A Grand Canyon North Rim tour is one of the most convenient ways to explore this more elusive part of the canyon.
Only 10% of tourists visit the Grand Canyon North Rim, so it’s an appealing area for those who prefer to get off the beaten path. The North Rim offers a peaceful atmosphere complimented by a rugged, more pristine environment. While the South Rim is packed with crowds and noise, the North Rim is a quiet escape where you can take a deep breath and bask in the majestic beauty of this natural wonder.
Best Grand Canyon North Rim tours in 2025
Of course, the North Rim’s exclusivity means you must plan accordingly before visiting. First, this part of the canyon is closed in the winter. Secondly, it’s out of the way: 3.5 hours from Grand Canyon Village and 4.5 hours from Las Vegas.
We visited on our own, as part of a longer road trip, but if you’re short on time or just don’t want to drive there, your best bet is taking a North Rim tour that takes care of transportation for you. There aren’t many options, so I’ve narrowed the choices down to two:
I’ll tell you what to expect from each excursion below. But before you choose, I recommend reading our tips for visiting the Grand Canyon and comparing the North Rim vs. the South Rim to see which one appeals to you most.
Private tour of the Grand Canyon North Rim’s main attractions
There are not tours to the North Canyon every day, so if you want to get there on a one-day guided tour, you must book this private excursion that takes you from Vegas to the North Rim and back to Las Vegas. It’s a long day, but you’ll be able to see the top attractions at the North Rim without worrying about the logistics of travel and entrance fees.
First, you’ll leave Vegas early in the morning and ride in a comfortable passenger van through the Mojave Desert and the breathtaking Virgin River Gorge. Then, cross over the border into Utah and travel through the picturesque town of St. George.
Private tour of the Grand Canyon North Rim’s main attractions
Next, you’ll make your way through the Kaibab Plateau to the Grand Canyon North Rim. Here, your guide will give you free time to explore. Stop by the Visitor Center, grab a bite to eat at the Roughrider Saloon, or check out the Grand Canyon Lodge. You can also stretch your legs and admire the views from Bright Angel Point. It’s a short one, but one of the top-rated hikes in the Grand Canyon.
Before booking this tour to the Grand Canyon North Rim, remember that it’s a full day (13 hours), and much of the time is spent traveling. Realistically, you’ll only get 3 hours at the canyon, which is why I recommend driving there yourself and staying there at least 1 night. Also, the price listed is per group, so it can be a good deal if you’re traveling with family or a group of friends.
- Highlights: Private tour to the North Rim, North Rim Visitor Center, Bright Angel Point
- Departs from: Las Vegas
- Duration: 13 hours
- Price from: $1,235 per group
Air & ATV tour to Whitmore Canyon, my favorite tour to the Grand Canyon North Rim
This excursion is a popular Grand Canyon North Rim tour because it visits one of the most remote areas in the Grand Canyon, but it doesn’t go into Grand Canyon National Park. However, it’s a solid alternative if you want to get away from the crowds, see a more pristine area of the North Rim, and capture incredible views of the Grand Canyon.
It starts with a scenic flight over the Mojave Desert, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River. Then, you’ll land at Bar 10 Ranch, which is known for its remote location. Flying is the ideal way to get here, as the alternative is driving for 2 hours on a bumpy dirt road that requires an off-road vehicle with 4WD.
Air & ATV tour to Whitmore Canyon, my favorite tour to the Grand Canyon North Rim
Take some time to appreciate the wild beauty and ruggedness of the North Rim before climbing aboard an ATV for the next leg of the tour. Your ATV ride will take you to the highlight of the excursion: Whitmore Canyon. The road is rough and full of lava flows and basalt rocks, so going with a guide is the best way to explore this area. The dirt path leads to a magnificent, untouched view of the Grand Canyon that tourists rarely get to see, so it’s worth it!
