Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by foxintheforest
The Grand Canyon is known for breathtaking views, and sunset illuminates the unique landscape in a truly spectacular way.
A Grand Canyon sunset tour is an awe-inspiring experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
If you’re searching for recommendations for the best Grand Canyon sunset tour from a local expert, you’re in the right place.
I’ve explored the Grand Canyon on many different adventures, so I’ve got all the insider info for you.
About this Guide to Grand Canyon Sunset Tours
Inside this local guide to taking a Grand Canyon sunset tour, you’ll find expert advice about:
- Where is the Grand Canyon?
- Why you should take a Grand Canyon Sunset tour
- Where to watch the sunset in the Grand Canyon
- The best Grand Canyon sunset tours, sorted by start location
- Additional resources for exploring the desert Southwest
Why It’s Worth Seeing the Sunset in the Grand Canyon
Sunset in the Grand Canyon is absolutely worth seeing! The fiery light of sunset creates a glow that elevates the already gorgeous landscape in a simply stunning way.
A Grand Canyon sunset tour will make sure you don’t miss this magic and is one of the very best things to do in the Grand Canyon.
Where to Watch the Sunset in the Grand Canyon
The South Rim is an amazing place to see the sunset in the Grand Canyon, and it features many of the best Grand Canyon views along the rim and on Grand Canyon trails where you’ll find fantastic sunset vistas.
Cape Royal on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is also an excellent sunset spot, and the West Rim is a wonderful place to watch a Grand Canyon sunset as well.
My top pick 🏆 for the best Grand Canyon sunset tour is this off-road sunset safari! It’s an epic 3-hour adventure that is well-reviewed, offers stunning views 🌅, and will get you away from the crowds!
The Best Grand Canyon Sunset Tours
These Grand Canyon sunset tours range from hiking to helicopters to Hummers, so you can choose how you want to experience your perfect Grand Canyon sunset tour.
Note: Grand Canyon sunset tours depart from a few different locations – Las Vegas, Flagstaff and/or Sedona, and Grand Canyon Village/Tusayan – so this list is divided by starting location.
You can also look and see if there are any fun Grand Canyon tours from Phoenix. Additionally, research the best month to visit the Grand Canyon to ensure you have the best experience possible.
1. Grand Canyon Sunset Tours – From Las Vegas
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (252 Reviews) Price: $627.19 per person Duration: 4.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up available Details: Read more on Viator Now!
See a spectacular sunset over the Grand Canyon from the sky with this Grand Canyon sunset helicopter tour.
Get picked up from your hotel in Vegas and driven to the heliport, where you’ll board the helicopter for an unforgettable experience.
You’ll fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on your way to the Grand Canyon.
“Amazing experience and is a must do when visiting Vegas. Shared with my lovely friend to celebrate our big birthdays. Views were breathtaking and felt very surreal to actually be there. Very organised and professional company to book with.”
Donna (read more reviews now)
In the Grand Canyon, you’ll land on a private bluff 3,500 feet below the rim to take in the grandeur of the canyon and enjoy a champagne toast and some light refreshments.
Board the helicopter for your flight back just in time for sunset. As you approach Vegas once again, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the glittery lights of the Vegas strip.
| Pros | Cons |
| Landing on private bluff 3,500ft below the rim of the Grand Canyon | Non-refundable (with weather exceptions) |
| Champagne toast with a light snack of veggies, fruit, cheese & crackers | Passengers over 300lbs must purchase an additional seat |
| Put on headphones to listen to fun facts about the Grand Canyon during your flight | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Pick up at Las Vegas hotels |
2. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Champagne
⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (328 Reviews) Price: $599.00 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick Up Offered Operator: Maverick Helicopters Inc. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
A Grand Canyon sunset helicopter tour is an experience of a lifetime! After getting picked up from your Las Vegas hotel, you’ll head to the heliport to take flight in your helicopter.
Soar over Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and an extinct volcano on your journey to the Grand Canyon.
“The flight was just awesome. Vegas, Hoover dam and grand canyon from above is fantastic. Also the view from the ground of the grand canyon is mind blowing. Our tour guide was very friendly and helpful taking fotos. It was my first helicopter flight and totally worth it. I really would recommend this sunset tour.”
Florian (read more reviews now)
You’ll head toward the Colorado River and land at the Hualapai Reservation on the floor of the canyon, where you’ll be provided with champagne and snacks.
After half an hour inside the canyon, fly back through the Grand Canyon as the sun sets and the views take your breath away.
| Pros | Cons |
| Landing at Hualapai Reservation on the floor of the Grand Canyon | Passengers over 300lbs must purchase an additional seat |
| Champagne and other refreshments provided | |
| Pick up at Las Vegas hotels |
3. Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset Tour
⭐️Rating: 5.0/5.0 (328 Reviews) Price: $210 per person Duration: 15 hours 📍Meeting Point: Hotel pick up available Details: Read more on Viator Now!
For an absolutely epic day, road trip from Las Vegas to the South Rim for this sunset tour Grand Canyon experience.
