CanyonTours

We had been planning our Vegas trip for quite some time, and we had high hopes for this tour.
First, the positives: I’m glad we got to see the Grand Canyon, and the Hoover Dam. The time spent at the Grand Canyon West Rim was nice because we got to do it on our own (the people at the Indian reservation handle those parts of the tour, including transport). That’s pretty much where the positives end.
Our tour guide (Jean Claude) was not good. I don’t know if it had to do with language/​cultural barriers but, the entire bus ride was awkward and uncomfortable.
Among other things:
— Frankly, we couldn’t understand half of what he was saying to us. It’s not necessarily *because* he had an accent; just most of it was unintelligible. He’d end most of his stories/​anecdotes with the word «whatever» as if he wasn’t really interested in what he was supposed to be giving us a tour of.
— He described what we had just paid his employers a combined $ 230 for as «four hours to look at a big hole in the ground.»
— He ranted on and on about Las Vegas, being very critical about it, talking about all of this «if you found Jesus here, you’d better go home» nonsense… and at one point even conjectured that women on the bus could make a living being prostitutes. He kept rambling on and on and on, throughout the entire trip. It got to the point where I started wishing I had brought my headphones with me so I could have just tuned him out. The best parts of the bus ride were when he stopped talking and played the educational DVDs about the Dam and the National Parks. He was just trying WAY to hard to be funny, and it just ended up being alienating and inappropriate. And, for the record, we’re not prudes or anything… he just wasn’t funny. Every time he’d spout off about something, the entire bus would just do this awkward «let’s just chuckle for a bit to placate him» kind of thing, just to get through it.
— And, the topper: At one point he was trying to tell people the order for hotel drop offs. When he couldn’t get the attention of several individuals from one of the resorts, he said, loud enough for most to hear, and I quote: «they must be Asian.»
At the end of the tour, when we *didn’t* tip him (after a five minute lecture to the entire bus about how we *should* tip him since that’s how they make their money), he sarcastically told us «thanks for the tip.» Here’s a tip: be better at your job.

Here’s a simple way to describe the trip. When your bus driver, who doesn’t speak English, describes the Grand Canyon as a «hole,» it kind of sets the stage for the logistical part of it. If the management at this tour company want to change their approach, here’s what I would fix.
1) I would pick somewhere besides the McDonald’s in Kingman, Arizona to feed 32 tour goers. There are some rest stops like Travel America that can accommodate large groups, especially one given 20 minutes.
2) On the return trip, we stopped at a gas station where there were six buses and one Subway counter. Again, we were given 20 minutes to get dinner.
3) I would reconfigure the bus so that the seats in front of the toilet did not have to be adjusted so that someone could use the bathroom. And, I would tell the driver that some people need to use the bathroom for a bowel movement. His comments about not using the bathroom for «number two» gave me the impression that his company didn’t want to empty their buses honey pot.
4) I would not stop a movie halfway through the tour so that we can hear the audio tour guide give a spiel on the mob in Vegas.
5) I would make sure that the seats work.
6) I can go on. Yes, the Grand Canyon was majestic. It was worth the poorly planned bus trip.

I began our experience very upset. They were over 45 minutes late and we had to call them to find out about the delay. Fortunately the day got better, our bus was well equipped, our bus driver Willie was entertaining and fun, they gave us water & the tour was a great value. We enjoyed the lunch stop as well. We were promptly dropped off after.

I think I’m like most Americans when I say I’m not myself yet in the mornings without my coffee. I had an overall fantastic experience with the company. They were on time picking me up at my hotel. Drove me to the location of the tour without any issues and was simply able to go in and fill out my paper work and check in. However, they give you all of 2.5 minutes to buy, drink and eat your coffee/​breakfast before take off. Of course it’s not all allowed on the aircraft but I was very unhappy I paid 3 $ for a coffee and took 2 sips before I was required to throw the entire cup away.
I was the only one on the aircraft that spoke English, oddly enough and the tour guide didn’t make an effort to play the transitions of all the voice videos so I didn’t feel like I got the full experience of the history of the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
I did however got the once in a lifetime experience of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time from such a spectacular view.
It was a great first experience.
The only improvement I’d recommend for the company is to not make everything feel so fast paced. I felt like the whole tour was rushed completely from one thing to the next. Barely had a enough time to enjoy the canyon walls on the bottom before we had to leave.

