What Is the Best Way To See the Grand Canyon?

If you want to make the most of your trip, you can experience this natural wonder in several ways. In Las Vegas, you have several Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas options, including booking a bus tour, helicopter tour, or a combination tour package to see the most breathtaking sights of the canyon. Depending on how much time you have, your budget, and the type of experience you want, you have numerous options to see the Grand Canyon.

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1. Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas

An exciting scenic helicopter tour gives you stunning views of the Grand Canyon you can’t get anywhere else! A helicopter adventure soaring over Grand Canyon National Park is an experience you won’t soon forget and a great way to take in the majestic landscape.

You’ll have the advantage of flying over crowded tourist areas and getting an unparalleled 360-degree aerial view of the canyon floor below. Also, you’ll see things you may not be able to see from viewpoints on the ground while at the Grand Canyon.

Book your Grand Canyon helicopter tour package at Gray Line today or contact us directly for further details or customization options.

2. Grand Canyon bus and helicopter tour package

Another option is to book a Grand Canyon tour package with a bus ride from Las Vegas and a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon’s West Rim or South Rim. While driving, you’ll have plenty to see, including the Hoover Dam, and may even stop at some lookout points for picture-perfect backdrops to capture your Grand Canyon trip.

If the bus tour takes Route 66, you’ll be traveling on a world-famous road with opportunities to learn about its history on the way to the Grand Canyon. Also, your helicopter tour agency may even fly over parts of Las Vegas, including Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas Strip.

One of the more popular bus and helicopter tour packages is our Grand Canyon West Rim bus, helicopter, and boat tour with Skywalk tickets and a Hoover Dam photo stop. This all-inclusive package includes a hot lunch and a champagne toast. So, this tour package is perfect if you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday or want to propose to your special someone.

3. Hiking and biking the Canyon floor

Once you get to the Grand Canyon, there are countless trails for hiking, biking, mule rides, and more. These trails are designed for hikers of all activity levels, with some of them even paved for quick and easy hikes as you take in the stunning scenery.

However, you can find more challenging trails for experienced hikers requiring endurance and physical ability, while mule riding can explore other paths.

4. Grand Canyon river rafting

You can also choose rafting tours down the Colorado River for a thrilling Grand Canyon experience. This action-packed activity takes you on an adventure through the canyon over whitewater rapids and past waterfalls for a truly immersive way to see the canyon.

Grand Canyon rafting tours can range from a day on the river to a full two-week rafting journey through the entire canyon! This is a great opportunity for adventure-seekers and those who love a challenge.

5. Relaxing Colorado River pontoon ride

If whitewater rafting isn’t quite your pace, you can still float down the Colorado River in a relaxing pontoon boat ride. Take in the picturesque sights of the ancient canyon walls and floor as an experienced guide shares historical facts about the area.

Depending on which tour you book, you may even have a chance to float through the famous Horseshoe Bend. This Grand Canyon experience is perfect for the whole family.

6. Skydiving at the Grand Canyon

One adrenaline-pumping way to see the Grand Canyon is to book a skydiving tour. There’s really nothing quite like taking in the beautiful desert landscape while freefalling through the air at speeds of around 130 miles per hour! This exhilarating adventure involves spectacular views while working with an experienced tandem skydiving instructor.

Check out our Grand Canyon tour packages from Las Vegas and book your tour with Gray Line today!

How far is the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas?

The distance between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon depends on which area you plan to visit. The Grand Canyon has different rims, each offering a unique view and experience.

South Rim: Grand Canyon South Rim is about 280 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. That will take you just under 4.5 hours by car or bus.
West Rim: Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Reservation and is the closest rim to Las Vegas, just under 130 miles away. If you’re driving, it will take you around 2.5 hours to get there.
North Rim: The Grand Canyon North Rim is around 270 miles from Las Vegas and will take you about as long as the South Rim — 4.5 hours driving. However, this rim is often closed depending on weather conditions. Make sure you check Grand Canyon hours prior to your visit.

