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Grand Canyon Adventure Tours: Explore the Canyon with Expert Guides

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The Grand Canyon and its liquid heartbeat, the Colorado River, have countless stories to tell. Discover it for yourself on a Grand Canyon adventure tour.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Austin Adventures' Grand Canyon Adventure Tours. Immerse yourself in the rich human and geological history of this iconic destination with our all-inclusive vacation packages in both summer and, for a unique perspective, winter. Spanning over 1,217,262 acres, the Grand Canyon is considered one of the Wonders of the World. Our Grand Canyon adventure tours provide the perfect opportunity to see a different side of the park, taking in the breathtaking views of the Colorado River Gorge and witness the park's diverse wildlife, including condors, pronghorns, bald eagles, and more. 

From rafting and biking to hiking and cruising along the Grand Canyon Railway by train, we offer a wide range of thrilling activities for you to choose from. Our tours also include visits to popular landmarks such as the Indian Watchtower, the Wupatki Ruins, and even a volcano!

Grand Canyon Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

North America

Grand Canyon Adventure

4.93

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Experience the Grand Canyon from all angles as you explore hidden gems and take in famous views of this beloved landmark. Each day brings new awe-inspiring moments as you hike and raft among the incredible natural wonders.

Trip Start: Phoenix, Arizona Trip End: Phoenix, Arizona

North America

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

4.75

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 FAMILY VACATION

Introduce your family to the awe-inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon. On this six-day trip, you’ll hike, kayak, and take a train ride through this incredible region to discover its dynamic history and geological wonders.

Trip Start: Phoenix, Arizona Trip End: Phoenix, Arizona

North America

Grand Canyon in Winter

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Experience the peace and epic scale of the Grand Canyon in winter, with its upper cliffs dusted in snow and quieter trails. You’ll see a new side to this geological wonder on this 6-day Arizona adventure tour.

Trip Start: Phoenix, Arizona Trip End: Phoenix, Arizona

What Guests Say About their Grand Canyon Adventure

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Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure

"great adventure outstanding guides read more

"great adventure outstanding guides read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Kent,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure

"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super… read more

"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super and it was a great variety of things to do. We loved it. Austin Adventures goes above and beyond what we even could imagine!! read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Lynn,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful. read more

"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful. read less

5 Stars (40 reviews)

Michele,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing… read more

"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing and I genuinely already miss everyone. It was the little things the guides did for us that made it so special, like a cold glass of pickle pear juice after hiking in the Grand Canyon and setting up lunch to eat around the rim. I cannot wait to go on my next adventure! read less

5 Stars (40 reviews)

McKenna,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful… read more

"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful guides read less

4 Stars (40 reviews)

Emily,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better. read more

"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better. read less

5 Stars (40 reviews)

Tad,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations read more

"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations read less

5 Stars (40 reviews)

Jennifer,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time. read more

"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time. read less

4 Stars (40 reviews)

Jennifer,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not… read more

"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not to participate in one of the biking and hiking events, other family members said they were fun and worth the time. I thought the food was excellent but felt there was way too much time spent at the dinners and the first breakfast. Buffet breakfast better. While the weather was bad and made watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon impossible, it was never contemplated in the schedule either evening. I read less

4 Stars (40 reviews)

Ellen,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I… read more

"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I did not care for the Prescott hotel. It wasn read less

5 Stars (40 reviews)

Mary,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"The trip was great, the other guest and the size of the group was wonderful! read more

"The trip was great, the other guest and the size of the group was wonderful! read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Cindy,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"Trip was outstanding. Both tour guys were great. I wish some of edge activities were… read more

"Trip was outstanding. Both tour guys were great. I wish some of edge activities were a little longer, I think 7 mile bike ride for an adventure tour is too short but overall a GREAT trip and a great experience read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

James,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"It was awesome. I enjoyed all of it. read more

"It was awesome. I enjoyed all of it. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Mike,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"Our guides, Matt and Joel, made the trip. They were outgoing, energetic and charming. They… read more

