Village Tour & Rim Walk
Enjoy this family-friendly tour of the Grand Canyon's South Rim and Historic Village. Photo Credit: Denise Vasquez Photography
- Dates:
Daily
- Difficulty: Wheelchair Accessible
- Trip Length: 3 Hours
- Cost: $175/per guest - minimum 3 guests
- Group size: 3 - 12 guests
Grand views, intriguing plants and animals, and rich Native American history!
It’s hard to imagine a better destination than Grand Canyon for the adventurous family! On fun-filled short walks along and below the rim, our staff will share the many wonders of the world’s most famous chasm.
Parts of this tour are dog friendly. Dogs are not able to attend the pictograph viewing due to its location down Bright Angel Trail. Please be prepared to have someone stay with your fur friend.
Is your family larger than 6? Please email us for special pricing at GCCFI@grandcanyon.org
- Private Price, 1-6 participants, one guide: $600
- Group Price, 7-12 participants, two guides: $900.00
Trip Highlights
- Learn about the wonders of Grand Canyon from an experienced, expert guide
- Expect to see sweeping views, ancient rocks, telltale fossils, curious critters, and diverse plants
- Discuss the Native American connections--both past and present--to a place many call home | See pictographs at the top of Bright Angel Trail (no dogs allowed on trail)
Learn about the fascinating ecosystems of Grand Canyon - Grab some of the best photos of your vacation
Optional: If you are looking for more hiking please email us at GCCFI@grandcanyon.org
Details
The total mileage for the day will be under 4 miles.
Your day will end at 12:00 p.m., 11:30 a.m., or 11:00 a.m. much the same way it began; surrounded by compelling views of the world’s most famous chasm.
Don't forget to bring:
- Comfortable, athletic or hiking shoes with GOOD tread
- 1 liter of water per person (33 ounces = 1 liter)
- Comfortable backpack to hold: snacks, water, and other items (please don't forget SNACKS!)
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, Wide-brimmed hats, Sunscreen
- Rain gear for monsoon season
- Please check the gear list in your itinerary for further ideas and information!
Meet Location: Maswik Lodge - front entrance
Details: We will visit and learn about: Train Depot, El Tovar, Hopi House, Verkamps Visitor Center, Trail of Time, Bright Angel Lodge, CCC telephone poles, Kolb Studio, Native American pictographs, ancient fossil beds, and so much more!
End location: Bright Angel Trailhead
Itinerary
Let our family show your family (two- and four-legged) why they call it Grand Canyon. During a private guided tour, a Field Institute instructor will weave the canyon’s story during a 3-hour walk in Grand Canyon's historic Village. The historic rim trail has a great deal to offer the inquisitive mind. Ancient rocks and fossils, historic Native American pictographs, amazing plants and animals, and some of the most breathtaking views in North America will be yours to enjoy.
Additional information
Meet times will vary on season. March-April 9:00 a.m. | May 8:30 a.m | June-September 8:00 a.m. | October - November 9:00 a.m.
From there, we will either walk towards Bright Angel Trail for your hike down to Second Tunnel or walk through the historic area of Grand Canyon Village on your way to the Train Depot, El Tovar, Hopi House, and Verkamp's Visitor Center.
Once we are near Verkamps Visitor Center, we will head west towards Bright Angel Lodge and learn about historic CCC structures, Kolb Studio, historic Native American pictographs which are 100 yards down Bright Angel Trail (no dogs allowed), and 200-million-year-old marine fossil beds. This activity is family-friendly!
Due to closures on The Bright Angel Trail for the Trans-canyon Pipeline project, it will not be possible to hike to the Second Tunnel on the Bright Angel Trail until April 2024. If you are looking for a little more hiking, please email GCCFI@grandcanyon.org.
What's included
Price for the class includes:
Our expert instructor.
Gear lists.
What's not included
You are responsible for:
All of your gear
Water and food
Transportation to and from the Canyon.
Lodging during your trip.
Guide gratuity (industry recommendation 15-20% of trip cost, read this article to receive more guidance).
Additional notes
Where should you stay?
Participants should come seasonally prepared and be enthusiastic about outdoor exploration. We do not cancel or transfer tours for weather events.
Testimonials
The Zelkovic Family
“Our day with the Field Institute exceeded all our expectations and we came away with a great respect for the canyon and for the work of the Conservancy. It was such a wonderful experience from beginning to end and hope we can return in the not so distant future to participate in one of your multi-day programs.”
The Jankowskis
“Our family’s experience was nothing short of amazing! Slim (our guide) provided a perspective we would have never been able to get on our own and we learned so much. Her passion for the canyon and what she does came through too, which made our time something we’ll never forget!”
Amy Waits
“The guides were awesome – so educational and patient!!! Encouraging & helpful in every way. Such an amazing first visit to the canyon – Life changing to have experienced the GC up close & personal… Thank you so much!”
Joe Sweeney
“I've brought many school groups to the Field Institute and the quality of instruction provides them with an understanding of Indigenous cultures, diverse ecology, and geologic history. Students leave with a stronger sense of self-confidence, an intimate connection to nature, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Andy M.
“Top to bottom, the Field Institute exceeded all of my expectations .... they ensured we packed wisely for our trip and saved me from lugging around 5 lbs. of junk I didn't need. Overall, it's packed with value that I don't think commercial outfitters would provide and delivered a deeply rich experience.”