You’ve probably seen pictures and videos of the Grand Canyon, but have you ever visited it in person? The views are even more spectacular than you may imagine, so if you have time on your trip to Las Vegas, or any other city along the way, be sure to make time to see the Grand Canyon while you’re there. How much does it cost to visit the Grand Canyon? What budget-friendly tips can help you save money on your trip? And how many days should you spend at the Grand Canyon? Read on to find out.
How much does it cost to visit the Grand Canyon?
It’s tough to put a price on the Grand Canyon but to make sure you don’t spend more than necessary during your visit, here are some costs to consider. If you’re traveling with a vehicle you will need a vehicle permit which costs $35 per day. If entering the park by foot, bike, or shuttle bus the pass for that is $20 per person. If you have kids 15 years and younger, they can enter the park for free. It’s important to note that refunds are not given out should the weather change conditions. If you plan on making multiple trips to the Grand Canyon throughout the year, you may want to consider an annual pass to save you money.
Tips for saving money when visiting
On certain days of the year, the park waives entrance fees so if you’d like to save in that area of your trip, you should look that up ahead of time. Another way to save on entrance fees is to purchase your passes on a coupon site like Groupon. When it comes to lodging you can stay on the camping grounds nearby for about $30 a night. However, if camping isn’t your thing and a hotel is the only way to travel, be sure to book your room in advance for a cheaper rate. Booking in advance also ensures that rooms are available especially when visiting during peak season.
Suggested itinerary for the best tour of the canyon
If you can cut costs on the actual travel, we suggest splurging your savings on the most epic itinerary to make the most unforgettable memories out of your trip. For instance, if you have only a day or two to see Grand Canyon National Park, consider taking a helicopter flight from Las Vegas to start your trip. The flight from McCarran International Airport to Boulder City Airport, where you’ll meet your tour operator, will take about 40 minutes. From there, your pilot and guide will give you an hour-long briefing about touring Grand Canyon National Park by air before embarking on an hour-long flight with panoramic views of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. After your air tour—which most visitors highly recommend—you’ll be dropped off at either Tusayan or Williams in northern Arizona and then shuttle 45 minutes to 60 minutes further into canyon country where you can stay overnight.
If you’d really like to make the most out of your trip, we suggest booking these grand canyon tours from Las Vegas. Whether it’s just you, you with your significant other, your family, or a group of friends, these tour guides are sure to give you scenic views that make the trip well worth it. Enjoy a bottle of wine on a sunset tour as you watch the sun hit the panoramic views that will leave you in awe. Or upgrade your trip to include a walk on the famous skywalk.
If you want to see one of America’s Seven Wonders and save some money while doing so, be sure to set budget-friendly tips and stick with it! In addition, remember to budget for food and lodging if you want to get off-site. Finally, while gas prices tend to fluctuate quite a bit, plan on spending around $100 or more to drive from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon National Park. You can also save money by parking and then taking shuttles into Grand Canyon Village. Happy travels!
