Las Vegas - Consolidated "Going to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas - Options & Questions" thread

Thinking about taking a serious Grand Canyon side trip from my Vegas stay in June. Any recommendations? There are so many choices, and no reviews of them. At first I don't want to take any small planes or helicopters. but the bus tours just take way too long.

What's your experience? Are the planes relatively safe? (I'm sure they're statistically... but do they FEEL safe?)

How long do you have? I would recommend getting a rental car--they are cheap in Vegas--and driving over. To do it right, hit both the south & the norht rims.

Depending on where you're flying in from, you could see some of it from the air. I usually do coming in from PHX, and about 1/3 of the time get a direct view of Hoover Dam.

Do a search over in the west forum, and you'll find several conversations from the last year about visiting this region.

JP

Agree about the rental car route, as you'll really get to appreciate the overwhelming beauty of the Canyon. We've been there twice (from LAS), and it never ceases to amaze us.
Allow about 4 1/2 to five hours each way for the drive, and plan to say ovenight if you have time. You may not be able to get hotel/motel reservations om the South Rim so close to your trip in June, as many of the lodges and hotels are booked a year in advance. But you'll find accomodations in both Williams and Flagstaff, both about an hour and a half drive to the Canyon.
June should bring good weather for you. Last time we were there, several years ago, we hit a severe snowstorm on the way, and that was the last week in April. Had to pull off I-40 and wait it out for several hours.
It's definately worth the trip. IMO, everyone should see the grandeur of the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime.
And if you do stay in the Flagstaff area, try to take a side-trip to Sedona, for it's red-rock formations. Say hello to "Snoopy Mtn. " for me
And, of course, bring a camera--and LOTS of film.

Have a great trip.

bj-21.

I did the plane tour on a recent trip and it did feel very safe. Obviously, its not a widebody jet so there is some minor turbulence, but I really enjoyed it. The plane was a 10-12 seater, with extra large panorama windows. The only thing that was a joke was the "buffet" lunch they included in the tour. It was at some local motel and just terrible...eat a hearty breakfast before you go and you'll be fine http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Some of us do better not eating a big meal before getting on a small tourist flight! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/eek.gif

JP

I will be in Vegas next week and am planning a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Different people have told be to take a plane or helicopter trip or just to rent a car and drive.

One guys says that it is brilliant if you rent a car the night before leave Vegas at some stupid time of the morning to arrive before sunrise and just wait and watch.


Any ideas or advice?

Cheers

Take the plane ride you will get a perspective you can't posssibly get by driving, the only reason IMHO in driving is if you want to make a stop at the Hoover dam.
Besides being a full day trip, the south rim veiwing areas can be quite congested with tourists especially on weekends between May/Oct to get there by sunrise or present to sunset you will have to do a lot of driving to/from Vegas.
Besides you need to conserve your gambling time.
mike

This has been discussed many times. Its too far of a drive in a single day (IMHO). You need to do a helicopter or airplane based tour. Otherwise, sit on the left side of the plane on your flight to LAS. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by skofarrell:
This has been discussed many times. Its too far of a drive in a single day (IMHO). You need to do a helicopter or airplane based tour. Otherwise, sit on the left side of the plane on your flight to LAS. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

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Actually, if they are coming from the UK, wouldn't they want to be on the right side of the plane. On my last trip (from Boston), the pilot got the ok to descend to 20,000 ft as we passed over the GC. The view (from the right side of the plane) was spectacular. We were so low, we could even clearly see the Hoover Dam!


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Helicopter tours are expensive, but everyone I've talk to who did one said it was worth it.

http://www.papillon.com/ver082002/language=english+tours=to+grand+canyon.htm

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[This message has been edited by businesstraveler (edited 05-02-2003).]

In my previous trips to Vegas, I remember seeing touts offering "day trips" to the Grand Canyon.

I'm probably going to Vegas again in a few months and wondering how far the Grand Canyon was? I'm going to rent a car and will be doing the trip myself (and a few friends).

Thanks!

Depends which side you want to go. I never went to the North Rim by car, but it looks like two hundred miles or so.

The distance is about the same or a little longer to the South Rim, which I find more spectacular. The drive is also very nice over the dam a.s.o.

Look here for all details

http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/

It's closer to 300 miles to the south rim, from LAS by car. Not a hard drive if you have the time, down 93 to Kingwood, then I-40 to Williams and up to the Canyon. Allow at least five hours each way, so try to get an early start if you're planning only a day trip. A better suggestion (if you have the time) is to continue on I-40 to Flagstaff, and stay overnight there or in Williams, and explore both the Canyon, and the red mountains in the Sedona area (30 or so miles south of Flagstaff on 89A--a very winding, scenic drive).
Don't know when you're planning on going, but check the weather, as we ran into heavy snowsqualls with whiteouts along I-40 on our second trip to the Canyon several years ago, in the last week of April. Best time is the summer months for good weather, although the crowds there then will make it harder to find overnight accomodation unless you book early for the places nearby.

In any case, the Grand Canyon is definately worth the trip, it's magnificent!!

bj-21.

Thanks for the suggestions!

You might want to consider making your flights open jaw and flying into Las Vegas and out of Phoenix (or vice versa). You can then rent a car one-way.

This is exactly what I did. I got to see Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, Sedona, Scottsdale, and then onto Phoenix. It was so much better than back tracking into Las Vegas.

It didn't cost anymore to do the open jaw on the flight and the car rental was only like $5 more per day with no drop charge. (You need to look at the different car rental companies - some charged a drop charge, others didn't)

...Not a hard drive if you have the time, down 93 to Kingwood...

I think you mean Kingman--an easy mistake to make...

I like the open-jaw idea. If you can get down to Seattle, Southwest should be able to do this for you without much trouble. It would save you some backtracking. While you have a wealth of beauty up in B.C., Sedona is not to be missed!

JP

Didn't I read about a West Rim, that is much closer to Vegas?

Didn't I read about a West Rim, that is much closer to Vegas?

Closer and not near as spectacular.

I always get a window seat on the left side of the plane on the way in and right side on the way out. You usually get a nice view of the canyon and Hoover Dam / Lake Mead. Much better than a 6 hour plus drive through the desert. :)

Didn't I read about a West Rim, that is much closer to Vegas?

Yes, it is much closer, but from what I hear, it's not worth it. I went to the South Rim and the view was stunning and well worth the long drive. Very scenic.

Ah, the nice thing about FT, just when you're thinking, "I need to book that!"

Any suggestions on the tours. We did the fly there and get lead around like cattle tour years ago and the other half was suggesting we go again. :rolleyes:

Ideally, I don't want to do the touristy stuff. I saw Scenic has a flight only option that lets you on your own for the day? Would that be worth while?