"Our guides, Matt and Joel, made the trip. They were outgoing, energetic and charming. They purposefully interacted with the trip participants providing ice breaker conversations and activities which helped to alleviate the initial awkwardness of traveling in close proximately with so many strangers. I felt this allowed everyone to relax and enjoy each others company very early on in the trip. In addition, their concern for our safety and enjoyment was genuine. They went above and beyond in a myriad of ways paying attention to small and large details working to meet the individual needs of each person. They executed the Austin Adventures itinerary with expertise, professionalism and many unique touches all their own. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Kimberly,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"We can't say enough!! This vacation by far has been our favorite, every detail and… read more

"We can't say enough!! This vacation by far has been our favorite, every detail and quality of service and knowledge out guides gave us was outstanding! We had Joel and Matt as our guides they made this a super fun and educational trip and truly went out of their way to deliver! read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Patty,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"Great! The guides were outstanding! They met an unexpected challenge head on. (Trailer breakdown)… read more

"Great! The guides were outstanding! They met an unexpected challenge head on. (Trailer breakdown) They made a stressful situation look easy. Accommodations and food A+. And a great group of people that we traveled with. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Karen,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"Our second Austin Adventures trip was just as spectacular as our first (Yellowstone and Paradise… read more

"Our second Austin Adventures trip was just as spectacular as our first (Yellowstone and Paradise Valley). What made it great were the two wonderful guides that we had (and the fantastic group of fellow travelers). The trip wasn't without some unexpected challenges, like the trailer breaking down and one of our group having some temporary medical trouble, but Mathew and Joel handled them with virtually no impact to our good time.
This is no "laid back relaxing trip". You are going from early morning until night seeing and experiencing incredible sites and activities, while learning about the history and culture of the areas. Just the way I like it. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Patrick,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"I can't say enough great things about our guides, Joel Serrano and Matt. Not only… read more

"I can't say enough great things about our guides, Joel Serrano and Matt. Not only did they take care of us in every way but were super fun, friendly, smart, engaging, and most of all they were just as excited to be on the trip as we were and it showed. They accommodated every detail above and beyond and made it seem effortless. I loved the trip, every activity we did was so much fun. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Sally,

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"I loved the trip. The itinerary was perfect- we were busy, were active everyday… read more

"I loved the trip. The itinerary was perfect- we were busy, were active everyday and didn't spend a lot of time in the car. Most of the activity was easy so I'd rate this trip a Level 2. Also, I'd suggest that the Cedar Ridge hike be a full hike for those who choose and a half hike for those who are not in the best shape. The food was amazing- the catered lunches were not heavy and very fresh. The meal at the Hassayampa was very good but the portions were riduculously large. Joel and Matt were very personable, knowledgeable and accomodating. They are great guides. The size of the group - 11 travelers- was perfect. I was very fortunate to be a solo traveler with 10 of the funniest, nicest and active adults. Our group bonded immediately and Joel and Matt enhanced that experience with their charm and personality. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

Sandhya,

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2021

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"It was so impressively organized and paced. There was a full understanding day to day,… read more

"It was so impressively organized and paced. There was a full understanding day to day, hour to hour of what we were doing. Everything flowed so seamlessly, the itinerary was so robust and full of excitement but not overwhelming, our every need was anticipated and accomodated, and honestly, our two amazing guides made this trip the phenomenal experience that it was read less

5 Stars (40 reviews)

Aparna,

grand canyon southwest

Grand Canyon Adventure Tours: Exploring the Wonders of the Southwest

Grand Canyon Adventure Tours offer an array of exciting ways to explore this natural wonder. From hiking and biking to rafting and camping, there's a tour for every adventurer's preference. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon on a guided hiking tour, where you can trek through the rugged terrain while learning about the area's geology and ecology. Or, for a more adrenaline-fueled adventure, opt for a white-water rafting trip down the Colorado River, where you'll navigate thrilling rapids and soak in breathtaking views. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer experiencing the Grand Canyon in winter for the first time, Grand Canyon Adventure Tours offer an unforgettable way to experience one of the world's most iconic destinations.