Board your vehicle in Vegas then hit the road for a long drive to the Grand Canyon, but you’ll stop along the way at the Hoover Dam and Route 66.
“Given the high ratings, we booked the South Rim excursion after reviewing many other similar tours. Our guide Alfonso made sure our experience lived up to the buzz! We liked that this was smaller and more tailored than other bus tours, but less expensive than a private tour. We enjoyed seeing the sights, coupled with commentary from Alfonso throughout. He is incredibly knowledgeable about Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam, Route 66, and the Grand Canyon — all stops on our excursion. While it’s admittedly a long journey and long day, it was worth the time as our first visit in the area. We had a great time!”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
When you finally reach the South Rim, you’ll take a guided walk to Yavapai Observation Station just in time for sunset.
Enjoy a provided picnic while you watch the sky light up as the sun sets over the Grand Canyon. Then get back in the van where you can kick back and relax as you’re driven back to Vegas.
| Pros | Cons |
| Full day guided road trip tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon | Very long day (approximately 15 hours from pickup to drop off) |
| Stops at Hoover Dam and Route 66 | Pickup not available from some hotels far north or west of the strip |
| Picnic lunch (choice of sandwich) included | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Pickup from hotels on Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas |
4. Grand Canyon West Sunset Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (73 Reviews) Price: $139 per person Duration: 7 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up available Operator: National Park Express Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Head to the West Rim for a unique perspective on a Grand Canyon sunset tour.
This is a much shorter drive from Vegas than the South Rim, and you’ll get to travel through the incredible landscape of the Mojave Desert on the way.
Once you reach the West Rim, you’ll have several hours to explore and take in the scenery on the Hualapai Reservation.
“What a stunning view of the Canyon. You have your sandwich while enjoying the sun go down. You have plenty of time to walk around and take a tone of pictures. The sparkling apple cider is such a cute little bonus. Just breathtaking views and 100% what I was looking for in going to the Canyon.”
Laurie (read more reviews now)
Guano Point provides panoramic views of the entire West Rim and down to the Colorado River. Kick back in comfy camp chairs and watch the sunset over the red canyon walls before taking a ride back to Vegas.
| Pros | Cons |
| West Rim location is a shorter trip from Las Vegas | Non-alcoholic toast instead of champagne |
| Camp chairs provided to watch the sunset with sparkling cider toast | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Admission to Grand Canyon West Rim included | |
| Pickup included |
Grand Canyon Sunset Tours – From Flagstaff and/or Sedona
5. Grand Canyon Sunset Hiking Adventure Deep Below The South Rim
⭐️Rating: 5.0/5.0 (8 Reviews) Price: $299 per person Duration: 5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Pick up available Details: Read more on Viator Now!
If you want to hike to your sunset viewpoint, this is the Grand Canyon sunset tour for you!
The hike is tailored to your experience level, and you’ll be led by experienced guides who will provide you with all the hiking gear you need.
You’ll start one of the best hikes in the Grand Canyon from the South Rim and head down a trail that faces the sunset the entire time.
“The whole trip was amazing! We were celebrating a 40th birthday, and Jon went out of his way to make the experience memorable and special for us! He was very well prepared and equipped us perfectly for the journey. We have visited the Grand Canyon before but never went inside; this was an unforgettable experience and one that I would recommend to everyone who can make the trek!”
Inna (read more reviews now)
You’ll hike during golden hour to see the canyon bathed in the most beautiful light, then take the trail to the ideal sunset spot in the heart of the canyon. Hike out by headlamp for a fun end to the night.
| Pros | Cons |
| Camelbak backpacks, trekking poles, and headlamps provided | No pickup in Sedona |
| Snacks & dinner provided (can be modified for dietary restrictions) | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Private tour, so it will just be your group | |
| Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees included | |
| Pickup in Williams, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon |
6. Grand Canyon Sunset Tour with Dinner
⭐️Rating: 4.8/5.0 (87 Reviews) Price: $229.59 per person Duration: 10 hours📍Meeting Point: Pick up available Operator: Arizona Tour & Travel Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Staying in Sedona but still want to check out the Grand Canyon?
Enjoy this Grand Canyon sunset tour that will pick you up in Sedona and take you on a scenic road trip through Oak Creek Canyon on your way to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
You’ll also see the San Francisco Peaks and stop at Cameron Trading Post along the drive.
“Charlie was a fantastic guide. He was very knowledgeable, and knew all of the best places to show us. He even took us “off the beaten path” to viewpoints less traveled by tourists so they were less crowded. The views were stunning! I only wish we had more time (just means we’ll have to go back).”
Douglas (read more reviews now)
At the South Rim, your guide will show you the best viewpoints for the widest and deepest views of the canyon, before bringing you to the ideal spot to watch the Grand Canyon light up with the colors of the sunset.
| Pros | Cons |
| Dinner at a restaurant in the park provided | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Grand Canyon National Park entrance fees included | Must provide your own car seat/booster seat for children 8 years and younger |
| Pickup available in both Sedona and Flagstaff | |
Grand Canyon Sunset Tours – From Grand Canyon Village/Tusayan
7. Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride and Hummer Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (621 Reviews) Price: $239 per person Duration: 30 minutes – 3.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours Operator: Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Get double the perspective on the Grand Canyon with a helicopter ride followed by a sunset Hummer tour.
