3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Climb aboard custom, comfortable, safari vehicles with forward-facing bucket seats and large panoramic windows
Take the 4x4 scenic route around exhausting traffic lines at south entrance gate – we have had the back-road Forest permits since 1993!
View elk, deer and rare bird species in their natural environment!
Visit dramatic Yavapai Point, El Tovar Hotel, Lookout Studio Viewpoint , Kolb Studio and Bright Angel Trailhead during this non-rushed excursion
This interpretive tour includes 2 walking segments totaling about 90 minute of guided walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon (about ¾ of a mile)
Pick-up and drop-off at central location in Tusayan, ARIZONA.
Check in time is 9:15 am. Tour departs at 9:30 am.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Grand Canyon South Rim
Voted best and most unique 3 hour tour at Grand Canyon. Stroll along the rim while your local guide shares a wealth of information about the Grand Canyon including geological formations, trails, mules and the rich history. Tour includes Tusayan pick-up, south entrance gate detour during exclusive 30 minute back-road excursion, viewing of wildlife such as elk, deer, turkey and hawks in their natural surroundings and interpretive discussions at exceptional Grand Canyon vistas.
Yavapai Point
Guides share Grand Canyon knowledge while you look into the depths and view spectacular monuments, Colorado River and Phantom Ranch.
What‘s Included
Bottled Water
Gratuities
NON-U.S. RESIDENTS: Starting Jan 1, 2026, the U.S. Government has enacted additional fees for NON-U.S. RESIDENTS (16 & older) to enter the Grand Canyon National Park. Fee not included in price.
Options
3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am
Reviews
439 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Once In. Lifetime Experience
susanpitre,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide was amazing and so knowledgeable
Perfect way to introduce yourself to the Canyon
arv105,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic time thanks to our guide Werner. He was extremely knowledgeable about the area and very funny as well. Took us to great views of canyon and we even saw an albino elk while on tour
Fantastic guide and experience
Arvind S,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience for the family thanks to our guide Werner. He’s extremely knowledgeable about the area and made sure to address all our questions. We learned so much about the canyon and surrounding forest from him - which made it even more fun to explore the area after the tour. Great way to see the canyon and request Werner if you can!
Wow!
445abbiek,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience. Werner was our tour guide. He was informative, lively, and accomodating. He even made a special stop to see the mules because our kids were interested to see them up close. We had children 6-12, which were all content and happy on the tour. Thank you we loved it!
Great Choice for Family Travel
Ernest V,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The pick up spot was a short walk from our hotel. A representative from the company was already there when we arrived about 10 minutes early. We travelled with another family and there was plenty of of space in the comfy vehicle. Our driver Ri was really friendly and knowledgeable. He was super patient with all the kids on tour (especially our super inquisitive boys). Taking the backroads and avoiding traffic was nice too. I would definitely recommend this tour for a family or small group.
Wonderful tour - ask for Werner!
taytay2277,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Werner was a fantastic guide! We had the best time and learned so much. Got to see so may amazing views we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Great Grand Canyon tour
chad m,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really enjoyed this tour. Scenic views and didn’t have to worry about the park entry and parking. Our guide Tyler was phenomenal, giving us great info and stories along the way.
Avoid crowds at canyon
T8026YQterryl,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I took the 3 hour tour March 14 with our guide Colleen. She was incredibly knowledgeable, having lived in the area for nearly 50 years. She took us into the park through a dirt road so we avoided massive crowds at south entrance. Her expertise and friendly personality made it a memorable lifetime experience.
Great behind the scenes experience
SaNnnS-S123,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour of back roads of the Grand Canyon and spectacular viewing areas. Our guide shared much knowledge about this amazing area. Definitely recommend!
Great tour.
77carolyna,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was experienced, knowledgeable and friendly! We enjoyed her tour very much! We would recommend her to anyone coming to the Grand Canyon.
From US$130.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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