Tours in and Around the Grand Canyon

There are dozens of ways to see the Grand Canyon, dozens of ways to experience its majesty and to become deeply affected by the scenery and even the mythical quality many people feel when visiting. Whether you drive along one of the scenic drives in your car and hop out at selected viewpoints to snap photos or to just take in the view, or whether you plan a week-long rafting trip, or whether you gear up and go backpacking a mile down into the bottom of the canyon, or whether you sign up for guided tours, on foot, horseback, or by bus, you will find the right way to commune with the natural beauty that eveyone who visits the Grand Canyon will remember for the rest of their lives. It's just that awe-inspiring and, to some, spiritual! If you are limited on time, or just like to sit back and let the pros do the driving for your, consider signing up for a guided tour of the Grand Canyon. There are many different types of tours, and information can be found in the lobby of any one of the Grand Canyon's hotels.

Grand Canyon Mule Tours

Mule rides are very popular with visitors to the Grand Canyon, and have been for about one hundred years. Mules are sure-footed and steady, and were the main mode of transport of goods for prospectors, settlers, and explorers who went up and down, into and out of the Grand Canyon with any regularity. More sure-footed than horses, mules have been a part of the Grand Canyon experience for thousands and thousands of people for a long time. The Bright Angel Trail was the first permanent trail into the Grand Canyon, evolved from a trail make by wild animals going down to the river for a drink of water from the Colorado River. It's so steep you may not even want to consider riding a mule down the path, but the mules who work the Bright Angel Trail know what they are doing! They do it every day, and nobody has heard of anyone falling off. They've been doing mule trips into the Grand Canyon since the early 1900s, and nobody has died after having his or her mule fall off a cliff yet.

Mule trips down into the Grand Canyon range from just a few hours to multi-days on the trail. Destinations vary, too. You can take a mule trip to Phantom Ranch, or to Plateau Point. Plateau Point is a spectacular destination, with its magnificent view of the Colorado River. The point is 1300 feet above the river, so the view is sweeping, and definitely worth the rough six hours in the saddle it requires to get there. During the winter months, you can take a mule trip down to Phantom Ranch and stay overnight. Phantom Ranch has cabins and dorm-style rooms. Ticket prices for the multi-day mule trips include meals. All the mule trips are really popular, and during the peak tourist season, which is summertime, make sure you make a reservation. Book early...months early!

If you're visiting the Grand Canyon on the North Rim, and you want to experience the views while riding a mule, contact Grand Canyon Trail Rides.

Grand Canyon Jeep Tours

Jeep tours will take you to far-flung parts of Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest which many tourists dno't see either because they don't know about these more remote parts, or becaue they dont' have the time. Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris will take you on jeep adventures around the Grand Canyon that will leave you thrilled and definitely wanting for more! They go through Kaibab National Forest, and stop at various spots of interest, as well as Grand Canyon view spots. There are three different tours to choose from.

Airplane and Helicopter Rides over the Grand Canyon

Airplane and Helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon have been limited due to noise protection rules for wildlife, but they do still run, and they are a great way to get a different perspective of the Grand Canyon. In fact, the aerial view of the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular activities for tourists who come to the Grand Canyon. Many of the tours operate of the airport in Tusayan. You can get a small plane tour, or a helicopter tour out of Tusayan. Helicopter rides usually run from half an hour to one hour. Small plane rides lst from half an hour to two hours. One small plane tour company has been operating since 1927. It's called Grand Canyon Airlines.

Educational Tours

The Grand Canyon Field Institute offers intensive educational tours out of its facilites, operated in conjunction with Grand Canyon National Park. Like mini-college semesters in the Grand Canyon, their tours come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they have in common is a heavy emphasis on learning about the Grand Canyon. Subjects such as natural history, culture, photography, art, human history, and wilderness studies are covered, and involve backpacking through the canyon.

Check out the Ranger-led programs available throughout the year thanks to the National Park Service's well-educated rangers. They give tours on everything from the geology of the Grand Canyon to stargazing walks at night, to anceint ruins.