Why Visit Phoenix?

Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the US, making it an excellent destination for all types of travelers. Besides its world-class resorts and golf courses, it also offers outdoor adventures, museums and culture, and a wide variety of cuisine.

What is Phoenix Famous For?

• Beautiful Desert Landscapes
• World-Class Resorts
• Southwest Culture and Food
• Great Hiking Trails
• Pro Sports
• Golf

How to Spend The Perfect Weekend in Phoenix Itinerary

Weekend in Phoenix Day 1: Tourist Attractions

We typically start our trips by visiting a few tourist attractions on the first day and then diving deeper into the surrounding outdoor activities or neighborhoods on the following days.

1. Musical Instrument Museum

4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, map | Tickets: $20-27

Even though we’re not big on museums, this one is great for anyone remotely interested in music. It’s the best museum you’ll ever hear, with 15,000 instruments from 200 countries and 400 TVs with 3-10 minutes each showcasing different musical instruments. When you arrive, they give you a headset that’s GPS activated when you walk close to a TV. They also have an Experience Gallery on the first floor where you can play the instruments, and we had a lot of fun there.

Check out our Reel here.

Local Tip: On average, people spend 2-3 hours, although it’s easy to spend the whole day here. One of the staff told us if we wanted to read and listen to everything, it could take 14 days.

Travel Tip: If you’re using Uber, search for MIM rather than Musical Instrument Museum and double-check the address. There is a Tempe location in their database that needs to be corrected.

See More: 41 Amazing & Unusual Arizona Facts

2. Phoenix Art Museum

1625 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, map | Tickets: $28

Phoenix has a great art scene, and the Phoenix Art Museum has been serving the city since 1959. There are over 20,000 objects in two different wings, one with modern art and a permanent Kusama exhibit, and the other with more traditional art galleries. They also have a rotating exhibit, and when we went, it featured Mr.: You Can Hear the Song of This Town, where you can see a manga-inspired world on giant canvases.

Local Tip: On Wednesdays after 3 PM, it’s Pay What You Wish Wednesdays, where you can decide how much to donate to visit.

3. Taliesin West

12621 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, map | Tickets: $44

Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s Desert Laboratory, where he and his apprentices spent their time. It’s the second Frank Lloyd Wright property we’ve visited since the Guggenheim in NYC.

You can go on a self-guided audio tour (60 mins), which is what we did, or a guided tour (90 mins). We liked going at our own pace with the audio tour but later realized a few areas were available only on the guided tour. If you have the time or are a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan, you should do the guided tour.

We loved that he doesn’t just design buildings but designs spaces connected to their environments. See our Reel here.

Local Tip: They run special events on their property, like a book club, a happy hour, and more. Check their site for the most updated info.

Pro Tip: The tour goes in one direction, so spend as much time in each space before moving forward. If you want to learn more before your visit, pre-download the Smartify app (for google play) and listen to the “Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Highlights Audio Tour – Sacred Spaces.” You don’t need to sign up or add any personal info. Just continue as a guest.

4. Desert Botanical Garden, Papago Park

1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, map | Tickets: $24.95-29.95

The Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park has a massive collection of over 50,000 arid plants from deserts around the world. Each area has a different theme, and our fave was the Organ Pipe Cactus garden.

Local Tip: Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing some walking. Also, remember to reapply sunscreen!

See More: Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Gardens

5. Hole in the Rock, Papago Park

625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, map

Just around the corner from the Desert Botanical Garden is Hole in the Rock, one of Phoenix’s best places to view the sunset, along with downtown, Scottsdale, and Camelback Mountain. You can see the hole from the parking lot, but you follow the trail behind the rock feature and follow the stairs up to the entrance.

Local Tip: Visit during sunrise if you want to avoid crowds. So many people were there during sunset.

Weekend in Phoenix Day 2: Get Outside

As long as it’s not summer, you should get outside! There are amazing hikes within the city and many beautiful spots nearby.

6. Camelback Mountain

5150 N Invergordon Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, map

You’re bound to notice Camelback Mountain because of its unique silhouette. It’s a popular and challenging hike with two trails to the peak, and you can hike it one of three ways.

• Cholla Trail (3 mi RT, 1,279 ft elevation gain, 2 hr 15 min) – longer and easier as long as you’re not afraid of heights. It has more exposure, which felt way scarier.
• Echo Canyon Trail (2.5 mi RT, 1,420 ft elevation gain, 2 hr 15 min) – the steeper side with rails, but overall, way less scary than Cholla.
• Point to Point Hike (2.4 mi point to point, 1,322 ft elevation gain, 2 hr 5 min) – will need a way to get back to your car

We did the point-to-point to experience both sides, going up the Cholla trail and down Echo Canyon trail. If you’re driving yourself, doing it point to point will take more coordinating, but if you’re ubering there and back, it’s not an issue. You’ll have a cell signal at both trailheads.

See our Reel here.

Local Tip: Always carry plenty of water and wear shoes with a solid grip and support. There is little to no shade throughout this hike, and I don’t recommend hiking it in the summer.

See More: 15 Best Day Hikes in the US to Put On Your Bucket List

7. Desert Belle Cruises

14011 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, map

The Dessert Belle has been cruising Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. It’s a great way to spot wildlife and see the surrounding canyons and the Sonoran Desert’s lush landscape. Plus, after a morning hike, it was a great way to relax and sit back enjoying the views.

There is an outdoor viewing deck upstairs and an air-conditioned area downstairs.

Local Tip: You cannot bring any food or drinks, but they sell refreshments on board. They also have special wine and live music cruises!

8. Lost Dutchman State Park

6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, map

Lost Dutchman State Park gives you amazing views of the Superstition Mountains. There are plenty of trails to hike or enjoy the views from the bottom. We visited previously for a friend’s elopement!

Local Tip: If you plan on going on a longer hike, bring a headlamp in case it gets dark.

9. Dobbins Lookout, South Mountain

33.345455,-112.0607659, map

South Mountain Park and Preserve is another great outdoor spot 6 miles south of downtown. There are 51 miles of trails exploring 16,000 acres of landscape. Since we did a hike earlier in the morning, we decided to drive up to Dobbins Lookout for sunset, where you get amazing views of the whole valley. Plus, if we’re going to hike, it’s not going to be to a drive-up spot.

See our Reel here.

Local Tip: Service is spotty in the park, so download any info you need to access it offline. We ubered down, and asked our driver if he could wait for us..

Weekend in Phoenix Day 3: Neighborhoods

If you have an extra full day or half day during your weekend in Phoenix or just want to replace one of the other activities, these are the places you should check out.

10. Downtown Mesa

30 S Sirrine, Mesa, AZ 85201, map

Downtown Mesa is a great area to spend a morning or afternoon, especially if you love craft beers. The main street has vintage shops, beautiful murals, sculptures, and a great brew scene. We stopped at Cider Corps, named one of the top ten cideries in the US by USA Today, then walked around and popped into different boutique shops.

Afterward, we headed to the nearby Asian District for some dessert and to pick up snacks for the rest of our trip.

Local Tip: Most spots downtown are closed on Mondays and some on Tuesdays, so go later in the week to take advantage of everything.

11. Old Town Scottsdale

33.4967687,-111.9348771, map

Old Town Scottsdale is another great neighborhood with plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife. We met our friend for lunch at Farm & Craft. Afterward, we did some eye shopping around Old Town for western jewelry, decor, and art, before making our way over to Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, the largest luxury shopping mall in the greater Phoenix area.

12. Roosevelt Row

918 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, map

Roosevelt Row, or RoRo as the locals call it, is a historic neighborhood known for its local eateries, art galleries, small venues, boutiques, bars, and more. It also has murals that you can find throughout the area.

Local Tip: They hold a First Friday Monthly Art Walk that is popular among locals and visitors. It gets really busy so go early.

More Things to Do in Phoenix

Here are more things to do in Phoenix.

• Arizona Center
• Chase Field – Arizona Diamondbacks
• Heritage Square
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Golf
• Live Music
• Melrose District
• Pemberton PHX
• Phoenix Symphony

Outdoors

• Tempe Beach Park
• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Tres Rio Wetlands
• Piestewa Peak Summit Trail, Phoenix Mountain Preserve
• Salt River Tubing
• Lost Dog Wash Trail, McDowell Sonoran Preserve
• Mormon Trail, South Mountain Preserve
• Pinnacle Peak Trail, Pinnacle Peak Park
• North Mountain & Shaw Butte

Museums, Monuments, and Attractions

• Arizona State Capitol Museum
• Arizona Science Center
• Children’s Museum
• Goldfield Ghost Town
• Hall of Flame Fire Museum
• Heard Museum
• Mystery Castle
• Native American Ruins
• Pueblo Grande Museum and Cultural Park

Weekend in Phoenix Things to Do Map

Seasonal Things to Do in Phoenix

Where to Eat in Phoenix Arizona

Here are all the spots we checked out during our visit and our thoughts:

• Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (Cocktail Bar, ) – it’s hard to get a reservation here, but if you can, they have fun, themed drinks and a rotating kitchen. When we went, it was decked out for the holidays.
• Cider Corps, Mesa (Cideries, ) – get a flight to try various ciders. We loved the Sangin Sangria and Mango Foxtrot.
• Farm & Craft, Scottsdale (New American, ) – everything was fresh and delicious
• Happy Baos (Chinese, ) – solid and cheap soup dumplings.
• Hearth 61, Scottsdale (New American, ) – get anything with the Noble bread!
• Mykez Pizza, Mesa (Pizza, ) – located inside Cider Corps, the Margherita pizza hit the spot
• Prep & Pastry (Breakfast & Brunch, ) – we only had time for pastries but want to go back for a proper brunch
• Postino Highland, Scottsdale (Wine Bar/Italian, ) – the bruschetta boards were so good!
• Roll Avenue, Mesa (Ice Cream, ) – yummy Thai-style rolled ice cream
• The Fry Bread House (American/Mexican, ) – What’s not to love about fried bread? They’re a James Beard Award winner and soon to be featured on Food Network. We tried their ultimate taco with hot green chili and the chocolate and butter sweet fry bread and would go back next time we visit.
• Sake Haus, RoRo (Bars/Asian, ) – elevated sushi and a great sake selection, check out their sake and whiskey of the month
• Zuzu, Scottsdale (American, ) – had a hearty breakfast since we were staying at Hotel Valley Ho.

