Explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on a full-day trip departing from the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. These 12- to 13-hour guided excursions often include scenic stops in Sedona, drives along historic Route 66, and optional helicopter flights.
Free Cancellation Explore the Grand Canyon and Sedona’s red rocks on a guided day trip from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.
Fly over the Dragon Corridor and explore the Grand Canyon rim on this day trip from Phoenix via Route 66.
Free Cancellation Visit the Grand Canyon South Rim and Sedona’s red rocks on a 14-hour guided trip with lunch and park fees included.
Free Cancellation A guided full-day tour from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon South Rim, limited to a small group of 13 passengers.
Explore Sedona’s energy vortices and the Grand Canyon’s South Rim in a single day, ending with an Arizona sunset.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Grand Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A full-day tour from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon offers a massive shift in scenery, trading the flat Sonoran Desert for the towering red rocks of Sedona and the breathtaking depths of the South Rim. Expect a long but highly rewarding 12 to 14-hour day filled with iconic viewpoints, deep geological history, and expert commentary from local guides.
Many tours include a scenic stop in Sedona on the way north. You will get to stretch your legs while taking in massive sandstone formations like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.
This is often your first stop at the South Rim. Standing behind the secure railings, you get a sweeping, panoramic look at the 18-mile-wide gorge and its colorful rock layers.
Several itineraries route you along the famous 'Mother Road.' Your guide will share the history of this iconic highway and the development of the American Southwest.
Upgraded tour packages include a 45-minute helicopter flight. This provides an unmatched aerial perspective of the canyon's 1-mile depth and the winding Colorado River.
Enjoy free time to walk this 1.3-mile paved path along the rim. You can touch ancient rock samples and learn about the two billion years of geological history exposed in the canyon.
Booking a Grand Canyon tour from Phoenix requires a bit of planning due to the long distance and varying ticket inclusions. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
Phoenix is about 3.5 to 4 hours from the South Rim. Expect a 12 to 14-hour excursion, with pickups typically between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, returning around 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
You can choose from small-group van tours (up to 13 passengers), private SUV tours for families, or combination tours that include a helicopter flight over the canyon.
Standard entry fees are usually included for US citizens and residents. However, starting in 2026, non-US residents (16 and older) are required to pay an additional $100 per person fee directly to the tour supplier.
Pickup is offered from select Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe hotels. If your hotel isn't on the list, or if you book after 7:00 PM the night before, you will likely need to meet at a designated alternate location.
Standard ground tours generally offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Upgraded experiences, such as helicopter tours, usually have strict all-sales-are-final policies with no refunds.
The South Rim sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet, making it on average 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Pack layers, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring extra water and salty snacks.
Foldable wheelchairs and walkers are generally accepted on van tours if you notify the supplier in advance. Note that helicopters cannot accommodate mobility devices.
| Small-Group Sedona & Grand Canyon | Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour | Direct Grand Canyon Day Tour | Private SUV Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 13 hours | 13 hours | 12 hours | 12-14 hours |
| Includes | Sedona stop, South Rim views, bottled water | 45-min heli flight, Route 66 drive, South Rim | Direct transport, park admission, bottled water | Customizable itinerary, private guide, direct hotel pickup |
| Best for | First-time visitors wanting to see both major Arizona landmarks | Thrill-seekers and special occasions | Travelers focused solely on maximizing their time at the canyon | Families, groups, and those wanting a flexible schedule |
| Price from | $248 | $614 | $214 | $270+ |
South Rim: The South Rim of the park, including Grand Canyon Village and Desert View, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This allows for excellent sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities.
Visitor Facilities: During the summer schedule, the South Rim Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store operates daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
North Rim: The North Rim is entirely closed for the 2025 season due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Normally, it operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October.
By Tour Vehicle: Guided tours from Phoenix and Scottsdale utilize high-ceiling passenger vans or private SUVs. The drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours each way, often passing through Flagstaff and Sedona.
By Train: If you prefer the railway, you can drive to Williams, Arizona (about 2.5 hours from Phoenix) and take the historic Grand Canyon Railway. The train ride takes 2 hours and 15 minutes and drops you directly at the South Rim Historic Village.
By Shuttle: For those flying into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, several shuttle and taxi companies provide direct 90-minute transportation to the South Rim.
Spring and Fall: The best months for visiting the Grand Canyon are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these transitional seasons, temperatures at the rim and inside the canyon are milder and much more comfortable for exploring.
Summer: June through August is the peak tourist season but brings extreme heat. Inner canyon temperatures frequently exceed 105°F (40°C), making hiking dangerous during the middle of the day.
Winter: November to February offers the least crowded experience, but brings severe winter weather. Snow is common at the 7,500-foot elevation of the South Rim, which can lead to temporary road and facility closures.
Wheelchair Access: The South Rim is highly accessible. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point, and the 1.3-mile Trail of Time are fully paved and wheelchair-friendly. All park shuttle buses feature ramps and can accommodate devices up to 30 inches wide by 48 inches long.
Tour Vans: Most tour operators can accommodate foldable wheelchairs and walkers if they are notified in advance. The driver will stow the device in the back of the vehicle.