How to get to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas

There are different routes you can take to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Here are some options:

Directions from Las Vegas to the South Rim: Take the I-15 S to I-215 E. Take exit 1 for I-515 S/US-93 S/US-95 S toward Boulder City. Then, merge onto I-11 S and continue on to US-93 S. Turn left to merge onto I-40 E toward Flagstaff/Phoenix. Then, take exit 165 toward AZ-64 N/Historic Route 66 and continue to S Entrance Road.
Direction from Las Vegas to the West Rim: Take the I-15 S to I-215 E. Take exit 1 for I-515 S/US-93 S/US-95 S toward Boulder City. Then, merge onto I-11 S and continue on to US-93 S. From there, turn left on Pierce Ferry Road, then right on Diamond Bar Road. The entrance will be on the left.
Directions from Las Vegas to the North Rim: Take I-15 N to RT 9 past St. George, UT. Then, take RT 59 to RT 389 to the junction with US 89A. Continue to RT 67 directly to the North Rim. (NOTE: The North Rim is closed during the winter.)

What will you see during your Grand Canyon tour?

When visiting the Grand Canyon, there are so many things to see and do at each of the rims. Depending on which area you choose to experience, you’ll get to take in the rim trails and breathtaking canyon floor from a different perspective.

No matter which tour you decide to book from Las Vegas, you will pass by beautiful Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on the way to your destination. You will also have a chance to see:

At the South Rim

Mather Point
Yavapai Point
Yavapai Museum of Geology
Yaki Point
Ooh Aah Point
South Kaibab Trail
Bright Angel Trail
Grand Canyon Visitors Center
Grand Canyon Village

At the West Rim

Grand Canyon Skywalk
Eagle Point
Guano Point
Hualapai Lodge
Native American cultural dancing

At the North Rim

North Rim Visitors Center
Grand Canyon Lodge
Bright Angel Point Trail
Cape Royal Trail
North Kaibab Trail
North Rim Campgrounds

What are unique trips to take from Las Vegas?

Besides the Grand Canyon, there are all sorts of unique trips, adventures, and things to do near Las Vegas. Some of the more popular ones include:

Hoover Dam and Lake Mead tour
Valley of Fire State Park
Death Valley National Park
Antelope Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park
Zion National Park
Area 51 and the Extraterrestrial Highway
Red Rock Canyon National Park
Mojave Desert Preserve
Ghost Town tours

Grand Canyon FAQs

Is the Grand Canyon worth visiting?

A trip to experience the Grand Canyon should absolutely be on your travel bucket list. It is considered one of the world’s natural wonders and offers breathtaking views that are hard to describe in words. The canyon’s sheer size, depth, and colorful rock formations create a mesmerizing landscape that leaves visitors in awe.

Whether you visit the South Rim with a Grand Canyon bus tour or take a helicopter tour over the West Rim, you will be treated to spectacular vistas that showcase millions of years of geological history. The sight of sunlight dancing on the red cliffs at sunrise or sunset is particularly captivating.

Is the Grand Canyon close to Las Vegas?

The Grand Canyon is relatively close to Las Vegas, especially if you opt for the West Rim. The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is about a 2.5-hour trip from Las Vegas by vehicle. Fortunately, you can get there much faster with a helicopter tour package. This section features popular attractions such as the Skywalk, a glass platform that extends over the canyon and offers breathtaking views.

If you want to see the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, it is about a 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas since it is in Arizona. However, you can cut down your travel time with a helicopter tour. It offers expansive views, numerous hiking trails, and visitor centers with educational exhibits.

Should I visit the Grand Canyon while in Las Vegas?

Visiting the Grand Canyon while in Las Vegas is highly recommended for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder that offers awe-inspiring views and a unique geological experience.

While Las Vegas itself has plenty of entertainment options, including casinos, shows, and nightlife, taking a day trip from Las Vegas or even an overnight stay at the Grand Canyon can provide a refreshing change of scenery. It allows you to immerse yourself in stunning beauty and appreciate the wonders of nature.