Essential Tips for Your Weekend in Phoenix

• The best time to visit is in the winter and spring. You’ll get the best weather to enjoy the outdoors.
• Avoid hiking in the summer. It’s brutally hot.
• Bring lots of water and sunblock if you are doing any outdoor activities.
• Dress appropriately for the desert. Temperatures swing with the sunlight, so layers and sun protection are essential.
• Phoenix is a good home base for surrounding adventures in Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, or Sedona.
• Pay attention to popular events if you’re looking for travel deals. Hotel rates are much higher during events like the Phoenix Open, Superbowl, and music festivals.
• Download offline google maps if you’re going on hikes. Some areas have spotty service.
• Time zones can be confusing in Arizona. They are on Mountain Standard Time and do not acknowledge daylight saving time, so in the summer, Arizona is in the Pacific Time Zone.

Getting to and Around Phoenix

Getting to Phoenix is easy whether you’re flying or driving in.

• By Plane: If you are flying, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has been dubbed America’s Friendliest Airport and serves more than 120 domestic and international destinations. Once you arrive, you can rent a car or use public transportation.
• By Car: From Las Vegas, Phoenix is just under 5 hours away by car. If you’re coming from LA, it will take roughly 6 hours.
• Public Transportation: Here are the public transportation options. They can work well if you’re doing activities within those lines.
  • Valley Metro Rail – 28-mile line linking Tempe, Mesa, and Downtown ($4 for all day pass)
  • Phoenix Transit Bus – lots of stops citywide
  • E-Scooters – great for downtown Phoenix

What is the best way to get around Phoenix?

Renting a car is the best way to have the flexibility to get around town, but you can also use rideshare, which can get pricier.

Best Places to Stay for Your Weekend in Phoenix

During our weekend in Phoenix, we split our stay between two hotels, each with its own vibe.

We spent the first couple of nights at Hotel Valley Ho. The mid-century modern aesthetic is found throughout the property, and we had an amazing suite with a full kitchen, huge living space, and beautiful balcony views. And talk about storage space. I wanted to move in! See our Room Tour here.

After going to Taliesen West, we learned that this hotel was designed by Edward L Varney, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.

We spent our last night at the Mountain Shadows Resort. The beautiful property has a modern, desert-chic aesthetic and is a mix of hotel rooms and private condos. The room was beautiful, and the amenities were even better. They had fitness classes we could join in on and a heated pool. Too bad we forgot our bathing suits! Check our our Room Tour here.

For more hotel options, check the map below:

What to Pack

• A backpack is convenient to carry everything you need throughout the day. These are our faves.
• A jacket is always handy. During the summer, places crank the AC so it’s cold inside. During the winter, it still gets cool at night. These are our favorite travel jackets.
• Don’t forget to apply sunblock and reapply throughout the day.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and help the environment. See our favorites tested on the road here.
• Comfortable shoes are essential for long days walking around town. If you plan on hiking, bring solid hiking shoes.
• Bring your camera gear so you can capture all the beautiful photos during your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Resources

• Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona Guide
• 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Phoenix
• Phoenix Street Map

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17 Best Things to Do in Grand Canyon National Park

1. Grand Canyon Village, South Rim

36.0459052,-112.1871914, map

The Grand Canyon Village is on the South Rim and mainly focused on accommodating tourists. There are three main areas or districts in the village.

The Visitor Center / Mather Point area is where most visitors see the Grand Canyon for the first time. There are four large parking areas and a transit center for the free shuttle bus.

If you’re looking for services, head to the Market Plaza district, where you’ll find the general store, bank, and US Post Office.

The Historic District was where the village started roughly 120 years ago. You’ll find historic lodges and the railroad depot her

Local Tip: The free shuttle bus can easily take you around Grand Canyon Village.

See More: The Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

2. Grand Canyon Skywalk, Grand Canyon West

808 Eagle Point Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, map

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is in Grand Canyon West on Hualapai Tribal land, not the national park. The glass bridge gives you a unique opportunity to walk over the canyon.

Having been to both, we prefer the National Park as it offers better and more natural views. However, if you don’t have much time, Grand Canyon West is the closest to Las Vegas and the easiest way to experience the canyon.

Keep in mind that you cannot bring any camera gear or even your phone with you onto the bridge. There is a separate line to get photos taken by official photographers. You won’t get the best photos, and they all come with a watermark, but it’s a massive improvement from a few years ago. On our second visit, we decided to purchase them. At the very least, they took their time and did various serious and silly poses.

Local Tip: Lines can get extremely long (up to a couple of hours) during holidays and summer weekends.

3. Guano Point, Grand Canyon West

36.0306029,-113.8290033, map

Guano Point is located in Grand Canyon West. It’s a fun and short hike with 360-degree views of the canyon. You can also shoot photos with the optical illusion that you’re at the cliff’s edge. There’s also a cafe with food and drinks (we got the pulled pork sandwich).

Local Tip: If you’re visiting with a tour that includes food, do the hike first, then get food after so you’re not waiting in line too long.

4. Hiking

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the views without the crowds. You have plenty of options for all activity levels, and day hikes do not require permits. Remember that it’s hot in the summer, and you need to stay hydrated. Be prepared with the appropriate gear and understand the difficulty of the hikes before starting them. Here are some popular hikes to check out:

• South Kaibab Trail, South Rim (steep) starts at Yaki Point, and you can hike up to 6 miles round trip. Great views for a shorter hike.
• Bright Angel Trail, South Rim (steep) starts at Bright Angel Lodge, and you can hike up to 12 miles round trip.
• Rim Trail, South Rim: An easy hike that follows along the rim with some paved sections.
• Trail of Time Hike, South Rim: Easy 2.83 mile long paved walk that takes you through the geologic timeline of the canyon. Each meter represents one million years of the canyon’s geologic history.
• North Kaibab Trail, North Rim is the only maintained trail into the canyon from the North Tim, varying in distance from 1.5 miles round trip to Coconino Overlook to a full day 9.4-mile hike to Roaring Springs.

Local Tip: Hikes that take you below the rim require a lot of elevation change. Keep that in mind when you calculate the time you need to allot.

See More: 25 Best Hikes in the World to Put on Your Bucket List

5. Helicopter Tour

Hop on a helicopter tour to get amazing aerial views of the canyon. They even have helicopter tours that land inside of the canyon. All scenic air tours do not go into the National Park.

• Grand Canyon: Helicopter Ride and Optional Hummer Tour ($249 per person)
• From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Air Tour ($449 per person)
• Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Tour & Helicopter Landing Experience ($512.28 per person)
• See more tour options here.

Local Tip: Book a tour closer to sunrise or sunset for the best views and light. As you can see below, we went mid-day and did not get flattering light.

6. Mather Point, South Rim

With its proximity to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point is often visitors’ first view of the Grand Canyon. It’s also a popular stop for tours.

On a clear day, you can see 30+ miles to the east and 60+ miles to the west from this viewpoint, making it a good spot for sunrise and sunset throughout the year.

Local Tip: There is no parking at Mather Point, but plenty in the area, just a short walk away. It’s also a stop on the Kaibab/Rim Route (orange route) on the shuttle bus.

7. Yavapai Geology Museum + Yavapai Point, South Rim

36.0661012,-112.1197315, map

The Yavapai Geology Museum is a great spot to learn about all the rocks you see in the canyon. They have panoramic windows with displays, a bookstore, and a museum shop.

8. Grandview Point, South Rim

3635.998471,-111.9899443, map

As the name implies, you get quite the grand view here. This spot on the South Rim gives you panoramic views with colorful canyons and ridges. You can also see the Colorado River below. It’s an excellent spot for sunrise, especially if you want to get a sunstar in your photo.

9. Toroweap Overlook, North Rim

36.2144494,-113.0587276, map

Toroweap Overlook (or Tuweep Overlook or Toroweap Point) offers dramatic views 3,000 feet above the Colorado River. It’s a beautiful view away from the crowds with a sheer drop-off and volcanic cinder cones.

If you want to wake up to a sunrise, consider camping at one of the nine small campsites here.

Local Tip: You need a high clearance vehicle to get here. Be prepared with food, water, and supplies for your car since there aren’t any services in the area.

10. Bright Angel Point, North Rim

36.1935375,-112.0508239, map

Bright Angel Point is one of the best views on the North Rim (not to be confused with the Bright Angel Trail hike on the South Rim). It’s a short 0.25 paved trail to the viewpoint where you’ll be over 8,100 feet above sea level. The trail climbs 200 feet so take your time.

11. Point Imperial, North Rim

336.2789688,-111.9808206, map

Point Imperial is the highest overlook on the North Rim at 8,803 feet. It’s also the northernmost overlook, which gives you a unique perspective of the canyon where the cliffs are relatively close (less than a mile apart). This was our favorite view from the North Rim.

Astrophotography Tip: The Milky Way lined up nicely here in June, but it was way too windy to shoot long exposures when we visited, even with weights on our tripod.

12. Colorado River Rafting

Some of our friends have done this river rafting trip, and it’s something we hope to do soon. You get to experience the canyon in such a unique way compared to all the other typical visitors.

• Commercial River Trips: Let professionals guide you down the river.
  • 1 Day Trips – Half and full-day trips over smoother water.
  • 3 to 18 Day Trips – From Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek multi-day expeditions.
• Noncommercial River Trips: Get permits to raft on your own. See details on river support and equipment rental here.
  • 2 to 5 Day Trips – Permits are available one year in advance to launch from Diamond Creek and take-out at Lake Mead.
  • 12 to 25 Day Trips – For longer voyages, try your luck at their weighted lottery (read their FAQs here).

