Key Route Facts and Figures
Driving distances, elevations, and seasonality for the primary Southwest destinations.
Distances from the Grand Canyon South Rim: Flagstaff 78 miles, Williams 59 miles, Page 134 miles, Sedona 114 miles, Las Vegas 278 miles, Phoenix 230 miles. The South Rim sits at 7,000 feet; the North Rim at 8,297 feet, with the two rims 10 miles apart as the crow flies and 215 miles apart by road. Elevations across the main Southwest parks: Zion Canyon floor 3,666 feet with the highest point at 8,726 feet; Bryce Canyon rim 8,000 to 9,100 feet; Arches entrance 4,085 feet; Canyonlands Island in the Sky 6,080 feet; Monument Valley floor 5,000 to 6,000 feet; Antelope Canyon 3,700 feet. Driving times between main stops: South Rim to Page 2h 30m; Page to Monument Valley 2h 15m; Monument Valley to Moab 3h 30m; Moab to Bryce Canyon 4h 45m; Bryce to Zion 1h 30m; Zion to Las Vegas 2h 45m. Speed limits on most rural two-lane highways are 65 mph; Interstate segments (I-40, I-15, I-17) are 75 mph in Arizona and 80 mph in Utah and Nevada. Best travel months for the full circuit are April through June and September through October, when daytime highs run 65 to 85°F.
Grand Canyon South Rim & Route 66 Classic — 3-Day Small-Group Tour
Route & Daily Program
| Day 1 | Phoenix / Scottsdale pickup 7:00 AM → Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive → Sedona Red Rock loop (2 hrs) → Flagstaff overnight. Driving: 210 mi / 4 hrs. |
| Day 2 | Depart 6:30 AM → Grand Canyon South Rim, Desert View Watchtower, Yavapai Point, Hermits Rest Route (8 overlooks), sunset at Mather Point. Overnight Tusayan. Driving: 80 mi. |
| Day 3 | Sunrise viewing optional 5:45 AM → Historic Route 66 (Williams, Seligman) → return Phoenix / Scottsdale by 6:30 PM. Driving: 230 mi / 4.5 hrs. |
Total distance: approx. 520 miles. Walking: 1–3 miles per day on paved and unpaved rim trails, elevation 7,000 ft.
What's Included
- 2 nights hotel accommodation (Flagstaff + Tusayan), 3-star equivalent, double occupancy
- Grand Canyon National Park 7-day vehicle entry pass
- Round-trip transportation in 14-seat air-conditioned minibus
- Certified interpretive guide (English-speaking) for all 3 days
- Daily breakfast at hotel (Days 2 and 3)
- Route 66 historical commentary and Sedona Red Rock driving loop
- Bottled water on board (2 bottles per person per day)
Not Included
- Lunches and dinners (budget $25–$45 per person per meal)
- Guide gratuity (suggested $10–$15 per person per day)
- Optional Grand Canyon helicopter flight: $289 per person, 45 min
- Single room supplement: $340 per booking
- Travel insurance (recommended, from $39 per person)
- Hotel incidentals, parking, and personal purchases
Pricing Details
| Base price (adult, double occupancy): | $1,290 |
| Children 5–12 (with 2 paying adults): | $1,032 (−20%) |
| Children under 5: | Free (own seat not guaranteed) |
| Single room supplement: | +$340 |
| Group of 6–11 booking together: | −10% per person |
| Early booking (90+ days ahead): | −$75 per person |
| December–February departures: | −15% per person |
| Deposit to confirm: | $300 per person |
| Balance due: | 30 days before departure |
Accepted payment: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, ACH bank transfer. No cash on departure day.
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights (approx. 60 hours door to door)
Departure days: Tuesday and Friday
Season: March 1 – November 15 (Tue/Fri); November 16 – February 28 (Saturday only)
Pickup window: 6:30–7:15 AM, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa hotels within 5 miles of downtown
Return: approx. 6:30 PM on Day 3
Booking cutoff: 48 hours before departure, subject to seat availability
Capacity: maximum 12 travelers per departure; minimum 4 to operate
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 5 years. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- Moderate fitness required: 1–3 miles of walking per day at 7,000 ft elevation
- Not recommended for travelers with uncontrolled heart or respiratory conditions; consult a physician before booking
- Luggage limit: 1 soft-sided bag up to 40 lb plus 1 daypack per person
- No smoking or alcohol in the vehicle
- Service animals permitted with 14 days' advance notice; pets are not permitted
Cancellation & Refund Policy
| 30+ days before departure: | 100% refund |
| 15–29 days before: | 75% refund |
| 7–14 days before: | 50% refund |
| 48 hours – 6 days before: | 25% refund |
| Under 48 hours / no-show: | No refund |
| Date change (30+ days ahead): | Free, once per booking |
If we cancel a departure for weather, road closure, or insufficient group size, you receive a 100% refund or a free rebooking, your choice.
