BUCKET LIST: An Unforgettable Day Trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

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The Grand Canyon has always been on our bucket list. We recently took an incredible day trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, and it was packed with unforgettable stops along the way. If you’re visiting Vegas and want to see the stunning desert landscapes and landmarks nearby, this tour is a must-do! Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary and why we highly recommend this experience, especially with the fantastic company we traveled with.

1. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Our adventure began bright and early, we were picked up from our hotel and boarded our bus. We started with a quick stop at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. (We had walked to the sign the day before as it was next to our hotel, and the queues were very long!!!) The early morning timing was perfect - low light and no crowds made for an ideal start and gave us plenty of time to capture classic family photos. This quick stop set the tone for the day, getting us energised and ready for what lay ahead!

2. Seven Magic Mountains – Art in the Desert

Next, we headed out to the Seven Magic Mountains, a unique desert art installation that’s become one of the hottest photo spots around Las Vegas. Our tour guide Luis was fantastic, helping us find the best angles and even setting up a few group shots. With around 20 minutes to explore, we were able to wander around, soaking up the vivid colours and taking in the surreal desert landscape. Early arrival meant we had the place to ourselves, which added to the experience.

3. Hoover Dam – Walk Across a Modern Marvel

Our third stop was the iconic Hoover Dam, where we did more than just snap a photo from the parking lot. We had a guided walking tour across the dam itself, which offered a jaw-dropping view straight down to the Colorado River, 738 feet below. Luis shared fascinating insights about the dam’s history and construction, adding an educational layer that made this stop even more special.

4. Grand Canyon West – Exploring the Rim

Finally, we reached the highlight of the tour: the Grand Canyon West Rim. With over two hours to explore, we had plenty of time to check out several viewpoints, including the famous Eagle Point and Guano Point. Luis shared tips on the best spots for photos, making sure we left with envy-worthy shots of the canyon’s sweeping views. Eagle Point’s rock formations resemble an eagle in flight, adding a unique element to the already awe-inspiring scenery.

5. Skywalk – (Optional) A View Straight Down

For those looking to add a bit of thrill, the Skywalk offers a glass-bottomed bridge where you can look straight down to the canyon floor. This was an added booking option for those who wanted a little extra adventure. The view from the Skywalk is breathtaking and adds an entirely new perspective to the Grand Canyon experience. (For your knowledge you are not allowed to take any items on the skywalk, you have to put everything in a locker before you enter, they do have photographers to capture your pictures for you)

6. Guano Point – Panoramic Canyon Views

Our final stop at Guano Point was a true highlight. Known for some of the most spectacular views in the Grand Canyon, Guano Point offers a 360-degree panorama of the canyon and the Colorado River below. We walked out to the far edge to take in the sweeping vistas—it’s a breathtaking spot that made for a perfect end to an amazing day.

Why We Recommend This Tour

The entire experience was seamless, thanks to Luis and the wonderful company that organised the tour. They really made the whole experience. They took care of everything, from timing each stop to avoid the crowds, to showing us the perfect spots and even taking pictures for us, to ensuring we had plenty of time at each location. The company’s knowledgable guide and well-planned itinerary, we were able to see so much in one day without feeling rushed. It was perfect for us as a family and even though it was a long day, we had so much interesting information for everyone (even the young ones) which kept everyone entertained.

They are also one of the few companies that are actually allowed in the canyon, some other tours take you to the gate and you have to get the internal bus to get around. We were definatly very thankful we had a guided tour insdie, especially in the heat! They also had water and snacks for us which was an added bonus!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to explore the best sights around Las Vegas, we highly recommend this tour. It’s a perfect balance of art, engineering marvels, and natural wonders, and it’s an experience our family will never forget! It is definitely in our Top 5 experiences!