You’ll fly over the Kaibab National Forest, across the South Rim and over the Colorado River, and through the Dragon Corridor where you’ll see the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist formations.
Then, if you add on the Hummer tour, you’ll explore more of the Grand Canyon on ground level.
“I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the kayak and hiking tour, and it exceeded all my expectations. We opted for the earliest tour to escape the crowds, and it turned out to be an excellent decision. Our tour guide, Zach, made the entire adventure an unforgettable experience. Zach’s friendly and laid-back demeanor instantly put us at ease. Not only was he knowledgeable, but his expertise and love for the area were apparent in the way he guided us throughout the journey. One of the highlights of our tour with Zach was his knack for uncovering hidden gems. We were taken to some breathtaking locations that we would never have discovered on our own. These hidden spots added an extra layer of enchantment to the whole experience. It was like stepping into a secret paradise, away from the well-trodden paths. We would definitely do this tour again!”
Mandy (read more reviews now)
Your guide will take you to several of the best canyon viewpoints and make sure you’re in a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the gorgeous Grand Canyon.
| Pros | Cons |
| Both helicopter and Hummer tour to see the Grand Canyon from different perspectives | Hummer option is an additional fee and is required for sunset tour |
| Entrance fee to Grand Canyon National Park included | $15 fuel surcharge per person to be paid at check in |
| No pickup available, must meet at location | |
| Not wheelchair accessible |
8. Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour Grand Canyon South Rim
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (278 Reviews) Price: $149 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍Meeting Point: Grand Canyon Visitor Center Details: Read more on Viator Now!
This tour is specially designed to share a biblical creation perspective on the landscape of the Grand Canyon, if that interests you.
You’ll meet in the park on the South Rim, and your tour will take you to Pipe Creek Vista, Grandview Point, Lipan Point, and Navajo Point.
“This was a really enjoyable experience! Bob Smart was our guide and he was wonderful! I loved his passion! The views were amazing! And all we learned led to wonderful conversations with my kids in our way back to the hotel! Definitely recommend to do the sunset tour!”
Rana (read more reviews now)
Along the way, your tour guide from Canyon Ministries will share info about the geology and history of the canyon and its biblical significance.
The tour will conclude at Moran Point, an ideal place to watch the sunset over the western walls of the Grand Canyon. If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in winter, blankets are provided to keep you cozy.
| Pros | Cons |
| Bottled water, blankets, and umbrellas provided for comfort | Tour showcases a strongly Christian perspective if you have other religious beliefs |
| Binoculars available for a better view | No pickup available, must meet inside park |
| Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee not included | |
| Not wheelchair accessible |
9. Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (1128 Reviews) Price: $120.52 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Buck Wild Hummer Tours Details: Read more on Viator Now!
If you have limited time, but want to experience as much of the Grand Canyon as you can, this short Hummer tour will take you to multiple viewpoints on the South Rim.
Upgrade to the sunset tour to catch the colors of the sky across the canyon.
In the warmer months, the Hummer you’ll ride in is open to the air so you get unobstructed views during your ride.
“Great experience with an entertaining, knowledgeable guide. The vehicle was unique and comfortable. We had fun and enjoyed beautiful views of the grand canyon! A perfect way to see the canyon for the first time.”
Roxanne (read more reviews now)
You’ll have a chance to jump out and explore each stop, and of course, plenty of time to take photos to document your exciting experience in the Grand Canyon.
| Pros | Cons |
| Makes multiple stops in the Grand Canyon for a variety of views | No pickup beyond Tusayan |
| Pickup available in Tusayan and Grand Canyon National Park South Rim | Not wheelchair accessible |
10. Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (558 Reviews) Price: $123.08 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: 408 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 Details: Read more on Viator Now!
Go for a fun sunset safari in a 4×4 vehicle with a permit to skip the gate and take the backroads along the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
Avoid the crowds at the park entrance and ride along historic stagecoach trails through the Kaibab Forest.
Your tour will stop at Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Canyon, and Duck on a Rock Overlook to take in the magnificent vistas.
“Breathtaking! This has been on my bucket list for so long and it did not disappoint. Werner was our amazing tour guide, sharing personal stories in with all of the interesting facts of the area. He took us behind the scenes and to 3 different viewing spots. Awesome!”
Liz (read more reviews now)
Finish your tour at Grandview Point where you’ll ooh and aah as the sunset washes over the canyon with a kaleidoscope of colors.
| Pros | Cons |
| Back-road forest permit skips the gate and bypasses any long lines to enter the park | No pickup available, must meet at location in Tusayan |
| Grand Canyon National Park entrance fee included | Not wheelchair accessible |
My top pick 🏆 for the best Grand Canyon sunset tour is this off-road sunset safari! It’s an epic 3-hour adventure that is well-reviewed, offers stunning views 🌅, and will get you away from the crowds!
Additional Southwestern Travel Resources
Looking for more adventures out west in the desert? Check out these things to do nearby:
