Tusayan is a fantastic base for exploring the Grand Canyon because of its close proximity and variety of tour options. Whether you’re craving an adrenaline rush or a peaceful sunset, Tusayan’s offerings allow you to experience the canyon from many angles. We especially love the From South Rim: Grand Canyon Spirit Helicopter Tour for its breathtaking aerial views and the Grand Canyon Desert View Sunset Tour for its stunning golden-hour scenery. These tours give you a taste of the canyon’s grandeur in a way that makes your trip unforgettable. Plus, many tours include unique features like skip-the-line access or combination experiences, making your adventure seamless.
If you’re trying to decide which tour suits your style, this guide offers a detailed look at the best options in Tusayan. From scenic flights to off-road safaris, there’s something for every traveler. Read on to find the perfect way to see this iconic landscape.
1. From South Rim: Grand Canyon Spirit Helicopter Tour
This 45-minute helicopter tour takes you soaring over the Painted Desert, Kaibab National Forest, and Dragon Corridor, which is the widest and deepest part of the canyon. The flight departs from the South Rim, offering spectacular views of Point Imperial and Marble Canyon. The highlight is flying south through the Dragon Corridor, where the canyon’s walls stretch widely apart, revealing its vastness. This tour is popular, with a 4.9/5 rating based on over 1,700 reviews, highlighting its reliability and stunning vistas.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of quick yet comprehensive aerial sightseeing. You’ll get plenty of photo opportunities, especially of the Desert View Watchtower in the distance. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who want a memorable bird’s-eye view of the canyon’s most dramatic features. The 45-minute duration keeps it manageable, and the price of $339 per person reflects a premium experience.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, visually stunning flight that covers key canyon highlights, this helicopter tour is a top choice.
2. Grand Canyon Village: Helicopter Tour & Hummer Tour Options
This flexible tour offers both a helicopter flight over the canyon and the option to explore by Hummer. Prices start at $289 and range from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours. The helicopter component provides aerial views of both the North and South Rims, including iconic sights like the Mile Deep South Rim. During the optional Hummer ride, you’ll venture into the canyon’s surrounding areas, soaking in landscape views that are hard to see from a vehicle.
Rated 4.6/5 with over 2,400 reviews, this tour appeals to those wanting a mix of aerial and ground exploration. The Hummer upgrade especially suits travelers interested in the landscape details, geology, and local wildlife, with the ability to see the canyon from different perspectives. The longer duration allows for more in-depth sightseeing, making it a good value for those seeking a full-day experience.
Bottom line: For a versatile adventure combining helicopter views with an off-road Hummer experience, this tour offers excellent variety.
3. Grand Canyon South Rim Airplane Tour
At number 3, the Grand Canyon South Rim Airplane Tour showcases the canyon’s grandeur from above. Starting at $189, this scenic flight lasts from 40 to 165 minutes and gives a broad perspective of features like the Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, and the Confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers. The tour includes multilingual headset narration, so you’ll learn about what you’re seeing as you fly.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of aerial majesty and educational commentary. It’s perfect for travelers who want to understand the canyon’s geology and history while enjoying sweeping views. The reviews highlight its reliability and the ability to see the canyon’s most famous landmarks in a single flight.
Bottom line: A great choice for those who value both scenic beauty and informative commentary, especially if time allows for a longer flight.
4. Grand Canyon National Park: Guided Sunset Hummer Tour
This 3-hour sunset tour takes you along the South Rim’s most popular lookout points, with the bonus of catching the canyon’s colors changing during sunset. The Hummer is the ideal vehicle for scenic off-road exploration, and the guide shares insights into canyon geology and ancient inhabitants.
Rated 4.5/5 from 290 reviews, travelers love the golden hour lighting and the chance to see elk and other wildlife. The tour’s focus on photography and natural beauty makes it appealing for those wanting a relaxed yet immersive experience. The $169 cost provides good value, especially considering the small-group setting and the personalized commentary.
Bottom line: Perfect for sunset lovers and those looking for a relaxed, scenic adventure with plenty of photo opportunities.
5. Grand Canyon: Off-Road Sunset Safari with Skip-the-Gate Tour
For an adventurous twist, this 3-hour off-road sunset safari takes you through historic stagecoach trails in the Kaibab Forest. It combines off-road Jeep riding with sunset views at Grandview Point, plus the added perk of skip-the-line park admission.
Rated 4.6/5 from 171 reviews, it’s praised for its breathtaking sunset vistas and the chance to spot wildlife like elks, deers, and turkeys. A guide explains the geology and history of the area, enriching the experience. At $123 per person, it’s a budget-friendly option that offers packed adventure and insider knowledge.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those wanting off-road exploration combined with sunset scenery and wildlife viewing.
6. Tusayan: Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride with Optional Hummer
This thrilling helicopter tour from Tusayan takes you over the deepest and widest parts of the canyon, with optional Hummer excursions. Starting at $399, it’s a longer, more intensive experience, with flights lasting 45 minutes to 3.5 hours.
Rated 4.7/5 based on 129 reviews, visitors rave about the magnificent aerial views of the South Rim and Kaibab Forest. The tour provides scenic visualizations of the canyon’s rock formations and the bottom of the canyon, making it ideal for those seeking a rundown of the canyon’s scale. The combination of helicopter flight and optional ground exploration offers a balanced adventure.
