Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon South Rim! Discover the rich history, stunning vistas, and fascinating geology of this natural wonder. As you walk along the rim, you will hear engaging stories and interesting facts about the canyon's formation, its ancient inhabitants, and its significance today. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace, stopping at iconic viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Watchtower. Learn about the unique flora and fauna that call the canyon home and capture breathtaking photos of the expansive landscapes. Perfect for families, adventurers, and nature lovers, the audio tour makes your visit to the ...
Highlights
From 8 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 8 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Private Transportation
Entrance Fees
Parking Fees
Meals & Refreshments
Weekly Park Pass per Vehicle
Meeting Points
Departure
Flagstaff
To get to Flagstaff, AZ, take I-17 N from Phoenix for about 145 miles. If you're coming from Las Vegas, follow U.S. 93 S and then I-40 E. From Albuquerque, drive west on I-40 W. Flagstaff is a key hub in northern Arizona, offering easy access to the Grand Canyon and other nearby attractions.
Return
Important Information
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Wheelchair accessible
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Additional Starting Points: Williams, AZ
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Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Items | Grand Canyon South Rim Full-Day Self-Guided Tour
Itinerary
1
Flagstaff
Set out with the rising sun (or before!) to make the most of your all-day Grand Canyon adventure.
Pass through Ponderosa Pine Forests as you make your way to the Rim of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
2
Mather Point
There are many benefits to getting to the Grand Canyon early, but seeing the sunrise over Mather Point might just be the best.
Park in the lot (there should be plenty of spaces), and walk over to Mather Point for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
It gets chilly, even in the summertime, so be sure to bring a warm jacket.
3
Yavapai Geology Museum
After drinking in the beauty of Mather Point, walk less than a mile (0.7 mi/1.1 km, to be exact) along the flat, paved Rim Trail to the Yavapai Geology Museum.
Here you’ll learn more about the geology of the Grand Canyon through interpretive panels and a topographical relief map of the entire canyon.
The museum used to be the Yavapai Observation Station, so it offers some of the best panoramic views you’ll see all day. Be sure to stop by the gift shop, too!
4
Grand Canyon Village
Continue following the paved Rim Trail for another mile and a half, and you’ll end up right in front of the historic El Tovar hotel in the heart of the historic Grand Canyon Village!
Be sure to stop and drink in the breathtaking views of the Canyon along the way.
5
Verkamp's Visitor Center
A visitor center, curio shop, and family home that’s been in the park for over a century.
30 minutes
6
Hopi House
Commissioned by the Fred Harvey Company in 1904, Mary Colter built this "Indian Arts Building" in the style of a 1,000-year-old Native American Pueblo village dwelling.
These days it houses local Native American art and gift shop
30 minutes
7
El Tovar Hotel
Take a gander at the first luxury hotel built on the South Rim in 1905. No two rooms are the same in this beautiful historic hotel.
8
Grand Canyon Railway Depot
Before the time of automobiles, the trains were the lifeblood of the canyon, bringing in tourists and supplies.
Check out the original log depot with signs and memorabilia to get a feel for the train depot’s heyday.
15 minutes
9
Kolb Studio
The original photography studio of Emery and Ellsworth Kolb is now an art gallery, bookstore, and curio shop
15 minutes
10
Lookout Studio
Mary Colter designed the Lookout Studio in 1914 as a refuge for tourists and artists to six, relax, and gaze out at the beauty of the canyon.
Today tourists can still do just that, but now there is an added bonus of a gift shop!
10 minutes
11
Bright Angel Lodge
Built in 1935 as a "moderately priced" alternative to the luxury El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge offers:
historic rooms
cozy cabins
two restaurants
a gift shop, and
instant access to the South Rim
12
Maswik Lodge
Maswik Lodge was the Canyon's first "motor lodge" in 1927.
Today it offers 280 affordable rooms in the heart of the Grand Canyon Village.
Be sure to pick up some yummy fudge from the gift shop!