13. Desert View Watchtower, South Rim

336.0440579,-111.8283121, map

The Desert View Watchtower (aka Indian Watchtower at Desert View) is a 70-foot stone building on the South Rim. It was completed in 1932 and initially designed as a visitor concession structure. You can still climb into the tower to get higher vantage points where you can see over 100 miles on clear days.

14. Moran Point, South Rim

3636.0051427,-111.926463, map

Moran Point was named after Thomas Moran (although some believe it was named after his brother, Peter Moran, who traveled to the South Rim in 1881 with explorer John Bourke), who helped establish the National Parks and was known for his landscape paintings. He still has pieces part of the Smithsonian.

It’s a great spot to check out the geology of the Grand Canyon and see the shadows and light change throughout the day.

15. Kaibab Bridge / Black Bridge

36.36.1009764,-112.0914428, map

The Black Suspension Bridge spans 440 feet across the Colorado River and is narrow, requiring you to walk single file. Mule rides going to Phantom Ranch use it, and from 1928 to the 1960s, it was the only river crossing for hundreds of miles until they built the Silver Bridge.

16. Ride a Mule or Horse

You can ride a mule into the canyon from the South Rim and North Rim.

South Rim mule rides are offered year-round and can be booked up to 15 months in advance. You’ll find multiple options for a short ride (starting at $155.77 per person) to some vistas to an overnight ride to Phantom Ranch (starting at $705.13).

North Rim mule rides run between May 15th and October 15th. These are all shorter rides, and none go to the Colorado River. Rides start at $50 per person.

17. Scenic Drive

Desert View Drive is a great way to see some of the best spots along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. It starts near the village and runs 23 miles to the Desert View Services Area. It is an incredibly scenic drive with six developed viewpoints, four picnic areas, and five unmarked pullouts along the South Rim.

If you are spending time in Grand Canyon North, then check out Cape Royal Road. The drive itself wasn’t the most scenic, but the hike and viewpoints near the end are worth going to. There are also a ton of aspens along the road, so I’m sure a visit during fall foliage makes for a beautiful drive. There are multiple pullouts along the way and stunning views at Angel’s Window at the end.

More Things to Do in Grand Canyon

• Biking
• Bright Angel History Room, Bright Angel Lodge
• Camping 
• Grand Canyon IMAX Theater
• Desert Jeep Tour
• Tusayan Ruin and Museum
• Kolb Studio
• Lees Ferry
• Navajo Bridge
• Paragon Skydive
• Ranger Program
• Bar 10 Ranch 
• Grand Canyon Brewing Co 
• Marble Canyon

Frequently Asked Questions

Camping at Grand Canyon

There are four developed campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park. You can make reservations for all of them.

The Mather Campground is on the South Rim near the Grand Canyon Village and is open all year. There are 327 sites, flush toilets, and drinking water. Most RV spaces are pull-through.

The Desert View Campground is on the South Rim and is open from mid-April to mid-October. You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance at 49 sites.

The North Rim Campground is open from May 15 to October 31, and there are 87 sites.

Trailer Village is located on the South Rim and offers RV spots with full hookups. There are 123 sites, and you can make reservations up to 13 months in advance.

Best Places to Stay

We haven’t stayed in Grand Canyon South Rim yet, but we recently returned from a visit to Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim where we stayed in the Cabins. Each cabin is located near the main lodge and you’re also just steps away from amazing views and hikes. It made it easy to get up for sunrise photos and stay up late for astrophotography from the lodge or Bright Angel Point.

It was also convenient to the Visitor Center and the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room where we had all our meals. We had just come from Bryce where the food was amazing, so in comparison, the food wasn’t as impressive. The highlight here was the epic canyon views surrounding the lodge. You get great views while dining, and they have multiple sitting and viewing areas at the lodge.

If the cabins at the Grand Canyon Lodge are booked, check the map below for more places to stay nearby.

What to Pack

• Sunscreen, sun protection
• Down jackets in Spring / Fall / Winter
• Food
• Hiking shoes if you plan on doing moderate to challenging hikes.
• Reusable water bottles (our current favorites)
• Day Pack
• Camera

More Resources

• Moon USA National Parks Guide
• National Park Annual Pass
• Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West
• National Parks Passport
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA Travel Guide

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Your Complete Guide to the Arizona Hot Springs Hike

About Arizona Hot Springs

5.8-mile loop, moderate, over 1200 feet elevation change

Arizona Hot Springs is a beautiful natural hot spring located near Lake Mohave along the Colorado River. You hike to a colorful and narrow slot canyon and will find three main soaking pools of varying temperatures dammed by sandbags.

Find the official trail map here. You can also use the Alltrails map and if you have Alltrails+, you can download it have access to it offline.

How Hot are the Arizona Hot Springs?

The warmest pool is roughly 110°F. After the three main pools, the smaller pools in the area don’t have much warmth.

It is an extremely popular hike, so expect to see some crowds if you’re hiking on a nice day. You can avoid them by going early and hiking in before sunrise. Or wait for a quieter window in between groups.

How much time does it take to hike to Arizona Hot Springs?

Most online reports and everyone we talked to told us the hike takes 6-7 hours (not including time to soak), making me nervous that we’d be hiking back in the dark. We were prepared for a challenging and long hike but managed to do the loop in 4 hours, walking at a steady pace with a few breaks along the way. Although you shouldn’t underestimate the hike, if you’re confident in navigating a trail and can keep a decent pace, it should only take 3-4 hours.

Is the Arizona Hot Spring Trail Open?

Due to extreme heat, the trail is closed from May 15 to September 30.

See Related: The Best Things to Do at Lake Mead National Park

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Beware of brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria Fowleri), a risk in thermal pools. For that reason, I wouldn’t put my head in the water. They can travel up your nasal passage and cause fatal infections.
• Flash floods happen here, so do not attempt the hike if there is rain or thunderstorms nearby.
• You may see rattlesnakes along the trail, especially in warmer weather.
• Pack enough water and wear sunscreen. Sunstroke and dehydration are serious concerns, especially with little to no shade along the hike.
• You hike through A LOT of gravel. It can feel brutal and slow you down. Mentally, it’s hard to push through the boring and long gravel sections.
• Since you will be near the Nevada-Arizona border, the time zone may change back and forth depending on the time of year. Arizona does not observe daylight savings. In the summer, the time is the same, but there is an hour difference in the winter.

Where is Arizona Hot Springs

Arizona Hot Springs is located on the Colorado River just south of the Hoover Dam, near river mile 59.75. With its location near the water, you can access the springs from the river (kayaking/floating) or by hiking 3.1 miles (5.8 miles for the entire loop). The hot springs are inside a narrow slot canyon where someone created multiple pools using sandbags.

How to Get to Arizona Hot Springs

There are three main ways to get to Arizona Hot Springs.

The 5.8-mile loop hike is the first and most common way to get to the hot springs. It allows you to explore canyons, soak in the hot springs, and take a cold dip in the river before heading back. We ended up hiking the loop clockwise. Some of our friends like the hike counterclockwise, so you hit the river first and go from the coolest to hottest pools.

You can also kayak or float down 4 miles from the Hoover Dam, which requires a special permit and fee. You can only get this by booking a guided trip or a service to drop you off.

The third option is to paddle 8 miles upriver from Willow Beach. There is no launch permit fee here. Boat and kayak rentals are available at Willow Beach, but be sure to make reservations during holidays and weekends.

Fees at Arizona Hot Springs

Arizona Hot Springs is located within Lake Mead National Park, which means that the entry fees apply. You do not pass through any pay gates to arrive at the parking lot, but they can check the lot for permits.

Entrance Fees in the park are $25 per vehicle for seven consecutive days, or you can get an Annual National Park Pass for $80 (we highly recommend it if you love the outdoors and national parks).

See Related: 7 Stunning National Parks near Las Vegas

Where is the Trailhead

The trailhead is easy to find. It’s on the north side of State Route 93. If you’re coming from the Lake Mead Visitor Center, follow US Hwy 93 easy 8.4 miles (or 4.2 miles past Hoover Dam). From Kingman, AZ, the trailhead is .2 miles before mile marker 4.

When you pull into the parking lot, the trailhead is on the far end of the lot. There is an information sign as well as trail markers. When starting the trail, you will walk under the bridge / US Hwy 93.

Arizona Hot Springs Trailhead Coordinates: 35.9801752,-114.6984124 (map)

The Trail + Loop

You can hike to Arizona Hot Springs multiple ways. The main lollipop loop encompasses the White Rock Canyon Trail and the Hot Spring Canyon Trail, which both start from the same parking lot. After 0.4 miles, you will come to a split with a sign pointing to White Rock Canyon on the right and the Hot Spring Canyon on the left.

See More: 15 Fun Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas

Most guides will instruct you to start on the White Rock Canyon Trail, make your way down to the river, then cut back up to climb a 20 ft 18-rung ladder that leads to the hot springs. Then you head back via the Hot Spring Canyon Trail.

We did the hike in reverse. The plan was to hike back the same way since it cuts down the distance, but we decided last minute to complete the entire loop.

The Hot Spring Canyon Trail was steeper, with some loose gravel, making it slippery, while the White Rock Canyon Trail is gradual but almost entirely on loose gravel (not fun IMO).

Most of the trail is easy to follow. We recommend downloading the GPS map or offline google maps. The one confusing portion is near the river. If you go down to the beach, you need to backtrack to find White Rock Canyon Trail. The trail along the river also cuts back and forth, so look for markers (some not along the river).

Now that we’ve done both sides of the trail, if we were to do the hike again, we would only do the Hot Spring Canyon Trail down and back. The only downside is that you will miss views of the Colorado River from above.

Local Tip: You can extend the hike by adding the Liberty Bell Arch trail, an offshoot of the White Rock Canyon Trail.

The Hot Springs

As you approach the hot spring, your experience will be slightly different depending on which side you come from. We entered from the Hot Spring Canyon Trail. As the canyon starts to narrow, you’ll hear voices.