Key Terms
- Valid government-issued photo ID required at check-in
- Itinerary order may change due to weather, traffic, or National Park Service closures; total inclusions stay the same
- Operator liability limited to the tour price paid; travel insurance is recommended for trip interruption and medical costs
- No refunds for missed pickup due to late arrival at the meeting point
Grand Canyon, Sedona & Monument Valley — 5-Day Signature Explorer
Route & Daily Program
| Day 1 | Phoenix pickup 8:00 AM → Apache Trail / Tonto National Forest → Sedona. Overnight Sedona. 165 mi. |
| Day 2 | Sedona: Cathedral Rock viewpoint, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Palatki Heritage Site (optional). Overnight Sedona. 40 mi. |
| Day 3 | Sedona → Wupatki & Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments → Grand Canyon East Entrance. Overnight Tusayan. 175 mi. |
| Day 4 | Full day South Rim: Rim Trail, Yavapai Geology Museum, Desert View Drive. Sunset at Hopi Point. Overnight Tusayan. 35 mi. |
| Day 5 | Tusayan → Cameron Trading Post → Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, 2.5-hour Navajo-guided 4x4 tour (Mystery Valley entry included) → return Phoenix by 9:00 PM. 420 mi. |
Total distance: approx. 835 miles across 2 states. Elevation range: 3,300–7,000 ft.
What's Included
- 4 nights hotel accommodation (2 Sedona, 2 Tusayan), 3-star or better, double occupancy
- Grand Canyon National Park entry pass and Sunset Crater / Wupatki monument fees
- Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park entry fee ($8 per person) and 2.5-hour Navajo-guided 4x4 tour
- Dedicated 12-passenger van with professional driver-guide, all 5 days
- Breakfast daily (Days 2–5)
- Sparkling-water toast at sunset on the South Rim
- Digital route map, photo-spot guide, and pre-trip packing checklist
Not Included
- Most lunches and all dinners (budget $30–$55 per meal)
- Optional Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend day add-on: $185 per person (departs from Page, Day 5 extension required)
- Optional Grand Canyon helicopter or Jeep tour: from $289 per person
- Optional Sedona Pink Jeep tour: $145 per person
- Single supplement: $625 per booking
- Gratuities, travel insurance, personal expenses
Pricing Details
| Base price (adult, double occupancy): | $2,450 |
| Children 8–12: | $1,838 (−25%) |
| Single supplement: | +$625 |
| Triple occupancy: | −$180 per person |
| Group of 8–12: | −12% per person |
| Repeat guest / referral code: | −$120 per person |
| Deposit to confirm: | $500 per person |
| Balance due: | 45 days before departure |
Discounts are not combinable except repeat-guest credit, which stacks with early booking only.
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departure days: Monday and Thursday
Season: February 15 – November 30
Meet time: 7:45 AM, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport or Phoenix / Scottsdale hotel
End time: approx. 9:00 PM on Day 5
Booking cutoff: 7 days before departure
Capacity: maximum 12 travelers; minimum 5 to operate
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 8 years. Guests 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult
- Moderate fitness: up to 4 miles of walking on Day 4 at 7,000 ft elevation
- Navajo Nation land is alcohol-free; alcohol may not be carried into Monument Valley Tribal Park
- Photography is permitted at most viewpoints; commercial drone use is prohibited on Tribal and National Park land
- Luggage limit: 1 bag up to 40 lb plus 1 daypack per person
- Arizona observes Mountain Standard Time year-round; Nevada and Utah legs shift by one hour seasonally — the guide confirms all times daily
Cancellation & Refund Policy
| 45+ days before departure: | 100% refund |
| 30–44 days before: | 70% refund |
| 15–29 days before: | 50% refund |
| 8–14 days before: | 25% refund |
| 7 days or fewer: | No refund |
| Date change 45+ days ahead: | Free, once per booking |
Hotel nights already confirmed are non-refundable inside 14 days. Force-majeure cancellations (road closures, Tribal Park closures, severe weather) receive a full credit valid for 24 months.
Key Terms
- Monument Valley tours operate on Navajo Nation time; guides follow Navajo Tribal Park rules at all times
- Itinerary stops may be reordered for weather or road conditions; no compensation is offered for reordering alone
- Travelers are responsible for personal medical costs; US residents should confirm coverage outside their home state
- Operator liability limited to the amount paid for the tour
- Seat assignments rotate daily so every guest gets a window view
Southwest Grand Loop — 7-Day Zion, Bryce Canyon, Antelope Canyon & Grand Canyon
Route & Daily Program
| Day 1 | Las Vegas pickup 7:30 AM → Valley of Fire State Park → Zion National Park. Overnight Springdale. 170 mi. |
| Day 2 | Zion: Zion Canyon Shuttle, Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools. Overnight Springdale. 20 mi. |
| Day 3 | Zion → Bryce Canyon National Park: Sunrise, Sunset, Inspiration Points; Navajo Loop. Overnight Bryce Canyon City. 90 mi. |
| Day 4 | Scenic Byway 12 → Grand Staircase-Escalante → Lake Powell / Page. Overnight Page. 160 mi. |
| Day 5 | Antelope Canyon guided slot-canyon walk (1 hr 15 min) + Horseshoe Bend → Monument Valley viewpoint. Overnight Kayenta. 200 mi. |
| Day 6 | Kayenta → Grand Canyon South Rim, Desert View Drive, Hopi Point sunset. Overnight Tusayan. 180 mi. |
| Day 7 | South Rim sunrise → Route 66 Williams → Las Vegas drop-off by 7:30 PM. 280 mi. |
Total distance: approx. 1,100 miles across 3 states (Nevada, Utah, Arizona). 6 national or state park units visited.
What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation (2 Springdale, 1 Bryce Canyon City, 1 Page, 1 Kayenta, 1 Tusayan), double occupancy
- Entrance fees for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire, Glen Canyon NRA, and Monument Valley Tribal Park
- Antelope Canyon guided entry permit and Navajo guide fees
- 15-seat air-conditioned touring van with driver-guide for all 7 days
- Breakfast daily (Days 2–7) and 2 picnic-style trail lunches (Days 3 and 4)
- Zion and Bryce Canyon shuttle passes where required
- Trekking poles on loan and 2 liters of water per person per day
Not Included
- Dinners and 5 lunches (budget $30–$60 per meal)
- Flights or travel to Las Vegas, and pre/post-tour hotel nights (from $145 per night)
- Optional Zion Narrows guided hike: $175 per person
- Optional Lake Powell boat cruise: from $135 per person
- Optional Grand Canyon helicopter flight: from $289 per person
- Single supplement: $890 per booking
- Gratuities, travel insurance, and personal expenses
Pricing Details
| Base price (adult, double occupancy): | $3,680 |
| Children 12–17: | $3,128 (−15%) |
| Single supplement: | +$890 |
| Early booking (120+ days ahead): | −$250 per person |
| Shoulder season (Mar and Oct): | −8% per person |
| Group of 8–12: | −10% per person |
| Deposit to confirm: | $750 per person |
| Balance due: | 60 days before departure |
Payment plans available: 3 equal installments at booking, 30 days, and 60 days. A 2.9% processing fee applies to card payments on installment plans.
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Departure days: Sunday and Wednesday
Season: March 15 – October 31 (Antelope Canyon access is suspended mid-December through mid-January)
Meet time: 7:15 AM, Las Vegas Strip hotels or Harry Reid International Airport
End time: approx. 7:30 PM on Day 7
Booking cutoff: 14 days before departure
Capacity: maximum 12 travelers; minimum 6 to operate
Requirements & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 12 years. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Active fitness level: 5–8 miles of walking total, including the Navajo Loop descent of 550 ft on a paved switchback trail
- Antelope Canyon requires walking on sand in narrow passages; guests with limited mobility or claustrophobia should book the Upper Canyon surface-only option
- Tripods are not permitted in Lower Antelope Canyon; GoPro-style mounts require a $30 permit
- Luggage limit: 1 bag up to 40 lb plus 1 daypack per person; no hard-shell cases over 30 in
- Utah and Arizona are dry states for alcohol sales on Sunday in some counties; plan accordingly
Cancellation & Refund Policy
| 60+ days before departure: | 100% refund |
| 45–59 days before: | 75% refund |
| 30–44 days before: | 50% refund |
| 15–29 days before: | 25% refund |
| 14 days or fewer: | No refund |
| Antelope Canyon permit portion: | Non-refundable inside 30 days |
Trip-interruption credit of 50% is issued for documented medical emergencies with a physician's note submitted within 7 days of the missed departure.
Key Terms
- Antelope Canyon visits are governed by Navajo Nation permits; tour time slots are assigned by the operator and cannot be changed by guests
- Flash flooding can close slot canyons with no notice; a substitute Horseshoe Bend and Glen Canyon Dam visit is provided
- Guests are responsible for any park citations, including off-trail violations and drone use
- Operator liability limited to the tour price paid; adventure-travel insurance is strongly recommended
- A valid photo ID is required for all park entries and hotel check-ins
Private Custom Southwest Itinerary — 1 to 14 Days, Your Dates, Your Pace
How It Works
| Step 1 | Free 30-minute planning call. Tell us dates, group size, must-see stops, and daily driving tolerance (recommended maximum: 4 hours per day). |
| Step 2 | We send a written route proposal within 3 business days: nightly stops, driving times, lodging options, and a fixed price. |
| Step 3 | Two free revisions included. Confirm with a 25% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the first travel day. |
| Step 4 | Day by day on the road with a dedicated driver-guide, or an unguided self-drive package if you prefer the wheel. |
Popular builds: 2-day Grand Canyon express from Phoenix; 4-day Sedona + Grand Canyon + Monument Valley; 9-day Las Vegas to Denver Southwest crossing; 14-day Four Corners deep loop.