Bottom line: If you want a detailed, high-adrenaline experience with stunning views, this helicopter tour is hard to beat.
7. Grand Canyon National Park: 2-Hour Small-Group Hummer Tour
This 2-hour small-group tour in a Hummer takes you along Desert View Drive, with stops at Grandview Point and other key lookout spots. For $127 per person, it offers a personalized, intimate experience.
Rated 4.6/5 from 152 reviews, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guide who shares stories about geology and local wildlife. The tour is flexible enough to tailor to interests, with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to learn about the canyon’s history firsthand.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick, engaging, and educational look at the canyon with a smaller group.
8. Grand Canyon Village: Grand Canyon National Park Jeep Tour
This 2-hour guided Jeep tour explores the Grandview Point and the surrounding areas. For $130, you get a fun and informative ride through the South Rim.
Rated 4.7/5 from just 106 reviews, it’s praised for its entertaining stories and canyon insights. The tour’s highlight is the combination of scenic views and local history, plus a free ticket to the “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time” IMAX movie, which adds educational value to your experience.
Bottom line: A lively, story-rich way to learn about the canyon, perfect for a quick but meaningful visit.
9. Grand Canyon: IMAX Movie Experience with Optional Lunch
For a relaxing break from outdoor sightseeing, this 34-minute IMAX experience immerses you in the Grand Canyon’s history, science, and mythology with stunning visuals and sound. For just $15, it offers a budget-friendly way to deepen your understanding of the canyon.
Guests can also upgrade to include a hot lunch at Explorer’s Cafe, making it perfect for travelers with limited time who want to combine education and relaxation.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a captivating, educational film experience, especially on a rainy day or for a quick indoor activity.
10. From Tusayan: Grand Canyon Desert View Sunset Tour
This 3-hour guided tour uses a custom open-air Jeep Wrangler to visit prime viewpoints, including Desert View. The focus is on witnessing the spectacular sunset and learning about canyon geology, flora, and fauna.
Rated 4.5/5 from 31 reviews, the tour is appreciated for its breathtaking sunset views and the opportunity to capture incredible photos during golden hour. The included free IMAX ticket adds value, making it a well-rounded choice for sunset enthusiasts.
Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting a combination of guided learning and sunset photography.
11. Tusayan: Grand Canyon National Park Off Road Journey
This 4-hour guided off-road tour explores the Grand Canyon National Monument, visiting the Desert View Watchtower and the Colorado River. With a small group size and personalized attention, it’s rated a perfect 5/5 from only 2 reviews.
Travelers rave about discovering the largest ponderosa pine forest and learning about fire management techniques. It also includes a free IMAX ticket. The longer duration makes it ideal for those wishing to explore beyond the typical viewpoints and get a deeper understanding of the area.
Bottom line: Perfect for nature lovers and those wanting an in-depth, off-the-beaten-path experience.
12. Grand Canyon: Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon Flight & Tour
This 6.5-hour tour combines a scenic flight from the Grand Canyon to Page, AZ, with guided visits to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. For $549, it’s a full-day adventure that includes a box lunch.
Rated 5/5 from just 1 review, this trip offers incredible scenic views and photo opportunities. The combination of aerial views and guided canyon walks makes it one of the most diverse options, perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience of the region’s most iconic sights.
Bottom line: A premium, all-in-one trip ideal for serious photographers and those eager to see multiple highlights in one day.
$549 per person
13. Tusayan: Grand Canyon Sunset Pink Jeep Tour
This 2-hour tour offers a guided sunset experience with insights into canyon geology and history. The tour includes a free IMAX ticket and stops at Grandview Point, where you can watch the sunset paint the canyon walls.
While the reviews aren’t listed, the focus on golden hour viewing and educational storytelling make it appealing for sunset lovers and those interested in geology.
Bottom line: A straightforward, engaging sunset tour with added educational content and a chance to enjoy the canyon at its most dramatic.
$151 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Tusayan
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a quick, high-impact experience, the From South Rim: Grand Canyon Spirit Helicopter Tour offers stunning views in under an hour. If you’re more interested in combining aerial and ground exploration, the Grand Canyon Village: Helicopter & Hummer Combo provides great variety.
For those wanting an immersive, educational experience, the Grand Canyon South Rim Airplane Tour and IMAX Movie are excellent. Adventure travelers will love the Off-Road Sunset Safari or the Grand Canyon National Park Off Road Journey, which go beyond the standard viewpoints.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like helicopter rides and the Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon combo, to secure your preferred times and dates.
Final Thoughts
Tusayan offers a wide range of tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. Whether you’re after the thrill of a helicopter flight, the peace of witnessing a sunset, or an in-depth exploration of the canyon’s geology, there’s something here for you. For most visitors, the From South Rim: Grand Canyon Spirit Helicopter Tour and the Grand Canyon Desert View Sunset Tour stand out as top choices, offering iconic views and memorable experiences.
If you’re planning your trip, consider what kind of experience you want and book early — these tours fill up fast. No matter what you choose, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for this incredible natural wonder and plenty of photos to prove it.