When you’re roughly 20 feet away, there is a steep portion to scramble down. That’s where we found a big group of Korean Ahjummahs (older ladies) getting dressed in the open area just before the first pool (Koreans love a good soak). This is the best spot to change. We dropped our gear off at the open area after the third pool.

At this point, you can see the source of the hot spring pouring out of the rocks. The first spring, which is the hottest, is roughly 110°F. If that’s too hot or crowded, you can try the following two pools that get cooler and cooler. The first two pools are smaller than the last pool and vary from knee to waist-deep. Even if you don’t plan on soaking, you still have to walk through the pools to continue on the trail.

When you’re ready to leave, there is a 20-foot, 18-rung ladder you need to climb down to head down to the beach or White Rock Canyon trail. You can also head back out the way you came.

Local Tip: We highly recommend water shoes or hiking sandals. Not only are you unsure if there is anything sharp in the bottom of the pools, but it makes it easier to navigate the uneven terrain. Jacob loves these, and they even dried as we walked back to the car.

Essential Tips for First Timers

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good traction. There are portions where the hike is slippery that require some scrambling. Jacob’s water shoes did just fine. I used a combination of hiking boots and sandals (I carried my hiking boots over my head in the water section).
• Get Alltrails+ and download the trail map to ensure you have access to it offline.
• Bring lots of water and sun protection. Much of the hike is exposed, and during shoulder season, it is incredibly hot.
• Leave no Trace – One of the biggest complaints is the amount of garbage on the trails and campsites. Be good stewards of the land and pack out anything you pack in. It helps to have a small daypack to put away any garbage. If you’re feeling up to it, you can pick up any trash you see along the way to leave it better than you found it.
• Weekends are busy. We went on a weekday and still ran into big groups of people, but it was much less crowded than photos we’ve seen from weekends.
• Even if you plan on being back to the car before the sun sets, it’s always a good idea to have a headlamp and some extra supplies in case something happens, or you’re slower than expected.
• It’s good practice never to hike alone. Also, notify someone (not with you) and tell them where you’re hiking and your ETA back home.

What to Pack

• Bring Lots of Water – these are our favorite travel water bottles tested on the road. They recommend you pack one gallon per person on this hike.
• Water Filter (in case you want to refill at the river)
• Food and Snacks
• Sun Protection (sunblock, sunglasses, hat, layers)
• Navigation Tools (google offline maps, Alltrails+)
• Battery for your phone
• Headlamp
• Layers (gets cooler in the shade but hot in the sun)
• Water Shoes / Sandals
• First Aid Kit
• Pack Towel
• Day Pack + Dry Sac (or waterproof backpack to keep your gear dry)
• Camping Gear – if you plan on staying overnight

Camping at Arizona Hot Springs

If you are camping, this is backcountry camping which means there is no trash, potable water, or designated campsites. It gets crowded on weekends, so it can be hard to find a spot. There are two vault toilets just south of the beach. Please Pack Out whatever you pack in.

See More: 11 Breathtaking Canyons in the US You Can’t Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Places to Stay Near Arizona Hot Springs

What’s Nearby

• Hemenway Park (9.6 miles W / 12 min, map)
• Las Vegas (40.4 miles NW / 45 min, map)
• Red Rock Canyon (57.1 mi W, 59 mi, map)
• Valley of Fire (70.1 miles N / 1 hr 25 min, map)
• Grand Canyon West (86.1 miles E / 1 hr 35 min, map)
• Lake Havasu City (126 mi S, 2 hr, map)

See More: 15 Incredible Weekend Trips from Las Vegas to Take Next

More Resources

• Save on Las Vegas Attractions with this Sightseeing Pass
• Day Trips from Las Vegas
• 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas
• Flight Deals to Las Vegas

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15 Best Things to Do in Lake Havasu City AZ

For us, it’s an easy day trip or weekend trip from Las Vegas. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at Lake Havasu, and it was a great home base. It’s located right next to the London Bridge, and we were able to walk to all the major attractions. More on our hotel later in this post! For now, let’s get into the best things to do in Lake Havasu City.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Lake Havasu City

More Things to Do in Lake Havasu

• Aquatic Center – Indoor water slide, wave pool, splash park, etc. Great for kids.
• Area 66 UFO Museum in Yucca (40 mins NE)
• Birding – Lake Havasu is a birder’s paradise with over 350 identified species of birds.
• Bowling at Havasu Lanes and Keglers Pub – Bowling, darts, billiards, and pub food.
• Bucky’s Rare Odd & Unusual – antique shop
• Casino – Havasu Landing is located on Chemehuevi Reservation on the California side of Lake Havasu. There’s a $2 round trip ferry to get there.
• Copper Still Distillery – $8 and up
• Desert Diamond Distillery Factory Tour
• Flying X Saloon – bar and live music venue
• Franconia – meteorite hunting
• Golfing at Lake Havasu Golf Club
• Grand Island Disc Golf Course
• Grace Arts Live – Live theater with both classics and contemporary shows.
• Havasu National Wildlife Refuge
• Havasu Riviera State Park
• Lake Havasu City Visitor Center
• Kokomo Beach Club – located by the lake and has a pool.
• Memorial Walkway along Bridgewater Channel.
• Movies Havasu – Family-operated movie theater.
• Off-Roading
• Rockhounding – You can find agates, quartz, geodes, gneiss, fossils, copper, chrysocolla, gold. See this resource.
• Shops at Lake Havasu or Havasu North Shopping Center – A large shopping center with all the big box brands.
• Vortexes

Hiking in Lake Havasu City

Don’t leave your hiking boots at home. Lake Havasu is more than just water recreation. Download Alltrails+ so you can have access to the trail maps even when you don’t have service.

• Crossman Peak – 14.4 mile RT moderate hike that features a waterfall.
• Dead Burro Canyon Trail – 7.5 mi strenuous, nice views of the valley
• Mallard Cove Trail – 5.3 mi loop, wildflowers in spring.
• Water Tank Trail – 6.2 mi easy, nice views of lake havasu.
• More Hikes

Where to Eat in Lake Havasu City

• Angelina’s Italian Kitchen (, Italian)
• BaBaLoo Lounge (, Gastropub, Cuban)
• Blue Chair (, Bar) – We ate here as a recommendation from Captain Tera. The food isn’t the best, but it’s good enough, and it has a great atmosphere with live music. The sign outside said, “If the food, drink, and service are not up to your standards… please lower your standards.”
• Boat House Grill ( Seafood)
• Cha-Bones (, Seafood) – also recommended by Tera.
• College Street Brewhouse and Pub (, Pub)
• Hangar 24 (, Bar)
• Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant (, Chinese) – We got the lunch special Almond Chicken and Pepper Steak. We like taking a gamble and trying random Asian spots and supporting the local restaurants. Jacob liked the bossy, mean Chinese lady who was yelling at her employees/husband. Reminded him of someone… haha
• Juicy’s the Place with the Great Food (, American) is recommended by many blogs.
• La Vita Dolce Italian Bistro (, Italian) – Ate here bc we were craving Italian. We ordered the linguine and clams and shrimp scampi. The pasta was not al dente, but they were generous with their clams. If you like Olive Garden, you’ll be just fine.
• Mudshark Brewery and Public House (, Breweries, Sandwiches)
• Peggy’s Sunrise Cafe (, Brunch)
• The Red Onion (, Brunch)
• Rusty’s Restaurant (, Brunch
• Scotty’s Broasted Chicken & Ribs (, BBQ
• Shugrue’s (, Wine, Seafood, Steak) – One local told us a lot of people in town will say this is the best restaurant in Lake Havasu, but it’s overrated.

Lake Havasu Hotels Near London Bridge

When we travel, we like to stay central. During our visit, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

The location is amazing. It’s a short walk to the English Village, London Bridge, and all the waterfront shops and restaurants. Plus the staff was friendly, rooms are comfortable, clean, and you always know what to expect.

They include a hot breakfast which gave us one less thing to worry about during our trip.

We stayed on the second floor which didn’t have a view of the bridge, but if you’re up on the fourth floor, you should be able to get a view.

For more hotel options, see the map below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Essential TIps

• Getting to Lake Havasu usually requires driving. There is a small municipal airport (HII) in town but the closest major airports are:
  • Laughlin Bullhead International Airport (IFP) in Bullhead City, AZ which is roughly 1 hr 2 min or 65 miles away
  • McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, NV which is about 2.5 hrs or 150 miles away
  • Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in Phoenix, AZ that is roughly 3 hours or 210 miles away
• Look for the best rental car pricing here.
• When hiking, bring water and wear sunscreen, not many trails in Lake Havasu have shade. Avoid hiking in the summer as temperatures are extremely hot.
• Pack out what you pack in Leave no Trace Principles. Or leave it better if you’re feeling up to it.
• Never hike alone and make sure other people know where you are going.
• Beaches and parking are crowded during the summer so have backup plans or leave early to get your spot.
• There are events throughout the year, it’s best to check what upcoming events there are in case that affects any of your plans.

What to Pack

• Always Bring Layers – layers are essential when you travel. These are our favorite travel jackets.
• Dresses – I like to wear flowy summer dresses to boating destinations. These are great travel dresses.
• Shoes – If you’re going out at night, you’ll probably want some dressy shoes, but make sure you bring a pair of comfortable travel shoes as well.
• Water Bottle – These are our favorite water bottles.

Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits and our carry on essentials for every flight.

What’s Nearby

• Parker, AZ (45 min / 38.5 mi, map) – Nellie E Saloon The Desert Bar – Quirky, rustic watering hole, built on the site of a former mining camp, open weekends Oct–Apr.
• Oatman, AZ (1 hr 10 min / 54.2 mi, map) – along route 66 an hour north of Lake Havasu
• Kingman, AZ (1 hr / 59.9 mi, map) – Nearby, Historic Route 66 Museum and memorabilia, Desert Diamond Distillery, Mohave Museum of History and Arts.
• Las Vegas, NV (153 mi north, 2 h 45 min, map)

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The Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip + Best Tour Options

The Grand Canyon is massive, and once you arrive in Las Vegas, you’ll see tons of tour options to Grand Canyon National Park. You’ll also see trips to West Grand Canyon, which is actually not part of the National Park. To help you sort through all the options, we’ve put together this guide to help you decide what’s best for you.