What's Included
- Licensed driver-guide for up to 10 hours of service per day (chauffeur option)
- Dedicated 7-seat SUV or 12-seat van with fuel, tolls, and parking
- Custom route planning, day-by-day driving notes, and GPS-linked digital map
- All national park and monument entrance fees for your confirmed group
- Restaurant and lodging reservations handled on your behalf
- Bottled water, sunscreen, and first-aid kit on board
- 24-hour phone support line during travel days
Not Included
- Hotels and meals (we book them, you pay the vendor directly)
- Flights, rental cars for self-drive itineraries, and airport transfers on non-tour days
- Guide overtime beyond 10 hours: $65 per hour, billed in 30-minute blocks
- Departures more than 150 miles from Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Flagstaff: $1.85 per mile each way
- Gratuity, travel insurance, and personal activities
Pricing Details
| Chauffeur day rate (1–4 travelers): | $585 / day |
| Chauffeur day rate (5–8 travelers): | $745 / day |
| Chauffeur day rate (9–12 travelers): | $925 / day |
| Unguided self-drive package: | $165 / day |
| Minimum booking: | 2 days |
| 7+ consecutive days: | −10% on total |
| Multi-family (2 vehicles, 7+ days): | −12% on total |
| Deposit to confirm: | 25% of quoted total |
A written fixed-price quote is issued before any payment. No hidden fuel, parking, or scheduling surcharges.
Schedule & Availability
Duration: 2 to 14 days, your choice
Operating days: daily, year-round
Daily service window: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM standard (flexible on request)
Peak availability: March–October dates are typically booked 4–6 months in advance
Booking cutoff: 10 days before the first travel day; 21 days recommended for custom lodging requests
Capacity: 1–12 travelers per vehicle; larger groups quoted with multiple vehicles
Requirements & Restrictions
- All ages welcome. Child safety seats are provided free for children under 8 on request at booking
- Self-drive packages require a valid US driver's license and drivers aged 25+
- Service animals welcome; please declare at booking
- Routes crossing Navajo Nation land must follow Tribal Park entry rules and are alcohol-free
- Guests must be able to enter and exit a high-clearance vehicle; wheelchair-accessible vans available with 30 days' notice
Cancellation & Refund Policy
| 45+ days before the first travel day: | 100% refund of deposit |
| 22–44 days before: | 70% refund |
| 15–21 days before: | 50% refund |
| 8–14 days before: | 25% refund |
| 7 days or fewer: | No refund |
| Reducing trip length mid-booking: | Refund of released days only |
Third-party lodging and permit costs already paid are passed through and are non-refundable unless the vendor refunds them.
Key Terms
- Quoted daily rates cover one vehicle, driver-guide, and fuel; they do not cover lodging or meals unless stated in the written proposal
- Route changes requested during travel are accommodated when timing allows and may change total cost
- Driver-guide may end a day's service early for safety reasons (severe weather, road closures, fatigue limits)
- Operator liability limited to amounts paid for services; guests should carry their own medical and trip-interruption insurance
- All quotes are valid for 14 days from issuance
Self-Guided Scenic Drive Navigation Pack — Digital, Instant Access
What's Included
- 6 independent driving routes: Grand Canyon South Rim loop, Sedona Red Rock loop, Route 66 Heritage corridor, Monument Valley approach, Lake Powell / Page, and the Zion–Bryce connector
- Turn-by-turn GPS files (.gpx and Google Maps links) for all 6 routes
- 48-page PDF guide: drive times, fuel stops, restrooms, cell-signal gaps, and best photo times
- Printable one-page daily checklists with sunrise and sunset times by date
- Park reservation and permit instructions for 2024–2025 seasons
Not Included
- No in-person guide, driver, or vehicle
- No park entrance fees or permits
- No lodging, meals, or bookings
- No printed and mailed copy (add $24 for USPS delivery)
Pricing Details
| Single-user digital pack: | $79 |
| Family pack (up to 5 devices): | $119 |
| Printed and mailed copy: | +$24 |
| Additional seasonal route packs: | $29 each |
| Past guest discount: | −30% |
One-time payment. No subscription, no renewal fee. Delivered by email link within 5 minutes of purchase.