Also, are all the prices silly or what? It's looking lilke $500 for the day for two (at least!).

To be perfectly honest, I'd rather go to Bryce, but that's a heck of a drive as well.

I also need a suggestion, planning to go for years, but is never convienent, from LA

I would search, but well, you know how that is working around here.

Has anyone taken a flight to the grand canyon from Vegas?

These guys look like the best deal, but I was looking for opinions and feedback:

http://www.papillon.com/

Thanks!

We did it last October. Took the airplane instead of the Helicopter. Flew there in a small plane, landed took a bus ride to a rim, walked around and had a forgetable included lunch. We didn't do the helicopter ride that was offered in conjuction.

If you've never been and want to see the Grand Canyon quickly and without driving this is the way to do it.

We used a different company. Booked on-line for the discount. You can book these all over Vegas once you get there.

My wife and I will be in Vegas at the end of August and one thing we always wanted to do was to take a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon.

We've found two vendors on the web, Papillon and Sundance. Has anyone had experiences with them, and your thoughts? Any other vendors that are recommended?

Also, any recommendations on what time of day is best to go for the tour? They have options starting in the morning from 7am to late afternoon. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

One more thing is that from researching on the Internet, I've seen that there have been recent crashes and deaths with regards to the helicopter tours?! Are these tours dangerous? We've taken helicoptors tours around the world many times and have felt quite safe, but perhaps the conditions in the Grand Canyon make it more risky? Obviously the quality of the operators have a lot to do with safety as well. Are these Vegas operators as reputable as say the ones on the Big Island?

Would you suggest alternative tours such as a bus tour or small plane? Not sure planes would be any safer. Any one have experiences with this?

We did a flight with Papillion last yr but it wasn't to the GC but rather LV neon lights. Their customer service was fine, pickup on time & the flight was amazing! I wouldn't worry about crashing....I think it's more dangerous on the I-15!

There have been many crashes in the GC over the years but I think it's safer now than it's been in the past. I recently flew over/around it in a friend's Cessna. There were quite a few other aircraft around, but the navigational charts we had indicated where you could/couldn't fly and at least tried to put some semblance of order around things. I wouldn't say that all the aircraft I saw seemed to be following this but we stayed generally above the rim and within the designated areas.

There was a forest fire to the west of the canyon when I was there and the whole area was filled with haze. Other than that I'd suggest going either early in the AM or late afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead. Pictures will come out a lot better at those times.

Thanks goosegreen and xyzzy (love the name!) for the great advice. Sounds like we should definitely go for it.

Papillion offers a sunset trip which is just $10 more than their normal tour. Anyone tried this? I'm thinking it may be nice to see the views on the way and at the GT during the day, watch the sunset, and then see the Vegas nights at night on the way back. Does it work like that? Or would we be wasting the trip back from the GT if it's totally pitch black?

Please advise if you've been on a fixed-wing air tour of the Grand Canyon. I've seen some good deals for 2 people with Crand Canyon Tour Co and Las Vegas GC Tours, for 5.30PM flights. Have read some good reviews of sunset flights too - this seems the best time.
On Sept 16, what time would the sun set? I'm hoping that the 5.30PM flight tour would be timed to best appreciate the sunset.
Cheers

On Sept 16, what time would the sun set? I'm hoping that the 5.30PM flight tour would be timed to best appreciate the sunset.

From http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.html

The following information is provided for Grand Canyon, Coconino County, Arizona (longitude W112.1, latitude N36.0):

Friday
16 September 2005 Mountain Standard Time

SUN
Begin civil twilight 5:46 a.m.
Sunrise 6:12 a.m.
Sun transit 12:23 p.m.
Sunset 6:34 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:00 p.m.

MOON
Moonrise 5:34 p.m. on preceding day
Moonset 4:21 a.m.
Moonrise 6:06 p.m.
Moon transit 11:46 p.m.
Moonset 5:36 a.m. on following day


Phase of the Moon on 16 September: waxing gibbous with 97% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.

Full Moon on 17 September 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Hi,

Am looking for a recommendation for a GC tour from Vegas in October. I think the best format will be to fly in and transit up to the South Rim.

Are there any suggestions as to which the best operator is, and also is it best to book in advance or wait until arrival in Vegas?

Many thanks

Tony

Might want to take a look at Grand Canyon Tour Co. (http://www.grandcanyontourcompany.com/airsouth.html)

Lowest price I've seen on the fixed wing fly/bus tours. They do offer a low price guarantee, and a 24 hour cancellation. Toll free numbers from a variety of countries.

The only thing I might question is the fuel surcharge.....doesn't really say if there is one or how much.

I believe this is a tour operated by Scenic Airways, $279 pp on their website.

I have also booked this GCTC tour (2 for $210 plus $10-20 surcharge - which they will tell you how much on the day).

Another company has this identical deal (except $105ea).

However I'm thinking of upgrading to a heli tour, as you are set down, to do a hike into the GC (3hrs?) and I've heard this is a great experience.

Can you advise if you've done either the fixed-wing or heli tour, and if you'd recommend one or the other?

I'd also like to know the operator of this tour sold by GCTC.
Thank you.

I've done the helo tour through Papillon, but not the fixed wing. Personally I prefer the helo trip and descending into the canyon.

I believe the tour I mentioned is through Scenic Airlines....had a friend that went on Scenic & the aircraft look the same & descriptions are very close. I can't say for sure, though. Guess you could ask the tour company.

There are few operators, but many tour booking companies. It's been my experience to just shop for the best price for they type of tour you want. I always try to make sure there is a cancellation clause so that if I find something better, I'm not stuck.

I've actually been checking to see what tours will be availble to the new attraction on the west rim. It's being built by the Hualpai Indians. It's called The Skywalk (http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/skywalk.html)

Ive been looking for a trip from Vegas to Grand Canyon by air, but there are so many options to book online i cant decide which is best. Has anyone an recommendations which tour company to book with? Is it better to pre-book or to wait and book with one of those street vendors who sell tours?

Im looking for basically a short trip just to see the canyon.

Fixed-wing or helicopter?

Flyover only or touchdown/hike?

Day trip or overnight?

Please advise on heli touchdown. I've heard that it's the only way to go, and want to u/g from the fixed wing tour in Mid-Sept. As we're there Wed-Mon nights, are the weekday afternoons the best bet for a sunset and the least crowds?
-BB

Fixed-wing or helicopter?

Flyover only or touchdown/hike?

Day trip or overnight?

What ever is the cheapest!

I assume, fixed wing, flyover, day-trip?

What ever is the cheapest!

I assume, fixed wing, flyover, day-trip?

SWA LAS-PHX RT $80 plus tax.