grand canyon geology

History and Geography of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is not only one of the most visually stunning natural wonders in the world, but it also has a rich history and geological significance. The Canyon was formed over millions of years through the powerful forces of erosion and the flow of the Colorado River. It is believed that the area was first inhabited by Native American tribes who have lived in and around the Grand Canyon for thousands of years. The first Europeans to visit the Grand Canyon were Spanish explorers in the 1500s, and it was later explored by American explorers in the 1800s. Today, the Grand Canyon National Park is not only a popular destination for adventure-seekers but also a place of spiritual and cultural significance for many Native American tribes. Its unique geology and diverse ecosystem have made it a valuable location for scientific research and conservation efforts. A multi-day Grand Canyon adventure tour offers the opportunity to learn about this fascinating history and geography firsthand while exploring the stunning natural landscapes and experiencing thrilling outdoor activities.

grand canyon with austin adventures

What to Expect on a Grand Canyon Adventure Tour

Embarking on a Grand Canyon adventure tour promises to be an experience of a lifetime. There are a variety of tour options to choose from with Grand Canyon family tours and action-packed itineraries filled with thrilling outdoor activities like exploring the many Grand Canyon hiking trails, biking, rafting and even Grand Canyon mule rides. From the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the canyon to the unique geological formations, you will encounter an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife that will leave you in awe. Professional guides will accompany you throughout the trip, sharing their knowledge and expertise about the area's history, culture, environment and the unique Grand Canyon geology. With Austin Adventures, you can rest assured that every detail will be taken care of, from comfortable accommodations to delicious meals. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.

grand canyon in winter

Visiting the Grand Canyon in Winter

Visiting the Grand Canyon in winter can be an unforgettable experience. The canyon's dramatic landscape takes on a new, stunning appearance with a blanket of snow. The winter months are also a quieter time to visit, with fewer crowds and more opportunities for solitude. The cooler temperatures make it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The low angle of the winter sun creates dramatic shadows and colors, making it a great time for photographers to capture the canyon's beauty. Keep in mind that some areas of the park may be closed due to snow and ice, but there are still plenty of options for exploring this natural wonder in the winter months, and our local guides know the perfect trails for enjoying the canyon in safety. 

how to pack grand canyon

Planning a Grand Canyon Adventure Tour

When planning a Grand Canyon adventure tour, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the best experience possible. First, decide which of the Grand Canyon tours is right for you, whether it's a hiking trip, Grand Canyon rafting excursion, or a combination of activities. Consider your fitness level and comfort with the outdoors when selecting a tour. Next, choose the best time of year to visit, taking into account weather conditions, crowds, and seasonal activities. Don’t be put off by colder temperatures in winter - it’s a unique time to see what few others get to: the Grand Canyon covered in snow. Be sure to pack appropriately, including comfortable, sturdy shoes, layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Finally, research and book your tour in advance to ensure availability and the best pricing. By following these tips, you can enjoy a memorable and fulfilling adventure tour of the Grand Canyon.

best time to visit grand canyon

When is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon?

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon depends on what activities you plan to do and your personal preferences. Generally, the most popular times to visit are in the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time and accommodations and activities can book up quickly. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) can be great times to visit as the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) can be a quieter time to visit and a surreal experience in the snow, but some areas of the park may be inaccessible if there are treacherous conditions. It's important to check weather and road conditions before planning your trip and to be prepared for changing conditions while in the park.

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Secure Your Spot Now, Pay the Rest Later

As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.  

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Meet Your Grand Canyon Adventure Guides

FAQs About Visiting Grand Canyon

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Austin Adventures traveler, it’s highly recommended you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of travel delays, missed connections, medical expenses or injury, or lost baggage for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Protection page for more in-depth information and our recommended insurance provider.

What's included on your North America trips?

Accommodation

We've spent years finding places to stay that are quaint, perfectly-located, and comfortable when we take you to the most amazing parts of North America. We offer a wide variety of accommodations on our trips ranging from locally run inns and first-class hotels to resorts, dude ranches and historic national park cabins. Accommodations are selected for their location, unique charm and history, and offer a true feel for the region. We strongly believe in the value of a good night's sleep and our accommodation reflects this. We also like to have somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities.

