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Touring — 4 Hours

The Best of the Canyon: Interpretive Walk/Driving Excursion

Interpretive walking/driving excursion exploring the Indian cultures, pioneer history, geological wonders, and awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon.

Itinerary Description

The perfect introduction to the Grand Canyon, this driving and walking excursion takes you to various points along the South Rim. Stopping at several scenic vistas and sites of historical significance to both the Native peoples and early explorers of the Grand Canyon, your naturalist guide will offer interpretation of the Canyon's natural and cultural history, geology, as well as the current issues facing this unique and magical landscape.

Highlights of this excursion include a number of significant park sites including: Grand Canyon village (Bright Angel Lodge and history room, Kolb and Lookout Studios, and pictographs along the Bright Angel Trail), Grandview Point, Tusayan Ruins, Shoshone Point, Desert View and the Watchtower. (As excursion stops are dictated by several factors such as weather, seasonality, crowds, and trip leader discretion, please note that the actual sites visited on a given tour will vary.)

Group size is limited to 18 (9 persons per trip leader) to allow for more direct, personal contact with your trip leader and to maximize overall comfort and experience of our guests. Appropriate footwear for walking along sometimes uneven but always maintained walkways and trails is required. Exertion level overall is classified as Very Light on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale (i.e., for a healthy person, the most active times during this excursion will be the equivalent of walking slowly at his or her own pace for some minutes). As much of the excursion will occur under direct sunlight, appropriate dress including sun-dampening, ventilated headgear is also strongly encouraged. Your trip leader will have snacks and water available for guests.

Departs from the National Geographic Visitor Center
Times: 9:00 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. daily
Maximum Group Size: 18 people (9 persons per trip leader)
Cost: $90 Adults / $45 Children 12 and under