Might want to check out this Thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455732&highlight=grand+canyon+tours)

Anyone tried the heli / set down tour operated by Scenic, sold by GV Tour Co and others? Want to know most suitable tour for our honeymoon.Will be there mid-Sept for both weekdays & weekend.
Cheers.

We will be in Las Vegas from Feb 5,6, and 7.

There are 3 of us - 2 adults and our 10 yr old daughter.

We will not likely be renting a car - but staying at the South Coast Hotel and Casino, 6 miles south of the main southernmost Strip Hotel (eg Mandalay Bay?).

I am interested in an all-day tour, with some component of the tour including a stopover at the Southern Rim.

What are good, reputable companies that offer such tours, at very competitive rates?

PS-Do any of them give a AAA (in our case, CAA) discount?

Anyone have an answer to this question?

Thanks.

My parents flew with these guys http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/ back in October and seemed very impressed. It was just a case of down to the bottom of the canyon then a quick refuel stop on the way back I believe.

Save some $$ and just look out the window of the airplane as your flying into LAS :)

My parents flew with these guys http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/ back in October and seemed very impressed. It was just a case of down to the bottom of the canyon then a quick refuel stop on the way back I believe.

I am more interested in sightseeing plane tours, with a stopover at the south rim. Which companies offer good value, for their tours?

Any recommendations on a Helicopter tour of the canyon from vegas?

Any recommendations on a Helicopter tour of the canyon from vegas?

I did one last year in May with a company called Papillon. It was great - a little bit touristy, but i guess that's what we were. Would have been much cheaper to do the bus trip, but I couldn't bear spending 14 hours on the bus with 40 other people.

Round trip it was probably 3 hours. maybe 45min to an hour out, set down in the canyon at a picnic place they have - about 4 or 5 other helicopters landed there and - and then 45min to an hour back. Fits about 6 people in each helicopter and the pilot did a great job of explaining the sites as we crossed over lake meade and the hoover dam, etc.

I thought it was definitely worth the extra cost as compared to the bus tour.

http://www.papillon.com/

I assume there are other outfits, this one seemed reliable and professional.

Hi
I tavelling to LV in October and my family would like to go by bus to the Grand Canyon.
The companies all seem to be charging between $149 & $200 a per person but there is a company called "All Las Vegas Tours" charging $89 per person...my question is as usual "are they OK?"

many thanks
Lardie :cool:

I don't know anything about this tour group in particular, but I would have to recommend a plane tour versus a bus tour simply because it is painfully long for the bus tour (it takes up your entire day driving.... ugh). As I recall, I paid between $150-200 per person for a tour from Scenic Airlines when booked online with a 2-for-1 coupon. It was a great value and the tour guide we had was great.. not to mention the flight over the canyon was a great experience. Good luck and have fun on your trip! Don't forget, its cold up there... Bundle up!

Go to scenic airlines and check out this tour

Grand Canyon
Highlights Air Tour & Wild West Journey
Full-Day Tour

They will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back off, it is a WONDERFUL tour my wife and two daughters took it, an said it was better than a chopper tour of the canyon, plus you get to go to red rocks canyon on a bus and have lunch for about 180 a person less for kids....you will NOT be disappointed

Hi,

I will be in LAS for 5 days at the end of May and am planning on a trip to the the Grand Canyon ( spent a few hours a few years ago touring the South Rim)

There seems to be two main options ( not interested in whitewater rafting or overnighting on this trip)

(1) Helicopter trip ( to the West rim) and land inside the canyon for the snack with a trip via Papillon helicopeters for example?- some tours only go down 1500 ft but papillon goes to 4000ft down

or

(2) A flight from LAS to the Grand Canyon airport ( south rim) followed by a tour and free time at the South rim by for example Scenic airlines.

Which tour would give a better ( brief) view of the canyon ( I have heard the west rim is less scenic but going down to almost the base sounds foun) but the South rim would enable a brief trek down one of the trails ( I 'm only talking a 15-30mins walk max and have read all the warning notices). Would look forward to take lots of pictures with my digital camere( edit at home!! :D )

Has any body done both tours and what did you prefer?

Thanks for any advice

Regards

TBS

Hi The _Banking_Scot ,
Having done [b] late last year, I'd recommend [a], if it is less time to get there and you go into the canyon.
The Scenic flight was OK, but the bus trip from the Strip (3AM?) was long and the return bus longer (probably due to us being amongst the furthest Sth-Strip at MGM). It was a long day.

We were both a little disappointed in the canyon itself (only viewing from the top plus the flyover). We had the tour which inclued a bus tour to several places (instead of the free-time), and this was OK, but still a little disappointing. I took lots of photos but didn't get anything outstanding as we flew out at sunrise so missed being on the rim at that time... :(

I'd also appreciate reviews on the Papillon tour, including the impression of flying into the canyons... Just bear in mind the safety record of choppers compared to the plane.
Our return flight from the canyon was extremely choppy, which followed a nice big brunch...fortunately no sick bags were used in this trip. I believe the chopper is less 'choppy'.

Another option: Do the plane trip (arriving daytime to check-in somewhere then watch a canyon sunset) and stay in a lodge overnight and return the following afternoon. Is this possible?

hi BiziBB,

Thanks for your comments.

I have just returned from LAS/PHX and the Canyon.

I booked the Scenic Airlines Overnight tour to the Canyon ( just a few $ more than the day tour $274.

Plan: 130pm pick up from Mandalay Bay ( actual pick up time 2pm)
3pm flight from North LV to the Canyon South Rim ( actually left 330pm)

Wonderful views of Lake Mead/Hoover Dam and the Canyon enroute.

After waiting a few minutes for our luggage on another plane we were bussed to Yavapai Lodge ( keys handed out whilst on the ground) with a trip past Mather point.

I took the shuttle to Yavapai point then the two shuttles( free) to Hopi point for sunset- a wonderful experience. Although there are hundreds of people there , a short walk gets you almost alone.
After sunset the park service runs shuttles back to the central area alomsto continuously until all people are cleared.

Once back at Yavapai you could do with a torch as there is no light from the cafeteria to the lodges.

The rooms itself was nice than i had anticipated with comfortable beds a good bath/shower,ceiling fan and a good tv. Rooms were quiet. There is also an ice machine for every two sections ( 20 rooms?)

In the morning ( 445 am) a bus was laid on for sunrise ( at mather point)- lots of tourist buses there also then back to the lodge about 545am.

After a quick breakfast ( I had a smoothie and cereal from the cafeteria which i bought the night before) I walked through the pine forest to the rim past the ampetheatre and suddenly the full majesty of the canyon hits you ( and as it is 630am it feels you have the canyon to yourself)

I walked to the Bright Angel trailhead and walked down a couple of hundred feet before returningtio the rim ( grabbed coffe/oj/bagel at the Bright angel lodge). There was a mule train being prepared and at the top of the rim warnig posters about the dangers of walking down unprepared ( the story of a 24 year old boston Marathon runner who died whilst walking the trail)

I walked back to Yavapai for a shower before the 930 am bus pick up, 10am arrival at the airport (1115 flight- actually 1145) before arriving back at the North LV ariport about 1pm ( bags were on another plane and were told it would be delivered later so we took the bus and after several hotels dropped back at M Bay about 2pm). the bags came about 8pm.

