What are your plans for St. Patrick's Day? If you want to make it one to remember, why not take one of the best sightseeing adventures in the country, with a Grand Canyon bus tour. If you're already in Las Vegas, you'll be in the best place to visit the Canyon, with the West Rim being literally right on your doorstep. Book soon, because these tours are in high demand. Let's find out why!
Taking a Guided Bus Tour from Las Vegas
Tours leave once per day, setting off at around 7AM in the morning. These are all day tours, so expect to be back at your hotel at around 9PM.
The West Rim is the closest rim to Vegas, and the bus will cover the 125 mile trip in about two and a half hours. You can also travel to the remote South Rim of the Canyon, which is a 5.5 hour journey by bus.
Both rims offer some spectacular sightseeing. The South Rim is more isolated, and if you like pure wilderness, then that's the place for you. The West Rim is more tourist orientated, and offers a number of attractions and facilities that the South Rim doesn't have.
The Skywalk at the West Rim
The Skywalk will be one of the key attractions if you choose to go to the West Rim. Have you ever wanted to step out on air, and feel like you were floating? The Skywalk can give you that feeling, all while standing 4000ft above the Grand Canyon. The glass floor is truly spectacular, and it's a favorite for visitors who head to the National Park. There are also helicopter rides on offer, offering flyovers, or a trip to the bottom of the Canyon, where you can enjoy a boat ride along the Colorado.
South Rim Exploration
The South Rim has plenty of walking trails and lookout points, and you should also be sure to check out the Grand Canyon Village. There's a wide selection of souvenirs and collectables, as well as information on what to see and do in the area. Yaki Point and Yavapai Point should not be missed, as they offer spectacular views of the area.
Choosing Basic or Deluxe
Buses offer the most affordable way to see the Grand Canyon, and they come in two different options. Basic, and deluxe. Basic tours operate in large buses that can seat over 50 passengers. If you're in a large group, or if you simply want the most affordable package available, then this is the way to go.
Deluxe tours are given in a Sprinter van, and there are 10 large Captain's seats for passengers. Deluxe is a more comfortable ride, and you will be able to have more control over the stopping points and places that you visit inside the national park. If you can make a deluxe tour work with your budget, then this is the one that I recommend.
Both tours will stop off at the Hoover Dam, allowing you 15 minutes to check out the monumental feat of engineering. If you like what you see there, you can even book a longer Hoover Dam tour for another day.
Conclusion
As a final note, make sure that you book your tour online. You will get the best prices, and book early so that you don't miss out on seats. I recommend two weeks in advance.
I simply love the Grand Canyon, and for me, any time of the year is a good time to go. If you're planning a holiday for St. Patrick's Day, then you won't find a more exciting option than Grand Canyon tours. Vegas is your gateway to the National Park, and with affordable bus tours, you can explore all that it has to offer.
Martin Wynn
