Grand Canyon News

Here at Grand Canyon.com, one of our most frequently asked questions is “What’s the best way to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?”  There are actually several answers to this question. 

The best way, as in the quickest way, is to take Highway 93 South out of Las Vegas.  On the way, you’ll have a perfect opportunity for a photo stop at the Hoover Dam.  Continue on Highway 93 to Kingman, Arizona.  In Kingman, take Interstate 40 East to Williams, Arizona.  In Williams, take AZ 64 going North.  That route will take you to Grand Canyon’s South Rim in approximately 5 hours. 

If you have more time, you might want to take a detour up Old Route 66.  The best-preserved remnant of what was known as “The Mother Road” begins in Kingman and ends in Seligman, where you would return to Interstate 40.  Taking this route will add another hour or so to your drive.

Another fun little detour – especially if you have the time to break up the drive into 2 days – would be picturesque Oatman, Arizona.  In this quaint former mining town, visitors can feed the “semi-wild” burros that roam the streets to this very day!  Oatman is approximately 130 miles from Las Vegas via Highway 95. 

So you’re not about to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and a mule ride DEFINITELY isn’t your cup of tea.  Believe it or not, that’s all good news!  Virtually all of the tours in our Grand Canyon Top Tours Brochure are family oriented and appropriate for almost all ages.  For those of you seeking a great way to explore the wonders of the Grand Canyon without paying for it afterward, consider these activities.

1. The Colorado River Float Trip: a 15-mile journey down the Colorado River, without rapids.  Northern Arizona’s #1 Family Tour, people from age 4 to 104 and everywhere in between have enjoyed this trip for over 30 years.  Commencing from the base of the Glen Canyon Dam in Page/Lake Powell, you board 20-passenger pontoon boats and embark on a 4-hour journey through time.  Ponder the mysterious messages of the Ancient Ones, gaze upward at canyon walls rising a thousand feet into the sky – keep your eyes peeled for herons, egrets, eagles, swallows, maybe even a California Condor!  Available as a day trip (12 hours) from Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff or Sedona, or as a 1/2-day trip from Page, Arizona. 

Visiting Las Vegas and don’t plan to make it to the South Rim or Page?  Ask Grand Canyon.com about the Black Canyon Adventure from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach.

2.  A trip to Grand Canyon West.  Get to the bottom of the Canyon without breaking a sweat.  Situated on Hualapai Indian Tribal Lands, Grand Canyon West offers the chance to take an exhilarating helicopter ride to the very floor of the canyon, where you’ll board a pontoon boat for a 30-minute run up the channel, after which, another thrill ride back to the to the top!  Available as a 3/4- to full-day excursion from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona or Page/Lake Powell.  Transportation options include airplane, motorcoach or Hummer.  ***There is one part of this trip that may not be appropriate for some: 3-flights of stairs from the helipad to the boat ramp, which you must also ascend from the ramp back to the helipad.  As long as you can manage, this, you’ll do fine.******

3.  An airplane or helicopter tour – experience the ultimate in exhilaration, with the least amount of exertion.  Giving you the biggest bang for the buck, see the canyon at its grandest starting at $109 per person. 

4.  The American Dream Tour - it’s not listed on our website because they keep group sizes small, but this half-day in-depth Grand Canyon Tour is a hit with all ages.  These guides delve deep into the science, history and character of the Grand Canyon, bringing out binoculars and pointing out things you wouldn’t see with the naked eye. 

5.  Stroll the rim trail.  This 5-mile paved walkway offers excellent canyon views and is flat most of the wya. 

6.  See the spectacular IMAX Movie “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.”  (Ask how GrandCanyon.com can save you 20% on your tickets!!)

7.  Attend a National Park Service program, lecture or slideshow.  Non-strenuous, and best of all – FREE!  

P.S.  Many years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a gentleman who, under doctor’s orders, took his last Grand Canyon hike at the age of 89.  Francis, you rock.     

We’re often asked what are the best activies to do while at the Grand Canyon.

Here’s our top 10 list:

add stuff here.

This is a post to test the new blog. It is filed in the default category “Grand Canyon”.