Travel,United States

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas (USA)

Grand Canyon 10-min

If you want to escape the crazy Vegas scene, then a day trip to The Grand Canyon might just be what you need.

I know that’s exactly what I needed so I booked a day tour with KKDay to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and here’s how it went!

First: The Facts and FAQ’s

Grand Canyon 16-min

1. Which tour did you take, with whom and how did you book it?

I booked the “Day Tour from Las Vegas: Grand Canyon South Rim” with KKDay. You can book online on their website. Our tour costs 4521php per person, which converted in US Dollars is roughly $89. A pretty good deal because this exact tour costs $100 up on other sites!

2. What is KKDay?

KKDay is an online platform where you can book local tours on different countries. KKDay partners with different tour providers. For our South Rim tour, they partnered with Gray Line, which is a highly recognized tour operator in the USA. KKDay also offers special discounts you won’t get at other sites.

3. Why South Rim?

To put it simply, the South Rim has the most spectacular views of The Grand Canyon.

Like most visitors, I was debating between the South and the West Rim. The West Rim was nearer from Vegas and it had the beautiful Sky Walk. However, if you’re after Instagrammable photos (like me, haha!) be warned; they don’t let cameras inside the Sky Walk!

In the end, I decided on the South and had no regrets. Here’s how it all went!

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon 24-min

We begin with an early morning pick-up.

The nearest pick-up point from where we were staying was at South Point Hotel and Casino, which was just a 5 minute walk from us. The problem though was that we were scheduled as the first pick-up stop so our call time was at 5:40am. So eaaarly!!! Haha but that’s okay. We had to start early because we had a long drive ahead.

Grand Canyon 5-min

After our bus picked up passengers from different hotels, we were dropped off at the Gray Line station where we were given a quick brief about the tour we were about to take. We were also given time to buy a few snacks for the journey.

TIP: Bring your own food and water so you don’t have to line up here anymore! The bus seating is first come first serve too, so best to board the bus early after! Don’t waste time lining up and buying food.

The Long Drive

Grand Canyon 1-min

After the quick stop, it was time to drive! The driver also served as our tour guide, together with the automatic audio tour guide he was playing on the speakers (which I found pretty cool!) The scenery was nice and our driver was playing 90’s movies all the way (haha) so I was entertained most of the time.

It was also the perfect opportunity to catch up on my work back home. The bus offered wifi, but you had to pay a fee. Good thing I brought my own; my favorite, ever-reliable pocket wifi, RoamBuddy.

Stop at Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam KKDay Gray Line

We had a quick stopover at Hoover Dam, which is also a popular tourist attraction near Las Vegas. To be honest, I didn’t think I would find anything interesting here, but it was actually pretty amazing to see the magnitude and scale of this dam.

Grand Canyon 29-min

With my Dad! I think we look okay considering we had hardly any sleep. Haha! The driver gave us time to take photos for a few minutes and then we were back on the road.

National Geographic Center for Lunch

Grand Canyon 4-min

We arrived at the National Geographic Center for lunch. This was also the place where you can book tickets and watch the IMAX movie “Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets” , but you had to squeeze this in the lunch time that the tour provided.

We didn’t watch the IMAX movie anymore so we just enjoyed our lunch and spent the rest of the time looking around the gift shop. Hehe.

Grand Canyon 2-min

They were definitely ready for our arrival! I chose the Asian Rice Bowl. Although now that I look at it I should have gotten something else instead. The rice bowl was just so-so. Pizza Hut might have been a better option.

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas KKDay Gray Line

I used the discount when we bought stuff at the gift shop! Then, it was time to move on again. Not to worry though because this time it was just a quick drive and the next stop was the actual Grand Canyon itself already!

Grand Canyon National Park: Mather Point

Grand Canyon 6a-min

Ta-da! We arrive at The Grand Canyon. First stop is at Mather Point, just close to the visitor center.

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas KKDay Gray Line

First impressions: Why are there so many people and why are there rails? Where do people take their gorgeous Instagram photos (#whatreallymatters #jk) But after I made my way through and got a good view…

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas KKDay Gray Line

… my, what a view! Now I understand why they call it the GRAND Canyon. Formed by the Colorado River, it is huge and unbelievable. Definitely something you have to see in person. The photos don’t do it justice.

Grand Canyon 6-min

Grand Canyon 7-min

The view from this spot was wonderful but I was looking for a place with unobstructed views. So we set off to look for other spots.

Quest for a better view

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas

Our guide said we had to be back at the bus after around an hour so we didn’t venture out too far. No worries though because just a short walk away from Mather’s Point, you’ll get amazing views of the Grand Canyon. Just follow the hiking trail so you won’t get lost on your way back.

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon 9-min

Now, I’m happy because I found a great spot to take photos in. 😉 Hehe.

