Five million visitors every year explore the mile-deep Grand Canyon, voted by the Travel Writers of America as the "#1 tourist attraction on earth." Hikers could spend an entire summer investigating the 277 miles of rocky cliffs and the Colorado River at the base that winds its way southwest. Tourists with a limited time, however, embark on one-day tours by bus with tour guides to educate them along the journey.
Take a twelve-hour trip to the Grand Canyon in a tour van that fits 10 passengers in its leather captain's seats and departs from most hotels in Phoenix. The route takes passengers through the Red Rock Country of Sedona, the Oak Creek Canyon and a ponderosa pine forest before offering passengers a view of historic Route 66. Spend three hours exploring the Grand Canyon itself before embarking on the return journey. As of May 2010, cost $81.18 for children less than 13 and $145.89 for adults. Arrange for group tours and special pickup locations in advance.
Explore Arizona
888-399-3531
Explorearizonatours.com
Also known as Park City Vacations, the Utah-based Bundu Bashers tours provide a Grand Canyon tour that includes a drive past Sedona, Oak Creek Forest, and the small town of Flagstaff before ending at the destination. After arriving at the Grand Canyon, visitors hike to Mather Point before resting at Bright Angel Lodge. On the way back, the bus stops at the Desert View Watchtower and then drops into the Navajo Nation desert land before stopping at Cameron Trading Post where passengers are free to shop. Tickets cost $149 for adults; however, visitors should be aware of a low rating with the Better Business Bureau based on poor customer service, lack of refund for a trip cancellation and incorrect dropoff locations.
Bundu Bashers
491 S Main Street #13
Cedar City, UT 84720
800-724-7767
BunduBashers.com
Experience the Grand Canyon with a certified guide from the Arizona Guides Association on a 15-passenger air-conditioned van. The tour breaks in the Sonoran Desert for refreshment before continuing past the pondorosa pine forest, and then stopping to eat lunch at Cameron Trading post. Once arriving at the Grand Canyon, visit the Yavapai Point Museum and El Tovar Lodge constructed in 1905. End the journey at the Grand Canyon Village and Hopi House. The guide van stops for dinner on the way back to the drop off point. As of May 2010 cost $67.45 for children and $139.95 for adults, although tourists can save an additional $5 per ticket by purchasing them online in advance.
Canyon Tours
800-301-7152
CanyonTours.net
