3-Day Grand Canyon Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Grand Canyon tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGrand Canyon travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Southwest USA, incl. Grand Canyon and Zion National Park

  South Rim viewpoints and Native American craft markets highlight this approx. $230 per day expedition. Natural wonders continue at Antelope Canyon's sculptured dunes and Bryce Canyon's amphitheaters, with two nights in 2-3 star hotels.

  

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  • Day 1

    Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

    Plan to arrive in Vegas a day early since pickup starts at 6:30 AM from select hotels. The 4.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon's South Rim takes you through the Mojave Desert. A helpful tip: grab a seat on the right side of the vehicle for the best canyon views as you approach. Weather at the South Rim can change quickly compared to the desert floor so pack layers and good walking shoes for the paved rim trails. Looking for Native American crafts? The trading post stops offer authentic items but you'll find better prices at the second or third market rather than the first.

    
  • Day 2

    Antelope Canyon and Bryce Canyon

    Your morning features a guided tour of Lower Antelope Canyon near Page. The slot canyon has steep stairs and ladders so wear closed-toe shoes. Get there early before midday light washes out the orange canyon walls. From here it's about 2.5 hours to Bryce Canyon. Visit Inspiration Point in late afternoon when sunlight makes the red hoodoos look their best. The views at sunset are beautiful but remember temperatures drop fast after dark, especially during spring and fall. Bring something warm to wear.

    
  • Day 3

    Zion National Park to Las Vegas

    It's just a 30-minute morning drive from Kanab to Zion. Take the riverside walk along the Virgin River to spot wildlife, particularly mule deer in the early hours. Check trail conditions first since it can get muddy after rain. You'll get back to Vegas late (around 8-9 PM) so plan dinner reservations after 9:30 PM or schedule your departure flight for the next day.

    

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• 3 Days in Southwest USA, incl. Grand Canyon and Zion

  Zion National Park's Emerald Pools trail and Navajo-guided jeep tours through Monument Valley showcase this 1,100-mile circuit from Las Vegas. Grand Canyon South Rim's epic viewpoints and optional Antelope Canyon tours ($90-100) round out the journey.

  

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  • Day 1

    Zion National Park

    Leave Las Vegas at 7:15 AM for the 2.5-hour drive to Zion. The morning sun lights up the red Navajo sandstone cliffs beautifully. Start with the Emerald Pools trail. The Lower Pool is an easy 1.2-mile round trip walk that shows off Zion's natural beauty. One visitor put it well: "We chose the easier River Walk trail and still had a great time. I think May was a great time to do this tour with mild temperatures and fewer crowds." In the afternoon you can either take on the challenging Angels Landing hike (5.4 miles round trip) or explore the more relaxed Temple of Sinawava area. Make sure to wear hiking shoes with good grip since Zion's trails can get slippery. Plan for a 2-hour drive to Page Arizona afterward.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Powell Region & Monument Valley

    Book an Antelope Canyon tour if you can ($90-100). The best light for photos comes between 10 AM and noon when sunbeams shine through the canyon walls. After that take a short 1.5-mile walk to see Horseshoe Bend. Go early or late to avoid the hottest part of the day. Spend your afternoon on a Navajo-guided jeep tour through Monument Valley. You'll need about 2 hours to drive between Page and Monument Valley each way. A recent visitor noted: "Monument Valley was even more amazing in person after seeing it in westerns. Our Navajo guide was very informative and entertaining."

    
  • Day 3

    Grand Canyon South Rim

    Start with a quick stop at a trading post on your way to Grand Canyon National Park (about 2.5 hours from Page). Head to Mather Point first for an incredible view of the canyon. You can take the free shuttle bus along the Rim Trail to see different viewpoints or walk partway down into the canyon on Bright Angel Trail. Going to the First Tunnel (1.5 miles round trip) gives you a good taste of the trail. If you want to see the canyon from above helicopter tours run $280-400. Book for mid-morning when visibility is usually best. The drive back to Las Vegas takes about 4.5 hours getting you there around 7 PM. Book any evening plans with some buffer time since traffic can be unpredictable.

    

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• 3 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary, incl. South Rim and Desert View

  South Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Fault, and historic Grandview path reveal the canyon's majesty. Two distinct park regions unfold over 18 total miles, complemented by rim-side lodging and El Tovar Hotel dining.

  

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  • Day 1

    Flagstaff to South Rim

    Plan to leave Flagstaff early. The drive to South Rim takes about 1.5 hours, but you'll want extra time to stop at viewpoints on Highway 64. Your main hike today is the South Kaibab Trail from Yaki Point. You'll need to take the free shuttle from the Visitor Center since private vehicles aren't allowed. The hike to Cedar Ridge is 1.5 miles each way with 1,120 feet of elevation change. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. The trail has no water stations and the desert sun is strong. Starting before 10 AM helps you avoid peak heat, which is crucial in summer.

    
  • Day 2

    Bright Angel Trail

    Bright Angel Trail offers better shade and water access than South Kaibab. Get there early to watch sunrise near the Bright Angel Lodge trailhead. The trail is a 6-mile round trip to Three-Mile Resthouse, dropping 3,000 feet. You can refill water at Indian Garden rest stop. For dinner, book a table at the historic El Tovar Hotel. You'll need advance reservations and smart casual clothing. Try to get a window seat for great sunset views. If you're visiting between December and mid-April when Bright Angel Trail is closed, take the Hermit Trail instead. It's more rugged but less crowded and shows off interesting geological features.

    
  • Day 3

    Grandview Trail to Desert View

    Start your day at Grandview Point to hike the historic Grandview Trail, built by Pete Berry in the 1890s. It's a challenging 3-mile round trip with a 2,500-foot drop to Coconino Saddle. The trail surface is cobblestone and can be slippery, so wear boots with good ankle support. Before driving back to Flagstaff, visit Desert View Watchtower. This 80-foot stone tower by Mary Colter is quieter after 3 PM when tour buses leave.

    

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