Just in case you didn’t know, the Grand Canyon, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is only a couple of hours away from the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. So you don’t have to wonder why so many people choose to take the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon bus tours – that’s the way they get to experience the Canyon without having to deal with driving on unfamiliar roads.
The Grand Canyon is beyond being merely a tourist attraction. It is essentially a 277-mile-long natural history museum that illustrates the Earth’s past millions of years. In fact, the red rock formations of different ages and the vast voids of the canyon have been able to draw more than six million people yearly which makes it among the most photographed places in the world.
Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas will make your trip to the area possible and comfortable. If you decide not to spend your time and energy on a long drive, you can take a nice motorcoach and at the same time, learn from a professional and knowledgeable guide who will be sharing with you lots of interesting facts about the scenery that you see from your window. These tours take care of every detail of your travel from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon – like hotel pick-up, drop-off, and breaks at beautiful places – thus turning what could have been a tiring road trip into a day trip filled with nature and relaxation.
Why Choose a Bus Tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon?
Bus tours advantages are much more than just a way of getting from point A to point B. Basically, when you arrange a tour with an accompanying guide, you become a passenger of an upscale bus which is made with your comfort in mind for the hours that will follow, thus you don’t have to worry. It is worth mentioning that such a bus is equipped with large windows through which the desert or whatever landscape you are passing can be seen as a still from a movie, comfortable seats which can be reclined to your liking and toilets on board so that the trip isn’t interrupted constantly for nature calls.
Convenience and Comfort
The ease is actually there even before you step out of your hotel. Generally, guided tours offer the service of picking you up and dropping you off right at your hotel in the Las Vegas Strip, thus, you are spared the trouble of finding your way on unfamiliar streets and parking at the canyon. There is no need for you to be concerned about fuel expenses, car wear, and the feeling of exhaustion that can be caused by a 4-5 hours drive through the desert that you will have to do twice.
Knowledgeable Guides
Professional guides not only make your trip more comfortable but also, they turn it into a learning experience by revealing the intriguing details about the geological formations, Native American history, and wildlife you will see. What might have been a boring drive is converted into an interesting story thanks to their talk which helps you to understand the nature around you more.
Scenic Stops Along the Way: Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and More
The best of nature becomes one with human intellect in the sky at Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, or the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge as it is commonly called. The architectural wonder with its two huge concrete arches that not only bridge the steep Black Canyon but also frame the historic Hoover Dam in a lovely way, is towering 900 feet above the river and provides magnificent views of the Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon below.
Most tour companies plan convenient stops for visitors at observation points around the dam where you can take pictures of the giant concrete structure against the untouched desert backdrop. There are several locations from which you can photograph the huge dam from the bridge and its elegant curve works just like a picture to show the union of human engineering and nature.
The trip across the Mojave Desert is equally great. The guide unveils the fascinating geological features and desert plants that are the characteristics of the area. On your return, you will be able to see Hoover Dam from various perspectives as most tours end there.
Exploring the Grand Canyon: South Rim vs West Rim Tours
The best of nature becomes one with human intellect in the sky at Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, or the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge as it is commonly called. The architectural wonder with its two huge concrete arches that not only bridge the steep Black Canyon but also frame the historic Hoover Dam in a lovely way, is towering 900 feet above the river and provides magnificent views of the Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon below.
Most tour companies plan convenient stops for visitors at observation points around the dam where you can take pictures of the giant concrete structure against the untouched desert backdrop. There are several locations from which you can photograph the huge dam from the bridge and its elegant curve works just like a picture to show the union of human engineering and nature.
The trip across the Mojave Desert is equally great. The guide unveils the fascinating geological features and desert plants that are the characteristics of the area. On your return, you will be able to see Hoover Dam from various perspectives as most tours end there.
Exploring the Grand Canyon: South Rim vs West Rim Tours
While making a reservation for a Grand Canyon Bus Tour from Las Vegas you have to choose which one of the two different destinations you’d like to go to.
Grand Canyon West Rim
Grand Canyon West Rim is approximately a 2.5 hours car ride from Las Vegas and that’s why it is the quickest option for those who have less time. Vistas like Eagle Point and Guano Point are some of the amazing places which you can access with your bus and here you can enjoy nature at its most beautiful and strongest.
