A Grand Canyon Bus Trip Is An Ideal Memorial Day Weekend Escape
Are you looking for a fun way to spend Memorial Day weekend? Take your family on a fun and educational bus tour of the Grand Canyon. These tours are a big hit and they sell out fast. If you decide to spend you holiday weekend at this marvel of nature, you definitely want to get your tickets early so you won't be disappointed if they are sold out.
The bus tours follow the same schedule as always on the holiday weekend and you can leave from Phoenix or Vegas. Las Vegas is a great departure point because from there you can take a bus tour to the South Rim or the West Rim. If you leave from Phoenix, you will go to the South Rim.
Let's take a look at your options for bus tours over the holiday weekend.
Going To The West Rim From Vegas
The bus ride from Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon takes around 2 hours. You get off the bus once you are there and you are allowed about three hours to see the sights. The West Rim is great because it is the only part of the canyon where helicopters fly below the rim, so you can descend to the bottom and catch a raft tour of the Colorado River. It is a fun experience for the whole family, so don't miss out on the chance to do it.
Another thrilling adventure you can add to your tour is a pass to the glass Grand Canyon Skywalk. Also known as the Glass Bridge, you can walk out on its transparent surface 70 ft past the edge of the rim. You can gaze down to the canyon floor some 4000 ft below you!
Vegas Bus Tours To The South Rim
The South Rim bus tour from Vegas is a fantastic value at just $80. Read the fine print before you buy your tickets to make sure the tour you choose includes all the features you want such as a stop at the Hoover Dam.
It takes a lot longer to get to the South Rim than it does the West Rim. It will take you about 5.5 hours to get there by bus. However, the ride is scenic and enjoyable. Many people consider the South Rim to be the official Grand Canyon and you will recognize many of the landmarks from pictures you have seen of the National Park.
Which Rim Should You Choose?
It may be a matter of drive time. The West Rim bus tour takes around 12 hours and the South Rim bus tour lasts about 15 hours. Plus, you have to think about what kind of experience you will enjoy the most. If you are after thrills and excitement, choose the West Rim. If you just want to relax and marvel at nature's beauty, then the South Rim is the best option.
South Rim Bus Tours From Phoenix
You can begin your bus tour from several cities around Phoenix such as Scottsdale, Mesa, and Tempe. The ride to Phoenix to the Grand Canyon takes around four hours. The view along the way is nothing short of spectacular. The scenery changes from desert to forest as you head to northern Arizona. If you choose a tour that stops in Sedona, you will get to see the spectacular red sandstone buttes in the region. You will also see the San Francisco Peaks, the tallest peaks in the state.
Touring The Grand Canyon By Private Van
Many people are choosing to tour the Grand Canyon by private van rather than bus. These vehicles are customized for sightseeing with roomy interiors and comfortable captain's chairs. The seats go fast though because the vans only carry 12 people per trip. These tours provide a personal experience with your tour guide too. Your tour goes smoothly since there aren't so many people getting on and off the bus every time it stops.
In Conclusion
Get ready for Memorial Day on Monday, May 27. It is a popular travel weekend since a lot of people have a three day weekend and it begins the busy travel season. For that reason, you should book your seats as soon as you decide you want to take a bus tour of the Grand Canyon. Get your seats at least one week in advance, and even sooner than that if you can. When you are ready to book seats for your fun adventure to the Grand Canyon, be sure to do it online. When you buy your tickets on the tour operator's website, you qualify for the discounted Internet rate as long as you complete the transaction online.
About the Author
Travel blogger Tracy D. is an expert on bus excursions to the Grand Canyon and advises checking out this website for the best trips at the most competitive prices: http://www.grandcanyonbustours.org/best-grand-canyon-bus-tours.html
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