The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is famous for its scenery, rafting, and trails. It’s a lot to take in, especially if you only have a day or two to explore. To get the most out of your trip, here is a short list of tours that provide a great experience.
helicopter rides
If you’re looking for thrills, take a helicopter tour. These flights depart daily from the Grand Canyon Airport. This 30-minute flight passes low over the Kaibab Plateau, home to the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine forest, before entering Dragoon Corridor, the widest and deepest part of the canyon. The flight returns to the North Rim. Descending you get a great view of Grand Canyon Village, Hopi Point, and Mather Point.
Upgrades include increasing your airtime to 50 minutes and flying an EcoStar 130. This particular aircraft is state-of-the-art and comes equipped with theater-style seats, 180-degree wraparound windows, and a Fenestron tail rotor for an incredibly smooth ride. .
plane rides
Like helicopter tours, air travel departs from the local airport. They head east along the South Rim before turning north where the Little Colorado and Colorado River meet. Here you will also see the Navajo Indian Reservation and the Painted Desert. The return runs along the North Rim and then turns left into the Dragoon Corridor before beginning the descent.
Total travel time is 50 minutes. The flights are carried out aboard the Vistaliner, a commercial aircraft with capacity for 19 people. The aircraft also sports oversized windows and wings affixed to the upper body so views are not obscured. These tours are led by two FAA certified pilots who also serve as guides. The narrative of the journey they provide is absolutely fascinating.
Rafting Tours
The best Grand Canyon river rafting day trip is on the South Rim. Options include arriving by plane or bus. The float trip begins at the base of Glen Canyon Dam and heads downstream past fabulous Horseshoe Bend before ending 15 miles later at historic Lee’s Ferry. This is a non-rapid ride and children ages four and up are welcome. I recommend that you bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and water on this trip.
bus tours
Visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas by bus is one of the best deals out there. Prices start around $80 per person and include breakfast, lunch, and professional driver-guide. Driving time is 5.5 hours. Total travel time is 15 hours. Typical time on the South Rim is about three hours. There is also a photo stop at the Hoover Dam. This bus tour can be upgraded to include a helicopter tour. The tour ends at Grand Canyon Village, home to restaurants, gift shops, and museums.
Time to explore!
Grand Canyon South Rim tours are the perfect solution for visitors who only have 1-2 days to see the National Park. Helicopter and plane tours allow you to see the most of the canyon in the least amount of time. The 1 day rafting trip is perfect for the active family. And bus tours offer Las Vegas travelers the most affordable way to experience the South Rim. Choose any of these fantastic tours and you will walk away with a very satisfying Grand Canyon experience.