Grand Canyon Tours






































































What to expect on a Grand Canyon North Rim tour

Man sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon, overlooking vast colorful rock formations.
Moonset over Cape Royal overlook, North Rim, Grand Canyon.
Kaibab squirrel on a rock at the Grand Canyon with trees in the background.
Sunrise view from Roosevelt Point Overlook, showcasing canyon cliffs and expansive landscape.
Aerial view of Grand Canyon National Park landscape from airplane.
1/5

Fewer crowds, more peace

Unlike the South Rim, which sees millions of visitors a year, the North Rim hosts just a fraction of that. You’ll get wide-open views without elbowing for a photo, and hiking trails that feel genuinely remote.

Cooler temperatures in summer

Thanks to its elevation (over 8,000 feet), the North Rim stays cooler than the South Rim. That makes it a great choice if you’re visiting in summer and want to avoid the desert heat.

Unique wildlife

The North Rim is the only place where you can spot the Kaibab squirrel. You might also see bison, which roam the open meadows nearby. Bring binoculars and a bit of patience.

Unfiltered canyon views

With fewer amenities and commercial development, the North Rim feels wilder. Viewpoints like Cape Royal and Point Imperial offer dramatic views with little between you and the horizon.

Easy day trips from Las Vegas

If you’re short on time, airplane tours from Las Vegas make the North Rim accessible in a single day. Some packages even include hotel pickup, guided stops, and a chance to see the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead along the way.

Things to know before booking your North Rim tour 

  • Timings: The North Rim is open to visitors only during the summer, from mid-May to mid-October. Due to snow and road closures, it’s inaccessible during the winter months.
  • Transport: Unlike the South Rim, public transportation is limited. However, the Trans-Canyon Shuttle connects the North and South Rims twice daily during the season. The ride takes roughly 4.5 hours and must be booked in advance ($120 per person one-way).
  • Distance and travel time: The distance to the North Rim and South Rim from Las Vegas is the same, about 4.5 hours by car (without any stops). The travel time between the North Rim and South Rim is another 3.5 hours, so covering two rims in one day is not feasible if you’re driving down. Keep this in mind while you are planning your trip.
  • Tours from Las Vegas: If you're short on time, consider an air and ground tour from Las Vegas. One popular option includes a 90-minute flight plus a guided Polaris Ranger or ATV excursion on arrival.
  • Short tours: You can also book a helicopter tour that flies over both the North and South Rims, with the option to add a Hummer tour on the ground. These experiences are a great way to maximize scenic views with minimal travel time.
  • Aerial tour restrictions: All aerial tours have a passenger weight limit of 300 pounds (136 kilos). Those exceeding will have to purchase an additional seat in order to board.
  • Accessibility: The North Rim is a lot less accessible than the South Rim, with only one major paved pathway to a viewpoint, one Visitor Center, limited supplies, and little to no cell service. 
  • Airport access: There’s no airport at the North Rim. The nearest one is in Kanab, Utah, about a 2-hour drive away. The only airport at Grand Canyon National Park is located at the South Rim. 
  • Seasonal factors: July and August are monsoon months at the Grand Canyon, and the North Rim can have extreme weather conditions, causing thunderstorms and flash floods, which may result in your tour being rescheduled or cancelled. 
  • Elevation: Keep in mind that the North Rim is at a higher elevation (8,000 feet) than the South Rim, and some people might face altitude sickness or uneasiness at that height.

Learn more about the North Rim here >

Your Grand Canyon North Rim tours explained

TourTour typeDurationStarting pointSights coveredHighlightsInclusionsUpgradesTickets

90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane and Ground Tour

Airplane and ground tour

6/8 hrs

Boulder City Municipal Airport

Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Colorado River, North Rim, Whitmore Canyon, Lake Mead Recreation Area

Airplane tour from Las Vegas with lunch, and an on-ground exploration of the North Rim’s scenic region

Airplane tour, in-flight narration in English, North Rim on-ground tour in a Polaris Ranger, lunch

Round-trip hotel transport, upgrade to ATV tours at the North Rim

From $469

45-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer Tour

Helicopter tour

45 mins/3 hrs

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Airport

Grand Canyon National Park: East Rim, North Rim, South Rim, Kaibab Forest, Colorado River, Painted Desert, Desert View Watchtower, Dragon Corridor

Up close aerial views of Grand Canyon’s highlights, featuring both North and South Rims, with the chance to explore the South Rim after

Helicopter tour, multilingual audio commentary

2-hour guided Hummer tour of the South Rim

From $399

25-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer Tour

Helicopter tour

30 mins/3 hrs

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Airport

South Rim, North Rim, Kaibab Forest, Tower of Ra, Vishnu Schist, Dragon Corridor

Quick tour of the top highlights at the Grand Canyon with close-up views in a helicopter, with ample time before/after to explore the region at your own pace

Helicopter tour with a choice of daytime/sunset tour, multilingual audio commentary

Luxury helicopter, guided Hummer tour of the South Rim

From $289

45-min Grand Canyon National Park Airplane Tour with Optional Hummer Tour

Airplane tour

45 mins/ 3 hrs

Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Airport

South Rim, Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, Colorado River, Kaibab National Forest, Kaibab Plateau

Aerial views of the Grand Canyon landscape, with more areas covered as compared to the helicopter tours

Airplane tour, multilingual in-flight narration

2-hour Hummer tour of the South Rim

From $189

25/45-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter/Airplane & Hummer Tour

Aerial and ground tour

3 hrs

South Rim

South Rim, North Rim, Kaibab Forest, Colorado River, Dragon Corridor, Imperial Point (aerial), Yavapai Point, Moran Point, Duck on a Rock (Hummer)

Enjoy ultimate flexibility with the type of aerial tour, tour duration, and time of tour

Airplane/helicopter tour, 2-hour guided Hummer tour

45 mins tour vs 25 mins, airplane vs helicopter, day tour vs sunset tour

From $309

Grand Canyon National Park map | Understanding the North Rim region

Grand Canyon National Park map highlighting trails and viewpoints.

North Rim highlights

Aerial view of the Grand Canyon's south and north rims with the Colorado River below.
Maverick helicopter flying over the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon view through trees on the trail to Widforss Point.
Point Imperial view, North Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona, showcasing layered rock formations.
Kaibab squirrel on a rock at the Grand Canyon with trees in the background.

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions about North Rim tours of the Grand Canyon

Absolutely. The North Rim offers easy scenic drives, family-friendly hikes, wildlife spotting, and ranger programs, making it a great option for visitors of all ages.

More reads