Overall a wonderful experience ( but with these tours a bit of time is spend being picked up at LV hotels and waiting at airports both ends)

Regards

TBS

..I booked the Scenic Airlines Overnight tour to the Canyon

...Overall a wonderful experience
Regards
TBS

Hi TBS,
Thank you for this trip report; did you take any sunrise/sunset photos that did the experience justice, that you'd care to share? To get to see the canyon at both times makes your decision to stay overnight an excellent one. ^
Cheers :)

Hi,

A bit too late now but I just did a Scenic arilines tour from North Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon ( overnight stay at Yavapai lodge) for $274 ( just a few $ more than the ordinary day trip).

It was very good value for money.

All scenic tours can be found on;

www.scenic.com

Regards

TBS

FYI Scenic tours now earn Delta RDMs (http://www.scenicairlines.com/saws1_delta_skymiles.htm) or Philippine Airline RDMs (http://www.scenicairlines.com/pal.htm) ^

Overall a wonderful experience ( but with these tours a bit of time is spend being picked up at LV hotels and waiting at airports both ends)

TBS, that was a great overview of the experience at the Grand Canyon. I would add that it is easy and cheap to rent a car in LAS. Enterprise has their $9.99 / day weekend special which is perfect for these jaunts.

Driving to VGT aka North Las Vegas Airport is very straightforward:
Get on 15 North at Russell/Tropicana/Flamingo/Spring Mountain/Sahara/Charleston. Take it to 95 North. The first on 95 is Rancho. Get off here and go right at the stoplight. Drive about 5 miles just past the Fiesta Hotel, the airport will be on your right hand side. Parking used to be free, but I have not ridden Scenic is over a year.

Apparently, the airport may also run its own shuttle service. See http://www.mccarran.com/ga_nlv.asp for details.

Ideally, I would like to do both West & South Rims, but I can't find a plane tour that includes both, so I may have to bounce back to Vegas again. Something like Sat. Oct. 27 noonish flight to the West Rim, down into the Canyon, then that evening (or following morning) fly (or bus) onward to South Rim, to tour it on Sun.
Forfeit the return flight to make my way by bus/train/car southward to Flagstaff, Sedona, & Phoenix. Fly onward or home from PHX on Thu. or Fri. Nov. 1--2.

Hi

Not sure if this is the right place to post, but here goes.

I am planning a trip to Vegas in Oct 08. As I have my child with me, my main purpose is to visit the Grand Canyon (not really into gambling) ;). We have 1 full day to spare to go to the Canyon and possibly Hoover Dam? Can anyone suggest the best way to do this, a good tour company or something?

What costs can I expect to incur?

I prefer not to hire car and drive as we drive on the opposite side of the road in Australia and I want to have a stressfree holiday if you know what I mean ;).

Thanks :)

Can anyone suggest the best way to do this, a good tour company or something?
Since I KNOW you won't be flying in F (;)), I'd take a look at this (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1)webpage, and type in the search term "Grand Canyon". I found quite a few postings over the recent past that appear to be right up your alley.

Good luck and Have fun!
Dave

Since I KNOW you won't be flying in F (;)), I'd take a look at this (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1)webpage, and type in the search term "Grand Canyon". I found quite a few postings over the recent past that appear to be right up your alley.

Good luck and Have fun!
Dave

Thanks Dave :)

You never know, I might get an ug to the cockpit ;), after all I have flown "cockpit class" before :p, but not on UA.

Will check out your link, thanks.

Wouldn't flying F from Australia->Vegas count as a vacation in and of itself? I can only imagine :).

There are many ways to see the Grand Canyon. The greatest view (in my opinion) is the South Rim. I've used Papillon (http://www.papillon.com/popris/show_categories.aspx?category_id=8&lang=en-US) on a very long, but worth it, bus tour to the South Rim. I've also done the helicopter/lunch tour from Vegas which was still pretty amazing.

Next time I'm in Vegas, I'm going on the West Rim tour in order to do Skywalk (http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/inclusive.html) at the end of June. I'll let you know how I feel about that when I come back.

Just keep in mind, it can get very chilly at the Grand Canyon. My parents went to the North Rim the beginning of November, and it was snowing. It just snowed this weekend, too.

Next time I'm in Vegas, I'm going on the West Rim tour in order to do Skywalk (http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/inclusive.html) at the end of June. I'll let you know how I feel about that when I come back.


We will be in Vegas in October and my daughter wants to do West Rim for the Skywalk. I will have a car even though you drive opposite to us. What is the route to the West Rim?

Wouldn't flying F from Australia->Vegas count as a vacation in and of itself? I can only imagine :).

LOL :D. I am sure it would but I am NOT flying F class (I wish I was) ;). On UA there is no F class LAX-LAS so thats out.

Is it possible to arrive in LAS and book a trip for next day travel or is it better to prebook before I leave SYD?

Thanks to everyone for your great tips and info ^.

Lonely Flyer - we might bump ;) into you there.

We will be in Vegas in October and my daughter wants to do West Rim for the Skywalk. I will have a car even though you drive opposite to us. What is the route to the West Rim?

Make sure you read the reviews of the Skywalk before you go. Tripadvisor has many many negative reviews. It is also very expensive after they hit you for the parking, bus ride, actual walk and picture - since they won't let you take a camera onto it. I was going to go last fall and decided it was not a worthy tourist trap. I'll wait until I have more time and do the south and/or north rim.

We will be in Vegas in October and my daughter wants to do West Rim for the Skywalk. I will have a car even though you drive opposite to us. What is the route to the West Rim?

There are directions on Grand Canyon Skywalk website (http://www.destinationgrandcanyon.com/indexe.html), along with pricing information. Its about a 2 1/2 hour ride, from what I've been told.

Make sure you read the reviews of the Skywalk before you go. Tripadvisor has many many negative reviews. It is also very expensive after they hit you for the parking, bus ride, actual walk and picture - since they won't let you take a camera onto it. I was going to go last fall and decided it was not a worthy tourist trap. I'll wait until I have more time and do the south and/or north rim.

I just looked at the Skywalk reviews. It seems most people didn't do their research ahead of time. A simple visit to the website clearly explains the pricing package. And after making a complicated reservation on the phone today, I know the on hold message clearly states the road is unpaved, the packages available, nothing is allowed on the skywalk and everything must be stored, and that parking is required. The other chief complaint is the scenery, which is people did their research, there is no doubt that the South Rim is the more impressive of the areas. It just seems like people are complaining about things that if they researched a bit beforehand, they would have known.

