Being one of the seven wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon welcomes millions of visitors every single year. It is one of the number one tourist destinations worldwide, and it’s an experience that will create lifelong memories for you and your family. If you’re planning to stay in Las Vegas, taking a day trip to the canyon is well worth it and can get you out of the city to indulge in a truly unique outdoor experience.
Fun Grand Canyon Attractions
The Grand Canyon offers so many ways to explore the stunning terrain. The West Rim of the canyon is just two and a half hours from Las Vegas, and the South Rim is four and a half hours away, so a day trip from Las Vegas is definitely doable. Here are some of the fun Grand Canyon attractions you should consider:
- The Grand Canyon Railway. This nostalgic experience allows you to step into a piece of the past and view the Grand Canyon from a moving locomotive.
- Havasu Falls. The falls feature crystal clear water that cascades down the Havasu Creek.
- The Grand Canyon Skywalk. Get unrivaled views by stepping onto this U-shaped bridge with a glass floor that hovers 4,000 feet above the canyon.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center & IMAX Theater. Here you’ll find engaging exhibits on the history of the area, a cafe, souvenir shop, and a state-of-the-art IMAX theater featuring the “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” presentation.
Any of these attractions fit very well into a day trip itinerary while still allowing time to explore the canyon and make it back to Las Vegas in time for dinner.
Delicious Restaurants At the Grand Canyon
Many high-quality restaurants are available for a quick bite or sit-down lunch when visiting the Grand Canyon. Sky View Restaurant is located on the third floor of the Skywalk visitor building, adjacent to the Skywalk attraction. Featuring a full menu of American cuisine, visitors can enjoy quality food surrounded by panoramic views of the Grand Canyon.
Another popular restaurant for individuals traveling to the area is the Guano Point Cafe. This restaurant offers classic American comfort foods immersed in 360-degree views of the canyons below. Also, the Hualapai Ranch Food Hall is a wonderful destination for visitors wanting good southwestern BBQ in a rustic setting. Located at Hualapai Ranch, diners can step back in time to enjoy the stylized “Old West” town.
Hiking Trails and Nature Walks
Another reason why a day trip to the Grand Canyon is worth it is because of the amazing hiking trails you’ll find at both the West Rim and South Rim. Some of the most popular hikes include:
- The Bright Angel Trail. An excellent option for individuals wanting to get up close and personal with the Grand Canyon itself. Explore the desert and get a sneak peek of all of the wildlife that’s currently living there.
- The Kaibab Trail. This trail starts at the South Rim and extends all the way around the canyon, leading to 360-degree views of this natural wonder. This particular trail is ideal for visitors wanting to explore the area and get some great pictures.
- The Highpoint Hike. Located at the West Rim, this hike takes you to one of the most stunning views you’ll see while at the Grand Canyon, Guano Point. You’ll also see historic equipment and remaining structures from long past attempts to mine the caves.
If you do plan on hiking at the Grand Canyon, be sure to wear the proper shoes and bring lots of water when embarking on any of these trails.
Ease of Access
A great thing about the Grand Canyon for those living or staying in Las Vegas is that it’s just a short ride away to experience something totally different and remarkable. In only two and a half hours, you can enjoy a wide range of stunning views, attractions, and restaurants on the West Rim.
The South Rim is a little bit of a longer drive from Vegas, but still worth the trip while visiting the area. The majority of attractions are available to people of all ages with convenient hours and pricing. With the array of dining options at the South Rim, it’s easier than ever to stop for a quick bite while on your day trip to the Grand Canyon.
Unique All-Inclusive Tours
If you’d rather explore the Grand Canyon in a different way with a professional guide, there are so many unique tours of the Grand Canyon outside of just a typical bus tour. Helicopter tours are offered to those who want to fly high above the canyons below. This is an incredibly surreal experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. You can also explore the Grand Canyon on a pontoon boat floating along the Colorado River.
Hummer tours enable you to get off of your feet to blaze around the chasm. Tours of the West Rim and South Rim are readily available from Las Vegas and will pick you up from your Las Vegas hotel. This makes a day trip to the canyon easy, quick, convenient, and a whole lot of fun. Some tours come with attraction tickets, food vouchers, and even National Geographic IMAX tickets.
A Grand Canyon Day Trip is Affordable
Because the Grand Canyon is so close to Las Vegas, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on transportation. There’s also so much to do and see at the Grand Canyon that doesn’t require expensive admission fees. If you decide to venture out of Sin City and see the Grand Canyon for the day, you’ll be getting an exciting adventure with stunning views and breathtaking scenery for less than you’d be spending in Las Vegas.
If you’re currently staying in Las Vegas, it’s never too late to consider taking a quick day trip to the Grand Canyon. 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. Learn more about Grand Canyon tours from Gray Line Las Vegas and book your tour today!