Grand Canyon South Rim
The Grand Canyon South Rim is a must if you can spend a little more time there (around 4.5 hours each way). It’s the place where you see the most stunning views of the canyon. The carved cliffs that show the geological past of the earth from millions of years are really impressive and the colors change from dark reds to bright oranges according to the season and the time of day. You can see very different views of this amazing natural phenomenon from several viewpoints like Mather Point and Grand Canyon Village.
Each rim provides its own character:
- West Rim delivers accessibility and proximity
- South Rim showcases the classic Grand Canyon experience you’ve seen in photographs and documentaries
What to Expect During Your Time at the Canyon: Sightseeing, Photography, and More
Your bus tour gives you time of about three to four hours at the canyon rim so that you can explore the canyon rim and take breathtaking photographs. You can walk from one viewpoint to another as you please, but your guide will certainly indicate the best places for taking pictures where the light and the angle show the canyon’s dramatic depth.
South Rim Activities
At the South Rim, there are paved rim trails which you can walk along to see the viewpoints such as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Bright Angel Lodge. Along these routes, you will find safety barriers and specially marked viewing areas from which you can securely take those classic pictures.
West Rim Activities
The West Rim has shorter walks available between Eagle Point and Guano Point, and each place giving you a unique view of the canyon walls and the Colorado River from below.
What to Bring
You’ll want to bring:
- A camera or smartphone with extra battery power
- Comfortable walking shoes with good traction
- Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
- Water to stay hydrated at the high elevation
Safety Briefing
The guide who is with you will explain the safety regulations and the times when you should meet so that you can make the most of your self-exploration and at the same time not go beyond the tour timetable.
Enhance Your Tour with Optional Add-ons: Helicopter Rides, Boat Cruises
Besides that, no matter which angle of the Grand Canyon you take, be it a stunning flight, a river view, or the Skywalk, you will always discover means to turn your time at the Grand Canyon into a real luxury. Apart from the bus tours that are available, there are lots of companies whose helicopters are at your service to give you a ride that goes up and over the Grand Canyon thereby providing you with the most amazing aerial views that extend for several miles.
Such an aerial tour is about 25-30 minutes long and it gives a magnificent view of the canyon, which shows the winding Colorado river at the canyon bottom as well as the heavily weathered rocks going for miles.
However, white-water rafting on the Colorado River offers a brand-new perspective of the Grand Canyon. Also, after the bus tour, you may go for a river cruise to get as close as possible with the walls that are towering over you from both sides of the river and these walls go up for thousands of feet. These river trips are generally scheduled during the calm stretches of the river and hence they are fairly tranquil and, at the same time, very informative, as they allow you to see the river that has been cutting this natural monument for the last few million years. The difference between the view of the Grand Canyon from the air and that from the inside results in a comprehensive understanding of the canyon’s scale.
Tips for Booking and Preparing for Your Bus Tour Adventure
Your bus trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon will be a lot more effective if you plan it well ahead. For sure, it is more comfortable to get your tickets from the companies that provide the service from your hotel to the airport or to the bus station in the Las Vegas Strip. Thus, you will not have the trouble of arranging separate transportation, and you will be sure that you are not going to miss your departure.
The beginning of the tour is almost always very early in the morning, and the time changes between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Yes, it is necessary that you get up early and set your alarm, but actually, with this early morning departure you can spend more time at the canyon and less time in the heat or around the crowded part of the day. You are going to be back in Las Vegas in the evening, which means that you’ll have the entire day to see the natural wonder.
When looking through tips for reserving seats, consider the companies with:
Clear cancellation policies
- Good customer reviews highlighting on-time pick-ups
- Transparent pricing that disclose the details of the offers
- Expert guides with knowledge of geology and history
- Comfortable and hygienic buses
As far as packing is concerned, it is necessary to pack light but wise take along sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and some clothes for layering as the temperature can change a lot between Las Vegas and the canyon rim.
Conclusion
A Bus Tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon adds a lot of fun to your visit. In short, it provides comfort, convenience, and insight. While you inhale fresh air with air-conditioning, professional guides will give you fascinating facts of this awe-inspiring nature. With a hotel pickup, large windows for the scenic view, and stops that are well thought out, you can sit back and completely soak up the spectacular nature.
While you are organizing your trip to Las Vegas don’t forget to include this gorgeous day trip as your top priority. What you will come back with are stunning pictures, a better understanding of the earth’s geological past, and the experience of one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Grand Canyon is still there for you, and a guided bus tour is the ideal way to see it if you want to make no compromises.