13
Mule Barn
The canyon’s other early essential transport, mules have been part of the Grand Canyon experience for as long as there have been tourists.
Even if you don’t have a ride scheduled, walking by and seeing them up close is a worthwhile experience.
14
Desert View Drive
There are even more surprising viewpoints (and more!) down the 26-mile Desert View Drive! Here are some of the stops on our tour!
3 hours
15
Pipe Creek Vista
The first of many viewpoints on our scenic Desert View Drive.
16
Yaki Point
One of our favorite viewpoints along Desert view and the starting point for the South Kaibab Trail. Check out our Hiking Guide for more info.
1 hour
17
Duck on a Rock Viewpoint
A Kaibab limestone formation that has, according to some, eroded into the shape of a duck.
10 minutes
18
Twin Point Overlook
Two quick pullovers for taking in more great canyon views. Twice the sights? Twice as nice.
10 minutes
19
Grandview Point
Viewpoint along Desert View Drive that once housed the Grandview Hotel, Pete Berry's mining enterprise. From here, you can hear the Hance Rapids below.
10 minutes
20
Grandview Lookout Tower
Fire lookout tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936.
It is approximately 10 miles east of the Tusayan Ranger District Office and houses an observation deck and informational signage.
10 minutes
21
Buggeln Picnic Area
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shady ponderosa pine forest while stealing glances of the canyon through the trees.
30 minutes
22
Moran Point
The point named for famed nature artist Thomas Moran, Moran Point is an excellent place to see the vibrant colors of the Grand Canyon Supergroup and basement rocks like Vishnu Shist.
23
Tusayan Ruin
Archeological site and interpretive museum of ancient Puebloan village Circo 1100 AD.
30 minutes
24
Lipan Point
At 7,360 feet above sea level, Lipan Point offers some of the most expansive and clear views of the entire Canyon.
10 minutes
25
Navajo Point
Navajo Point offers a great view of Desert View Watchtower, as well as panoramic vistas to the west and a view north up the Colorado River.
10 minutes
26
Desert View Watchtower
One glance at the Desert View Watchtower and you’ll have a renewed appreciation for architect Mary Colter and her legendary designs.
The Watchtower itself can be toured; there are informational exhibits, a small gift shop, and a viewing area on the ground floor.
The tower is occasionally open for tours and exploration as well, and it houses a large collection of Hopi and Navajo art.
When you’re through, stop at the memorial plaque for the 1956 TWA crash site.
Head over to the gift shop to browse actual art and pottery from local artists, and finish the afternoon off with a cone from the ice cream parlor.
1 hour
27
Little Colorado River Overlook
Don’t skip this one! The Little Colorado River Gorge Overlooks are part of the Navajo Nation, so you may be asked for a small donation that goes directly to the Navajo tribe.
Before hitting the short, mostly flat, 8-mile trail to the gorge overlook, stop by the Navajo vending stalls!
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon South Rim! Discover the rich history, stunning vistas, and fascinating geology of this natural wonder. As you walk along the rim, you will hear engaging stories and interesting facts about the canyon's formation, its ancient inhabitants, and its significance today. Enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace, stopping at iconic viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and Desert View Watchtower. Learn about the unique flora and fauna that call the canyon home and capture breathtaking photos of the expansive landscapes. Perfect for families, adventurers, and nature lovers, the audio tour makes your visit to the ...
Highlights
From 8 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 8 hours to 12 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Private Transportation
Entrance Fees
Parking Fees
Meals & Refreshments
Weekly Park Pass per Vehicle
Meeting Points
Departure
Flagstaff
To get to Flagstaff, AZ, take I-17 N from Phoenix for about 145 miles. If you're coming from Las Vegas, follow U.S. 93 S and then I-40 E. From Albuquerque, drive west on I-40 W. Flagstaff is a key hub in northern Arizona, offering easy access to the Grand Canyon and other nearby attractions.