How to Get to the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of the top must-see travel destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors
annually. The Grand Canyon contains breathtaking sights, incredible history, and rich geological information.
How can you get there and experience this all for yourself? There are actually multiple ways for you to get
to the Grand Canyon! You can drive, take a train, or take one of Maverick Helicopters’ unique tours such as
one of our incredible helicopter packages or combination services to get to the Grand Canyon.
Let's start off by clarifying that there are three
different rims at the Grand Canyon that you can visit. The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is home to the
famous Skywalk, a glass observation deck located approximately 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. Grand Canyon
National Park is located at the South Rim, where you can not only experience stunning views of the canyon,
but also see the Kaibab National Forest. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon includes the Grand Canyon Lodge
and numerous hiking trails. We will share numerous tips on how to get to the Grand Canyon rims.
Grand Canyon West Rim
- The drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West is approximately two hours and fifteen minutes one-way.
While you are on your way to Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas, be sure to make a pit stop at the historic
Hoover Dam! The Hoover Dam is a great scenic
rest stop, ideal for pictures and small outdoor activities!
- A helicopter Grand Canyon tour is perfect for those who are looking to
embark on an exhilarating adventure, while saving time! A helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon takes
approximately 45 minutes one-way. Enjoy unparalleled and breathtaking views as you fly over countless
icons such as the Hoover Dam, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, Fortification Hill, and Bowl of Fire. With
this Grand Canyon tour, you will also have the opportunity to roam about the bottom of the canyon at our
exclusive site, which is only accessible by helicopter! Land right next to the Colorado River as you
experience the inner depths of the canyon and wildlife. Enjoy complimentary snacks, assorted beverages,
and a champagne toast as you explore the canyon floor. Upon your return into Las Vegas, you will also have
the opportunity to fly over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip! This Grand Canyon tour is the whole package!
- A combination Grand Canyon tour is ideal
for those who want to experience multiple perspectives of the Grand Canyon. Visiting the Grand Canyon by
car and by helicopter are two completely different experiences. On this Grand Canyon tour, you will be
picked up by the ground operator and begin your journey to the West Rim. You will be driven to the top of
the canyon and have the opportunity to take a walk over the famous Skywalk, a glass observation deck
suspended approximately 4,000 feet above the Colorado River and 70 feet away from the canyon wall. After
you have explored the top of the West Rim, you will be flown to the bottom of the canyon and land at our
exclusive site. Once you make your way back to the top of the West Rim, you will begin your journey back
to Las Vegas. Upon your return into Nevada, you will make a photo stop at the Hoover Dam!
Grand Canyon South Rim
- Grand Canyon South Rim is much more easily accessible by car in comparison to the West Rim. There are a
lot of different ways to get to the South Rim by car when you are traveling from nearby cities such as
Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Flagstaff. The Grand Canyon National Park, which is located at the South Rim is
about a four hour drive from Las Vegas, a four hour drive from Phoenix and an hour and fifteen minute
drive from Flagstaff. If you are driving to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix and looking for a more scenic
route, you can choose to spend an extra hour in the car and drive through the Red Rock Scenic Byway, also
commonly referred to as the "museum without walls".
- A helicopter Grand Canyon tour is a great way to not only see
and explore the South Rim in its entirety, but also allows you to experience epic views of the North Rim,
which is the least commonly visited rim due to its remote location and limited accessibility. On this
one-of-a-kind helicopter tour, you will depart from Grand Canyon National Park Airport and soar over the
colorful formations of this natural wonder, and experience the gorgeous Kaibab National Forest, home to
the world's largest ponderosa pines!
- A combination Grand Canyon tour to the South Rim is perfect for
those wanting to partake in an all-day excursion. This tour is perfect for family and friends to do
together! This multiperspective adventure will shuttle you in an executive-style van through the Sonoran
Desert. Once you have arrived at the South Rim, you will enjoy a 45 minute aerial tour over the South
and North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Kaibab National Forest, and the Dragon Corridor (the deepest, widest
point of the canyon). Upon your return, you will experience outstanding views of the Navajo Nation and
Painted Desert. Pick-up is included from most Scottsdale and Phoenix area hotels.
- You can also get to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon by train!
The historic Grand Canyon Railway provides daily departures from Williams, Arizona to the Grand Canyon
National Park. The ride is approximately 65 miles and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes each way. This train
ride brings the Old West back to life and provides you with unbeatable views of the nature surrounding.
Grand Canyon North Rim
- The Grand Canyon North Rim can only be accessed by car. The great thing about the North Rim is that there
are plenty of neighboring cities. The drive from Las Vegas to the North Rim is approximately 4 hours and
45 minutes. If you are traveling from within Arizona, the drive to the North Rim is 5 hours and 45 minutes
from Phoenix, 4 hours from Williams, and 3 hours and 40 minutes from Flagstaff. The drive from Saint George,
Utah to the North Rim is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
There are so many great methods on how to get to the Grand Canyon! Whether you choose to travel by car, train,
or helicopter, these are all great ways to see and experience your next trip to the Grand Canyon.