Private Grand Canyon Full-Day Hike & Scenic South Rim Tour
Spend a private day at the South Rim with a naturalist guide who blends geology, human history and a guided South Kaibab hike. This full-day tour customizes viewpoints and hiking distance for your group and includes a gourmet picnic amid panoramic canyon vistas.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate early and often
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water per person — the high desert and exertion on the trails dehydrate quickly.
Layer for big temperature swings
Mornings can be cool while afternoons warm rapidly; pack a wind layer and insulating mid-layer you can shed.
Good tread matters
Wear hiking shoes or boots with solid grip: rim trails can be steep and loose when descending.
Leave no trace during the picnic
Your guide will provide a catered lunch — pack out all wrappers and follow their guidance on where to eat to minimize impact.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Maricopa Point’s mining ruins and quiet east-facing benches for morning light
- •Powell Memorial and its less-crowded viewpoints near mid-morning
Wildlife
- •California condor
- •Desert bighorn sheep
Conservation Note
The park emphasizes Leave No Trace and limits private vehicle access in high season with shuttles — tours help reduce footprint by consolidating transportation and following ranger guidance.
The South Rim combines millennia of Indigenous presence with later exploration by John Wesley Powell; 20th-century mining and rail development also shaped access to the canyon.
Photographer's Notes
- • Hopi Point for wide-angle sunset
- • Mohave Point for river-aligned vistas
- • South Kaibab Trailhead and Ooh Aah Point for dramatic foregrounds
What to Bring
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladderEssential
Necessary for staying hydrated in the dry canyon climate and on hikes of varying length.
Sturdy hiking shoes or bootsEssential
Provides traction and ankle support on steep, rocky trails like South Kaibab.
Layered clothing and wind shellEssential
Temperatures can swing widely between rim and canyon; a shell blocks wind on exposed viewpoints.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)Essential
High elevation and reflective rock intensify sun exposure — protect skin and eyes during midday stops.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and how much walking is involved?
The tour runs roughly 6–8 hours; walking can be adapted but expect several rim overlooks and a guided descent on South Kaibab ranging from a short 1.8 mile out-and-back to longer options.
Is park entry included?
Yes — park entry fees are included in the tour price.
Can you pick up from Sedona or Flagstaff?
Yes — pickup from within about an hour of the park is offered; the operator can arrange round trips from Sedona on request.
Are meals provided?
A gourmet picnic lunch is included and can be adjusted for dietary restrictions if notified in advance.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear trail shoes, layers, sun protection, and bring 2–3 liters of water, a small daypack, and any personal medications.
Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The tour is private and adaptable; short rim walks and minimal hiking are possible for families, but steep trail sections are not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–8 hours
Location
Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderately fit; able to manage steady uphill return sections and 1–4 miles of hiking with elevation change.
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