HOME | TOURS | DESTINATIONS | GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOURS FROM PHOENIX
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon National Park and some time on Route 66.
This guided tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim departs from the Phoenix & Scottsdale area between 6:00am and 7:00am, and returns between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. If you’re interested in adding a helicopter tour to your South Rim experience, check out our Colors & Canyons Tour. You can even stay overnight to add more adventure to your tour of the South Rim! The expert guided tours that DETOURS offers of the South Rim hit all the best things to do at the Grand Canyon to make sure you see all the best sights and attractions on the rim.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most accessible areas when touring from Phoenix, thanks to its convenient geographical location. The South Rim is 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. At DETOURS, we travel up scenic route 64 before we reach our ultimate destination.
*Lunch is offered as an option for additional cost. We highly recommend purchasing your lunch through us prior to your tour so you have optimal time to experience the amazing views of the Grand Canyon. Meal options given upon booking.
Packages start at $179
TRAVEL INFO
Departure Location:
Most hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe area
Departure Time:
Between 6:00am and 7:00am
Return Time:
Between 7:00pm and 8:00pm
Transportation:
DETOURS custom touring vehicles are specifically designed for small groups with comfortable, individual captain’s chairs.
Cancellation Policy:
Tours canceled within 48 hours of departure will be charged in full
Notes:
This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.
TOUR ITINERARY
Departs: between 6:00am and 7:00am
Returns: between 7:00pm and 8:00pm
After departing the Phoenix metro area, our tour travels through the expansive Sonoran Desert filled with the native saguaro cactus. The scenery begins to change as we increase in elevation and views of the cactus fade into pine trees. As we continue further into Northern Arizona, we will travel the outskirts of the Route 66 town of Flagstaff and from the highway, see the San Francisco Peaks among the seemingly endless Ponderosa Pine Forest, the largest contiguous forest of ponderosa pines in the world.
Williams will be our first stop along the tour for a chance to experience Route 66, the iconic American highway steeped in rich tradition. While in Williams, guests will have the opportunity to “get their kicks on Route 66” with walks along the original route, explore the local shops and capture souvenir photos highlighting a bygone era in classic American history. Also known as the Will Rodgers Highway, Route 66 is the most recognizable road in the United States and stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to California upon completion. While you are enjoying Route 66, your guide will pick up your picnic lunch made fresh that morning.
You’ll experience about three hours within the National Park marveling at the beauty that is the Grand Canyon. Don’t forget to visit the historic El Tovar Lodge and Hopi House in Grand Canyon Village. While at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, you will have opportunities to walk the rim, shop, capture an unlimited number of photographs, or enjoy your lunch and relax with the best seat in the house.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- National Park entrance fees
- Unlimited bottled water
- All taxes
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Meals
- Guide gratuities
- Third party activities
TRAVEL TIPS
Temperatures in the Grand Canyon are typically 25-30°F cooler than in Phoenix and vary by season. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.
ADD-ON AN AMAZING HELICOPTER TOUR!
INCREDIBLE AERIAL VIEWS
Enhance your Grand Canyon experience with a helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest. Upon reaching the edge of the canyon, the South Rim gently drops away as the North Rim and eastern end of the canyon come into view – one of the most spectacular views in the entire canyon. In the distance, it is possible to see the Painted Desert and the Desert View Watchtower designed by Mary Colter. Your journey continues as you follow the Colorado River upstream to where it merges with the Little Colorado River.
REAL REVIEWS FROM OUR GUESTS
PHOTO GALLERY
FAQ
Will I be able to hike into the canyon?
There will be about an hour and a half of free time during the tour, but we highly recommend staying along the rim. The trails into the canyon can take over 4 hours to reach the bottom and take twice as long to come back out.
Will we visit the Skywalk?
No, the Skywalk is at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Our tour covers the South Rim only.
What is my pick up time?
Pick up times range from 6am-7am. We will contact you between 4-6pm the evening before the tour to confirm your exact pick up time.
How long does it take to get there?
The Grand Canyon is approximately 4 hours from the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. With stops made along the way though, we typically arrive around noon.
How long do we spend at the Grand Canyon?
Approximately 3 hours.
What is the weather like?
These are all approximations, please check the weather prior to your tour. Winter temperatures at the Grand Canyon can range from 0-40 degrees fahrenheit. Spring and fall temperature range from 40-70 degrees fahrenheit. Summer temperatures range from 70-90 degrees fahrenheit.
What should I wear?
We recommend closed-toed shoes year round. During the winter, we recommend layers, long pants, winter coats, gloves, and hats. During spring and fall, we recommend jackets.
What should I bring?
Weather appropriate clothing, camera, snacks, government issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
What are the lunch options?
A boxed lunch is an add-on option for an additional cost. You will have the choice of different sandwiches with chips, fruit, and cookies. We highly recommend purchasing your lunch through us prior to your tour so you have optimal time to experience the amazing views of the Grand Canyon. Meal options given upon booking.
OTHER TOURS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Colors & Canyons Tour
Spend a day exploring the Grand Canyon State with a tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim, historic Route 66 and a special helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon South Rim Overnight Tour
Experience sunrise and sunset at your leisure at the most majestic section of the Grand Canyon, the South Rim.