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Grand Canyon News


FAQs

Do you pick up from every hotel?

We pick up and drop off from nearly every hotel, the exceptions are the hotels that are difficult to drive a bus into.  In the event that we don't pick up at your hotel, we typically pick up at one of the adjacent hotels.  We do pick up from properties that are downtown and off strip.  If you are staying off of the strip, please inquire about pick up and we will confirm if we pick up at the your hotel.

Do you charge a Fuel Surcharge or other hidden fees?

No, we do not charge any additional fees above our website rates when you book online.  There are no booking fees, fuel surcharge fees, processing fees, etc.  Our published web rate is all you pay.  In the case of tours that are not operated by us such as the Helicopter tours, we try to factor in all fees to our pricing (including fuel surcharges) but can not control if they decide to add additional fees.  Please inquire about fees if it is a concern of yours, we will give you the total cost in writing so you know there are no surprises.

Do we have to tip the drivers?

Gratuities and tips are 100% at your discretion and are not mandatory.  Unlike other companies, our drivers do not aggressively seek tips to make compensation.  A tip is always a great gesture to let a driver know they did a good job, but it is entirely at your discretion. 

Can we schedule a show or flight for the same day as our tour?

We highly recommend not scheduling shows or flights around the tour schedule as we will not be held responsible for any delays that occur during a tour.  Some of the delays that are entirely possible are: Changes in weather, traffic conditions, road detours, construction, etc.  You assume all risk in scheduling a tour on the day that you schedule other activities.

Do you cancel tours if not enough people book?

We generally operate a tour under all circumstances as we know some guests can't change their schedule.  We have smaller vehicles to accomodate when too few people book, however there are occassions when we have to cancel the tour.  We will make every effort possible to contact you in advance to offer putting you with another tour company or switching to another day.  One way to avoid missing your tour is to give us good contact information such as your cell phone number and if possible your hotel room number.  When you make your reservation, please give us the name of the person that the hotel reservation is under, the hotel will not transfer our calls to a name other than the registered guest.  On average, we have cancelled fewer than 5 days per year for the past 5 years.

Do you operate tours on Christmas Day and other major holidays?

Yes we do, we have run a tour on Christmas day for the past 5 years.  Keep in mind that certain holidays bring heavy traffic to Las Vegas and tours can run an extra hour or longer due to holiday traffic.

Can we book a tour at your office?

Although our office is close to the Las Vegas strip, we do not take bookings in person as 100% of our business comes from either the internet or phone calls.  Our office is for clerical and dispatch operations. Due to the fact that so few people book in person, it is not staffed for walk in bookings. If you want to book in person, you will have to book with a broker or hotel concerierge desk located on Las Vegas Blvd.  Keep in mind, prices on the Las Vegas strip are marked up 50-100%.

What do you serve for meals?

It depends on the tour.  For the Grand Canyon South Rim we offer a pastry and juice in the morning and for lunch a Ham or Turkey Sandwich with chips, apple, and cookies along with a bottle of water.  For the West Rim, the lunch is provided by the Hualapai Natives (the same lunch offered by every tour company that visits the West).  This typically includes a hot lunch of either BBQ Chicken or Beef, corn on the cobb, mashed potatoes w/gravy, mixed vegetables, bread, BBQ baked beans (no meat), and chocolate cake along with a bottle of water.  

We do offer a vegetarian food option for both the South Rim and West Rim tours.  It is typically the same as above but the Deli sandwich is a cheese sandwich and the West Rim will be with more vegetables instead of meat.

Why is the West Rim tour more expensive than the South Rim?

This is because the West Rim is on a private Native American Reservation and the cost of entrance is substantially higher than the South Rim which is a national park.

I did not enjoy my tour, can I get a refund?

We do want you to be 100% satisfied with your tour experience and we enjoy taking hundreds of people to the Grand Canyon every day.  However we only issue refunds when we can not operate the tour.  We do not have control over any of the following situations that can impact your tour experience: Weather, Delays or disruptions caused by passengers, delays at the attraction (ex: lines at the Skywalk), delays caused by traffic, mechanical issues with vehicle (unless it prevents you from seeing the Grand Canyon), lost items left on the bus, failure on your part to make it to the bus on time or missing the tour because you were in the wrong place.

I woke up late and missed the tour, can I get a refund?

The only circumstances that you can get your money back is by cancelling your tour 48 hours in advance, we do not refund if you miss the bus when we pick up.  When you purchase a tour, you take seats away from other potential customers and it is your responsibility to be on time in the correct pick up place.  Please make sure to prepare ahead and know when and where to go.  Our tours start later than most other tour companies so you can have time in the morning to get ready with a full night sleep.

Can I pay on the day of the tour?

Since we have limited seats, we require the tour to be paid in full in advance of the tour date. We recommend paying no later than 2 days before the tour as we can sell out our seats.  We can not hold seats or guarantee seats until you make payment.  

