What's the Best Way To See the South Rim of Grand Canyon from Vegas?

We will be in Vegas in February and want to visit the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. We have never been there, and we are trying to figure out the best way to get there, like rent a car, hire a driver (Uber), get on a tour bus, and how long it takes to get there. We heard the tour buses take about an hour to pick up everybody, and start at 6:30 a.m. Also, I understand the elevation at the rim is 7,000 feet, so we assume it will be pretty cold in February. We have never been before and want to know what you recommend for a trip to the South Rim?

First, yes, the tour buses run around the city between 6 and 7 a.m., stopping at various hotels to pick up passengers. Most tour buses take them all to their respective company tour lobbies, then shuffle them off on their various trips (West Rim, South Rim, etc.); you get on another bus and away you go.

With rest breaks and a stop for lunch, the bus trip to the South Rim takes upwards of six hours, arriving at the National Park around 1 p.m. So it’s six hours one-way and three hours at the Rim, then it’s back on the bus at 4-ish for another long bus ride to Vegas. All told, figure on 12-14 hours for the trip.

Also, some tour companies include a stop at Hoover Dam on the way. You might want to think twice about that; it's an insanely long day as it is.

Some people don't mind the long rides to and from and the limited time at the park; they like the guided tour and not having to do anything but show up for the bus on time and are content with a few hours moseying around Grand Canyon Village, the historic district at the South Rim.

Others like the tour — you take pot luck on the driver/guide, though our understanding is that most get high marks for driving and imparting information — but don't like the endless bus ride, the stops at marginal eateries and rest rooms, and not enough time at the Grand Canyon.

One traveler we heard from took a two-day tour, staying overnight at the Canyon, and she said that was definitely the way to go. It broke the long trip into two days and she had enough time to do everything she wanted, including enjoying the night sky.

Alternatively to the bus trip, it's only 270 miles from Vegas to the South Rim. US 93 is four lanes all the way to I-40 at Kingman, then I-40 has an 80-mph speed limit to Williams; it's a very fast road, with most drivers doing between 85 and 90. It’s a little less than three hours from Vegas to Williams, where you turn north; from there it's less than an hour (50 miles) to the entrance to the Park. You can make it in four hours easily, so a rental car isn't nearly as grueling as the bus.

It's still a long day, especially for the driver, and there're so many interesting things to do at the Canyon that unless time is extremely of the essence, it's still best to spend the night. You can stay at one of many motels in Tusayan just before the park entrance or you can live it up at or near the rim at the National Park-style hotels, like Bright Angel, Yavapai, Maswik, and Kachina.

That way, the next day, you can also drive all the way to the east end of the park and beyond, then take 89 back through Flagstaff. It's an extra 100 miles or so, but not too many people go out to Desert View at the east end and it's a different way back, so you're not completely retracing your route.

As for Uber, that’s hard to say. We went to the Uber Estimator and it wouldn’t quote a price from Las Vegas, as if this option doesn't exist. You might be able to find a car and driver to do it, though a round-trip of nearly 600 miles would take an exceptional commitment from an independent contractor. It’s almost certainly a lot less expensive to rent a good car for a couple of days, and you won’t be stuck with someone you might not like, and you’d probably have to pay his/her expenses, and overall it just doesn’t seem like a viable alternative to us.

Finally, yes, it will be cold there. As you note, the South Rim is 7,000 feet above sea level. At night, temperatures can drop into the low 20s, though during the day when the sun's shining, even in January and February, it generally goes up to the mid-40s or so. There can be snow too, though so far this year, there hasn't been much.

There you have it. Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide to do and have a great trip.

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[email protected] Feb-16-2018

An exhasting trip

I have talked to people who have taken it. It's like spending only 4 hours at a Disney or Universal Park.  We went to the Grand Canyon while visiting Arizona and that makes far more sense. We spent "all day" there and had a wonderful time, then went back to Sodona (recommended).  Also, February is a bad month to visit. Too cold.

cjen Feb-16-2018

Seligman Ariz.

Wife and I traveled rt.66 and stopped in Seligman, Supposedly the inspiration for the movie "Cars". Several tour buses seen there.

Ray Feb-16-2018

Copters?

I noticed you did not mention helicopter tours. It may be a sensitive topic with the recent crash, but that still is an option, right? (I don't think I would do it, but it seems like many people do).

Bumbug Feb-16-2018

Grand Cayon is a don't miss!

I've been to the Grand Canyon 5 times, and I see something new each time, so I don't think going on a day trip with only a few hours at the canyon is the way to go. And while February may not be the best time to visit, the canyon is  fascinating ANY time! Renting a car and spending a night will at least give you the chance to drive through the park and pick where you want to spend time. Once we were lucky enough to get a room in one of the buildings which is right next to the rim and we could see down into the canyon from our second-floor windows. That was amazing. There is just so much to see, and unless you have mobility issues, it's fun to walk at least a few hundred feet down the trail which leads to the canyon floor. It's also fun to see the mules in the morning as they get ready to carry tourists down to the canyon floor, or in the afternoon when they retun from their arduous treks. Whatever you do, though, GO TO THE GRAND CANYON! It should be on everyone's bucket list.

Dave Feb-16-2018

Travel time

Wherever you go, spending more time traveling, EACH WAY, than you’re going to spend at the destination, is never a good idea.

Jean Haka Feb-16-2018

Feb is a GREAT month to see GC!

I have been to the GC in Feb (Super Bowl weekend) and in Summer -- I'd take Feb any time over Summer!  Summer is HOT and there are TONS of visitors.  In February you can drive yourself up and down the main canyon-rim drive and stop as many times and for as long as you want.  We often were the only people an many of the stops.  Yes -- it was cold --but we had a bright sunny day and we wore our spring coats/jackets with sweatshirts underneath.  We also brought hats and gloves.  Another hint -- we left and returned from Laughlin in a rental car.  The driving is easy--just takes a bit. We spent several hours at the canyon -- and we had seen enough--but we don't get into hiking and the like.  We DID see people hiking in Feb--but I'd be leery of slippery snow on the trails. . .   If you watch ahead of time -- you can get some decent/cheap prices on car rentals out of Las Vegas.  Rooms in Laughlin can be had for less than $50/nite. Go and ENJOY! Words don't do it justice. . . .

Manning Feb-16-2018

Trip to South Rim

Grand Canyon Railway from Williams Ariz. 3-4hour vintage train ride to the south rim. 4 hours to explore the area and a 3-4 hour ride back to Williams. Stay the night before, and again on the return from the canyon. Railway has a hotel and restaurant right at the station in Williams. The train leaves about 10am and returns about 6pm. Stay the two nights so you are not rushing to get back to Las Vegas. Leave early the second day and stop at the dam on the way back.
Best of all the train has a bar car and snacks.
Great scenery, and very relaxing.
Grand Canyon Railway, Williams Arizona.

[email protected] Feb-16-2018

Pink Jeep

I went with Pink Jeep last year.  Well worth it.  Unlike the big busses we had the option for a drop off which then allowed a 2 1/2 mile walk along the rim.  Only 8 people on the tour.  The driver was great.  He pointed out a lot of interesting things on the drive.  He also showed an interesting video on the way for those who preferred watching that.  If you're in LAS more than a couple of days, it's worth taking a day for the trip.  Plus, you don't have to drive!  That's why I go on vacation!

[email protected] Feb-16-2018

Whoops!

Actually, I've taken Pink Jeep so many times that I typed them automatically.  For the Grand Canyon I actually took Las Vegas Photo Tours.  Both are great companies, but the latter had the walk option.

[email protected] Feb-16-2018

Maverick Helicopter Grand Canyon Tours

I see through myvegas that there are helicopter tours, which to me, the way to go here.  How VIP is this, with a champagne lunch at the Grand Canyon.  I think the cost is around $500 but this seems by far the best way to go. Maverick Helicopter Grand Canyon Tours: http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-wind-dancer.aspx

Question of the Day - 16 February 2018

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