Top 5 Grand Canyon Adventure Tours: Which is Right For You?
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? That big, beautiful ditch in Arizona, that’s just one of those places you really gotta see to believe. Finding the just right tour can make all the difference between a ‘meh’ trip and an ‘wow’ one. Here’s the lowdown on five top Grand Canyon adventure tours to help you pick the perfect fit for your style and budget.
1. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours: Soaring Above the Rim
Imagine yourself floating over the Grand Canyon. Well, it is almost like being in a dream, right? This isn’t your everyday bus tour; it’s a chance to see the canyon from a totally new viewpoint. Often departing from Las Vegas, these tours whisk you away on a flight offering views.
What makes it special: Seriously, who wouldn’t want to see the Grand Canyon from a helicopter? It’s super quick, allowing you to cover tons of ground in a short time. Many tours include landing in the canyon for a champagne toast. Now, that is pretty special, wouldn’t you say?
What to watch out for: They are not, perhaps, going to be the cheapest option, yet the splurge might very well be worth it for the experience. The flights can also be a bit bumpy for those prone to motion sickness.
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2. Mule Riding Tours: A Classic Canyon Experience
How about kicking it old-school? This, really, is a Grand Canyon tradition. Mule riding tours have been taking folks down into the canyon for over a hundred years, so it’s definitely an awesome, unique way to experience the scenery.
What makes it special: Riding a mule down the winding trails lets you soak in the surroundings at a relaxed pace. The views from the trail are incredible, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
What to watch out for: These rides are not quite as easy as they sound. The mules do most of the work, yet you will want to be reasonably fit and not afraid of heights. Space is also super limited, so book well in advance. These tours, for the most part, are not suited for everyone.
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3. Hiking Tours: For the Adventurous Souls
Got a solid pair of hiking boots? Really keen to get your sweat on? A hiking tour might very well be just the thing for you. Numerous trails cater to different fitness levels, from gentle rim walks to demanding descents into the canyon. These tours let you get up close and personal with the canyon’s geology and ecology.
What makes it special: Well, you just cannot beat the sense of accomplishment after hiking a Grand Canyon trail. Plus, you’ll see stuff that those on easier tours totally miss. These hikes give you time, in a way, to reflect on just how massive this place really is.
What to watch out for: Hiking in the Grand Canyon isn’t like hiking in your local park. It could be very challenging. The sun is fierce, water is essential, and some trails can be tricky. It is advisable to go with a guided group, mainly if you’re new to hiking in desert areas. So, prepare for possible exhaustion.
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4. South Rim Bus Tours: Sightseeing Made Easy
Want to see the main highlights without too much physical activity? That’s not to say that one shouldn’t move; these bus tours, actually, are the way to go. These tours, quite often departing from nearby cities like Flagstaff or even further afield, Las Vegas, take you to the South Rim’s lookout points, allowing you to enjoy scenic vistas with minimal fuss.
What makes it special: They are super convenient. Someone else does the driving. You just sit back and take in the views. These tours usually include stops at major viewpoints and landmarks, so, like, Mather Point and Yavapai Point. Great for families or anyone who prefers a more laid-back way to sightsee.
What to watch out for: You will want to remember that you’re sharing the experience with lots of others. If you prefer peace, then these may be too loud and hectic for you. In other words, they can be a bit crowded, especially during peak season.
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5. Rafting Tours: Experiencing the Colorado River
Fancy a totally different kind of canyon experience? How about hitting the water? Multi-day rafting trips down the Colorado River provide views of the canyon walls. The canyon looks like that; from the bottom up.
What makes it special: You get a different angle. Seriously. Drifting down the river puts you right in the heart of the canyon’s huge vastness. The river, more or less, shapes the canyon itself. So, witnessing it is an insightful experience in many respects. The river trips often include hikes to remote waterfalls and ancient ruins.
What to watch out for: These trips need, perhaps, to be booked way in advance and are a pretty considerable time commitment. It depends on what parts of the canyon you’re visiting. Plus, you might need to embrace a certain level of ‘roughing it.’ These are multi-day adventures. The hot sun will demand protection and hydration so consider your physical demands.
Read our full review: Grand Canyon Rafting Tours Full Review and Details
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Read our full review: Rafting Tours Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Rafting Tours)
Selecting the proper Grand Canyon adventure, really, is all about understanding what rocks your world, or canyon in this case. Be it soaring high above, riding a mule down steep trails, testing your own endurance on a solid hike, sitting and relaxing on a guided bus, or challenging yourself on a river, so the choices seem quite incredible. Now, by getting clued in, for instance, to the tour styles and possible watch-outs, you’re really more than prepared to get that amazing experience happening that you, more or less, are looking for!