How Far is it From Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park?

Because of the sheer size of the canyon, it can take anywhere from 2 hours to over 5 hours. There are 3 main areas you’ll hear about: Grand Canyon West, the South Rim, and the North Rim.

• Grand Canyon West is the closest to Las Vegas at 130 miles away (~2 hrs). This area is part of the Hualapai Indian Reservation and not part of the National Park. It’s best known for the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
• Grand Canyon National Park South Rim is 280 miles away (~4.5 hrs) and the most popular section of the park. It’s open year-round and where you’ll find the most amenities, services, and people.
• Grand Canyon North Rim is 265 miles away (~5 hrs) but takes longer to get to because of the roads. It’s also only open from May to October. It is much less frequented by visitors.

We’ll go into more detail about each area further down in the post.

Essential Tips – What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Fees: There is a $35 per vehicle fee to enter Grand Canyon National Park, which is good for 7 days. If you plan on visiting other National Parks within one year of your visit, we highly recommend the annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass for $80 (we get one every year). It gets you into national parks, monuments, BLM lands, and more.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn will give you the most access to the park while avoiding crowds and the summer heat. April and October are the most ideal months. The high season typically runs from June to August. Winter will have the fewest crowds but the North Rim will be closed off along with some of the other amenities.
• Renting a Car: A few new things to consider when renting a car. Look to see if they have touchless check-in. Also, pack some wet wipes so you can wipe down high-contact areas.
• Time Zones: Nevada is on PST and Arizona is on MST. But to make things more confusing, Navajo lands in Arizona observe daylight savings but the rest of Arizona does not. During daylight savings (Mar to Nov), most of Arizona is the same time in Las Vegas and Arizona.
• Visiting in the Winter: The South Rim is open year-round, although not all facilities will be open in the winter. For the most part, you should be able to drive from Las Vegas unless there is a big winter storm that makes the roads dangerous. Typically even when there is snow, the roads are cleared quickly. Keep an eye on the weather before heading out and be flexible.
• West Rim: Keep in mind that the West Rim is within the Hualapai Indian Reserve and not part of the National Park system.

Should I Self-Drive, Take a Helicopter, Plane, or Bus??

The ideal mode of transportation depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Over the years, we’ve done every option except for the plane tour. To help you decide, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of each.

• Driving Yourself gives you the most flexibility but is also the most work (4+ hours drive one way to visit the actual National Park). If you prefer to go at your own pace or you’re a photographer and want to catch sunrise and sunset at specific spots, drive yourself so you can set your own schedule.
• Helicopter tours from Las Vegas are best if you are limited on time. You get aerial views and views from inside the canyon, but the downside is that no helicopter tours from Las Vegas go to the National Park. Instead, you’ll be visiting Grand Canyon West which is generally regarded as inferior to the National Park.
• Plane tours take you to multiple spots in Grand Canyon and typically include time on the ground. It is much quicker than driving and you get aerial views but you less time to explore yourself. Plus you’ll most likely miss sunrise/sunset unless you opt-out of the tour and book just the flight and do the rest on your own schedule.
• Bus tours are great if you don’t want to drive and ranges from small (15 seat) to large (50 seat) buses. Most tours give you a chance to see other popular destinations nearby, like Antelope Canyon or Hoover Dam. The downside is you won’t have control over the timing and things are paced for large groups, which can get annoying. We did a small bus tour that overnighted in a hotel, which allowed us to catch the sunrise at the Grand Canyon.

See More: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

Which Part of the Grand Canyon to Go to?

With the Grand Canyon covering a large area, it’s important to decide which part of the Grand Canyon you want to visit to help you plan your trip.

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim / Grand Canyon West

If you’re like us and have a goal to visit every National Park, Grand Canyon West does not count. We also like to collect stamps from National Parks, which are located at the visitor centers.

Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai tribe land and is privately run.

Most people say the highlight of Grand Canyon West is the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that lets you walk 4000 feet above the canyon floor. It’s also the closest to Las Vegas making it an easy day trip. 

For us, our favorite spot was Guano Point. The views on the skywalk weren’t that impressive compared to the surrounding areas, plus we weren’t allowed to take our own photos on it. 

The West Rim also costs more than the National Park. General Admission tickets are $45 and that doesn’t include the Skywalk.

With that said, everything purchased goes to support the Hualapai tribe and they are one of the few tribes that do not take any monetary help from the government.

See More: 11 Stunning Canyons in the US to Add to Your Bucket List

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim

The South Rim is the most popular part of the National Park and where the majority of the 5 million+ visitors go each year. From Las Vegas, it takes 4.5 hours to drive there (so a minimum of 9 hours round trip) making it a commitment for sure.

The South Rim will give you the best easy-access viewpoints in the park and is open year-round. It is also the most developed, which gives you access to all the amenities you need.

On the flip side, it is the most crowded, especially during peak season from June to August, and the most touristy section in the National Park.

Note: You may also read about the East Rim. This section of the park is located within the South Rim. There are fewer services here and you get similar views like those from the Grand Canyon Village.

Shuttle Service: If you are visiting the South Rim, there is a shuttle service between the rim and Grand Canyon Village. It’s helpful during the busy season since parking is limited. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Village Route (Blue): Connects hostels, campsite, and other facilities in the Grand Canyon Village with the Visitor Center.
• Kaibab Rim Route (Orange): Quickest route to the Visitor Center and popular views of the canyon.
• Hermit Road Route (Red): Takes you to beautiful panoramic views on the western border of the Grand Canyon Village. Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles from Mar to Nov.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

The North Rim is only open between mid-May 15 and mid-October. From Las Vegas, it takes just under 4.5 hrs to drive there. It is also 200+ miles away (4 hours) from the South Rim.

This area is great if you’re looking to get away from crowds since it is the least traveled of the three areas. The viewpoints are also very different and don’t offer as many iconic spots. Don’t miss Imperial Point, the North Kaibab Trail to Coconino Overlook, or Bright Angel Point.

If you’re looking to stay in the Cabins, book early. It fills up quickly. Reservations are also recommended for dining at the lodge. The views from the Dining Room are beautiful!

Drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

As we mentioned before, driving yourself is our preference because you get to control your itinerary and make changes along the way.

Driving to the West Rim (5001 Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, map) is the shortest trip at roughly 2 hours each way. Once you arrive, there is a free parking lot where they will have shuttle buses to take you to different points. To access anything else you will have to purchase a ticket.

The drive to the South Rim (S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, map) takes roughly 4.5 hours each way. You are driving on major highways or roads the whole way making it an easy drive. When you arrive, you pass through a pay station, where you can either use your Annual National Parks Pass ($80) or purchase a vehicle pass ($30). Once you pay, you can park in the village and take a shuttle, or park directly at specific viewpoints. Keep in mind that during the busy season, parking is hard to find at viewpoints.

The North Rim (AZ-67, North Rim, AZ 86023, map) is also a 4.5-hour drive. Similar to the South Rim, you’ll pass a pay station then you can park in any of the designated spots.

Local Tip: If you plan on driving, it’s always good to download the area on google maps or have a physical road map with you in case you end up in spots with no service.

All Your Tour Options

If you’ve decided to go with a tour, here are a few things you want to consider when choosing the right tour for you and your group:

• Where you want to go?
• How long you want to spend there?
• Other activities you want to do?
• What size of a group do you want to go with?
• Do you want to catch sunrise or sunset?
• Do you want aerial views?
• Will they pick you up from your hotel or do you have to meet them somewhere?
• What else is included, i.e. admission, meals, etc?
• Do you want to stop at other notable locations?
• Airplanes vs helicopters: planes fly higher and to more remote places, but helicopters can fly you closer to the walls of the canyon.

Day Tours

If you’re visiting Las Vegas for the first time, there’s probably a lot you want to see in town, but you may also want to take advantage of being so close to the Grand Canyon. If you’ve never seen it and have limited time, day tours are the best option for you.

We recently went on a day tour to Grand Canyon West with Comedy on Deck Tours. They have multiple pick-up spots on the strip, provide breakfast and dinner, and coordinate everything for you while giving you free time to explore.

After they picked us up at Excalibur, we made two stops, one for breakfast and one for a view over the Hoover Dam.

Our tour guide is also a professional comedian, so not only do they give you insight into the area but also tell jokes while you’re in transit.

The Grand Canyon Sky Walk is optional, and you can either pre-purchase the ticket or get it there. If you opt out, there are plenty of viewpoints nearby.

During this visit, we bit the bullet decided to get photos. I mentioned before the photos were trash, but they were better this time around. The photographer took us in various poses and spent longer with us than we expected. On our first trip, it was snap and go.

We ended up purchasing the whole digital package for $65. If you want photos, it’s your only choice (you must store all phones and cameras in a locker beforehand). Plus, you’re helping support the Hualapai Tribe, who take no federal funding at Grand Canyon West.

After the Sky Walk, the bus takes you to Guano Point, where you have time to explore and have lunch. Most of our bus decided to eat first, so we did the opposite. There was no line for the food by the time we made it back. Yeet!

Local Tip: If you plan on doing the Sky Walk, go on a weekday for fewer crowds. During holiday weekends, waits can be up to two hours.

More Day Tour Options

Looking for inspiration? TourScanner has listed the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas.

Here are some other Day Tours to check out:

SOUTH RIM

• South Rim Bus Tour ($107 / 14 hrs) – lunch and stop at the Nat Geo Visitor Center (optional upgrade to IMAX, Jeep tour, or helicopter flight)
• Helicopter to South Rim ($498 / 12 hrs) – includes snacks and lunch.

PACKAGE TOURS

• Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & Route 66 ($199 / 14 hrs) – includes breakfast, lunch, and stops at Hoover Dam & Route 66.
• Grand Canyon National Park, Route 66 & Caverns Tour ($195 / 14 hrs) – See Route 66, the park, and Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the US. Includes morning snacks and lunch.