I'm sure it is a tourist trap. But from the people I've talked it who have been there, its a tourist trap that is worth the trip.

Can anyone suggest the best way to do this, a good tour company or something?


I strongly recommend one of the one-day air and ground tours of the South Rim. I have twice done this tour using Scenic Airlines; see http://www.scenic.com/ and then click the Canyon Connoisseur tour or go directly to http://www.scenic.com/saws1gc_deluxe.htm

Basically they will send a van to pick you up early in the morning at any Vegas hotel. The van will take you to their own terminal where you board their small plane to fly to the South Rim. The plane is nicely designed with the wings extending out from the top of the plane so that they do not obstruct anyone's view. The windows are oversized to permit utterly breathtaking views.

After landing at the Grand Canyon Airport, their motorcoach will take you to the South Rim and give you plenty of time for exploring. Lunch is included. And finally they fly you back to Vegas and drive you back to your hotel. The whole thing takes 8 hours.

I would rate this tour as the best experience of enjoying natural beauty in my life, and I have been to MANY places of natural beauty.

I would suggest www.looktours.com for a helipcopter tour of the grand canyon. We booked thru them last july for our family of four. It costs us $300 each plus we had to pay a small fuel charge when we arrived at the heliport. It was worth every penny! You are picked up from your hotel in a limo, delivered to the heliport. You fly over the hoover dam, grand canyon, etc. Your flight is narrated. You land on the floor of the grand canyon for a picnic lunch for about 30 minutes. On the way back, you fly over the vegas strip (and down town vegas). You are later dropped off at your hotel by limo. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see the grand canyon but doesn't want to sit on a bus and ride all day long to get there. The view was so beautiful! Just awesome! You won't be disappointed. If you go to www.looktours.com, it is the first tour that you will see on their website(grand canyon basin landing special). It will take approximatimately 3.5 hours from beginning to end.

Took a tour with the pink jeep and loved it. Max of 6 passengers in a pink 4X4. It was wonderful and very personable. Free water, too. The guide knew his stuff.

http://pinkjeep.com/

I have just returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon via LAS, and I will try to have a trip report posted next week with pictures. I don't know about October but at the current time, it's great -- very easy visibility of the soaring and perching California Condors right from the El Tovar/Bright Angel/Lookout Studio area. I am not sure how you would get to South Rim without driving though. I thought the quick helicopter/airplane tours were only to the West Rim, and it just isn't the same, although I did this also a few years back. But the West Rim isn't even in the National Park, and a dam, no matter how marvelous, can hardly compare to the actual Grand Canyon. Unless you really can't drive at all on our side of the road, I'd drive over the Hoover Dam with the kid -- you can see it well enough from the outside, it's a big dam -- and take an extra day so you can see the South Rim plus the condors. Accept no substitutes would be my advice. Also, despite the high price of gas, rental cars are so cheap from LAS that it was cheaper for us to drive than to buy two air tickets. It sounds like at current prices our tickets from New Orleans to LAS were cheaper by far than the tickets on Scenic or another air tour from Vegas to the canyon.



Hi

Not sure if this is the right place to post, but here goes.

I am planning a trip to Vegas in Oct 08. As I have my child with me, my main purpose is to visit the Grand Canyon (not really into gambling) ;). We have 1 full day to spare to go to the Canyon and possibly Hoover Dam? Can anyone suggest the best way to do this, a good tour company or something?

What costs can I expect to incur?

I prefer not to hire car and drive as we drive on the opposite side of the road in Australia and I want to have a stressfree holiday if you know what I mean ;).

Thanks :)

Was there last October... the views were obscured by smog/smoke (fuel reduction burn offs on the North rim IIRC) but it was still well worth the visit!

The visitors centres are good, and (as usual IME) the rangers are excellent.

We were there quite late in the month and it was totally uncrowded (end of "season") In fact SOME accomodation places had already closed I think...

(That applied to several places we went to.. including Yellowstone. After those experiences I'd actively recommend that time of year... but then I HATE crowds! And the cold didn't worry me..... being from CBR! :D)

I looked at air/bus tours too (from LAS/PHX).. but on a cost and convenience basis I'd recommend a car too.... it is easily the most economical option, and it gives you the freedom to make your way along the "rim road" at your own pace etc etc... (We went on to Monument Valley and Mesa Verde so we didn't have any other realistic choice but to drive)

Driving in from the south, as you would be, there is also the IMAX cinema just before the park entrance.. the Canyon film there was IMO well worth stopping for....

LAS to the Canyon and back should be a pretty easy drive... you drive in Sydney right!!!:eek: It's mostly going to be pretty open road/highway... I wouldn't be too worried about the driving.... the benefits will outweigh the disadvantages big time (IMO!)

Don't want to get flamed out of my socks here, but I actually like Mesa Verde more than the Canyon.... (Don' shoot!) The Cliff dwellings are an amazing human achievement after all...;) Bit too far from LAS though.... ABQ is a better jumping off point for the "Four Corners" area...

http://www.scenic.com/

Good link that...

I must say - on first glance- the Coach tour they offer looks... OK... if the driving is THAT much of a deal killer...;) The trips I looked at were mainly air IIRC...

I imagine it will be a VERY long day... but WTH.. sleep on the way back???

Thanks everyone for your great tips ^ :-:.

I think I will go for the Scenic Connoiseur Tour. Covers what I would like to do and I dont have to drive ;). Unless of course there are any FTers who would like to drive us there ;).

Thanks everyone for your great tips ^ :-:.

I think I will go for the Scenic Connoiseur Tour. Covers what I would like to do and I dont have to drive ;). Unless of course there are any FTers who would like to drive us there ;).

I think it will be a most memorable trip! Just one last piece of advice: make sure you know exactly where outside your hotel you'll be picked up by the Scenic Airline van. At many Vegas hotels, especially the bigger ones, the shuttle bus and van pickups are NOT at the main entrance, but rather at a secondary entrance that is often at the rear of the casino. Just inquire at the bell desk of your hotel; they'll know exactly how to direct you.

Please post a trip report!

I'm guess I'm kind of late to this posting...

I went to the Western Canyon two days ago.

The drive is a little over 2 hours from Las Vegas/Henderson.

You drive over Hoover Dam. This is a neat thing to see if you haven't. I've seen the Dam before, but not in a while. The dam bypass that they are building is very impressive to see as well.

There is a 14 mile part of the route near the end where it is unpaved and VERY dusty. You will need to wash your car afterwards.

