The best national park tours from Phoenix feature three standout options that combine convenience with memorable experiences. The Small Group Grand Canyon Tour keeps things personal with just 13 travelers, making stops in red-rock Sedona during its 12-hour journey. Adventure seekers will appreciate the Grand Canyon Tour & Helicopter Flight, offering bird’s-eye views of the magnificent South Rim. For those short on time, the 2.5-hour McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hiking Tour provides an excellent taste of Arizona’s desert landscape right in Scottsdale’s backyard. All these tours include convenient hotel pickup and knowledgeable guides. Let’s examine each tour’s highlights and what makes them worth your travel dollars.
Key Points
- Comprehensive Grand Canyon tours from Phoenix provide a 12-hour small group experience or a 13-hour tour with a helicopter flight over the South Rim.
- Guided hiking tours in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve near Scottsdale offer a personalized 2.5-hour exploration of local flora, fauna, and Native American history.
- Tours depart from various locations, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Flagstaff, with air-conditioned transportation and comfort stops along the way.
- Knowledgeable guides enhance the visitor experience, providing insights and opportunities for stunning photography at the Grand Canyon and during hiking tours.
- Tours accommodate varying fitness levels and preferences, with high customer satisfaction and positive reviews indicating overall value for the experience.
Small Group Grand Canyon National Park Day Tour From Phoenix
Though the drive from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon South Rim takes several hours, this small group tour provides an efficient and convenient way to explore one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
The 12-hour tour departs from Phoenix and takes travelers directly to the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking South Rim, with a maximum of 13 guests per group. Along the way, guests enjoy complimentary bottled water and air-conditioned transportation.
While the tour doesn’t include a restroom on the van, it does offer comfort stops. At the Grand Canyon, guests can marvel at the stunning 7,000-foot elevation and capture unforgettable photos.
The knowledgeable guides provide insights about the area and may include additional stops in Sedona for scenic views and dining.
With 94% of travelers recommending this tour and a 4.8-star rating from 64 reviews, it’s an excellent choice for a Grand Canyon adventure from Phoenix.
Read our full review: Small Group Grand Canyon National Park Day Tour From Phoenix Review
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Phoenix: Grand Canyon National Park Tour & Helicopter Flight
This comprehensive tour from Phoenix offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to explore the grandeur of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Priced from $599 per person, the tour lasts 13 hours and includes a scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest, a 45-minute helicopter ride over the canyon’s most breathtaking vistas, and a guided ground tour of the South Rim.
Participants can enjoy breakfast, a packed lunch, and dinner, with bottled water provided throughout the day. The tour accommodates up to 13 people and includes hotel pickup in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Flagstaff.
While weather conditions may occasionally cancel the helicopter portion, the ground tour will still proceed, and refunds will be offered for the helicopter component.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 10 reviews, this tour provides excellent value and a truly memorable experience of one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.
Read our full review: Phoenix: Grand Canyon National Park Tour & Helicopter Flight Review
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Scottsdale: McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hiking Tour
Visitors seeking a more immersive experience of the Sonoran Desert can embark on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hiking Tour in Scottsdale. The 2.5-hour guided hike, limited to 10 participants, explores the beauty and history of this unique desert landscape.
Knowledgeable guides share insights into the local flora, fauna, and Native American history as the group follows a scenic trail to Granite Mountain. Along the way, participants can capture photographs with the assistance of the tour guides.
The moderate-level hike is tailored to the group’s abilities, making it accessible to hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, the tour provides flexibility and convenience.
Participants should come prepared with hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and weather-appropriate clothing to make the most of this immersive desert experience.
Read our full review: Scottsdale: McDowell Sonoran Preserve Hiking Tour Review
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The Sum Up
The Grand Canyon and McDowell Sonoran Preserve offer visitors to Phoenix stunning natural landscapes and diverse outdoor experiences. These guided tours provide an efficient way to explore these national park treasures, with small group sizes, helicopter options, and knowledgeable guides to enhance the experience. Travelers can choose the tour that best fits their interests and time constraints for an unforgettable day trip from the Phoenix area.