- Highlights: Air tour to Bar 10 Ranch and ATV tour to Whitmore Canyon
- Departs from: Las Vegas
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price from: $469
Grand Canyon North Rim tour comparison
You can see a side-by-side view of these two North Rim Grand Canyon tours below. In addition to pricing, you can compare the durations and highlights of these excursions:
TOUR | PRICE FROM | DURATION | DEPARTS FROM | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$1,235 per group | 13 hours | Las Vegas | • Private tour to the North Rim |
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$469 per person | 8 hours | Las Vegas | • Air tour to Bar 10 Ranch |
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BEST GRAND CANYON NORTH RIM TOURS |
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It’s helpful to compare these tours to visiting the North Rim independently. If you’re just aiming to see the main attractions at the North Rim and have the time, driving there yourself is a good option. The drive is scenic, straightforward, and while a guide can be useful, you don’t necessarily need one to explore the main spots.
However, if you’re looking to check out a more remote area, I highly recommend the Air & ATV tour—it’s exactly what you need. If you decide to go it alone, you’ll need a sturdy off-road vehicle with 4WD. Additionally, driving directly to the area will take around 5 and a half hours. The air portion of this tour saves you that time, and when off-roading, having an experienced travel buddy is essential. Considering all these factors, booking a North Rim tour that handles everything for you is definitely the best option.
Grand Canyon North Rim tour reviews
Both of these tours visit the Grand Canyon North Rim from Las Vegas, so they’re excellent options if you really want to explore the most secluded rim and just have one day to spend there. Thanks to these tours, you can discover the most peaceful and pristine part of the canyon without having to drive all those miles yourself.
The air and ATV excursion combines the best of both worlds: a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas and on-the-ground exploration in one of the best unknown areas of the canyon. It’s an exciting adventure that gives you amazing vantage points of the canyon so that you can capture one-of-a-kind photos.
Grand Canyon North Rim tour reviews
While you won’t go into Grand Canyon National Park, you won’t have to worry about paying the entrance fee. Plus, you’ll still get beautiful views of this natural wonder from Whitmore Canyon. You can get a better idea of this area by looking at our Grand Canyon North Rim map.
The private tour of the North Rim is another Grand Canyon tour from Vegas, and while it doesn’t include a scenic flight, it’s a great way to enjoy all the splendor of the canyon in quiet privacy. I think it’s ideal for families or groups.
Unlike the other excursion, this one goes into the national park, so you can enjoy some attractions at the North Rim, such as the Visitor Center or one of the Grand Canyon North Rim hikes. The major drawback of this tour is that it involves a lot of travel, so you’ll only have a few hours at the Rim.
FAQs – Grand Canyon North Rim tour
Finally, here are the answers to some common questions about North Rim tours in the Grand Canyon:
Does the North Rim tour include the entrance fee to the Grand Canyon?
With the two tours in this guide, you don’t have to worry about paying a Grand Canyon entrance fee.
When is the best time to tour the Grand Canyon North Rim?
This part of the canyon is open from May 15th to October 15th. Spring or fall is the best time to visit the Grand Canyon North Rim.
How far is the Grand Canyon North Rim from Las Vegas?
The North Rim is 270 miles from Las Vegas, about a 4.5-hour drive.
How do you get to the Grand Canyon North Rim from Las Vegas?
In addition to an organized tour, you can take a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon North Rim. The easiest way to get there by car is to take Interstate 15 N to Route 9, which becomes Route 59.
What should I bring on a Grand Canyon North Rim tour?
For a comfortable North Rim tour, bring layers of clothing, sunscreen, a hat, good hiking shoes, snacks, and plenty of water. Our complete Grand Canyon packing list covers everything you need.
How much does a Grand Canyon North Rim tour cost?
The price of a Grand Canyon North Rim tour ranges from a couple hundred dollars to over $1,000 (per group). It depends on things like your departure point, mode of transport, the tour duration, and included activities.
Can I visit the Grand Canyon North Rim without a tour guide?
Yes, you can go to the North Rim without a tour or a guide, and I recommend it so you can spend more time on the rim. However, if you’re short on time or want to explore more secluded areas of the canyon, like Whitmore Canyon, a tour could be very useful.
Are the Grand Canyon North Rim tours worth it?
The North Rim tours in this guide are worth it if you’re short on time, want to visit the North Rim from Vegas, and don’t want to deal with driving to the canyon yourself.
With that, you’re all set to take a tour of the Grand Canyon North Rim!
If you’ve taken one of these excursions or have more questions, comment below. You can also check out our guide to which Grand Canyon Rim is best if you’re still not sure if a tour of the North Rim is right for you.
Have a fantastic time!