GRAND CANYON WEST RIM

• West Rim Bus Tour ($89.99 / 12 hrs) – includes Skywalk and lunch (optional to add helicopter or pontoon boat)
• Drive, Fly & Float Tour ($645.99 / 10.5 hrs) – travel in a 4×4 Tour Trekker, hop on a helicopter flight from the rim into the canyon, walk the Skywalk, and take a 20-minutes float down the Colorado River

Local Tip: Don’t believe everything your tour guide says. We’ve caught tour guides sharing false facts in the past. It typically isn’t done maliciously, but simply something they heard another guide or traveler share. We always try to do our own research.

See More: 7 Breathtaking National Parks Near Las Vegas You Need to See

Overnight Tours

Overnight tours are great if you want to explore deeper in Grand Canyon or have more time to see the other iconic spots in the SouthWest. When Jacob’s dad visited last fall, he wanted to visit Antelope Canyon, so we did the first tour listed below. It was nice not having to worry about the details and focus on spending time with family. Plus, we got to revisit some of the spots we’ve been to while seeing new ones.

• Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon Sunrise Tour – See Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Hoover Dam, sunrise at the Grand Canyon, and Route 66. Includes 1-night hotel, breakfast, and snacks.
• 3-Day National Parks Camping Tour – Check out Zion, Bryce, Monument Valley, and Grand Canyon. Includes 3 lunches, 2 breakfasts, and camping accommodations (option to add camping equipment or lodging).
• Luxury Shuttle to Grand Canyon – If you prefer to plan your trip yourself without driving, ride a shuttle down and spend as much time as you want in the area.

See More: Tour Antelope Canyon – What You Need to Know

Grand Canyon Railway

Although this isn’t something you can do directly from Vegas, train lovers should check out the Grand Canyon Railway. It runs from Williams, Arizona into the heart of the park. It has been running since 1901, and you see a range of landscapes. You can choose which car or tours on their site.

Williams is roughly a 3 1/2 hour drive from Las Vegas or you can fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, the closest major airport near Williams AZ, which is a 40-minute drive.

Local Tip: Williams is a great spot to check out Route 66 as well!

Things to Do at the Grand Canyon →

• Grand Canyon Skywalk Glass Bridge (West Rim) – Test your fear of heights here. Remember that you aren’t allowed to take your own photos.
• Ride a Mule (South Rim) – You can a mule down tot he Colorado River and spend a night at Phantom Ranch. You can also take a short ride along the rim.
• Viewpoints – Here are some of the best viewpoints in each area.
  • South Rim – Mather Point, Yaki Point,  & Hopi Point
  • East Rim – Desert View
  • West Rim – Eagle Point & Guano Point
  • North Rim – Bright Angel Point & Cape Royal
• Rafting – Whether you’re looking for a leisurely float or 2-week rafting trip, there’s a wide range available between the West and South rim.
• Hiking – Here are some of the best trails in the park.
  • Bright Angel Trail (South Rim, 16 mi RT, ▵4366 ft, strenuous) – One of the most popular trails that takes you to the canyon. If you’re only doing a day hike, turn back at Indian Garden to make it 10 miles RT.
  • South Kaibab Trail (South Rim, 12.4 mi RT, ▵4888 ft, strenuous) – Better views than Bright Angel Trail but also more complicated.
  • Rim Trail (South Rim, 10.4 mi, easy) – Runs along the rim and great for the family. Just do as much as you want and turn around.
  • North Kaibab Trail (North Rim, 15 mi one-way, ▵6398 ft, strenuous) – This is a tough hike that takes you into the canyon.
  • Grandview Trail (East Rim, 12.5 mi RT, ▵3280 ft, strenuous) – Another long hike that is less popular than the ones on the South Rim.
• Museums in Grand Canyon (South Rim) – Check out the Grand Canyon: Tusayan Ruins and Museum & the Yavapai Geology Museum.

See More: 17 Breathtaking Things to Do at Grand Canyon National Park

Best Places to Stay

If you’re staying in Las Vegas:

We recently stayed at the Cabins at Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. Each cabin is located near the main lodge and steps away from amazing views. It makes it much easier for sunrise photos or astrophotography.

See below for more options.

What’s Nearby / Detours Worth Taking

• Hoover Dam (81 Hoover Dam Access Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, map)
• Seligman / Route 66 (22265 W Historic Rte 66, Seligman, AZ 86337, map)
• Williams / Route 66 (200 W Railroad Ave, Williams, AZ 86046, map)
• Antelope Canyon (Indian Rte 222, Page, AZ 86040, map)
• Monument Valley (U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536, map)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (UT-63, Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764, map)
• Zion National Park (1101 Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy, Hurricane, UT 84737, map)

More Resources

• Moon USA National Parks Guide
• Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West
• National Park Annual Pass
• National Parks Passport
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA Travel Guide
• Base Camp Las Vegas: 101 Hikes in the Southwest

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How to Get Havasupai Reservations / Permits

People scramble to get the coveted Havasupai Falls reservation every year. In the past, reservations for the year started at the beginning of February and would sell out within minutes. They used to do it through a phone line, where they often did not pick up, but now you can reserve online here.

The 2025 season is different because they have a presale reservation system, giving people access to a limited number of permit reservations before the opening day sale on February 1, 2025. The presale doesn’t guarantee a reservation spot but significantly increases your chances of securing a reservation for your preferred dates.

Havasupai Falls Presale Reservation Info

• Starts: December 16, 2024, 8 AM (Arizona Time)
• Ends: January 3, 2025, 5 PM (Arizona Time)
• Reservation Site: Click here to set up your account
• Presale Fee: $20 per person/per reservation (non-refundable)
• Registration: You can select campground and/or lodge and three desired reservation start dates (or month if your specific date isn’t available)
• Reservation Limits: Campgrounds are limited to one reservation (up to 12 permits) per trip leader. Lodge reservations are limited to three rooms (4 people per room, 12 permits) per trip leader.
• Selection: After the presale period closes, the permits will be randomly given out.
• Notification: If they award you a date, they will email you by January 6, 2025. Total reservation payment will be due at that time.

Havasupai Falls Public Reservation Info

• Starts: February 1, 2025, 8 AM (Arizona Time)
• Lodge Reservations: April 1 – November 30, 2024
• Reservation Site: Click here to set up your account
• Registration: You can select the campground and/or lodge and three desired reservation start dates or a month if your specific date isn’t available.
• Reservation Limits: Campgrounds are limited to one reservation (up to 12 permits) per trip leader. Lodge reservations are limited to three rooms (4 people per room, 12 permits) per trip leader.
  

Pro Tip: Sign up for an account before registration day and enter all your personal and credit card info to save time.

See More: 11 Famous Hiking Trails and Hardest Adventure Permits to Get in the US

Havasupai Falls Fees

• Campground Reservations: $455 per person (all campground reservations are 3 nights)
• Lodge Reservations: $2,277 per lodge room for up to four people (all lodge reservations are three nights)
• Pack Mules: $200 per mule each way or $400 per mule round trip
• Helicopter Transport: Call 623.516.2790 for schedule and pricing

The Hike to Supai Village + Campgrounds

The hike is a total of 10 miles each way.

• The trail into Supai begins at Hualapai Hilltop, where there is plenty of parking for regular vehicles (and very limited for RVs).
• From Hualapai Hilltop, there is a quick 2-mile descent into the canyon. You will go down switchbacks, and hiking poles come in handy.
• The next 6 miles to Supai Village is a relatively flat or very slow descent, which means getting out is mostly uphill.
• After arriving in Supai, you hike another 2 miles to the campground, continuing to descend into the canyon.

Pro Tip: During the hot months, people typically start hiking at night to avoid the heat.

See More: Your Ultimate Havasupai Packing List

Havasupai Campgrounds

The Campground is a “camp wherever you want” campground. It runs for over a mile on both sides of Havasu Creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. Finding an area big enough for our 13-person group took us over an hour. There is also drinking water available and primitive toilets.

Pro Tip: Bring your own toilet paper, because sometimes they run out.

The Five Waterfalls of Havasu Creek

1. Little Navajo Falls

Little Navajo Falls, aka New Navajo Falls or Upper Navajo Falls, are the first set of falls you see from Supai to the campground.

This one was confusing to find. The 2008 floods destroyed the 70-foot Navajo Falls and created multiple falls in its place. Some people refer to them as Upper and Lower Navajo Falls, but the only one notated by a sign there refers to them as Little Navajo Falls. Either way, they are beautiful and worth exploring.

2. Lower Navajo Falls / Rock Falls

The Lower Navajo Falls were much easier to find.

3. Havasu Falls

Havasu Falls is 0.5 miles away from the campgrounds. It drops over 100 feet into a beautiful pool. When hiking from Supai Village to the campgrounds, you will pass these falls.

4. Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls is the largest of the Havasupai waterfalls. It’s only 0.5 miles after you pass the campgrounds, but you must descend through two tunnels, chains, and ladders. The lines can get long, and it took us over an hour to get down.

Local Tip: Watch out for centipedes!

5. Beaver Falls

Beaver Falls is the furthest away and requires trekking through water, narrow trails, and over sketchy wooden bridges. It’s 3.5 miles each way (7 miles round trip) and an excellent cliff-jumping spot.

What You Need to Know Before Your Hike

• Want to know what to pack? Here’s our ultimate packing guide for backpacking Havasupai.
• Pack enough water to get to the campground. There is fresh water you can refill there.
• Create and update your account online before reservation dates to quickly log in and look for dates once they open.
• All reservations include necessary permits, fees, and taxes.
• There is only one name per reservation, and that person must be present to check in with a photo ID, or the entire reservation will be forfeited.
• Enter a Potential Alternative Trip Leader (PATL) when you sign up and transfer to that person if you can’t make it.
• Pack Mule reservations are also online and are limited. Each Pack Mule can carry up to 4 bags with a maximum of 32 pounds per bag and a maximum size of 36 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 19 inches tall. All bags must be soft-sided with nothing hanging on the outside. Ice chests or coolers are NOT permitted. A lot of people put their backpacks into duffel bags for more protection. Remember that they only bring your bags to the village, so you must carry your gear to your campsite for the final 2 miles.
• Helicopters are not guaranteed. The locals primarily use them, and a reservation is simply a waitlist for a potential open space. If there are no spaces, prepare to hike.
• Check the weather forecast and always know where to find high ground (there are signs). Havasupai is subject to flash floods, and the monsoon season runs from late June through August.
• Purchase travel insurance after making your reservation if you don’t want to risk losing money.