Delivery & Availability
Format: PDF + .gpx files, iOS, Android, and Garmin compatible
Delivery: instant email link, 24/7
Updated: each January and June for fee and road changes
Free updates: included for 12 months from purchase
Support: email questions answered within 1 business day
Refund Policy
- Full refund within 14 days if no files were downloaded
- No refund after download, per digital-goods policy
- Technical defect: replaced free or fully refunded, your choice
Key Terms
- License is for personal, non-commercial use only; resale or redistribution is prohibited
- Route data is provided as guidance, not a substitute for current road, weather, or park conditions
- Cell coverage is absent on several sections; download files offline before departure
- Check live park alerts on nps.gov before every travel day
Optional Add-Ons & Extra Costs
| Grand Canyon helicopter flight (45 min) | From $289 per person, weather dependent |
| Antelope Canyon + Horseshoe Bend day | $185 per person, requires a Page overnight |
| Sedona Pink Jeep off-road tour | $145 per person, 2 hours |
| Lake Powell boat cruise | From $135 per person, seasonal April–October |
| Zion Narrows guided hike | $175 per person, includes canyoneering gear |
| Private airport transfer (Phoenix or Las Vegas) | $95 each way, up to 4 travelers |
| Extra hotel night before or after tour | From $145 per room per night |
| Travel insurance | From $39 per person, quoted by age and trip total |
Payment, Booking & General Terms
- Booking is confirmed only when the deposit is received and a written confirmation email is issued
- Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, ACH bank transfer
- Card payments carry a 2.9% processing fee; ACH transfers carry no fee
- Prices are quoted in US dollars and include applicable state and local taxes on tour services
- All travelers must carry a valid government-issued photo ID
- Itineraries may be adjusted for weather, road closures, or National Park Service and Navajo Nation restrictions
- Operator liability is limited to the amount paid for the booked service
- Guests are responsible for personal injury, medical, and property costs; travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Pets are not permitted on guided tours; service animals are welcome with advance notice
Guided Southwest Tour Services
Multi-destination itineraries linking canyon landscapes, desert parks, and scenic drives across Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
otavite.info operates multi-destination travel programs across the Colorado Plateau and Mojave Desert regions of the southwestern United States. The company was founded in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2011 and maintains 43 published itineraries that link Grand Canyon National Park with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Sedona, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Death Valley. Route lengths range from 3-day single-state loops covering roughly 480 driving miles to 14-day circuits covering approximately 2,900 driving miles. The 2024 operating season ran 214 guided departures between March 1 and November 20.
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Corridor Hikes
The company runs guided rim-to-rim hikes along the 21-mile South Kaibab to North Kaibab corridor. Departures leave the South Rim at 4:00 AM from April through October, with an average walking time of 12 to 14 hours. Groups are limited to 8 hikers and staffed with 2 licensed guides holding current Wilderness First Responder certification. Overnight stops at Phantom Ranch or Cottonwood Campground are arranged when backcountry permits allow; permits from Grand Canyon National Park are filed by the company 13 months in advance of the trip date. Rate: $1,450 per person for the 2-day version with an overnight at Phantom Ranch or Cottonwood. The package covers shuttle transport between rims, all permits, and breakfast at the trailhead. Hikers carry a personal day pack with 3 liters of water. The route involves 5,800 feet of descent and 4,200 feet of ascent. A training baseline of one 12-mile hike within the preceding 6 months is the recommended minimum. Weight limits for the private mule-supported option are 200 lbs. Trips cancelled by the National Park Service due to weather are refunded at 100%.
Regions and Landmarks Covered
Seven-day driving itineraries connect Utah's five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. The route covers 1,050 miles of driving and averages 4 to 6 hours in a vehicle per day. Daily hikes range from 2 to 8 miles at elevations between 4,000 and 9,000 feet. Overnight lodging is booked in Springdale, Bryce Canyon City, Torrey, Moab, and Green River. Group size is capped at 12 travelers, transported in a 15-passenger van with a luggage trailer. Rates include park entry fees, lodging, and guide services. Meals are not included; the itinerary lists specific restaurants in each town with average dinner costs of $20 to $35 per person. The schedule builds in one rest day in Moab on day 5. Trips run from mid-April to late October. When July and August forecasts exceed 100°F, afternoon hike segments move to early morning hours between 6:00 and 9:00 AM. Base rate: $2,340 per person double occupancy.