Grand Canyon 23-min

I was traveling with my brother, dad and aunt.

So here’s the deal if you’re planning to go to The South Rim of The Grand Canyon with older people, a.k.a. seniors (sorry dad); you can make it with not a lot of walking so if you’re with people who aren’t ready to hike or anything, this is a great tour to bring them in.

Grand Canyon 28-min

And if they are anything like my dad, a sightseeing day trip like this one would be more than enough adventure. He’s just happy to have his souvenir photo. Haha. 😉

Bright Angel Lodge

Grand Canyon 26-min

We boarded our bus to travel to the next point (told you it was senior friendly hehe,) which was Bright Angel Lodge. Bright Angel Lodge was designed in 1935 first as a hotel, until it underwent different renovations to become what it is now; a lodge where visitors can spend the night in.

Grand Canyon 20-min

We didn’t come here to stay though but instead came for the view and rest stop! Couldn’t resist the gift shop and just had to grab something. Haha. I collect children’s books and vintage travel postcards whenever I travel so I got some of those to bring home.

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip Review KKDay Gray Line

Took this photo just outside the gift shop and before you venture out to the lookout point.

Grand Canyon 25-min

You can also take a closer look at The Grand Canyon if you like!

From the Lookout Point

Grand Canyon 11-min

This beautiful lookout point is at Bright Angel Lodge and it was definitely much less crowded than the one at Mather’s Point.

Grand Canyon 14-min

Probably my favorite surprise during this trip was seeing this at the entrance. It really captures what I was feeling as I was looking at The Grand Canyon. How amazing are the works of our God? Nothing compares!

Grand Canyon 27-min

Grand Canyon South Rim Day Trip from Las Vegas

And that concludes our trip! It was a long day but definitely worthwhile to come. A good change from the busy scene at Vegas!

Few things to note:

  • Our total travel time from the time they picked us up to the time we were dropped back at South Point was around 16 hours! Again though, we were literally the first to be picked up so we really had an early start. Just be aware of that.
  • If you’re looking at really experiencing the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas in Arizona, you’re better off taking a trip on your own OR joining a 2-3 day tour. But if all you want is to get a glimpse of The Grand Canyon or if you can’t commit to more than a day, then this Grand Canyon South Rim day trip from Las Vegas is perfect for you.

If you are interested to book the same exact tour I got, you can find this tour here at KKDay’s website. Have fun!

READ MORE FROM OUR LA-VEGAS TRIP!

(NOTE: THIS POST IS ABOUT OUR EXPERIENCE LAST OCTOBER 2017.)
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48 Comments

  • Reply
    Cris
    November 26, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    Love the Grand Canyon I was there last year. It is an amazing location. Wonderful scenery and your photos are really cool. Great outfit for the trip. Loved the post.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 26, 2017 at 11:07 pm

      Thanks Cris, it was an amazing place for sure!

  • Reply
    Mica
    November 27, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Oh wow, that is a really long trip, 16 hours means a lot of travelling! It does look like an incredible sight to see though! My sister has visited but I have never been, I would love to one day! :)

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 27, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      It’s a really long trip! But well worth it!

  • Reply
    Cindy Elena
    November 27, 2017 at 10:04 pm

    Wow that’s a long trip but it looked totally worth it! The grandcayon is stunning!!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 27, 2017 at 11:11 pm

      It was really long but worth it!

  • Reply
    wendee
    November 27, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    beautiful photos

  • Reply
    Ashley
    November 28, 2017 at 11:14 pm

    Isn’t the Canyon amazing? I had the chance to visit last year for the first time and it was sooo awesome!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 28, 2017 at 11:28 pm

      Yes it was amazing! :)

  • Reply
    Kim
    November 29, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Love all the details you shared! What an amazing trip!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 29, 2017 at 8:17 am

      Thanks Kim! :)

  • Reply
    Eena
    November 29, 2017 at 3:20 am

    I’m so jealous! I’ve lived in the States for nearly 11 years now and have yet to visit the Grand Canyon! Glad you had a great time, Sheena. Oh! You look so much like your dad, cute!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 29, 2017 at 8:17 am

      Awww you really should take the time to visit already! 😉 Haha. Thanks Eena!!

  • Reply
    Radi
    November 29, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Love the Grand Canyon! I’ve been there two times and without a doubt would go there again if I get the chance.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 29, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      Oooh same here!!

  • Reply
    Katherine
    November 29, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    I still haven’t gone to the Grand Canyon, but always hear great things! Nice photos :)

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 29, 2017 at 2:56 pm

      You should definitely take the trip if you have the chance!

  • Reply
    Ruth
    November 30, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    Wow this is just beautiful! Those shots are amazing and it sounds like an amazing adventure!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 30, 2017 at 10:58 pm

      It was an amazing adventure for sure!