The Weather was terrible, I couldn't see the Grand Canyon at all, can I get a refund?

We do not issue refunds for the weather and we can not predict visability at the Grand Canyon.  We will run the tour if the following two criteria are met:  1)We have enough people to run the tour 2) The roads are safe to drive with no closures or hazard warnings

It is your responsibility to monitor the weather and decide if you want to take the tour, please be sure to cancel no later than 48 hours before the tour date to get 100% refund.

Do you operate tours in other languages?

We do have some bilingual drivers, primarily spanish, however most of the tour will be done in english.  Please inquire about our spanish speaking drivers and we can try to let you know what days to book when they will be driving.   

What is the best day to take a tour?

Contrary to popular belief, the weekends are much quieter than weekdays, so if you visit in the busy summer months, try to go on the weekends to reduce wait times at park entry, shuttle bus stops, restaurants, etc.  This applies to both the West Rim and South Rim.
 

If you have any other questions about our tours, please ask.

 

General Questions about visiting the Grand Canyon

Can I bring my dog along with me if I hike into the canyon?

Pets are not allowed at the West Rim.

At the South and North Rims:

Pets must be physically restrained at all times. Leashed pets are allowed on the rim trails throughout the developed areas in the park but not below the rim. The only exception is certified service dogs. Persons wishing to take a service dog below the rim must check in first at the Backcountry Information Center. There is a kennel on the South Rim but not on the North Rim.


How hard is it to hike into the Grand Canyon?

Unlike hiking in mountainous terrain, Grand Canyon trails involve a downhill trip followed by a strenuous uphill climb. Hiking in the Grand Canyon is so demanding that even people in excellent condition often emerge sore and fatigued. Yet it has been hiked by small children, senior citizens, and people with physical disabilities.

The day hiker, out for just a few hours, and the overnight backpacker must be equally prepared for the lack of water, extreme heat and cold, and isolation characteristic of the Grand Canyon. There are few places where the comforts of hotels, campgrounds, shops and restaurants are found so close to such a harsh environment. Particularly in the summer, mental attitude and adequate water consumption are the two most important factors in the success of any hike into the Grand Canyon.

Backcountry rangers recommend that hikers make their first overnight trip into the inner canyon on the park's "Corridor" trails. The Corridor is the area including and immediately adjacent to the Bright Angel and North and South Kaibab trails. This area includes three campgrounds: Indian Garden, Bright Angel, and Cottonwood.

What is the weather like at the Grand Canyon?

Summer temperatures on the South Rim are relatively pleasant (50°s - 80°s F; 10°s to high 20°s C) but inner canyon temperatures are extreme. Daytime highs at the river, 5000 feet below the rim, often exceed 100° F (38° C). North Rim summer temperatures are cooler that those on the South Rim due to the increased elevation.

Winter conditions at the South Rim can be extreme: expect snow, icy roads, and possible road closures. Temperatures are low, and with the wind-chill factor can at times drop below 0° F (-18° C). Canyon views may be temporarily obscured during winter storms; in such cases, entrance fees are not refundable. The North Rim is closed in winter.

Spring and Fall weather is extremely unpredictable; be prepared for sudden changes in the weather during these seasons.

Can I bring my camera on the Skywalk?

All Skywalk guests are asked to place personal items, including cameras, in free lockers outside the Skywalk. This procedure was instituted to protect the glass from scratches and prevent items from being dropped into the Grand Canyon. Your cooperation is most appreciated. Skywalk guides are available to capture your experience in pictures and answer your questions. There is no obligation to purchase photos, but if you’d like to buy them, photos are $30 each or you can purchase a USB with multiple photos and receive several printouts for $107 (including tax). Cameras are encouraged in other areas of Grand Canyon West and can be stored in our free lockers.


How long are the lines?

Our peak hours are weekdays between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. To avoid lines, especially in the summer months, please arrive before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.
 
Generally, weekends are the least busy time to visit the Grand Canyon.
 

How much time will I be allowed on the Skywalk?

There is no set time limit for enjoying the Skywalk.  If you are on a tour, we recommend 20 minutes as you will want to see the rest of the viewpoints.


Can I drink Alcohol at the Grand Canyon?

Alcohol is strictly prohibited from the West Rim.

The North and South Rim have restaurants and markets that sell Tobacco Products and Alcoholic BeveragesUnited States Open Container Laws pertain to all other areas of the Park.

Can I smoke at the Grand Canyon?

Tobacco is strictly prohibited at the West Rim.  The North and South Rim have designated areas for smoking.


Is there Cell Phone Service at the Grand Canyon?

Cell phone service is very limited at both the West Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  The West Rim has best coverage in the airport terminal, however it is only with 1-2 providers.  At the South Rim there is coverage near the village, but you may find limited to no coverage once you get near the Canyon itself.  Once you leave the National Park, coverage is fairly good.