Monument Valley and Navajo Nation Routes
Three-day tours cross the Navajo Nation and Monument Valley Tribal Park, 200 miles northeast of Flagstaff. The drive on the 17-mile Valley Drive passes 11 designated sandstone formations, including the East and West Mitten Buttes, Merrick Butte, and John Ford's Point. Navajo guides, licensed through the tribal parks office, lead the vehicle segments; non-Navajo operators are required to hire tribal guides for off-highway access under Navajo Nation code. Overnight stays are arranged at The View Hotel in Monument Valley or at lodges in Kayenta. Day 2 includes a stop at the Four Corners Monument, where the borders of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet at 36.99° N, 109.04° W. Photography permits for commercial shoots are separate and priced by the tribal park. Cell service is limited on Tribal lands; the itinerary notes coverage gaps between Kayenta and Bluff. Departures run March through November with a group cap of 10. Rates start at $895 per person for a shared room, with a single supplement of $260.
Route 66 and Scenic Byway Drives
Two-day and four-day self-drive or guided packages follow sections of Historic Route 66 between Kingman, Arizona, and Gallup, New Mexico. Key stops include the Route 66 Museum in Kingman, the Hackberry General Store, Seligman, and the Grand Canyon Caverns. The full guided version covers 480 miles over 4 days. A second route traces the 200-mile Desert View Drive along the South Rim and connects to the Kaibab Plateau via Highway 67. For travelers preferring self-drive, the company provides a printed roadbook with GPS coordinates, fuel stop distances (no fuel for 56 miles between Cameron and the Grand Canyon's East Entrance), and 24-hour phone support. Lodging is booked at independent motels built between 1926 and 1955 where available. Guided departures carry up to 14 passengers. Rates begin at $420 per person for the two-day version, meals excluded.
Photography and Stargazing Tours
Astronomy tours operate at the Grand Canyon's South Rim, an International Dark Sky Park designated in 2019. Sessions run 2.5 hours after astronomical twilight and use an 11-inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope plus 3 Dobsonian scopes. The best viewing months for the Milky Way core are April through September, with new moon windows preferred. Photography workshops focus on sunrise and sunset light at Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower. Sessions are 4 hours and include instruction on graduated neutral-density filters and bracketing. Group sizes are capped at 6 for photography and 15 for stargazing. Astronomy sessions are $75 per person; photography workshops are $165 and include a printed reference sheet for Grand Canyon exposure settings (f/11 to f/16, ISO 100, 1/125 second at morning). Tours are cancelled and refunded in full when cloud cover exceeds 70%.
Itinerary Types and Formats
Options range from single-day outings to 14-day cross-Southwest routes.
The tour catalog is organized by trip length and destination cluster. A traveler can select a single destination for one day, or combine several parks and scenic drives into an itinerary of up to 14 days. Each product lists fixed daily driving distances, walking distances, overnight towns, and included services. Departures follow a set calendar; custom and private trips are built around traveler dates when lodging is available. Peak-season dates in May, September, and October require bookings 4 to 7 months in advance for inner-canyon lodges and Monument Valley properties. Roughly 70% of travelers book trips of 5 days or more.
Single-Day Tours
Single-day tours run 8 to 12 hours and concentrate on one destination. The standard South Rim day tour departs Flagstaff at 7:00 AM, arrives at the park at 8:45 AM, and covers Yavapai Point, Mather Point, and Desert View before returning at 7:00 PM. Round-trip driving distance is 160 miles. Pricing for a single-day shared tour is $145 per person; a private departure of up to 4 passengers is $650 per vehicle. The park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle is included in shared tours and excluded from private vehicles. Tours run daily from March 1 to November 30; winter departures run Thursday through Sunday only.
Multi-Day Tours
Multi-day tours are offered in 3, 5, 7, and 14-day formats. Three-day tours combine the Grand Canyon South Rim with Sedona and the Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive. Five-day tours add Page, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend. Seven-day tours extend to Zion and Bryce Canyon. The 14-day route is the full Southwest loop across Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico, totalling 2,150 miles driven. Multi-day rates include lodging, guide, transport, and park fees. Rates exclude airfare, meals, and personal gear. Departure cities are Las Vegas and Phoenix; airport transfers are arranged separately and quoted by city. Small group sizes of up to 12 apply to all multi-day departures. Solo travelers are matched into shared rooms on request. Multi-day trips average 3 to 5 miles of walking per day.
Private and Custom Trips
Private departures can be built around specific travel dates, pace, and interest areas. Lead time for a fully custom itinerary is 30 to 45 days prior to travel, mainly to secure lodging in inner-canyon or park-adjacent properties, which sell out 6 to 9 months ahead in peak season. The customization form collects traveler ages, mobility limits, and total available days. A plan is returned within 5 business days with a fixed cost. Group sizes for private trips range from 2 to 20 people. Custom photography, birdwatching, geology, and family itineraries are among the common requests. Price is set per vehicle or per person depending on group size. A 20% deposit holds the booking; the balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancellations 30 or more days out are refunded minus a $150 planning fee.
