Activities & Tours
Adventure awaits you at the Grand Hotel. The proximity to the Grand Canyon South Rim means that visitors can choose from a multitude of tours and experiences departing from the Grand Hotel every day. Regardless of your age or activity level, our Grand Hotel staff can assist you find the adventure that is right for your group.
2023 Fee Free Days in Grand Canyon National Park
January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 22 – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 23 – National Public Lands Day
November 11 – Veterans Day
Key Features & Highlights
- Explore the Canyon from the air by airplane or helicopter
- Rafting adventures available for all levels of intensity
- Various hiking and guided tours are available daily, departing from the Grand Hotel
Grand Canyon Mule Rides
If you don’t feel like using your own two feet to get around, why not try a mule or horseback riding adventure and explore the wild west the way it’s been seen for centuries. Enjoy a trail ride in the park or through the Kaibab Forest. Mule rides originate inside the park, and there are horse stables located less than 2 miles from the Grand Hotel. (Please note that the mule rides offer canyon views, the horse rides do not go into or view the Grand Canyon).
Highlights
- Numerous tours to choose from
- Tours departing daily
- Pick up from the Grand Hotel can be arranged
Interpretive In-Park Motorcoach Tours
Board one of Xanterra’s comfortable environmentally friendly coaches and experience a guided interpretive tour through one of the most beautiful places on earth, Grand Canyon! Let our skilled drivers take the stress out of navigating the park roads or finding a place to park while you relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Canyon. Choose a tour that fits your schedule and interests. There are several different options. Take the time to learn some of the captivating history and geology of this timeless location. Tours can be booked at any in-park Tour Desk and depart from Maswik and Bright Angel Lodge. All In-Park tours feature a trained driver-naturalist, who will provide an informative and captivating narrative throughout your tour of the park.
Grand Canyon Railway
Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has been taking passengers on a fabled journey to the heart of one of the seven wonders of the world. Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: it’s a trip back in time on lovingly restored rail cars with entertaining musicians and the antics of cowboy characters. Out your window, the terrain changes from high desert to prairie, prairie to pine. It’s a view that’s ever-changing until you come across a view so brilliant, it could very well change you. All aboard to the Grand Canyon to Make a Grand Trip the Grandest!
Highlights
- Take a historic train directly into the park
- Entertainment from beginning to end from musicians, cowboys, and staff
- Steam and diesel trains available
Arizona Snowbowl
Escape the summer heat on the Arizona Snowbowl Scenic Chairlift, offering a fabulous 25-minute ride to 11,500 feet from where you can enjoy expansive views of northern Arizona including the glimpse of the Grand Canyon 70 miles in the distance. Enjoy a short hike to an observation point at the top, and learn about our surroundings from the Interpretive Rangers. And if you are yearning for lunch, make your way back down to the base area to enjoy a delicious meal! Summer days are filled with games on the patio and disc golf, Sunset Music Series and special events.
Paragon Skydive
Experience the Grand Canyon like never before – Do a Tandem Skydive!
This is no ordinary skydive, with breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon, possibly the most awe inspiring natural feature in the country, if not the world, this is a once in a lifetime experience. Visitors can expect spectacular views of the Grand Canyon as they ascend to jump altitude. Sitting on the edge of the plane and experiencing free fall is a major adrenaline rush like no other. The flight under canopy is surprisingly peaceful, quiet and surreal. Completed with a licensed and experienced Tandem Instructor they look after all the hard stuff so you can relax can enjoy the ride.
We operate from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport at the South Rim and are open 364 days of the year. Book your skydive through the concierge in the hotel today!
Highlights
- Once in a lifetime experience.
- Open 364 days a year.
- No previous experience required.
Grand Canyon Jeep Tours
Since 1993, our professional guides have been guiding visitors down forest back-roads to the most spectacular viewpoints at the Grand Canyon. Just step onto one of our specially designed, eco-friendly, safari vehicles for your awe inspiring tour of the Grand Canyon and Kaibab National Forest! While adventuring in open air, four-wheel drive, safari vehicles, our Grand Canyon Experts will share their knowledge about the early settlers, native wildlife, history, and fascinating geology.
Highlights
- Numerous tours to choose from
- Pick up from The Grand Hotel available
Pink Jeep Tours
Welcome to Pink Jeep Tours Grand Canyon. Treat yourself to the ultimate guided tour experience and leave the driving to us. Your Pink Jeep Tour guide will give you a fun, informative, and focused tour that will ensure that you see the best viewpoints in the Grand Canyon. Take a break from driving and let us showcase this natural wonder of the world to you in an open-air pink Jeep Wrangler. All South Rim Grand Canyon Pink Jeep Tour bookings receive free tickets to the IMAX® movie, “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets.” Don’t miss out on anything, book now to tour this one-in-a-lifetime experience!
Highlights
- Numerous tours to choose from
- Tours departing daily
- Pick up from the Grand Hotel can be arranged
Smoothwater Float down the Colorado River
There is an outstanding tour that departs the Grand Canyon Airport (less than 1 mile from the hotel) at 6:00 am with a beautiful air tour of the Grand Canyon, Colorado River, and Lake Powell landing in Page, AZ where breakfast is served. A Native American guide picks you up for a spectacular visit to Antelope Canyon.
You are then transported to the bottom of Glen Canyon Dam where you begin the relaxing and picturesque 15 mile float down the Colorado River (Smooth Water) where you will stop to view ancient petroglyphs. A bistro boxed lunch and beverages all day is included. This tour is a full day returning around 6:30pm.
Highlights
- Full day adventure
- Low intensity
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
For the discerning Grand Canyon visitor who wants the very best Grand Canyon helicopter tour, look no further – you’ve found it right here! See the absolute best views the Grand Canyon has to offer on this 40 – 50 minute aerial sightseeing bonanza. As you glide across the canyon rim, you’ll gasp in wonder as the bottom seemingly drops out from under your feet.
Highlights
- Daily Departures
- Over the deepest and widest part of the Grand Canyon including the Dragon Corridor
Bearizona
Experience North American wildlife in a natural environment. Visitors drive through three miles of Arizona wilderness viewing bears, bison, wolves and more! Guests then explore Fort Bearizona walk through area to observe baby and smaller animals on exhibit, and the amazing High Country Raptors’ free-flight show, where visitors learn about birds of prey and see them fly directly overhead! Bearizona is located in Williams, about a 60-mile drive from The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon.
Highlights
- Open year round, 7 days a week
- Visitors generally take about 2 hours to travel through the whole park
- Once admission is paid, visitors are welcome to stay until dusk
- Charges per person apply, but single vehicle charges not to exceed $100 + tax