Grand Canyon South Rim 3-Hour Back-Road Safari with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am
by Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$260Overview
This 3-hour safari takes place in custom 4x4 vehicles designed with forward-facing bucket seats and large panoramic windows for clear views. The route avoids the busy south entrance gate by using a back-road Forest permit held since 1993, allowing a smoother arrival. Along the way, you may spot elk, deer, and rare birds in their natural habitats. The tour includes two guided walking sections totaling about 90 minutes along the Grand Canyon rim, covering roughly three-quarters of a mile. Stops include Yavapai Point, where you can see the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch; the Bright Angel Trail, known for hikers and mules descending into the canyon and the historic Kolb Studio built by the Kolb brothers; and the Hopi House, El Tovar Hotel, and Bright Angel Lodge, where the guide explains the history of these landmarks. Pickup and drop-off happen at a central location in Tusayan, Arizona. Check-in is at 9:15 am, and the tour departs promptly at 9:30 am. Bottled water is included, but entrance fees and gratuities are not.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Grand Canyon South Rim
This 3-hour tour includes walking along the rim while the guide explains geological formations, trails, mule use, and the canyon’s history. The vehicle picks up guests in Tusayan and takes a 30-minute detour on a back-road permit to avoid the south entrance gate lines. Wildlife such as elk, deer, turkey, and hawks can be seen in their natural environment during the excursion.
180 min
Yavapai Point
At Yavapai Point, the guide provides information about the Grand Canyon’s features while guests view the deep canyon, Colorado River, Phantom Ranch, and surrounding monuments.
45 min
Bright Angel Trail
The tour stops at the Bright Angel Trail to discuss the Kolb brothers, who built their art studio cantilevered over the canyon and above this trail. Visitors can observe hikers and mules making their way down the trail into the Grand Canyon.
45 min
Hopi House
The final stop covers Hopi House, El Tovar Hotel, and Bright Angel Lodge. The guide talks about the history of these buildings and their role in the Grand Canyon’s development.
45 min
Meeting point
USE GOOGLE MAPS. The parking lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department, located in Tusayan, Arizona. South of the IMAX Theater, between the Wendy's and IMAX. Check in time is 9:15 am. Departure time is 9:30 am.
End point
USE GOOGLE MAPS. The parking lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department, located in Tusayan, Arizona. South of the IMAX Theater, between the Wendy's and IMAX. Check in time is 9:15 am. Departure time is 9:30 am.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Grand Canyon South Rim 3-Hour Back-Road Safari with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am
by Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$260Overview
This 3-hour safari takes place in custom 4x4 vehicles designed with forward-facing bucket seats and large panoramic windows for clear views. The route avoids the busy south entrance gate by using a back-road Forest permit held since 1993, allowing a smoother arrival. Along the way, you may spot elk, deer, and rare birds in their natural habitats. The tour includes two guided walking sections totaling about 90 minutes along the Grand Canyon rim, covering roughly three-quarters of a mile. Stops include Yavapai Point, where you can see the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch; the Bright Angel Trail, known for hikers and mules descending into the canyon and the historic Kolb Studio built by the Kolb brothers; and the Hopi House, El Tovar Hotel, and Bright Angel Lodge, where the guide explains the history of these landmarks. Pickup and drop-off happen at a central location in Tusayan, Arizona. Check-in is at 9:15 am, and the tour departs promptly at 9:30 am. Bottled water is included, but entrance fees and gratuities are not.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Grand Canyon South Rim
This 3-hour tour includes walking along the rim while the guide explains geological formations, trails, mule use, and the canyon’s history. The vehicle picks up guests in Tusayan and takes a 30-minute detour on a back-road permit to avoid the south entrance gate lines. Wildlife such as elk, deer, turkey, and hawks can be seen in their natural environment during the excursion.
180 min
Yavapai Point
At Yavapai Point, the guide provides information about the Grand Canyon’s features while guests view the deep canyon, Colorado River, Phantom Ranch, and surrounding monuments.
45 min
Bright Angel Trail
The tour stops at the Bright Angel Trail to discuss the Kolb brothers, who built their art studio cantilevered over the canyon and above this trail. Visitors can observe hikers and mules making their way down the trail into the Grand Canyon.
45 min
Hopi House
The final stop covers Hopi House, El Tovar Hotel, and Bright Angel Lodge. The guide talks about the history of these buildings and their role in the Grand Canyon’s development.
45 min
Meeting point
USE GOOGLE MAPS. The parking lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department, located in Tusayan, Arizona. South of the IMAX Theater, between the Wendy's and IMAX. Check in time is 9:15 am. Departure time is 9:30 am.
End point
USE GOOGLE MAPS. The parking lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department, located in Tusayan, Arizona. South of the IMAX Theater, between the Wendy's and IMAX. Check in time is 9:15 am. Departure time is 9:30 am.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.