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Essential Tips for Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Summer is the busiest time of year because the water is warmest. If you want to avoid the crowds, come in the Spring or Fall.
• If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks this year, pick up the America the Beautiful Pass.
• Check out the park’s current conditions with these webcams.
• The park is accessible 24 hours year-round, but certain facilities are only open seasonally. Check this page to find all those hours.
• The National Park Service is less prevalent at this park because it’s a recreation area. A lot of the services are run by third party company. If you’re looking for a ranger, head to the visitor centers.
• If you’re looking to get groceries or pick up extra supplies, head into Page and you’ll find plenty of options on the main drag of Lake Powell Blvd.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Entrance Fees & Passes

• Vehicle Entrance 1-7 Day – $30
• Boating Entrance 1-7 Day – $30
• Boating Entrance additional vessel 1-7 Day – $30
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Annual Pass – $55
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Annual Vessel Sticker – $50
• America the Beautiful Pass – $80
• Free Days 2025/2026
  • Saturday, April 19, 2025 — First Day of National Park Week
  • Thursday, June 19, 2025 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Monday, August 4, 2025 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • Saturday, September 27, 2025 — National Public Lands Day
  • Tuesday, November 11, 2025 — Veterans Day
  • Monday, January 19, 2026 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Visitor Centers

• Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam
  Location: US-89, Lake Powell, AZ 84533
  Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
  Highlights: Bookstore, Tours of the Dam, Interactive Exhibits
• Glen Canyon Conservancy Flagship
  Location: 12 N Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ 86040
  Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM
  Highlights: Bookstore, Interactive Exhibits, Camping and Fishing Supplies
• Bullfrog Visitor Center
  Location: Highway 276 north of Bullfrog Marina
  Hours: Typically Open May to September (2025 Dates TBA)
  Highlights: Geology, Human, & Natural History Exhibits, Life-Size Model of a Slot Canyon
• Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center
  Location: 1000 Us Hwy 89a, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
  Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
  Highlights: Outdoor Exhibits, Self Guided Walk Across Navajo Bridge, Watch for California Condor
• Escalante Interagency Visitor Center
  Location: 755 West Main Street, Escalante, UT 84726
  Hours: Thursday to Tuesday 9 AM – 4 PM
  Highlights: Trip Planning Exhibits, Ecology Exhibits, Bookstore, Staffed by BLM, NPS, & Forest Service with info on Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Dixie National Forest

Lake Powell Marinas

You can’t visit Glen Canyon without getting out onto Lake Powell. For those of you who have your own boats, there are five marinas, four of which with launch ramps.

• Wahweap Marina (map)
• Antelope Point Marina (map)
• Halls Crossing Marina (map)
• Bullfrog Marina (map)

There are currently no services available at Charles Hall Ferry or Hite due to low water.

Restaurants + Best Places to Eat in Glen Canyon

Since we stayed at Wahweap Marina, we had a ton of dining options.

• Rainbow Room – Serves a breakfast buffet every morning (with the option to order a la carte as well) and a full menu during dinner. It has a spectacular panoramic view of the lake.
• Driftwood Lounge – A great spot to grab drinks, pub food, and small bites.
• Latitude 37 – A floating restaurant accessible by land or water. They serve sandwiches, burgers, and a few other signature entrees. 
• Wind – If you’re looking to kill some time while you wait, grab a coffee here.

Where to Stay in Lake Powell + Glen Canyon NRA

Stay at the Lodge

Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas is right in the heart of all the action and is one of the most popular places to stay in the Page Lake Powell area. Located in Wahweap Marina, you have multiple room options, easy access to dining, and activities right outside your door.

Other Housing Options:

• Defiance House Lodge (North Lake Powell)
• Family Units (Bullfrog Marina, Halls Crossing & Hite)
• Find the best deals on Lake Powell hotels and hotels near Page AZ

Camping & RVing

If you’re looking to camp, there are a few different options. The nicest campgrounds allow you to make a reservation, have restrooms, laundry, showers, a store, dump stations and potable water. Fees do apply based on the site, and you can find all the details here.

• Wahweap Developed Camping (112 dry campsites, 90 sites with full hook-ups)
• Bullfrog Developed Camping (78 campsites  plus and RV park with 24 sites with full hook-ups)
• Halls Crossing Developed Camping (43 campsites plus and RV park with 32 full hook-up sites)

There are also these other options. Unless noted, they are primitive campsites.

• Lees Ferry Campground (no reservations, 54 designated sites, $20 per site per night)
• Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping (no reservations, no designated campsites, $14 per vehicle per night)
• Staton Creek, Hite, Dirty Devil, and Farley Primitive Camping Areas (no reservations, no designated campsites, $12 per vehicle per night)
• Colorado River Primitive Camping (six designated areas between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry)

What’s Nearby

• Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon (16.4 mi southeast / 30 min, map)
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (23.8 mi northwest / 27 min, map)
• The Wave at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (40.1 mi west / 1 hr, map)
• White Pocket (66.4 mi west / 2 hr 20 min, map)
• Kanab (111.2 mi west, 4 hr, map)
• Grand Canyon National Park (142 mi / 2 hr 45 min, map)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (147 mi northwest / 2 hr 35 min, map)
• Hovenweep National Monument (213 mi / 3 hr 40 min, map)
• Natural Bridges National Monument (196 mi / 3 hr 40 min northeast, map)
• Capitol Reef National Park (249 mi / 4 hr 20 min north, map)
• Mesa Verde National Park (254 mi / 4 hr 32 min east, map)
• Arches National Park (287 mi northeast / 4 hr 45 min, map)

More Resources

• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Map (Trails Illustrated)
• Hiking Grand Staircase-Escalante & the Glen Canyon Region
• Boater’s Guide to Lake Powell
• Waterproof Guide Map to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon
• The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon (multiple people recommended this book since it talked about the history of the area)

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More Weekend Trip Ideas Under 7 Hours

• Parashant National Monument, AZ (135 mi / 4 h 31 min / map)
• Dixie National Forest, UT (182 mi / 2 h 40 min / map)
• Kanab, UT (198.7 mi NE / 3 hr 5 min / map)
• Duck Creek Village, UT (200 mi / 3 h 5 min / map)
• Cedar Breaks National Monument, UT (205 mi / 3 h 5 min / map)
• Storax Sedan Crater (107 mi / 1 h 50 min / map)
• Yucca Valley, CA (206 mi / 3 h 53 min / map)
• Palm Springs, CA (232 mi / 4 h 3 min / map)
• Lake Powell, UT (270 mi / 4 h 13 min / map)
• Rainbow Bridge National Monument, UT (268 mi / 4 h 12 min / map)
• Fishlake National Forest, UT (278 mi / 4 h 25 min / map)
• Salton Sea, CA (296 mi / 4 h 44 min / map)
• Phoenix, AZ (298 mi / 5 h 13 min / map)
• Salvation Mountain (314 mi / 5 h 4 min / map)
• Santa Barbara, CA (359 mi / 5 h 34 min / map)
• Pilot Peak, NV (388 mi / 6 h 24 min / map)
• Park City (427 mi / 6 h 10 min / map)
• Yosemite National Park (456 mi / 6 h 52 min / map)
• Moab (Arches & Canyonlands) (457 mi / 6 h 34 min / map)
• Sequoia National Park (380 mi / 6 h 3 min / map)
• Monument Valley, UT (395 mi / 6 h 13 min / map)
• Lake Tahoe (451 mi / 7 h 17 min / map) – over 7 hours but worth a weekend trip

Map of Weekend Trips from Las Vegas

More Resources

• Rand McNally Large Scale Road Atlas
• 101 Hikes in the Southwest
• Southwest Road Trip Guide
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA’s Best Trips
• Lonely Planet Southwest USA

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More Las Vegas Day Trip Ideas Under 3 Hours

• Lake Las Vegas (20.2 mi / 31 min / map)
• River Mountains Loop Trail, Henderson (21.0 / 24 min / map)
• Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, Henderson (28.2 mi / 33 min / map)
• Pioneer Saloon (38.3 mi / 41 min / map)
• Willow Beach (48.7 mi / 56 min / map)
• Pahrump, NV (63.1 mi / 1 h 10 min / map)
• Overton – Lost City Museum (64.1 / 1 hr 2 min / map)
• Nipton, CA (64.4 mi /1 hr 2 min / map)
• Mount Tipton Wilderness Area, AZ (82.8 mi / 1 hr 30 min / map)
• Armagosa Valley (87.9 mi / 1 h 17 min / map)
• Shoshone, CA (90.1 mi / 1 h 34 min / map)
• Laughlin, NV (97.6 mi / 1 h 30 min / map)
• Rhyolite Ghost Town (120 mi / 1 h 49 min / map)
• Dixie National Forest, UT (182 mi / 2 h 40 min / map)

Best Places to Stay in Las Vegas

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About Antelope Canyon

Millions of years ago the entire area was just sandy dessert. When it rained, the sand soaked up the water and compacted the sand. Eventually, the heat hardened the compressed sand to form the Navajo Sandstone.

Earthquakes caused the cracks to form, and during monsoon season, the rain picked up speed and sand as it rushed into these passageways making them deeper and smoothing the edges to create beautiful shapes. The sandstone curves and flows in every direction.

See More: 11 Breathtaking Canyons to Visit in the US

Upper vs Lower Antelope Canyon – Which Should You Visit?