My husband and I took the Grand Canyon South Rim tour on June 24^th. We throughly enjoyed it!!! The price was extremely reasonable in comparison to the other companies we had looked at. Due to the time it takes to get to and from the south rim and having to pick up other individuals also taking the tour, we were picked up at 5:45 am. Although we’re not morning people, we appreciated being picked up and dropped off at our hotel. When we got to the terminal for the company, we were oriented on the different tours (because everyone taking the various tours, i.e. the south vs west rim, arrives together). We then received our bands, which are given because persons on your bus may be going to the same location but may do an additional tour (i.e. pink jeep, helicopter, or boat tour). Breakfast was offered at the terminal, however you had to pay for it. We thought it would have been nice to have had breakfast included in the tour considering it was nothing fancy (pastries, sandwiches, juice, fruit, coffee, etc.). Then we proceeded to load our buses, which was done quick and efficiently. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and the drive to and from the Grand Canyon was filled with lots of fun and interesting information. The bus ride was quite comfortable and this trip/​tour was worth every penny. Words and pictures can’t do the Grand Canyon justice! Thanks Canyon Tours for making this experience affordable and possible!

It appears that this place has very inconstant service. My wife and I took a chance on it for our anniversary because of the mixed reviews — it seems that some people were very happy with the service.
Not Us.
We went on the south rim tour were RUSHED RUSHED RUSHED from the time we set foot on the bus to the time we were dropped off a block from our hotel (they couldn’t reach the actual hotel because of an event).
The driver was clearly more concerned with getting through his day as quickly as possible vs. giving us what we paid for. We were supposed to be back in Vegas at 10pm, but instead were transferring to our drop-​off bus at 8:30 — and that translated into over an hour and a half of time that we lost at the canyon.
We stopped at two destinations in the canyon — the first, by the visitor’s center we were told was for 20 MINUTES!!! We barely had enough time to get a cancelation stamp on our National Parks Passport, snap one picture at the viewing area, and go to the bathroom. It was a dead run at that stop.
The second spot (bright angel) was 1 hour and 15 minutes. Enough time to wander a touch, but was «tourist central» (I can’t fault them for that — it is a bus tour after all). Then back on the bus, a stop at a truck stop subway for «dinner» (15 minutes), and hauled back to LV.
I’m not normally one to leave bad reviews, but I felt compelled to leave this as a warning for others. If 10 hours on a bus, getting lectured to hurry up, and nasty mini-​mart junk food for dinner (heck — McD’s would have been a welcomed improvement) is your idea of fun, this place is for you. Otherwise, you’re best to completely steer clear.
Very poor experience.

Problem #1:
We paid extra for deluxe tickets, which allowed for breakfast, barbeque lunch, speedy check-​in, etc. However, all guests receive these services as default for purchasing any kind of ticket, so the whole deluxe thing is just a ploy to get you to spend the extra money.
Problem #2:
After the van picked us up, it took two hours to pick up the other guests and finally get on the road. It was exhausting, and I heard from friends that other companies handle this process more efficiently.
Problem #3:
Read the fine print on your ticket. They will hit you with a surcharge even though the ticket price is described as a Final Ticket Price.
Avoid this company at all costs. I felt like I got tricked by them…

Canyon tours? Save your money! 5 of us booked west rim and all went well till the end. Departing the bus at the site, the driver clearly stated that we needed to be back at the bus by 2p. 7 people did not abide by this edict. We waited one & a half hours for these losers and Still left 3 people behind! They made excuses like «holiday weekend.» Too many people wanting to take helicopter tour & not enough time, etc. one couple missed their flight home because of the 1.5 hr delay; several of us missed our shows we had bought tickets for. Driver & guide said they couldn’t leave. Manager Dave at the office couldn’t care less. Driver & guide got no tips. Bathroom on bus had no water, no sanitizer & toilet paper roll sat on the sink. We’ll see what the Health Department says about that on Monday.
I find it hard to believe that they do not plan for people who are ignorant to the rules. Leave on time & have one bus stay till 7p for the dumb ones. Let THEM be inconvenienced instead of people who know how to follow instructions.
If I could post a negative rating, I would: –25 stars!