There are a lot of costs. It is $20 to park the car. It is ~$30 to use their bus (which you have to do). It is then another ~$30 for the skywalk. As mentioned above, no cameras are allowed on it; they will take your picture several times. The price/photo goes down the more you buy, but for the first photo it is another $30.

The scenery this weekend was very impressive. The skywalk is an interesting experience to say the least! I am happy I did it, but I don't think I would pay to do it again.

The Hualapai tribe is planning on putting a commercial airport into the Western Canyon area, and they are planning on putting a four-star restaurant in right behind the Skywalk.

The food choices that are currently available are mostly things like burgers/chicken fingers/etc., "Asian meals" as they are called which are mostly rice-bowls, and a few more "authentic" types of foods. Drinks are $2/bottle. You will spend between $7.50 and $15 for lunch.

All in all, this is a very doable day trip from the Vegas area. It will be a long day, and if you go during a particular popular tourist time, you may hit a LOT of traffic at Hoover Dam, but I enjoyed the day.

Keep in mind that the small aircraft give a rough ride in hot climate. Warm air bubbles up from the desert and bounces the plane. If you're prone to airsickness, be aware.
Also, it is worth the upgrade to E+ on the LAX/LAS segment. Much more legroom and usually many empty middle seats.

Enjoy!:)

Keep in mind that the small aircraft give a rough ride in hot climate. Warm air bubbles up from the desert and bounces the plane. If you're prone to airsickness, be aware.


I've done the tour twice, including once in an October which is the month in which the OP will be doing her trip. On both occasions the ride was just fine, with minor "bumps" that were small compared to the bumps one gets on many standard flights, for example near DEN or on some international flights.

I think it will be a most memorable trip! Just one last piece of advice: make sure you know exactly where outside your hotel you'll be picked up by the Scenic Airline van. At many Vegas hotels, especially the bigger ones, the shuttle bus and van pickups are NOT at the main entrance, but rather at a secondary entrance that is often at the rear of the casino. Just inquire at the bell desk of your hotel; they'll know exactly how to direct you.

Please post a trip report!

Thanks again to everyone for their great tips ^ :-:.

AFAIK Scenic Tours uses Planet Hollywood as their transfer point to their large coach. I will hopefully be staying there, so it should make it a bit easier. I will certainly make sure I know where exactly the bus leaves from. Thanks again :).

Re the West Rim: as I am on a budget, I dont like the sound of all the extra fees needed to do the Skywalk. I think I will go with the South Rim this time around. I hope I dont regret that decision ;).

I already have E+ seats on TED (RAR)!

I already have E+ seats on TED (RAR)!

So you know not to believe the FA's when they warn about the flight being full? Go ahead, stack your stuff on the middle seat, it'll be empty.:)

So you know not to believe the FA's when they warn about the flight being full? Go ahead, stack your stuff on the middle seat, it'll be empty.:)

Really :confused:. So the loads are lighter on TED ex LAX-LAS and LAS-SFO? I have never flown TED so its going to be a new experience - RAR!

It will be great if we really do get spare middles ^.

Looking forward to my LAS trip and especially the trip to the Grand Canyon.

Really :confused:. So the loads are lighter on TED ex LAX-LAS and LAS-SFO? I have never flown TED so its going to be a new experience - RAR!

It will be great if we really do get spare middles ^.

Looking forward to my LAS trip and especially the trip to the Grand Canyon.

You stand a better chance of getting an empty middle in the E+ section, an even higher chance if you have UA status, but if you are flying on a Sunday or Monday the flights are usually full. Enjoy your trip to the canyon.

Hie,

Me and my friends (inall 4 or 5 of us) are planning to visit Las Vegas from Aug 19-22. We would really like to see Grand Canyon too :). We have a tight budget - can include around $100-250 :rolleyes: (all 4 together) for grand canyon (cheaper the better). Got couple of questions:

1. Which part of Grand Canyon do you suggest we should visit (which one is more beautiful) Northern or Southern rim?

2. Can we visit either of them in one day (with an early start around 5 or 6 am) and be back the same day as to save money on hotel near Grand Canyon. How long does it take?

3. What will be cheaper ?
a. Renting the car for 4 days (use it in Las Vegas) and drive to Grand Canyon and then come back to Vegas.
OR
b. Don't rent a car in Las Vegas (use public transport to commute from airport and within the city). Rent a car just to go to Grand Canyon.
OR
c. Take a bus ride to Grand Canyon?

Any other suggestions are more than welcome!:D^
Thanks a lot :)

Hie,

Me and my friends (inall 4 or 5 of us) are planning to visit Las Vegas from Aug 19-22. We would really like to see Grand Canyon too :). We have a tight budget - can include around $100-250 :rolleyes: (all 4 together) for grand canyon (cheaper the better). Got couple of questions:

1. Which part of Grand Canyon do you suggest we should visit (which one is more beautiful) Northern or Southern rim?

2. Can we visit either of them in one day (with an early start around 5 or 6 am) and be back the same day as to save money on hotel near Grand Canyon. How long does it take?

3. What will be cheaper ?
a. Renting the car for 4 days (use it in Las Vegas) and drive to Grand Canyon and then come back to Vegas.
OR
b. Don't rent a car in Las Vegas (use public transport to commute from airport and within the city). Rent a car just to go to Grand Canyon.
OR
c. Take a bus ride to Grand Canyon?

Any other suggestions are more than welcome!:D^
Thanks a lot :)

The Northern part is the Best, However on your budget and time , you will have to leave it for another time.

So now you are down to the Western part (Indian res) or Southern (where most of the Tourists end up), since its summer time no cars are allowed in a good portion you will need to park it at a designated parking lot and shuttle bus it the rest of the way thats to the Western points at teh Southern portion, I believe you still can drive to and thru the Eastern exit/entrance.

The drive to the Southern part Id say is appx 5 hrs max, alot of gas. the good part is you control your time, BTW Flagstaff has a bunch of decnt Motels and pick up the roomsaver travel coupon book for better deals, walk in only.You should be able to get them at most gas stations in Kingman,Az driving from LV means going thru Kingman.

If you do overnight it Id say try to work in Sedona just an hour South of Flag, pure Heaven. I like it alot better then the GC, Red Rock Country and amazing hikes and vistas all around. Jeeping too.

cant commet on best timing for the rental, just go to www.orbitz.com and play around with a 24 hr rental and 1 for the whole time

Im not a fan of Tour buses at all, never did 1 and no plans to ever do so.

Entrance to GC I think is now $25 per car.

oops! posted at wrong place.

.....

Hey Craz!

Thanks a ton :)

All your info has really helped me to decide! But just had one last
quick question.

Talked to my friends - we can increase our budget most likely to $150
per person (excluding the air-ticket, hotel stay).