Permits: Visitors with mobility issues can request a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit at the entrance gates. This allows personal vehicles to drive on private park roads, like Hermit Road, which are normally restricted to shuttle buses only.
On the Tour Vans: It is important to note that the passenger vans used for Phoenix day tours do not have onboard restrooms. However, guides schedule frequent comfort stops at gas stations and rest areas throughout the journey.
At the Park: The South Rim is well-equipped with public restrooms, water bottle filling stations, gift shops, and dining options. Grand Canyon Village offers everything from quick cafeteria-style meals to sit-down dining at the historic El Tovar Hotel.
Food and Drink: While some tours include lunch, many only provide unlimited bottled water. You are encouraged to bring your own salty snacks to replenish electrolytes lost in the dry climate.
The drive from the Phoenix and Scottsdale area to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon takes about 3.5 to 4 hours each way. Because of this, full-day tours typically last between 12 and 14 hours.
Yes, standard park entrance fees are included for US citizens and residents. However, starting January 1, 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and older must pay an additional $100 per person fee directly to the tour supplier.
No, the passenger vans used for these tours do not have onboard restrooms. The guides make frequent comfort stops at rest areas and gas stations throughout the day.
You should dress in layers. The South Rim sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet, making it on average 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are also highly recommended.
No, drones are strictly prohibited everywhere inside Grand Canyon National Park. If you are caught flying one, park rangers will issue fines and confiscate your equipment.
Many of the tours departing from Phoenix include a brief stop in Sedona. You will usually have time to view the famous red rock formations and stretch your legs before continuing to the canyon.
Yes, foldable wheelchairs and walkers can usually fit in the tour vans, provided you notify the supplier in advance. However, helicopters cannot accommodate mobility devices.
If you book after 7:00 PM Arizona time the night before your tour, hotel pickup is not guaranteed. You will likely be asked to meet the group at a designated central hotel early the next morning.
A few tours include a boxed lunch, but most only provide unlimited bottled water. You will have opportunities to purchase food during comfort stops or at the Grand Canyon Village.
Tours from Phoenix visit the South Rim. It is much closer to Phoenix, open year-round, and offers the most iconic viewpoints. The North Rim is closed entirely for the 2025 season.
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Travel from Phoenix or Scottsdale to visit two of Arizona’s most famous landmarks in a single day. The tour begins with a stop in Sedona to see the towering red rock formations before heading north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. You’ll have time to explore the viewpoints and learn about the region's history and geology from your guide. This trip is designed for small groups of up to 13 people, using a custom van with high ceilings so you can stand comfortably during the journey. If you prefer a more personal experience, private tours are conducted in a luxury SUV. Both options include a professional guide who handles the driving and navigation, allowing you to focus on the landscape.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This day trip from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area offers a guided visit to the Grand Canyon and a drive along historic Route 66. Available as a small-group or private tour, the excursion covers the region's most notable landmarks in a single full-day itinerary. The centerpiece of the trip is a 45-minute flight in an ECO-Star helicopter. Starting from the North Rim, the flight follows the Colorado River toward the eastern end of the canyon before heading south through the Dragon Corridor. This section is the widest and deepest part of the Grand Canyon, offering a clear perspective of the scale of the gorge from above. Back on the ground, you will have time to walk along the canyon rim. This allows for a self-paced exploration of the viewpoints and plenty of time for photography before the return drive.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This 13-to-14-hour trip covers two major viewpoints at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, with extra time to explore the local paths and gift shops on foot. You will also stop in Uptown Sedona to see the red rock formations and walk through the town. A lunch is provided as part of the tour, and all park admission fees are covered in the initial price. Be sure to dress for the weather, as temperatures at the canyon are typically 30 degrees cooler than in Phoenix or Scottsdale. Starting in 2026, the US government requires all non-US residents to pay an additional $100 fee, which is not included in the tour price. All US citizens and permanent residents must bring a valid ID, driver’s license, or green card to present at the park entrance.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This full-day excursion departs from the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, heading directly to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Throughout the drive, a local guide provides context on the Southwestern landscapes and the history of the canyon. Once at the South Rim, you will have the opportunity to see the most iconic views and landmarks of the national park. The tour is restricted to 13 passengers to ensure a more personalized experience. Travel is provided in a custom van featuring leather captain’s chairs, designed for comfort on the long-distance trip. This small-group format allows for a more relaxed pace while exploring the various overlooks along the rim.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Your journey begins at 8:00 AM with a drive to Sedona, famous for its towering red sandstone formations and spiritual history. You will visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which offers panoramic views of Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. During the stop, you will explore the site of a magnetic vortex, an area believed by many to hold unique healing energies. From Sedona, the tour travels along Highway 89A, one of the most scenic drives in the United States. You will stop at a market featuring handmade goods from local Native American artisans before continuing to the Grand Canyon. Arriving in the afternoon, you will have several hours to walk the rim and observe the scale of this natural wonder. While the group departs the park before nightfall, the return trip to Phoenix is timed to catch the sunset. You will experience the shifting colors of the Arizona desert sky during the drive back to the city.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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