Antelope Canyon is made up of two separate canyons: Upper and Lower. Upper Antelope or Tsé bighánílíní in Navajo means ‘the place where water runs through rocks’. Lower Antelope or Hazdistazí means ‘spiral rock arches’. You have to book trips to them separately, and while I would absolutely recommend visiting both, most likely you have limited time or limited budget. It’s hard to say which is better, but that’s why we’ve listed out which makes each more worthwhile.

Local Tip: If you really want to avoid crowds, consider visiting Rattlesnake, Owl, or Mount Sheep Canyons, Canyon X, and Waterholes which are nearby. You may even want to add them to your visit to Antelope since you’re already there

See More: Photo Diary of Lower Antelope Canyon Tours

Permits + Fees + How Early to Book

Antelope Canyon is protected by the Navajo Parks and Recreation and everyone is required to enter with a guide. This helps prevent vandalism and ensures that everyone is taking safety precautions. To get into the park, everyone 8 years or older must pay an $8 fee. You then have to book a tour which can range from $32 to $200 depending on the tour company and which tour you book. We’ll get into those details in the Tour section of this post.

Tours are offered year round, but peak season runs from late March through October. During these times, you should book tickets and tours as soon as you can. If you wait until you are there, unless you get extremely lucky, most likely there won’t be any tickets available. Books tickets at least a month and a half in advance during peak season, especially if you want the photographer’s tour. I just glanced at some June dates 8 months in advance and some days are already getting filled.

Local Tip: Hate planning? Join a Max Tour from Las Vegas where they take care of your ride and everything else you need for your experience. We went on the 2 Day Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon Tour and really enjoyed the experience. See more about our experience below.

The Best Antelope Canyon Tours

When choosing your tour, you’ll have the option of a Sightseer’s Tour or a Photography Tour. Both tours will take you to the same place, but the Sightseer’s Tour will only last about 60 minutes whereas the Photography Tour will run about 120 minutes.

In addition to that, you can only bring a tripod on the Photography Tour and they typically require that you have a DSLR or nicer mirrorless camera. The Photography Tour costs significantly more and still runs at the same time as other standard tours, but if photography is important to you, it’s worth the extra cost.

Because the canyons are highly regulated, you have only a few options for tour companies.

Upper Antelope Canyon Tours

• Adventurous Antelope Canyon PhotoTours (928.380.1874)
• Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours (928.698.3384)
• Antelope Canyon Tours (928.645.9102)
• Grand Circle Adventures (928.645.5594)
• Tse Bighanilini Tours (928.698.3285)

Lower Antelope Canyon Tours

• Ken’s Tours (928.606.2168)
• Lower Antelope Canyon Tours (928.640.1761)

Max Tour – Antelope Canyon Tour From Las Vegas

We went on the 2 Day Grand Canyon Antelope Canyon Tour and it was a really great experience. They pick you up on the strip and you join a small group of roughly 10 people. In two days, they pack in a lot. We saw Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, multiple viewpoints at Grand Canyon, Route 66, and Hoover Dam.

When we arrived at Lower Antelope Canyon, our tour guide purchased the tickets then instructed on where to wait. From there, the local guides take over and guide you through the canyon. After the guided tour, we met back up with our Max Tour guide and he took us to the next spot. It was such a nice way not to have to worry about any of the details.

Everything is very controlled and people are ushered through the canyon and you stop at various points, yet it’s still chaotic.

When is the Best Time to Visit Antelope Canyon?

The Antelope Canyon experience can depend on the time of year you visit.

If you’re a photographer, it’s all about the light, not just for the light shafts but also the glow along the walls. The light beams happen most during the summer months since they require the sun to be high in the sky. They start to appear around mid-March and typically disappear by early October. The best times are closest to the summer solstice. During the winter months, the colors in the canyon are more muted. 

The light shafts will appear typically between 10am-12pm (high noon). You can call tour guides for the best times to see the beams since they will differ based on the time of year.

On the other hand, the crowds are more extreme in the summer and it makes it difficult to take photos without people in them. Our first visit was in the heat of the summer, and our most recent one was mid-November during shoulder season. 

It was actually pleasant, since the crowds were dying down, and you also didn’t have to wait for tickets or be worried they’ll be sold out. Tresian, our guide, knew we wanted photos, so he rushed us ahead so we could get space between tours to take photos. If it’s during peak season, the tours are pretty much back-to-back.

How to Take Photos at Antelope Canyon – Photography Tips

• Be prepared for the crowds. There will be a ton of people in the canyons, the pace of the tour will move quickly, and it’ll be over before you know it. It helps to stay next to your guide if possible.
• Know your camera settings before you go. You’re not going to want to spend your precious time fumbling with your settings. Make sure you know what you’re doing or you bring a photographer friend. Don’t rely on the tour guides to get amazing photos for you but pay attention to all the photo spots they point out.
• Tripods are not allowed unless you book a photography tour, but if you are doing the photography tour you should absolutely bring one! There isn’t much light in the canyons, so unless you pump up the ISO, it’s going to be difficult to get great handheld shots.
• Lenses to Bring. Try to stick with only one lens since there’s a lot of floating sand. You can risk it, but sand has killed a couple of my cameras already. RIP. If you’re bringing one lens, you will want a wide-angle lens since the spaces are tight. I shot most of mine with a 35mm, but I regretted not bringing my 16-35.
• Shoot multiple exposures even if you don’t plan on creating HDRs. I ended up bracketing my exposures since the light wasn’t the easiest to deal with. There are both dark and bright spots, so it’s easy to lose details in the shadows or highlights. If you’re not shooting multiple exposures, a general rule of thumb for digital is to underexpose.
• Shoot RAW if possible, so that you can but if it’s becoming too slow, switch to JPEG only.
• Light Beams generally occur between 10 AM and 12 PM (high noon) but call the tour companies to find out the best time of day for the time of year. When it comes to capturing light beams, you can only see them with particles in the air. You are no longer allowed to throw sand in the air.
• Sand Falls can naturally occur when the wind blows sand into the canyons from above. Always be prepared and on the lookout. Guides no longer throw sand against the walls to create small sand falls.
• Be mindful of other visitors and photographers. Don’t be the person who gets in everyone’s shot, though it’s quite difficult with the number of people in the canyons these days.
• Don’t forget to shoot up! The shapes are beautiful up towards the sky too.
• Typically they require you to have a DSLR or mirrorless camera to be part of a photography tour. If you only have an iPhone they may move you to a regular tour. With that in mind, if you have a partner or friend, but only one camera, you can try to call the tour company to see if they will make exceptions.

Below is a blend of 2 exposures to bring back the details in the brightest parts.

Essential Tips for Visiting Antelope Canyon

• Beware of flash floods. After the last big incident where several hikers died, there have been a lot of rules put in place to prevent this. Usually, they will cancel tours in cases of inclement weather, but just know they can happen suddenly.
• Time Zone Differences – It can be really confusing since the neighboring lands don’t acknowledge daylight savings time. The easiest thing to do is call the tour company you booked to make sure you know what time it starts in Navajo time and how it differs from the time where you are. We’ve missed a tour once because of a time zone difference.
• Use the bathroom before you head to your tour. There were some porter potties but they are pretty gross.
• You aren’t required but it is always a nice gesture especially if your tour guide did a great job.
• It gets dark in the canyon, especially in Upper Antelope so be sure to walk slowly and carefully.
• Watch the weather. Flash floods still can happen. Guides are extra careful about this now.

Here are a few more updates from Sarah, one of our readers who went this year. Thank you, Sarah!

• They DO NOT ALLOW backpacks, fanny packs, selfie sticks, go pro, literally anything in Upper Antelope. They are extremely strict about it, where they had one of the workers/guides walking through and letting people know to get rid of stuff unless they wanted to be disallowed on the tour. You can only take a bottle of water, phone, and camera. Workers mentioned that the rules have changed and become more strict.
• Upper will allow clear transparent backpack and fanny packs but that is really strict as well – it must be completely transparent. They do sell some in their gift shop/waiting area that are acceptable. The same rules apply for selfie sticks and go pros – not allowed at all.
• Horseshoe Bend area entrance is completely going through a renovation so there is no parking – a series of shuttle buses run back and forth from a parking area that is about 1 mile off, and they have workers standing out there redirecting ppl all day long. The shuttle is $5 per person (for ride to and from) and cash only. Workers let us know that soon it will be a completely redone parking area which includes fees to drive in and park.

What to Pack for Antelope Canyon

• Small Bag – Bring a small bag or carry all your personal belongings on you. You can’t bring backpacks since space is tight.
• Bring a Buff / Bandana to keep out sand and dust
• Layers – The canyon is much cooler, but it can still get hot.
• Sunglasses
• Water – Since you cannot bring large bags, you can carry your reusable water bottle with one of these. You can also use a Platypus Plus Bottle and clip it to your belt.
• Snacks
• Camera Gear
• Lenspen
• Saran Wrap – If you want to add a bit of extra protection, wrap your camera in saran wrap (especially the cracks) to keep it safe from the sand.
• Comfortable Shoes / Hiking Shoes
• Cash for Entrance Fee and Tips

Where to Stay Near Antelope Canyon

Page, AZ is only 5 miles away from Antelope Canyon and has plenty of hotel and food options. During peak season, you need to book early due to limited availability.

If you stay in Page, you’ll also be at a central location to a lot of other amazing outdoor spots! If you plan your day right, you could catch the sunrise at Horseshoe Bend, shoot the light rays at Antelope Canyon, then have the afternoon to explore another park.

What’s Nearby

• Rainbow Bridge National Monument (10 min / 5 miles to Antelope Point Marina)
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (13 min / 6.9 miles)
• Horseshoe Bend (12 min / 7.3 miles)
• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (39 min / 33.6 miles)
• The Wave (1 hr 15 min / 51.7 miles)
• Zion National Park (1 hour 56 minutes / 110 miles)

More Resources

• Top Trails of Arizona
• Arizona & the Grand Canyon
• DSLR Photography – Antelope Canyon
• Arizona State Map

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