Most likely we'll be reaching Las Vegas at 8 pm, 18th Aug. Will it be
possible to leave 19th early morning (5/6) for Northern rim and come
back late night around 2/4 and enjoy rest of the nights in Las Vegas.
(we aren't really looking for the adventures this time - jsut wanna get
a feel of Grand Canyon) Is it worth it or should we just check out
Southern rim?

Thanks for all the help! :cool: ^ :)

In the amount of time in question I concur with the suggestion to head for the South Rim. I don't think you appreciate how far you must drive AROUND to reach the North Rim. From the National Park Service website: much smaller number of people see the Canyon from the North Rim, which lies just 10 miles / 16 km (as the condor flies) directly across the Canyon from the South Rim. The North Rim rises a thousand feet higher than the South Rim, and is much less accessible. Heavy snows close the road to the North Rim from late October to mid May of each year. Even in good weather it's harder to get to. It is 220 miles / 354 km by car from the South Rim, or 21 miles / 34 km by foot across the Canyon by way of the North and South Kaibab Trails.


In other words, you are talking about an all day drive or an all day hike just to get there. Then you must get back. If you are hiking across the canyon, the South Kaibab Trail crosses the Colorado River on a narrow foot bridge 70 feet/ 21 m above the water. It is a 21 mile/ 34 km hike to go "Rim To Rim," with a vertical descent - followed by a climb - of 1 mile/ 1.6 km. That makes this an overnight hiking trip for 99.5% of hikers. There is only one way to cross by automobile, and that is 137 miles / 231 km from the South Rim Village (at Marble Canyon, AZ) via the Navajo Bridge, a few miles downstream from Lees Ferry, where the Canyon is only 400 feet/ 122 m wide.

There is no longer an airstrip on the North Rim of the park. That means that the North Rim village may only be reached by driving all the way around - or by hiking across the canyon.


In other words, you and your friends are not going to the North Rim in the time allowed.

To be honest I would feel pressed landing at LAS on Aug. 18 and heading for even the South Rim if I expected to be leaving LAS on Aug. 22. Something's going to get shortchanged somewhere.

The West Rim is not part of the National Park and is not as spectacular, although it's often the area visited by air tours that figure you not to know the difference.


I have a trip report from May from South Rim if you want to check it out:
http://peachfront.diaryland.com/gcandcan2.html

My trip is one of these short trips but I have hiked the canyon and visited it a number of times before. If it might be your one and only chance, you will want to invest more time.

The charge is $25 for a vehicle and its occupants, or $12 each if you take the bus to enter the Grand Canyon. It is really a 4 hour visit, and can take longer if you get off and on the conveyance many times. This is really made for people staying over if coming from LV. I do not know what the bus charges, but it is probably a budget buster.

NOTE if one of you are 62, then a life time pass can be had for only $10. The pass will get you all in, if in a car, or the pass holder and 3 adults if on the bus. (check this to confirm, if it applies). That pass is good for most all National Parks and should be in every wallet of everyone over 62. One can only wonder how long such a deal will last asa the baby boomers come of age.

We made a trip around Nevada that included staying in Cameron (Cameron Trading Post-at the East Rim), driving in the East Rim and seeing many sites that others visiting do not, then we toured on the tram for a few hours and then exited the South Rim and stayed in Tusayan.




















410

People of any age can get an annual vehicle pass for $80 from the booth where you enter the Grand Canyon National Park. Two people can sign and use the pass for an entire year. My friend and I both signed the pass. It costs the same if it is sold for use by one person or two persons. The two persons do not have to be a couple. Also, four people in the same car will be allowed in for free, as long as someone who holds the pass is in the car. Also, it is good for all national recreation areas, in addition to the national parks. Well, we quickly learned that camping fees in the national recreation areas are HALF the price per night with the pass.

The combined benefit of being able to get free entry to all national parks plus half price on camping at all national recreation areas makes the annual pass an incredible bargain for the outdoorsperson. In fact, we got our pass in May and it has already paid for itself in these savings -- $25 vehicle fee Grand Canyon, $10 vehicle fee Acadia, $66 in savings on 11 nights camping at a national recreation area in northern Mississippi. So we're already ahead of the game with most of the year left to go.

I highly recommend it. Here is the link about it:

http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm

It is the first pass, American the Beautiful "national Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Annual"



.

NOTE if one of you are 62, then a life time pass can be had for only $10. The pass will get you all in, if in a car, or the pass holder and 3 adults if on the bus. (check this to confirm, if it applies). That pass is good for most all National Parks and should be in every wallet of everyone over 62. One can only wonder how long such a deal will last asa the baby boomers come of age.



















410

In the amount of time in question I concur with the suggestion to head for the South Rim. I don't think you appreciate how far you must drive AROUND to reach the North Rim. From the National Park Service website: much smaller number of people see the Canyon from the North Rim, which lies just 10 miles / 16 km (as the condor flies) directly across the Canyon from the South Rim. The North Rim rises a thousand feet higher than the South Rim, and is much less accessible. Heavy snows close the road to the North Rim from late October to mid May of each year. Even in good weather it's harder to get to. It is 220 miles / 354 km by car from the South Rim, or 21 miles / 34 km by foot across the Canyon by way of the North and South Kaibab Trails.


In other words, you are talking about an all day drive or an all day hike just to get there. Then you must get back. If you are hiking across the canyon, the South Kaibab Trail crosses the Colorado River on a narrow foot bridge 70 feet/ 21 m above the water. It is a 21 mile/ 34 km hike to go "Rim To Rim," with a vertical descent - followed by a climb - of 1 mile/ 1.6 km. That makes this an overnight hiking trip for 99.5% of hikers. There is only one way to cross by automobile, and that is 137 miles / 231 km from the South Rim Village (at Marble Canyon, AZ) via the Navajo Bridge, a few miles downstream from Lees Ferry, where the Canyon is only 400 feet/ 122 m wide.

There is no longer an airstrip on the North Rim of the park. That means that the North Rim village may only be reached by driving all the way around - or by hiking across the canyon.


In other words, you and your friends are not going to the North Rim in the time allowed.

To be honest I would feel pressed landing at LAS on Aug. 18 and heading for even the South Rim if I expected to be leaving LAS on Aug. 22. Something's going to get shortchanged somewhere.

The West Rim is not part of the National Park and is not as spectacular, although it's often the area visited by air tours that figure you not to know the difference.


I have a trip report from May from South Rim if you want to check it out:
http://peachfront.diaryland.com/gcandcan2.html

My trip is one of these short trips but I have hiked the canyon and visited it a number of times before. If it might be your one and only chance, you will want to invest more time.


Hey Peachfront!! :cool:

Thanks a lot :) . I have decided as u said just enjoy Vegas for this trip!! Skipping all the canyonz part for now!

