Pick ups for this small group tour take place at many tourist area hotels in Phoenix, Tempe, West Mesa and Scottsdale. These can be seen at the bottom of this page.
Heading north out of Phoenix, the first stop is the red rock country of Sedona. You will drive through the entire length of Sedona, including Oak Creek Canyon - one of the region's most scenic drives - and uptown Sedona. There will be stops along the way. The route passes through the small northern Arizona town of Flagstaff before getting to the Grand Canyon.
On the way in you will stop at Mather Point, the first view point of the Grand Canyon, where you can get out, stroll around, enjoy the never ending vistas and take some pictures. You will then be taken to Bright Angel Lodge, which is where some of the view points of the Grand Canyon are, as well as shops, hotels and restaurants.
The first major stop at the Grand Canyon is at Mather Point, which is the deepest part of the Grand Canyon. From there you will be taken to Bright Angel Lodge, where many of the shops, restaurants and lodges are. We always try and reserve a room at Bright Angel Lodge, which is at the rim. Depending on how late you book, this is often not possible, and we may book you at either Maswik Lodge, which is about a quarter mile (0.4 km) from the rim, or Yavapai Lodge, which is less than half a mile (0.75 km) from the rim, on the free shuttle route.
If you are not staying at Bright Angel you can take the free shuttle to your lodge. It runs about every 15 minutes.
You are now on your own to explore the Grand Canyon. The hotels inside the Grand Canyon are all within walking distance of the rim, so it is easy to get around. If you prefer not to walk you can take the free shuttle service, operated by the National Park Service, instead. This runs around the South Rim for much of the year.
It is possible to extend your stay at the Grand Canyon and spend more nights there. Instead of leaving the Canyon tomorrow, you can spend as much extra time there as you like. When you order the tour, you will see an option to add extra nights at the Grand Canyon. Simply add as many additional nights as you choose.
Depending on what time you like to wake up, you have got quite a bit of time again this morning to take in the sights and walk around. Please be ready to be picked up at about 3.30 p.m. at Bright Angel Lodge. This is subject to change and we do request that you give us a call in the morning (this is a free call to a toll free number) to get an updated time. Once again, if you are not staying at Bright Angel, you will need to take the free shuttle back there. You can leave your luggage at Bright Angel Lodge for a nominal fee.
The route we take out of the Grand Canyon travels along the seldom seen east part of the South Rim. There are several photo stops along the way.
On the way we will stop at the Desert View Watchtower, a unique building designed by the legendary architect, Mary Colter, using rocks brought up from the bottom of the Canyon. The inside of the tower is full of artwork by Hopi (Indian) artists.
We will start dropping down from the South Rim, to the desert that is Navajo Nation land below. Right next to the Little Colorado River is the Cameron Trading Post, one of the best purveyors of southwestern souvenirs and native American art and jewelry. We will stop here so you can do some shopping. From Cameron we will make our way south through Flagstaff, and on to Phoenix. The tour drops off in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and West Mesa.
Please note that although this is the way this tour almost always runs, there are some times when it is done in reverse. The route from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon will then come up through Cameron, and the ride back will go through Sedona.
The days and dates this tour runs can be seen in the calendar at the top right of this page.
This is a partially unescorted tour. What this means is that you have a driver/guide with you on the trips to and from the Grand Canyon, but you are on your own to explore the Canyon from the time you are dropped off until you get picked up the next day.
After ordering this tour please wait to receive a confirmation email from us before making any plans that are dependent on this tour.
Pick ups and drop offs in the greater Phoenix area are as detailed at the bottom of this page.
The Grand Canyon entry fee is included.
All times are approximate. We are not responsible for the consequences of any delays, and this itinerary may change without notice. The itinerary may be run in reverse.
One night's lodging inside the Grand Canyon is included, but please be aware that lodging inside the Grand Canyon sells out quickly. The preferred property is Yavapai Lodge.
Depending on where you are staying, you may need to use the free shuttle service to get from the drop off location to your hotel, and then back again. The shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes.
There are no taxes.
The vehicle will be a mini bus or executive van (van with individual, high back, reclining seats).
Portions of this tour are operated by a contractor.
It happens very rarely, but it is possible that bad weather, dangerous conditions or some other unforeseen event may result in the cancellation or postponement of this tour. Should this occur, the only amount we will refund is the actual cost of the tour.
Payment And Cancellation Details: CANCELLATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS TOUR. Changes will also not be accepted, and refunds will not be given. Please consider purchasing trip insurance as our cancellation policy is strictly enforced. The payment schedule is as follows: Half of the total will be charged any time from when you make the booking. The other half will be charged 30 or fewer days from the tour date, at our discretion.
The following properties are generally pick up and drop off locations. They are divided into hotels in each of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.
Phoenix hotels
AMERICA’S BEST VALUE INN 3400 N. W. GRAND AVE., PHOENIX, AZ. 85017
ARIZONA GRAND RESORT 8000 So. Arizona Grand Parkway, PHOENIX, AZ. 85040
ARTISAN HOTEL (Wellsley Inn) 212 W. Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ. 85013
BEST WESTERN AIRPORT 2426 S. 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ. 85034
BEST WESTERN BELL 17211 N. Black Canyon Hwy., Phoenix, AZ. 85023
BEST WESTERN INN STES 16TH ST& NORTHERN 1615 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix, AZ. 85020
BEST WESTERN METRO 8101 N. Black Canyon Rd., Phoenix, AZ. 85021
BILTMORE HOTEL 2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016
BUDGET INN. 424 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ. 85003
BUDGET LODGE METRO 8617 N. Black Canyon Rd., Phoenix, AZ. 85021
BUDGET LODGE DWNT PHX 402 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ. 85003
BUDGET STES OF AMERICA CENTRAL PHX 611 W. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013
BUDGET SUITES YORKSHIRE 2702 W. Yorkshire, Phoenix, AZ. 85013