Grand Canyon from Las Vegas - Organised trip or on your own

wolfboy

Hi, I will be in Las Vegas for a few days in April, and would like to visit the Grand Canyon. There will be three of us, so i was wondering if it's practical to do the trip on your own rather than a organised tour. A bus trip would probably cost around $270, so I was thinking a hire car would be cheaper. How easy is it to park, on the south side? Has anyone don't the trip on thier own, or on a bus?

Martin[/i]

robertb · Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 11:24 pm Post subject:

Did a self drive trip round that part of the US when I was a kid. If my dad could drive our family of 6 around without too much trouble then anyone can!

It was nearly 20 years ago, so I can't remember too many details about it though!
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briggl · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 2:56 am Post subject:

Parking at the south rim shouldn't be a problem, especially in April.

I have not done the drive from Las Vegas (I have driven from Phoenix)

Here is some information from about.com:

Dawn Patrol · Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:07 pm Post subject:

I'm going along with Robert & Briggl. A nice drive, places to park at the Canyon. Enjoy!
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pezzhull · Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 2:58 am Post subject:

Try to book a room ahead of time, especially try within park, cabins on the rim are worth it. Can be busy even in April. Hike a trail or two while you are there.

wolfboy · Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 6:37 pm Post subject:

I was thinking of doing it a day, as we already have the hotel booked in Vegas, so would be paying for two hotels. A long day I guess!

pezzhull · Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:56 pm Post subject:

I've never done it but it looks like a long drive at least 4-5 hours each way. Bus might be easier but not exactly what you want.. There may be helicopter tours out of Vegas that you could look into. Tell us how it went.

Dawn Patrol · Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:07 pm Post subject:

jfslenes · Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 3:33 pm Post subject: Chopper Flight

Since you are limited on time, a Helicopter visit would be the best choice. The road trip is rathr circuitous. You go South, then East, then back North and then return. Can make for a long day. Canyon well worth visiting and seeing.

Newest attraction is the cantilevered walkway. Also nearest to Vegas. Haven't done it becasue of cost ($75 at one point) and difficult dirt road/shuttle access.

Check the weather as April can bring wierd (snow) weather around the entry points to the canyon. Family camped out a couple years back on Memorial Day (May) and slept in a snow storm!

Enjoy Vegas and Canyon!
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johnjones · Baggage Handler Joined: 20 Nov 2009 Posts: 8 9 ants

You can rent a car and make your way to the Grand Canyon without any major trouble. You should keep in mind that gas is expensive and when booking your rental car in Las Vegas always call the rental company for the actual rental rates. I once had an experience where I reserved a rental online but didn't realize that I was not looking at the actual rates;instead, I was looking at the taxes or something. Bus tours are not as expensive as you think, I found this Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas for less than $200: deleted. Shop around before you make your final decision.

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briggl · Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:47 pm Post subject:

zydeco joe · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:16 pm Post subject: Grand Canyon

The best time to see the Grand Canyon is at dusk or better still at dawn, so you have to stay over night at south rim. Cabins not cheap but to see one of the best sites you will ever see its worth it. Book a car so you then can get both in one nights accomadation and 2 day car hire.
Zydeco Joe Cool

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travbod579 · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:18 pm Post subject:

I stayed in Flagstaff in a hostel and they provided an organised day trip to the canyon. I was very satisfied with that. It gave us the whole day there and we left as the sun was setting. Really good trip. If only I could remember the name of the hostel ....
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pezzhull · Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 3:46 pm Post subject:

We stayed in a cabin with a rim view in January, not hard to get in off season and well worth it.

Lancer786 · Baggage Handler Joined: 24 Feb 2010 Posts: 14 19 ants

If you are three guys then you can have own trip but if there is family with you then i would suggest you to have a organized trip with group to be safe somehow.
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