Helpful info at the Canyon...

http://www.explorethecanyon.com/

You can buy your park admission in the visiotr center there too.

if you have the time the north rim is well worth it. the south rim gets over-crowded with the griswolds in the summer.

No doubt but I don't care if every Griswold in existence is there if the Condors are there, and they are VERY easily seen at the South Rim. Feel free to click my link in my post higher in the thread and look at my photos of the Condors, and these were NOT taken with any type of expensive lens or fancy equipment. We were on the path at the South Rim for less than five minutes before we had three Condors checking us out. There are good arguments to be made for the South Rim. People with "good" equipment would get spectacular photos. There's a reason the crowds flock there. Our Original Poster doesn't really have time for any of it, but maybe this thread will help give ideas to others who would like to visit the canyon from Vegas.

For those interested in the North Rim, but cannot get into the Lodge, there is an Inn at Jacob Lake. We will be there two days in October, so we will know better about it after then.

If going to the East Rim, I hightly recommend a stay at Cameron Trading Post lodge. Reasonable, large and good food. They also have RV park across the highway. We stayed once, and our staying again on our upcoming trip, even though it is a bit out of our way.

When we stayed at Cameron, we then entered the canyon from the east (about 35 miles as I recollect) and then made a bunch of stops before getting to the parking area for the bus. Lots of pullouts. We then stayed just outside the South Rim entry another night and saw the IMAX movie.

Just back from the North Rim two weeks ago and.... WOW

This is definitely the place to go if you want to enjoy peace and quiet and the Nature - Condors, Birds, Squirrels and Deer (not what we expected...) all over the place without any feeling of being with the masses.

North Rim Lodge had been fuly booked for months, but then we had the idea to book via Gullivers who have an allotment, so no problem getting a room mid July two week in advance - try www.octopustravel.com.

The only down-side to the North Rim is that there is absolutely nothing to do except Look at/wander around the Canyon, no excursions (except Mule rides) of any sort.

I am looking at doing a day tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon for 2A and 2C (6 & 7).

Because we are trying to do it in a day, looking at flying, but Trip Advisor has such mixed reviews about Papillon, I am not sure if I can trust our day out with them.

After coming so far, and having one day to look at the Grand Canyon, the last thing I want is a bad tour, so while this tour does everything we want to see, has anyone used them recently & how have people found Papillon?

http://www.papillon.com/popris/show_package.aspx?package_id=34&lang=en-US

The other option is Maverick, which people rave over, but they only fly to the West Rim. Is the South Rim so much better that I am better to go there?


What will the weather be link in the 1st week of Jan? Is there a chance of cancellation due to snow / storms?

The family isn't likely to come back to the US for a holiday for another 7-10 years, and I don't know if we will get to see the Grand Canyon so I want to make the trip as special as possible. If I could do my bookings again, I would likely stay a night in the area - but now I have to book a day trip and I am trying to find the best one possible.

I can't speak to the tour operators themselves, but you'll find any rim spectacular, I suspect. At that time of year, the South Rim is uncrowded, and it probably offers the most sweeping views... so I would lean towards it. For the weather, expect anything and everything. The rim is at an altitude that makes it effectively look like southern Canada climate-wise. You could easily have a heavy snow or a cool, crisp day. Visibility is often best at this time of year due to lower humidity. I would say you have a reasonable chance of having weather issues (20-30%?), but you should ask the operator what their dispatch rate at that time of year is. And keep pressing until you get an answer you believe as opposed to marketingspeak. :)

I strongly recommend a one-day air and ground trip on Scenic Airlines to the South Rim. See http://www.scenic.com/ and click on the Canyon Connoisseur tour, or go directly to
http://www.scenic.com/saws1gc_deluxe.htm

I liked this tour so much that I did it a second time a year later. The views of the Canyon that you get during the flight are breathtaking beyond compare.

I did Papillomn this year and wan not AT ALL IMPRESSED. They promised me lunch at the bottom of the CANYON. What is got was some crappy buffett at the top.

The bus driver was freaking rude as hell.

Not worth it IMO !!

What will the weather be link in the 1st week of Jan? Is there a chance of cancellation due to snow / storms?

Yes, there certainly *IS* a chance of snow or storms in January.

Temperatures range between 41 and 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and it gets and average of 1.3 inches of precipitation (or roughly 4-6 inches of snow).

The West rim (really the western part of the South Rim) at the Skywalk is roughly 4800 feet...which is well into the altitudes where snow is a possibility. Since there's 18 miles of bad road to get there, any seriously inclement weather can close down a trip. The better known South Rim in the National Park is even higher at 7000 feet above sea level....and the North Rim (which is closed in winter) is 8000 feet.

HI,

title says it all. Who´s the best operator for an airplane tour to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? West Rim or South Rim? I´m not a big fan of the Skywalk...

Last year we were a group that went with a company called Maverick. It's helicopter not plane so I'm not sure if this is what the OP wants.

Anyway, I did spend a lot of time investigating different operators before I booked. Basically we had a set of criterias:

1. Depart from Las Vegas (no long bus rides)
2. Land in the Canyon for photo opportunities

There are many variants and many operators so you should first be sure what you want and then investigate operators.

Also I found http://www.tripadvisor.com to be helpful.

Looking for recommendations for Grand Canyon West Rim tour from Vegas - Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours looks good but feedback is not good. What about Sweet Tours, Destination Tours, Maverick Tours? Would prefer flying but want to include Skywalk.

My dear daughter and myself did the Pink Jeep tour; albeit Hoovwr Dam and it was well worth the price, it maybe a bit more than others, but it was a very small group and made very personal.

http://www.pinkjeep.com/

Looking for recommendations for Grand Canyon West Rim tour from Vegas - Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours looks good but feedback is not good. What about Sweet Tours, Destination Tours, Maverick Tours? Would prefer flying but want to include Skywalk.

Hi Texastraveler025,

Welcome to flyertalk!^

I flew with Scenic airlines ( they also do the West Rim and Skywalk) to the South Rim from Las Vegas and overnighted at the Grand Canyon two years ago and they were very good.

details here;
http://www.scenic.com/scenic/show_package.aspx?package_id=278&lang=en-US

Regards

TBS

My dear daughter and myself did the Pink Jeep tour; albeit Hoovwr Dam and it was well worth the price, it maybe a bit more than others, but it was a very small group and made very personal.

http://www.pinkjeep.com/

We are going to Las Vegas in the third week of August. There will be 4 of us (three adults and a teenaged child). We will also rent a car for the whole week were are in Las Vegas. Taking account convenivence and expense, what are the most practical options to go to the West Grand Canyon and Skywalk - take the car (we have not decided if there will be one driver or two drivers for the car for the whole week), or take a land tour. If the latter, do people agree that Pink Jeep is the best tour company.

Should we be careful tha some tour companies may not give the tourists the Skywalk option?