Las Vegas To The Grand Canyon -The Day Trip

Once you start talking about the Kaibab formation or stratigraphic columns you'll realize that you have been in the Grand Canyon for longer than you need to be. However, when you look across the top of the canyon it seems to go forever. You think you could just stand there and take it all in for as long as physically possible. The river flows way down deep below and the birds soar high over head. It is a wonder to think that so much soil, rock and water has moved through this canyon over millions of years. If you have the opportunity take a tour by helicopter or airplane and see the canyon while hovering over the giant hole in the ground. It is impressive and it is one of those places that must be on your list of things to see.

While you can drive there you can also take a helicopter, a small plane or ride in a luxury motor coach. Your Grand Canyon experience is entirely up to you.

Read the details of my latest tour of the Grand Canyon by plane, helicopter and motorcycle

The Grand Canyon is visited by approximately 5 million people each year. The park consists of 277 miles of the Colorado River and its massive erosional effects on the surrounding landscape. The Grand Canyon can be enjoyed from either the south or the north rims.

The Southwest of the US is a vast and beautiful place to explore and Las Vegas is the perfect place to use as your base of adventure. Check out more National Parks less than a day ride from Las Vegas.

Finding things to do in Las Vegas is not difficult. With so many options you could also consider day trips closer to the your Las Vegas hotel.

Because there are so many different tours and options the prices vary from $99 to $3,000 dollars. Don't worry, unless you want a fine ding experience and Chamber music played deep inside a canyon you won't pay a few thousand dollars.

I'll suggest that you check with a few outfitters for the various prices in to the Grand canyon. Your options vary from bus and helicopter rides to motorcycle and small planes. Of course you could also rent a car and drive yourself.

Use these resources to find prices but take your time and don't book immediately. Patience is key to finding the best price.

• Find a tour into the Grand Canyon as well as prices and descriptions with Best of Vegas. They offer quite a few options.
• Here is another option for prices on tours in Las Vegas. You'll have to search around a bit more but you might find more ideas to keep you busy in Las Vegas.
• You could rent a car and drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. It's a long drive but you'll see the desert and the wide open space of the Southwestern USA.

The Grand Canyon is located about 250 miles from the Las Vegas strip. Taking highway 93 south from Las Vegas to Interstate 40 east to highway 64. The trip takes about 4 1/2 hours and takes you right over Hoover Dam.

See a few pictures of the Grand Canyon from a Helicopter tour.

Visit Grand Canyon Village to get oriented with the National Park. The visitors center is located in the village and offers lectures, videos and rangers to assist you. From the Village you can get on the Bright Angel Trail which will take you to the bottom of the canyon. You should realize that it is a good 9 miles to the bottom.

As you plan your trip to Las Vegas and you consider tours and attractions compare prices with Viator.com . If your looking for package deals you can also try Best of Vegas. A little research can save you a lot of money.

The drive along the East Rim takes you past Yaki point, Grandview Point and gets you to the Tusayan Ruin Museum. It is a 25 mile drive that will give you a good look at some ruins of a population of pueblo Indians that lived in this location around the 13th century. You can witness the widest point in the canyon as well as buy Native American artifacts on the drive.

There are numerous tour groups out of Las Vegas that lead trips to the Grand Canyon. Take a look at the "off the strip" page to get an idea of what is offered.

Check prices on Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas with Best of Vegas. Do some research and try to find a good price before you get into town, that could save you some money.

Looking for a hotel near the Grand Canyon? Check rates here

See a map of the Grand Canyon. Open this map and then zoom out. You can get specific driving instructions as well as get an idea of just how far you will be traveling from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. This map will also help you find the airports that the tour groups use when flying to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

I have talked to people who have said that the drive was well worth it. In a few hours drive you can see a very large hole in the ground. You drive directly over the Hoover Dam and take a very scenic route through the desert. While I do not advise getting there and then attempting to hike to the bottom of the canyon, you can take a brisk walk about a quarter of the way down and take in the great views of the expansive canyon.

If you have an extra day and you want to see a national landmark this is a good trip. The summer time will bring the crowds and pleasant temperatures. Peak season is May through November.

The Grand Canyon is a geologist dream, where rock that is a billion years old is exposed through weathering and erosion.

So when should you visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? Check the weather in Las Vegas first and then you'll get a better idea of when to go. Winter in the Grand Canyon is impressive. If you are lucky enough to be there when snow has fallen you get a dramatic view of the canyon.

Summer in the Grand Canyon rings more visitors and and international feel to the trails and scenic spots.