3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am

4.9 (456 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

456 reviews

4.9

Summertime monsoon at Grand Canyon — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Forward facing bucket seats and panoramic windows — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Historical Tours 4WD Tours Safaris Archaeology Tours Small Group Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris

Ages: Children (1–15 years) · Adults (16–95 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled Water

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Entrance fees: 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.

Itinerary

Grand Canyon South Rim

3 hours Admission included

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

45 min Admission included

Guides share Grand Canyon knowledge while you look into the depths and view spectacular monuments, Colorado River and Phantom Ranch.
Bright Angel Trail

45 min Admission included

Discover the rich history of the Kolb brothers who built their art studio cantilevered over the Grand Canyon and above the Bright Angel Trail. See hikers and mules as they descend the trail into the Grand Canyon.
Hopi House

45 min Admission included

The tour continues to Hopi House, El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge where your guide will discuss these historic buildings and Grand Canyon history.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Using your ticket

Please be at departure location at 9:15 am for check in.

Tour departs promptly at 9:30 am.

If you have any questions please call our reservation line at 928-638-5337. Agents are standing by from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm Arizona time.

We depart from the parking lot directly in front of the Tusayan Fire Dept, between IMAX Theater and Wendy's Restaurant in Tusayan, AZ.

DEPARTURE LOCATION ADDRESS:

408 AZ-64, Tusayan, AZ 86023

Google Maps:

https://goo.gl/maps/mUUevhjYJBXXaYRk6

35°58'25.5"N 112°07'36.1"W

Apple maps:

408 State Route 64

https://maps.apple.com/?address=408%20State%20Route%2064,%20Tusayan,%20AZ%20%2086046,%20United%20States&auid=14336023176141997647&ll=35.973895,-112.127361&lsp=9902&q=Tusayan%20Fire%20District&t=m

No shows will be charged full price.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.