Extended Southwest Loops
The 14-day loop is the longest standard product, covering 2,150 miles across Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico. Stops include the Grand Canyon South and North Rims, Monument Valley, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, Antelope Canyon, Las Vegas, and Santa Fe. Drive time averages 5 hours per day; the longest segment is 6 hours and 10 minutes between Moab and Durango. Lodging totals 13 nights, all in park lodges or towns within 30 minutes of the park gates. Rates start at $4,950 per person double occupancy, with a single supplement of $1,250. Groups run 8 to 12 travelers. Two departures run per month from April to October. The full itinerary is provided as a PDF with elevation charts and daily mileage.
Seasonal and Winter Departures
Winter departures from December through February operate on a reduced schedule focused on the Grand Canyon South Rim, Sedona, and Death Valley. North Rim access is closed to vehicles from December 1 through May 14 due to snow; Highway 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim receives an average of 100 inches of snow per year. Winter tours run 2 or 4 days from Phoenix or Las Vegas. Group sizes are smaller (max 8) and vehicles are equipped with snow chains. Rates for the 4-day version start at $1,290 per person, including lodging. Cancellations due to park closures are refunded at 100% or rebooked to a later date. Some winter walks use microspikes for trail sections at the South Rim; rentals are $15 per day.
Itinerary Formats, Duration, and Group Size
Lodging, permits, transportation, guides, and meals.
Guided van tours use a fleet of nine vehicles: six Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 units seating 12 passengers and three Ford Transit units seating 15. The standard guided product is a 6-day Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon loop priced at $2,480 per person based on double occupancy. That rate includes five nights of lodging in park-adjacent three-star properties, all park entrance fees, ground transportation, required permits, and one driver-guide throughout. Airfare, meals (estimated at $45 to $70 per person per day), and gratuities are excluded. Departures leave Flagstaff or Las Vegas, and the Las Vegas option adds a $180 per person transfer surcharge.
Lodging and Accommodations
Lodging for multi-day tours is booked in three categories: park lodges inside Grand Canyon National Park (Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, El Tovar), hotels 10 to 30 minutes from park gates, and one inner-canyon cabin stay on applicable routes. Room types are double, queen, or king depending on property. Room assignments are set 45 days before departure. Rates assume double occupancy. Single travelers can request a private room for a supplement of $95 to $260 per night depending on property and season. Cancellation of any lodging by the traveler within 30 days of departure is non-refundable, per park lodge policy. There is no upcharge for accessibility-adapted rooms; however, the number of such rooms at park lodges is limited (the South Rim has 32 accessible rooms) and should be requested at the time of booking.
Permits, Fees, and Park Entry
Park entry fees are pre-paid for all group tours. Current fees: Grand Canyon $35 per vehicle, or $20 per person on foot; Zion $35 per vehicle; Bryce Canyon $35; Arches and Canyonlands $30 each; Monument Valley Tribal Park $8 per person; Antelope Canyon guided tours start at $50 per person. Backcountry permits for rim-to-rim hikes and Phantom Ranch stays are filed by the company. Grand Canyon backcountry permits cost $10 per permit plus $8 per person per night. Phantom Ranch cabins require a lottery entry 15 months in advance; success rates average 25 to 30%. Where the lottery fails, the itinerary falls back to Cottonwood or Bright Angel Campground. All permit fees are included in the quoted tour price unless the trip documents state otherwise.
Transportation
Vehicles used on standard departures are 12-passenger Ford Transit vans and 15-passenger Chevrolet Express vans, all model year 2018 or newer with adaptive cruise and emergency braking. Each vehicle carries a first-aid kit, a Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite messenger, and 4 gallons of spare water. Airport transfers run between Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), and Flagstaff (FLG). Costs: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim is $195 one way per vehicle; Phoenix to Sedona is $135; Flagstaff to South Rim is $85. Shuttle-only service between the rims (South to North, 4.5 hours by road) is $160 per person. The company does not operate air tours; helicopter and fixed-wing flights over the Grand Canyon are sold by third-party operators and are booked separately.
Guides and Safety
Guide staffing is 1 guide per 6 travelers on hiking trips and 1 guide per 12 on driving tours. All guides hold a current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT certification, recertified every 2 to 3 years, and a commercial driver's license where they operate passenger vans. Average guide tenure is 6 years with the company. Hiking days above 7,000 feet elevation include mandatory water checks and a pre-walk briefing on the day's elevation profile. The Grand Canyon South Rim sits at 7,000 feet; trailhead elevations on the rim-to-river route drop to 2,400 feet at Phantom Ranch. Heat illness is the main risk from May to September; guides carry electrolyte supplies and a pulse oximeter. Emergency contacts and the nearest hospital (Flagstaff Medical Center, 78 miles from the South Rim) are listed on the trip documents and on a card in each guide vehicle.
