South Rim, you can see several viewpoints and even hike into the canyon. Unless you want a super relaxed Grand Canyon vacation on the rim or an adventurous rafting trip down below, one to three days at the Grand Canyon is usually enough time for the highlights.

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