  • Reply
    sonia // daring coco
    November 30, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    We did the south rim last year after Las Vegas and it was the most incredible and memorable day of my life. I just fell in love with those magnificent views. So breathtaking.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 30, 2017 at 10:58 pm

      Totally agree!!

  • Reply
    Len Parent
    November 30, 2017 at 10:10 pm

    Amazing photos darling! Looks like you guys had a great time! Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      November 30, 2017 at 10:57 pm

      We really did!

  • Reply
    Sydney
    December 1, 2017 at 12:24 am

    I haven’t been to the Grand Canyon since I was around 12 or 13 but I would love to go again and appreciate it differently now that I’m older. I remember caring more about returning to the hotel room or visiting the gift shops, but I did get an amazing look at the Canyon. My mom watched the sunrise when we went and I wish I’d gone with her because I can only imagine the spectacular view she got to see.

    I’m from Las Vegas, so it’s incredibly easy for me to get to the Grand Canyon and spend 2 or 3 days there, exploring the area and seeing a little more than a tour guide might be able to show you. I think when I return to the States, I’m definitely going to visit the Grand Canyon as soon as possible.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 1, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      I would looove to see the Grand Canyon at sunrise, I’m sure that would be amazing! I would love to go camping as well. That sounds like a great plan Sydney, all the best to you!

  • Reply
    Saida - She talks Glam
    December 1, 2017 at 3:40 am

    What an incredible place to visit and get marvelled at those views, such a nice experience and with plenty of details and tips as well! Thanks so much for sharing, Sheena ?

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 1, 2017 at 9:29 pm

      Thanks Saida glad you found it helpful!

  • Reply
    Kay
    December 1, 2017 at 3:59 am

    I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, or that part of the world in general, but I would absolutely love to see it one day! Looks so gorgeous in the photos, and I can imagine that it is all the more impressive in person. Thanks for sharing, lovely! xoxo

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 1, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      Kay, it’s amazing, I hope you can go someday!

  • Reply
    Mercy
    December 1, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Thanks for featuring this in your blog dear, I wanted to do this too since we were in Vegas for 4 nights but I think it’s not possible yet for us because of the small kids. But I’m just happy to know if it’s doable or not, maybe next time. Your photos are awesome, I love the happy shots in the edges and the Psalms verse. I can’t believe they put that verse there in this day and age.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 1, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      I was quite surprised to see the verse there as well! Yes maybe next time when the kids are a little older! But if you decide to take a tour, like what I did, I think the kids would be able to do that.

  • Reply
    jane
    December 1, 2017 at 2:23 pm

    This place looks amazing. I should visit it soon.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 1, 2017 at 9:26 pm

      You should, it’s amazing!!

  • Reply
    Elegant Duchess
    December 1, 2017 at 5:20 pm

    gosh this is a dream come true picturesque view! I really have to see this all with my own eyes one day, it’s on my bucket list. Wonderful photos babe. xx

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 1, 2017 at 9:26 pm

      Thank you it really was a beautiful place.

  • Reply
    Monica Sors
    December 1, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    Love this post!!! Photos are perfect.

  • Reply
    Andreea Birsan
    December 3, 2017 at 7:55 am

    OMG so jealous! Hope you had a great time and loved all the photos you took. Wishing you a great weekend! xx

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 3, 2017 at 6:19 pm

      We had an awesome time, thanks Andreea!

  • Reply
    Susie | Mile High Dreamers
    December 3, 2017 at 8:08 am

    We LOVE Vegas, but sometimes you do need a break from it! The Grand Canyon is amazing, and it’s nice to have a tour to do all the driving for you. 16 hours is a LONG time! It looks like you guys had fun though, and your dad is so cute. Come see Colorado next!

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 3, 2017 at 6:19 pm

      I would LOVE to go to Colorado next! Hehe thanks Susie!!

  • Reply
    Kya
    December 3, 2017 at 11:47 am

    Awesome! It looks like such a great adventure. 😀

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 3, 2017 at 6:14 pm

      Hi Kya thanks for dropping by yes it was awesome!

  • Reply
    Pearl
    December 3, 2017 at 11:51 am

    OMG! It looks sooo beautiful! I’m sure the experience was very surreal too. This place is still on my bucket list haha hopefully I can visit it soon *fingers crossed*

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      December 3, 2017 at 6:15 pm

      Pearl, it was such a wonderful place to visit! 😀 Thank you!

  • Reply
    togel singapore
    January 5, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    wow..it’s a great adventure with family..

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      January 6, 2018 at 8:45 am

      Yes it was a nice adventure!

  • Reply
    Bea
    January 28, 2018 at 7:09 pm

    Loving your style! You are so chic.

    • Reply
      Sheena Sy Gonzales
      January 29, 2018 at 12:39 am

      Thanks Bea!

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