Arizona Day Trips to the Grand Canyon
Whether you’re visiting Arizona or locals planning a fun family getaway, you can enjoy a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park or the Grand Canyon West! Just a few short hours away from major cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona, both regions of the Grand Canyon offer a variety of activities and tours to elevate your sightseeing experience.
Visit Grand Canyon While in Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most incredible natural landforms, and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. A Grand Canyon road trip is a popular activity when visiting Arizona, and there is no shortage of sightseeing opportunities upon arrival. Whether you plan to visit the Grand Canyon National Park or the Grand Canyon West, you’ll enjoy a full day of exploration and memories to last a lifetime.
Driving to the Grand Canyon National Park
Located in the northwest region of Arizona, The Grand Canyon National Park is an easy day trip from cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, and even Las Vegas. U.S. citizens are charged a small entry fee before entering the park if they do not currently possess one of the several America the Beautiful pass options. Ample parking is available across several nearby parking lots, including those surrounding the Visitor Center just past the entrance.
From Phoenix/Scottsdale:
- Approximate Distance: 244 miles (360.5 km)
- Approximate Drive Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Detours En Route:
- Bearizona Wildlife Park
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Museum of Northern Arizona
- Cathedral Rock
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
From Sedona:
- Approximate Distance: 113 miles (182 km)
- Approximate Drive Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Detours En Route:
- Bearizona Wildlife Park
- Bill Williams Mountain
- Grand Canyon Deer Farm
Grand Canyon National Park Tours
You’ll find nearly limitless scenic viewpoints along the canyon’s edge (particularly when walking the Rim Trail), but you can explore from completely unique vantage points aboard a Grand Canyon National Park tour.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: Soar over the deepest and widest canyon gorges, find aerial views of incredible rock formations, the Colorado River, and the Kaibab Forest. Our state-of-the-art helicopters are equipped with climate control, plush seating, oversized windows for photos, and headset communications between the passengers and the pilot.
Hummer Ground Excursion: Board a military-style Hummer vehicle operated by a professional driver/guide and set off on a sightseeing adventure along the canyon’s edge. Your driver will select some of the most impressive lookout points, and passengers will have time to explore and take photos at each. Hummer tours can also include a guided hike on Grandview Trail, or book at sunset for an even more magical experience.
Driving to the Grand Canyon West
The Grand Canyon West is located within Hualapai Tribe territory and is the nearest region of the park to Las Vegas. Here, visitors will find the world-famous Skywalk bridge, built with a glass floor that extends over 70 feet past the canyon’s edge. There are also several unique vantage points including Eagle Point and Guano Point, a Native American cultural center, and plentiful shopping and dining options. This is also the only part of the Grand Canyon where helicopter tours can land all the way on the bottom!
From Phoenix/Scottsdale:
- Approximate Distance: 260 miles (418 km)
- Approximate Drive Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Detours En Route:
- Sigler Western Museum
- Arizona Route 66 Museum
- Kingman Railroad Museum
From Sedona:
- Approximate Distance: 242 miles (389 km)
- Approximate Drive Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Detours En Route:
- Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
- Grand Canyon Deer Farm
- Bonelli House
- Arizona Route 66 Museum
Grand Canyon West Tours
Helicopter Landing Tours: Fly to the very bottom of the Grand Canyon and land on the canyon floor in a helicopter! Grand Canyon West helicopter tours offer incredible aerial views of the magnificent canyon scenery, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand between the massive rock walls. You’ll also enjoy a pontoon boat ride along the Colorado River before flying back to the canyon’s surface to visit various lookout points via shuttle bus.
Skywalk Entry: The most impressive attraction at the Grand Canyon West is the Skywalk – a massive cantilever bridge featuring a glass bottom that allows visitors to see the canyon floor beneath their feet. Entry onto the Skywalk can be included in your Grand Canyon West helicopter tour or can be separately purchased upon arrival at the park with the new All Access Pass.
Experience the Grand Canyon with Papillon
As the world’s largest and longest-running air tour operator, Papillon has had the honor of transporting millions of visitors from around the world to the Grand Canyon and beyond. We offer daily departures at both the Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon West, as well as flights from Las Vegas and other destinations like Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon, and more. Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure during your visit to Arizona and see the glory of the Grand Canyon.