Transport

We're really focused on ensuring that we spend as little time as possible sitting in vehicles, and that we optimise your vacation for adventuring in the great outdoors. Our average driving time is just over two hours a day, and we make plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and sightseeing along the way. We use modern, comfortable 15-passenger vans for all of our transfers and a second van is added to most departures to provide more flexibility and more room to spread out while seeing the sights! Make no mistake - our trips are not typical bus tour vacation packages! Picture more of a road trip with family complete with good music, tasty snacks, and plenty of guide-supplied fun facts along the way to keep you entertained!

Meals

Just about all your meals are included when you travel with Austin Adventures in North America. We provide a wide variety of cuisine - breakfasts are typically eaten at your hotel on your own time in the morning before meeting up with the group. Lunches feature everything from elaborate picnics to roadside cafes to sandwiches trailside. Dinners are usually eaten at our hotel's dining room or a local restaurant with plenty of options to choose from. We easily cater to vegetarians, picky kids, and people with particular dietary needs. All our guides have food safety certificates and are well-practiced in the art of food prep and serving while on-the-move. You'll find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!

All Guiding Services

Each trip features two or three incredible guides and our average guest to guide ratio is 6:1. Our guests are often drawn to North America by the beautiful scenic landscapes, promise of wilderness and clean air - and there's no doubt you'll find all that, though what you may not be expecting is to forge real, genuine friendships with your fellow tripmates, including our wonderful guides. They're hands-down the BEST guides you'll ever come across.

Activities

Any activity described in our itinerary, such as hiking, rafting, horseback riding, kayaking and biking, are included in your trip cost. Our itineraries are pretty jam-packed to maximize our time spent exploring in these amazing places, and your guides will make it clear if there are additional activities available (at your expense).

How many people are there on each of our North America trips?

We get a real variety of people on our trips and they all seem to have one thing in common – a love of the outdoors! Our trips can accommodate up to 22 guests, depending on each departure. Our adult-only departures require a minimum age of 16 years and generally feature a mix of singles, couples and friends, and our family departures require a minimum age of 6 years to join (7 years on our Alaska Family Adventure) and are a great way to meet other like-minded families who like to get outside.
Please note child rates apply to children 12 years and under.

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We regularly accommodate single guests on our group trips and there’s no forced single supplement if you don’t mind sharing a room (you might even get a room to yourself sometimes). If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room.
PLEASE NOTE: If you book within 90 days and you’re a Forced single, you’ll be required to pay for your own room.

If I book a trip with my children, will I be sharing a room with them?

Active Adventures & Austin Adventures family vacations are naturally about spending time with family and as such, most families opt to share rooms on our trips. At time of booking, families consisting of four guests with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at the guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What if I need a special diet?

We’re accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • no pork (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
  • picky kids (send us a list of what your child will eat and we'll make sure to have it!)
You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in your travel wallet. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online travel wallet.

 

How much luggage can I bring on the North America trips?

You'll need one piece of luggage, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage can be a soft sided duffel or a suitcase with wheels, and you'll need a good quality 18-24 liter daypack to carry with you throughout the days on the trails.

As far as extra luggage goes, if there's not too much (such as one small extra bag per person) then it shouldn't be a problem to fit it in our luggage trailer during the trip. If you've got more than that, then all major airports have luggage facilities available on a weekly basis, or if you are staying at a pre-trip hotel they may be able to store it for you until you return too.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get cash?

You'll be able to find a reliable ATM once you arrive to start your trip, within the township or at the airport you land in, as national park ATM locations are sparse at best. Aside from tips for your guides, you could bring $200 and go home with change though some people like to bring some cash to cover a round of drinks, a few souvenirs, and dinner on "night on your own", although you could just as easily use a credit card for these purchases too.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size) and we recommend $15-25 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

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Grand Canyon Adventure Vacations Stories and Tips

Why Travel With Us

benefit group size

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.

benefit guides

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

benefit inclusive

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!

benefit safety

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.

benefit family

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

benefit wow

"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”