Take A Scenic Grand Canyon Bus Trip Memorial Day Weekend

By Author: Tracy Delvecchio
Total Articles: 17
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Would you like to know a fantastic destination for the holiday weekend that kicks off summer? Nothing would be more fun than taking a bus tour of the Grand Canyon. These tours are a big hit and they sell out fast. If you think it sounds like an excellent way to spend your holiday weekend, get your tickets early, before they are gone.

You can begin your tour in Vegas or Phoenix since they follow the usual schedule over the holiday. Las Vegas is a great departure point because from there you can take a bus tour to the South Rim or the West Rim. If you leave from Phoenix, you will go to the South Rim.

Below is an overview of Grand Canyon Bus tour options for your holiday getaway.

Vegas Bus Tours To The West Rim

The bus ride from Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon takes around 2 hours. When you get there, you have about three hours to explore the sights on the top of the rim. A neat thing about going to the West Rim is it is the only location helicopters can fly to the floor of the canyon, so you can enjoy the thrilling ride to the bottom and hop on a raft and float down the Colorado River. ...
... It is a fun experience for the whole family, so don't miss out on the chance to do it.

Another thrilling adventure you can add to your tour is a pass to the glass Grand Canyon Skywalk. Also known as the Glass Bridge, you can walk out on its transparent surface 70 ft past the edge of the rim. While standing on this glass surface, you can look between your feet and see the canyon floor some 4000 feet below you!

Vegas South Rim Bus Tours

The South Rim bus tour from Vegas is a fantastic value at just $80. Just be sure to read the details and itinerary to make sure the stops you want, such as the Hoover Dam photo op, are included.

The South Rim is a lot farther from Vegas than the West Rim. The bus ride takes nearly 5 hours. However, the ride is scenic and enjoyable. Many people consider the South Rim to be the official Grand Canyon and you will recognize many of the landmarks from pictures you have seen of the National Park.

South Rim Or West Rim?

The length of the ride might help you decide. The bus tour to the South Rim takes around 15 hours from start to finish, while the tour to the West Rim takes about 12 hours. Plus, you have to think about what kind of experience you will enjoy the most. If you want excitement and adventure, you should go to the West Rim. If you want to soak up the beauty of nature, then a bus tour of the South Rim is the best option.

South Rim Bus Tours From Phoenix

You can catch a South Rim bus tour from several starting points around Phoenix such as in Tempe, Scottsdale, and Mesa. The bus ride to the Grand Canyon lasts about four hours. You are treated to a fantastic view along the way. As you travel across the state, the scenery changes from desert to forest. Many of the tours stop in Sedona, Arizona where you will see impressive red sandstone buttes. You are also treated to a view of the San Francisco Peaks, which are beautiful mountains and the tallest peaks in the state.

Touring The Grand Canyon By Private Van

Many people are choosing to tour the Grand Canyon by private van rather than bus. These vehicles are customized for sightseeing with roomy interiors and comfortable captain's chairs. They only carry 12 passengers at a time and they sell out fast. People like these tours because they are very personal and allow you private time with the tour guide. With fewer passengers, there is less hassle with all those people getting on and off the bus when it stops.

To Summarize

Start planning now for your Memorial Day getaway because the holiday falls on Monday, May 27. A lot of people have a three day weekend then, plus the holiday marks the start of the peak summer season. For that reason, you should book canyon bus tour as soon as you decide you want to take a bus tour of the Grand Canyon. The sooner, the better, but try to get them at least a week ahead of the holiday if you can. When you buy tickets for your Grand Canyon adventure, be sure to do so online. The lowest prices are available online when you choose the Internet rate on the tour operator's website when you book your tickets.