Our Host Donna was outstanding. Knowledgeable and overall funny. We had a good time. The tour was a tour that being said, the time spent was just right.
The café was good and the prices half decent. A shame no food allowed. Souvenir Shop was OK with prices.
They changed our tour, we did not do the Chocolate Tour. We were compensated for promised items.
They took us to Vinny’s instead. Their prices were a bit steep if you didn’t do buffet. $ 5.00 a slice? Holy Sticker Shock Batman!!!
Overall we had a blast with Donna!!!

I will give ZERO rating to this tours as I didn’t get the tour. I booked the tour for Grand Canyon West Rim on 14^th Feb. We were asked to be picked up by 6 am and there was no bus till 6:15 am. We waited for 6:30 am and called them to know tour is cancelled. They don’t have driver to drive us. Person on the phone was rude. On asking about refund, they told us that we will get money in 3 – 10 business days. There was no apology, they didn’t not arranged other driver or gave us other tour options. WORST TOUR EXPERIENCE EVER. Today when I asked them about refund again, lady was behaving as if I am asking for free money. NOT AT ALL RECOMMENDED. THEY SPOILED OUR VALENTINES DAY.

Company changed the tour several times, and never went as scheduled. The refuse to pick up and drop off at hotels they claim they will.
Then they cram 12 people in a van for an hour drive. The van fits maybe 10 at best. By back still hurts for the uncomfortable ride.
The Grand Canyon is beautiful but there are several better tour companies than this.

This is the tour for you if you want excitement, adventure, convenience, entertainment, and a bargain price. Gary, our guide, picked us up on a large tour bus in the bus lobby of our hotel on the strip. We made a few more pickups and we were headed to the Grand Canyon 45 minutes later.
We took a quick morning photo op about 30 minutes into our trek. We were given breakfast boxes which consisted of a muffin, apple, peanut butter crackers, water, and orange juice. An hour later we were at the west rim on the Grand Canyon.
This area is owned by Native Americans so you must exit your tour bus and use their shuttle to get around to the points of interest.
Out first stop was Eagle Point. The views were breathtaking. Tip: there are no guard rails since the Native Americans want the site to stay original. Our guide said no one has ever fallen over the side. I would keep a very close eye in kids if you bring them.
Next we went to Guano point. The views were equally spectacular. There is a little hill you can climb for great photo opportunities.
Last we went to the ranch. Our included lunch was our choice of baked chicken or ribs with two sides and dessert. The ranch looked like an old Western town. Activities included Wagon rides, lasso lessons, and more.
Gary gave us lots if tips of what to do and see at the Canyon. He kept track of us and made sure everyone was back on the tour bus.
Our next stop was the Joshua trees. They were beautiful.
Next we went to the Hoover Damn for about twenty minutes for photo opportunities.
Last we had a bonus stop at Lake Mead to see some mountain sheep.
Gary was very knowledgeable and shared the history of the Canyon, Native Americans, The Hoover Dam, wildlife, and Las Vegas. He was very funny and included everyone on the bus in the fun.
Definitely book a tour with this company. They were dependable for pick up and drop off, knowledgeable, friendly, and had great prices.

If you go on the Bus-​Helicopter-​Boat tour, do not believe that you have time to visit the new Skywalk Bridge. YOU DON’T! This is complete false advertising. I desperately wanted to see the Skywalk Bridge. But there was no time, as this tour company is trying to combine two different tour packages together, which isn’t fair to the people who paid a lot of money for the Helicopter and Bus Tour who also wanted to experience the Skywalk. Had I known the truth, I would have taken a Helicopter ride directly from Vegas and skipped the Bus so that I could have had time for the Skywalk.

