If you are going to be in Las Vegas for the 4th of July holiday weekend, you should seriously consider going on a bus tour to the magnificent Grand Canyon. Some tours go to the canyon's West Rim while others go to the South Rim, leaving once daily from Las Vegas. Just keep in mind though that booking in advance is highly recommended because these tours sell out very quickly at this time of year.
Daily Grand Canyon Bus Tours
Grand Canyon bus tours leave every day at around 07h00, and they return at around 21h00, so a full day of spectacular sightseeing is guaranteed. Try to keep these times in mind, particularly if you have plans for later in the evening after you get back. Also, keep in mind that departure and arrival times can vary due to unforeseen delays.
As already mentioned, these Grand Canyon bus tours go either to the West Rim which is 125 miles from Las Vegas town, or they go to the South Rim which is 277 miles from town. Both tours follow the same route and both make a stop at the famous Hoover Dam so that people can get off; stretch their legs, and take photos.
NOTE: The stop at Hoover Dam is relatively short, so if you want to spend more time there to explore the area, then it is best to book a separate tour for another day.
If your tour is to the West Rim you will make your way along a newly paved road that leads to the incredible Skywalk complex. If you are visiting the South Rim, your tour bus will continue on, heading further into Arizona, to Tusayan which is located just the National Park's front gates. Both tours include all fees and taxes, including your National Park entrance fee.
Grand Canyon West Rim
Once you arrive at the West Rim you'll have about two and a half hours to explore the area. If you want to, you can book a shuttle trip while you are there which will take you from Eagle Point to Guano Point. The cost of a shuttle trip is not included in your tour, but it is something I would recommend doing.
Admission to the Skywalk complex is also not included in a basic tour but tickets can be purchased on-site. However, if you have already decided that you want to do the Skywalk, then you'd be better off booking a tour package that includes a Skywalk ticket.
The West Rim Skywalk is Las Vegas' most famous and most popular outdoor attraction. This is an all-glass structure that allows you to walk off the edge of the canyon to a distance to 70 feet, with only glass separating you from the 4,000 feet drop to the bottom of the canyon.
Grand Canyon South Rim
With a South Rim tour, you also get about two and a half hours to explore the area, which I personally feel is quite adequate. During your time there you'll get to see Yavapai Point; Mather Point, and Yaki Point. You will also visit Grand Canyon Village with its fabulous selection of restaurants, and of course, a few nice souvenir shops as well. While you are there, check out Hopi House, because it's awesome.
All Vegas bus tours to the Grand Canyon take place on new luxury buses that are equipped with everything you could possibly want, including things like onboard Wi-Fi and etc. Tours are all-inclusive packages that include all fees and taxes, as well as lunch.
Apart from these basic tours, you can also book deluxe tours that allow you to add other activities to your tour, such as a short helicopter flight for example. Both the West Rim and the South Rim are spectacular so you are bound to have a fantastic experience no matter which tour you book. Just remember, if you intend doing this on the 4th of July holiday weekend, you really must book your ticket in advance in order to avoid disappointment.
Martin Wynn
