Are you going to be in Las Vegas during Memorial Day? If so, then you can't miss the opportunity to check out the Grand Canyon. It's just 2.5 hours to the National Park by bus, and there's some great sightseeing adventures to be had. Just remember, tours are selling out fast, so you will need to book soon if you want to avoid disappointment.
About Grand Canyon Bus Tours from Las Vegas
Tours operate pretty much all year round, and they will be running on a regular schedule for Memorial Day. They leave early in the morning from all hotels on The Strip, and they will take you out for a full day, before you arrive back in Vegas by around 9PM.
There are bus tour options for the West Rim, as well as the South Rim. The West Rim is closest, which is the 2.5 hour option. If you want to go to the more remote South Rim, the journey will be about five and a half hours, to the town of Tusayan in Arizona. Whichever one you choose, there will be some more adventure packages that you can add on to your basic tour.
One that I really love, is the helicopter ride that is available at the West Rim. You could book helicopter tickets in advance so that once you're at the Canyon, you can climb on board a helicopter and descend to the bottom. Here, right next to the Colorado River, you can enjoy a Champagne toast and a light picnic. There is also a Colorado River tour that you can add to this package.
Also at the West Rim is the hugely popular Skywalk. If you haven't heard about this attraction, then you really need to check it out. The Skywalk is a glass and steel platform that will allow you to stand 4000ft above the bottom of the canyon. You'll also be 70ft out from the edge of the rim, which makes for a seriously breathtaking experience. There are professional photographers available, so you can capture the moment for a great souvenir.
At the South Rim in Arizona
If you do choose to go to the South Rim from Las Vegas, then you will also have a helicopter option that you can choose to add to your tour. The helicopter tour at the South Rim is a 30 minute ride that will take you all the way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This is a remote and mysterious area of the Canyon, and you really need to head up there if you can manage to work the helicopter tour into your budget. The South Rim tour also includes a flythrough of the widest and deepest trench of the Canyon – the Dragoon Corridor.
Getting the Best Value
Bus tours are the cheapest way to get out to the Canyon, and by adding helicopter flights, you can make the most of your adventure. Be sure to book early, because as Memorial Day draws nearer, the ticket prices will increase. I recommend that you make your booking as early as two weeks before you want to fly. Tours are all inclusive and include a guide, as well as a light meal during the trip. Make sure that you pack some snacks and water for your journey.
When you're booking, make sure that you do it online. This will mean you get the best prices without having to go through any third parties. Use your credit card to lock in the prices, as well as confirm your seat. Internet discount rates are the lowest rates that you will find for these Grand Canyon tours.
Conclusion
With all of this information, you're now prepared to make the best choice for your Memorial Day holiday. Whether you want to go from Las Vegas to the South Rim, or the closer West Rim, there are plenty of options to make your adventure unique. Remember that its summer and it's going to be hot, so dress in light clothes that cover your skin, but bring a sweater or jacket for the air conditioned bus.
Remember that you will need to book ASAP, because seats will sell out fast, and you don't want to miss the chance to see one of America's greatest natural wonders.
Martin Wynn