Yesterday we took a tour to the Grand Canyon with Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tour.
The tour we booked was Grand Canyon South Rim Deluxe Air & Ground.
We got on a shuttle at Circus Circus at 10:20 am then one pickup at the LVR and then on our way to the North Las Vegas Airport. We arrived at the airport, around 11am checked in. We were weighed and assigned seats. We then had to wait for our plane which was at 11:45. We were allowed to pick a boxed lunch which the choices were — ham, turkey, roast beef and then a veggie wrap. The box lunches were ok — inside each box was the sandwich or wrap, bag of chips, small bottle of water, apple and then a prepackaged pastry cake — I had carrot bread and the hubby had coffee cake. I can review the veggie wrap and honestly it was terrible — contents were lettuce, sun dried tomatoes and then cucumbers — all wrapped in a flour tortilla. This really wasn’t that big of a deal though — I didn’t book the tour for lunch. lol.
The plane only had about 20 seats. Every seat was next to a window with a aisle down the side. There were headphones for you to put on that did have music and then tourist information during the flight. It was a little confusing what channel you needed to be on for hear your language — so I did end up missing a lot of the narration for the 1^st 20 minutes of the flight.
The flight is really pretty. You fly paste the hoover dam. If you are sitting on the left side of the plane you will see it — the right side is out of luck because you only fly close to it on the way there. They fly a little different route back.
The rest of the scenery is just beautiful. All these shades of of rock and then you see a ton of the canyon from the air. It was only about a 45 minute and then you land at the Grand Canyon Airport.
Next is the boarding of the shuttle bus to go inside the Grand Canyon National Park. Our bus driver was Todd and he was pretty funny. He really told you a lot of history about the place and I learned a lot of cool things. Like:
It costs 25 bucks a car to get into the park
it costs 12 for hikers or walkers
They have 3 different fir type trees in the park
Reservations for lodging inside the canyon can be up to a year wait
To take a donkey down a trail to the bottom of the canyon is a two year wait.
Over half the lodging accommodations do not have any air-​conditioning in them
Our first stop was Bright Angel Point. You get 1 hour to walk to check it out. Here you’ll see the circa 1935 Bright Angel Lodge. This is a good stop if you want to purchase souvenirs. They did have places to get food and drinks and then you of course are outside looking at the grand canyon which is at this point 277 miles long and 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep.
Our next stop was called Mather Point, named for the National Park Service first Director, Stephen Mather. This unobstructed, awe-​inspiring point on the South Rim offers that «perfect view» of the Canyon featured in the countless books and movies. Again we got 1 hour to hang out here as well. Then we boarded the bus and were shuttled back to the airport. We walked in — boarded the plane and were off and on our way back to Vegas.
Just as a reminder make sure as you are riding along inside the park keep an eye out into the woods. I saw a ton of deer and I did get to see some elk too but they can easily be missed.
The flight back was great. The sun was setting and if you were sitting on the left you could get some really great pictures of the sunset. The right side is all canyon which is great too :)
Overall it was a great trip the good includes:
The customer service of those we interacted with was fantastic
Vision air is the airline that flew us and they were very professional and thorough. We were asked multiple times to show our ids — to confirm that we were in fact who we said we were. We had to do this upon check in and then prior to boarding the plane there and back.
The trip is just a really great way to quickly see the canyon
It is even more pretty in person than it is on tv, just breathtaking.
Only cons would (which is no fault of the tour) It was incredibly quick. I wish I could have had two hours at each viewpoint — because there was some really great hiking and such but 1 hour is not much time.
It was incredibly crowded, again this isn’t the fault of the tour. There were large lookout spots right off the tour buses but if you avoided those and just walked along the rim trail there were plenty of more intimate spots to get pictures. Not sure much can be done about the crowds.
It was a little cool. it was about 40 degrees so, hats, mittens and heavier coats were in store for sure. They had snow on the ground at the top of the canyon which they said had been there for about two weeks.
All in all a great time and more people should write reviews for this tour company because they did a really great job.

I was leery of a bus tour — this turned out to be a great tour of the west rim of the grand canyon. Our guides were Gary and Mark and they are awesome. They did a great job explaining the history of Vegas as we made our way out of the city and then had a lot of interesting things to share about the west rim, the history of the native american people who own the land and run the tours.

This tour was awesome, mostly because we had a kick ass tour guide named Jack. We were Jack’s 364^th tour to the Grand Canyon. We did a tour to the South Rim so Jack was well aware that if we were going to be spending the next 13 – 16 hours with him, he better keep us entertained. And that he did – with interesting facts about Vegas, Hoover Dam, the scenery around us, Chloride, AZ, Seligman, AZ, fun music in the car for the long driving stretches, jokes, etc.
The downsides: the morning meal wasn’t gluten-​free friendly, which affected my friend who travelled. We tried our best to prepare for that by bringing snacks with us. Also, the buffet lunch at the Best Western wasn’t all that spectacular…
The Grand Canyon was amazing though! There aren’t enough words to describe it… wow!