SF to Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour

Discover the San Francisco to Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon Tour for $617

This 4-day tour offers an immersive experience into some of the most iconic natural wonders of the American Southwest, starting from San Francisco and traveling to Arizona. Priced at $617 per person, it includes visits to Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and both South and East Rims of the Grand Canyon. Travelers benefit from a FREE upgrade to a Five-Star hotel in Las Vegas for 2 nights, making this a comfortable way to explore with convenience and style.

The tour features professional guides, group discounts, and all entrance fees for major sites like the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell. Notably, it includes hotel resort fees and all entry fees, providing clear value. While the itinerary is packed with sightseeing, the tour also offers optional activities such as helicopter rides and IMAX movies, though these are not included in the base price. This tour suits those eager to see key sights without the hassle of planning, though it requires some walking and comfort with group travel.

Key Points

• 4-day adventure from San Francisco to Arizona’s top natural attractions
• Includes hotel upgrade to a Five-Star hotel in Las Vegas for 2 nights
• Visits to Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and both South and East Rims of the Grand Canyon
• All entrance fees and resort fees are covered, simplifying costs
• Options for helicopter rides, IMAX movies, and kayaking (at own expense)
• Multiple pickup and drop-off locations for convenience

Departure from San Francisco and Arrival in Las Vegas

The tour begins early in the morning with a departure from San Francisco. After approximately 5 hours, travelers arrive in Las Vegas in the evening, ready to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The tour provides an optional Las Vegas Night Tour, giving you a chance to see the famous Fremont Street Experience with its bright lights, the Mirage volcano, and Bellagio Fountains.

This evening excursion lasts around 3 hours, though admission tickets are not included for the night tour. The drop-off in Las Vegas gives travelers the chance to explore or relax before heading to the hotel, which is upgraded to a five-star resort—a real highlight for comfort on this trip.

Exploring Las Vegas’s Iconic Landmarks

The Fremont Street Experience is a key feature of the first evening, offering a lively atmosphere with street performers, light shows, and iconic sights. The free hotel stay in Las Vegas allows a relaxed start or an opportunity to explore the city’s famous spots at leisure. This part of the trip is flexible, with options to enhance the experience based on personal interests.

Transition to Arizona’s Natural Wonders

Day 2 takes travelers on a scenic journey to Antelope Canyon, renowned for its stunning rock formations and photogenic vistas. While Upper Antelope Canyon is the main highlight, it may be unavailable during maintenance periods (noted from 01/13/2025 to 01/26/2025). During such times, the itinerary switches to Antelope Canyon X, which still offers impressive canyon views.

The visit lasts about 5 hours, with Horseshoe Bend as a key stop. Horseshoe Bend is included in the tour and is known for its dramatic, horseshoe-shaped bend in the Colorado River. Visitors walk approximately 1 hour at this site to enjoy panoramic views of this natural marvel.

Lake Powell and Kayaking Options

The tour includes a 90-minute stop at Lake Powell, renowned for its vibrant waters and surrounding cliffs. During the kayaking season (from 03/20/2025 to 10/23/2025), travelers can choose to rent kayaks at their own expense. This provides an active option for those wanting to explore Lake Powell more intimately, though kayaking is not included in the base price.

If kayaking isn’t pursued, the visit to Lake Powell still offers fantastic scenery and photo opportunities. The tour allows another 1 hour here, giving ample time to soak in the views or simply relax by the water.

Arrival at Page, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon

On Day 3, the journey continues into Arizona’s Grand Canyon, a state with a complex history once part of Spanish and Mexican territories, now famous worldwide. Once in Page, the tour explores the South and East Rims of the Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon South Rim provides expansive vistas and steep terrain, with a 1-hour stop to appreciate its grandeur.

A 30-minute visit to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center includes a South Rim IMAX movie and optional lunch (not included if the optional activity isn’t selected). The Grand Canyon South Rim is also available for an optional 1-hour helicopter tour (not included), offering a bird’s-eye view of this colossal canyon.

Visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim and Optional Activities

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the centerpiece of Day 3, with a 1-hour visit to admire its steep cliffs and breathtaking scenery. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, the optional helicopter tour lasts about 60 minutes but is not included in the base package.

The tour provides an in-depth look at the Grand Canyon’s scale and beauty, with plenty of vantage points for photos. The optional IMAX movie and lunch extension offers a chance to learn more about this natural wonder in a comfortable setting.

Final Day: Return from Las Vegas to San Francisco

On the last day, the group departs from Las Vegas in the morning. The return journey takes approximately 8 hours, ending with a visit to the famous Las Vegas Welcome Signboard. The stop lasts around 30 minutes, giving travelers a chance for one last iconic photo.

The tour concludes in San Francisco, with all transportation, including group transport and hotel resort fees, included in the tour price. The morning departure from Las Vegas is straightforward, providing a clear end to this scenic trip.

Practical Details: Logistics and Inclusions

The tour includes all entrance fees for the Grand Canyon South and East Rims, Lake Powell, and Horseshoe Bend, along with hotel resort fees. It features professional guides and transportation in professional vehicles, which vary depending on the group size.

Multiple pickup and drop-off points are available, enhancing accessibility. The hotel in Las Vegas is a five-star resort, adding comfort. The tour also includes admission to the Las Vegas Welcome Signboard.

Not included are gratuities, meals and beverages (though the guide arranges this), and activities like kayaking and helicopter rides if not selected. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash, and hydration supplies.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers many highlights, certain optional activities like kayaking and helicopter tours are at additional cost. The Upper Antelope Canyon may be unavailable during maintenance periods, requiring alternative visits. The tour’s pace is busy, with limited time at some sites, so those wanting a leisurely experience should plan accordingly.

The maximum group size is 55 travelers, ensuring a lively group dynamic but potentially limiting individual attention. The weight limit for helicopter rides is 300 lbs, and guests over this may be denied boarding.

The Right Tour for You: Who Will Appreciate It Most

This well-organized tour appeals to travelers seeking a rundown of southwestern icons without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal for those comfortable with group travel, interested in photo opportunities, and eager to visit both famous and accessible sites. The hotel upgrade in Las Vegas adds a touch of luxury, making the overall experience more comfortable.

However, those wanting more flexibility or in-depth exploration might find the itinerary tight, and optional activities are paid separately. It’s best suited for adventure lovers who enjoy scenic drives, spectacular viewpoints, and professional guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
All entrance fees for Grand Canyon South and East Rims, Lake Powell, and Horseshoe Bend, along with hotel resort fees and professional transportation and guides.

Can I upgrade the activities?
Yes, options like helicopter tours, IMAX movies with lunch, and kayaking are available at additional costs but are not included in the base price.

What if Upper Antelope Canyon is closed?
During maintenance (01/13/2025–01/26/2025), the itinerary switches to Antelope Canyon X, which still offers impressive canyon scenery.

How long do I have at each site?
Most stops are around 1 hour to 90 minutes, with longer time allocated for sites like Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women can join if under 24 weeks at the trip’s end.

Are meals included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, though the guide will assist with arrangements or provide suggestions.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash, and drinks for hydration. Optional items include a camera and hat.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 6 days in advance. Cancellations with less notice may incur fees or no refund.

This 4-day tour offers a rich sampling of the southwestern United States’ most iconic sights, with a comfortable stay and all key entrance fees covered. It’s a practical choice for those eager to explore the grandeur of the Grand Canyon region with expert guidance and minimal planning.