Meals and Gear
Meals are not included on standard tours except for breakfast on rim-to-rim hike days. The itinerary lists dining options in each stop area, with typical per-person meal costs of $12 to $20 for breakfast, $15 to $25 for lunch, and $20 to $40 for dinner. Inner-canyon meal packages at Phantom Ranch (breakfast $26, lunch $16, dinner $50) are booked separately. Gear provided for hiking tours includes trekking poles (rental, $10 per day), headlamps, and 3-liter water reservoirs. Personal gear recommended: broken-in hiking shoes, a 20 to 30-liter day pack, and layered clothing for the 30 to 40°F temperature swings between rim and river. Sleeping bags and pads are provided for camping-inclusive trips. A detailed packing list is issued after booking, with equipment weight and dimension limits for the private mule-supported option.
Booking, Pricing, and Practical Information
Rates, deposits, and cancellation terms for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Booking terms for the 2024 and 2025 seasons are listed below. Prices are set in US dollars and include lodging, guide services, transport between listed stops, and park entry. Airfare, most meals, gratuities, and travel insurance are excluded. A 20% deposit holds a booking and the balance is due 45 days before departure. Cancellation terms scale with proximity to the departure date, from a $150 fee at 31 or more days out to fully non-refundable within 14 days. Trips cancelled by the company for weather or park closure are refunded at 100%. The 2025 season opened for booking on October 1, 2024.
Pricing Overview
Current rates by tour length: single-day shared tours from $145 per person; three-day tours from $875 per person double occupancy; five-day tours from $1,540; seven-day tours from $2,340; the 14-day full loop from $4,950. Private vehicle rates start at $650 per day for up to 4 passengers. Winter departures are priced 10 to 15% lower than peak season. All rates are per person unless otherwise stated and include lodging, guide services, park entry, and transport between listed points. Rates exclude airfare, most meals, gratuities, and travel insurance. Prices are quoted in US dollars and are firm from the booking date through departure unless park fees change by more than $10, in which case the difference is passed through at cost.
Deposits and Payment
A 20% deposit confirms a booking. The balance is due 45 days before departure. Accepted payment methods are credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), ACH transfer, and check. There is no surcharge for card payments. The deposit is refundable up to 31 days before departure, minus a $150 planning fee. Between 30 and 15 days out, 50% of the trip cost is retained. Within 14 days of departure, the full amount is non-refundable. Travel insurance is not required but is recommended for cancellations tied to medical or weather events. Existing bookings can be moved to a different date once at no cost if the change is made 46 or more days out.
Seasonal Operating Windows and Weather Constraints
Trips cancelled by the company due to park closures, unsafe weather, or road conditions are refunded at 100% or offered as a rebooking. In 2023, 11 departures out of 620 (1.8%) were cancelled for weather, mostly monsoon-related closures on the North Rim in July and August. The summer monsoon season runs mid-June through September in Arizona and New Mexico, with flash-flood potential in slot canyons such as Antelope, Paria, and Buckskin Gulch. If a slot-canyon day is unsafe, the itinerary substitutes an alternate destination at no extra cost. Airline delays and cancellations do not fall under the tour cancellation policy. Booking flights with a buffer day before a tour start is the standard recommendation; 5.6% of customers in 2023 missed part of day one due to flight delays.
Physical Requirements and Accessibility
Physical difficulty is rated on a 1 to 5 scale. Driving-only tours are rated 1. Short-walk tours of under 2 miles per day are rated 2. Standard multi-day tours with 3 to 5 miles of daily walking are rated 3. Rim-to-rim hikes and multi-hour canyon descents are rated 4. Only the corridor rim-to-rim is rated 5, requiring 8 to 12 hours of sustained walking with 4,200 feet of elevation gain on the return. Accessibility: driving tours can accommodate wheelchairs and walkers with 30 days notice. Park shuttles at the South Rim are wheelchair accessible. Roughly 13 miles of the Rim Trail at the South Rim is paved and level. Most inner-canyon trails are not accessible; alternatives are offered to travelers with mobility limits. Travelers carrying medication that requires refrigeration should notify the company at booking; the tour vehicles carry a 12V cooler.
Group Size and Departures
Group size is capped by tour type: 8 for hiking, 12 for multi-day driving, 14 for scenic byway routes, 15 for stargazing, and 6 for photography. Private departures can range from 2 to 20 travelers. Average group size in 2023 was 8.4 people. Departures run on a fixed schedule: Grand Canyon day tours run daily from March through November; the Utah parks circuit runs twice monthly from April to October; Monument Valley runs twice monthly from March to November; Route 66 runs monthly; winter Grand Canyon and Sedona trips run weekly from December through February. The 2025 season opened for booking on October 1, 2024. Peak months (May, September, October) fill 4 to 7 months ahead, and bookings 6 months out are typical for the 14-day loop.