Grand Canyon South Rim Day Tour with Lunch Las Vegas

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

The South Rim is the most visited part of Grand Canyon National Park, and it is what most people picture when they think of the Grand Canyon. The canyon here is over a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide, and the layered red and orange rock shows millions of years of geology. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Grand Canyon South Rim day tour from Las Vegas gives you a classic, full-scale view in a single long day. The rim sits at about 7,000 feet, so it is cooler than Las Vegas most of the year, and in winter there can be snow. Bring layers whatever the season.

Viewpoints, the Rim Trail and your free time

With about three hours of free time, you can walk along the rim between viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Point, or follow a section of the Rim Trail, which runs along the edge of the canyon. Your guide explains the options and where to meet the coach again, so you can plan your time.

Are the best views from the South Rim worth the long ride? For many travellers, yes, because the scale of the canyon is hard to picture until you stand at the edge. Sunrise and sunset are famous, but on a day tour you see the canyon in strong midday light, which shows the colours of each layer.

Helicopter flight upgrade over the North and South Rim

The helicopter upgrade adds a 30-minute flight above the canyon, including take-off and landing time, with views of both the North and South Rim. It is a separate option in the booking panel, so choose it when you book.

Seeing the canyon from above shows the width and the side canyons in a way you cannot from the rim. The flight depends on weather and wind, and seating in the helicopter is arranged by the flight company, so please tell us in advance if anyone in your group has weight or mobility concerns.

The long drive, lunch and how to get to the South Rim

Many travellers ask how to get to the Grand Canyon South Rim from Las Vegas, and how long it takes. By coach it is a drive of about four and a half hours each way, which is why the day lasts about 14 hours and starts early in the morning. The coach has free Wi-Fi, and lunch is included, so you do not need to plan food.

Please note that non-US residents may need to pay an additional national park entrance fee, and an optional walking tour is not included. Tips are optional. Tell us at least 24 hours before the tour if you have special dietary needs, including gluten-free sandwich requests.