
3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 456 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am worth booking?
3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am is a 3-hour experience in Grand Canyon National Park, United States, from $130 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 456 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (456)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $130 per person
Climb aboard custom, comfortable, safari vehicles with forward-facing bucket seats and large panoramic windows Take the 4x4 scenic route around exhausting traffic lines at south entrance gate – we have had the back-road Forest permits since 1993! View elk, deer and rare bird species in their natural environment! Visit dramatic Yavapai Point, El Tovar Hotel, Lookout Studio Viewpoint , Kolb Studio and Bright Angel Trailhead during this non-rushed excursion This interpretive tour includes 2 walking segments totaling about 90 minute of guided walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon (about ¾ of a mile) Pick-up and drop-off at central location in Tusayan, ARIZONA. Check in time is 9:15 am. Tour departs at 9:30 am.
What you get
About this experience
Climb aboard custom, comfortable, safari vehicles with forward-facing bucket seats and large panoramic windows Take the 4x4 scenic route around exhausting traffic lines at south entrance gate – we have had the back-road Forest permits since 1993! View elk, deer and rare bird species in their natural environment! Visit dramatic Yavapai Point, El Tovar Hotel, Lookout Studio Viewpoint , Kolb Studio and Bright Angel Trailhead during this non-rushed excursion This interpretive tour includes 2 walking segments totaling about 90 minute of guided walking along the rim of the Grand Canyon (about ¾ of a mile) Pick-up and drop-off at central location in Tusayan, ARIZONA. Check in time is 9:15 am. Tour departs at 9:30 am.
What's included
Included
- Bottled Water
Not included
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Grand Canyon South Rim
Voted best and most unique 3 hour tour at Grand Canyon. Stroll along the rim while your local guide shares a wealth of information about the Grand Canyon including geological formations, trails, mules and the rich history. Tour includes Tusayan pick-up, south entrance gate detour during exclusive 30 minute back-road excursion, viewing of wildlife such as elk, deer, turkey and hawks in their natural surroundings and interpretive discussions at exceptional Grand Canyon vistas.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Yavapai Point
Guides share Grand Canyon knowledge while you look into the depths and view spectacular monuments, Colorado River and Phantom Ranch.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Bright Angel Trail
Discover the rich history of the Kolb brothers who built their art studio cantilevered over the Grand Canyon and above the Bright Angel Trail. See hikers and mules as they descend the trail into the Grand Canyon.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Hopi House
The tour continues to Hopi House, El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge where your guide will discuss these historic buildings and Grand Canyon history.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Grand Canyon National Park
USE GOOGLE MAPS. The parking lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department, located in Tusayan, Arizona. South of the IMAX Theater, between the Wendy's and IMAX. Check in time is 9:15 am. Departure time is 9:30 am.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
USE GOOGLE MAPS. The parking lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department, located in Tusayan, Arizona. South of the IMAX Theater, between the Wendy's and IMAX. Check in time is 9:15 am. Departure time is 9:30 am.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 455 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
455 verified traveler reviews for 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Interesting and informative!
My wife and I took the tour with Ri as our guide and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He has worked all throughout the park and had a wealth of stories and facts about the nature, history, geography and geology of the park. Super personable and funny. Really provided a behind the scenes look at the park. Highly recommend the company and Ri as a guide!
via Tripadvisor
We were in good hands, start to finish.
Worth every penny. Ri was our guide and he was great, knowledgeable & friendly. We were in good hands from start to finish.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour, Fabulous Guide
We just finished a tour with Werner and had an exceptional experience. Three teenage boys were fully engaged from the get go. Entering off road added a cool perspective about the history of the park. Werner insightfully suggested adjusting the tour from spending an hour at the Village to spending 30 minutes there but adding a very manageable 30 minute hike off the rim trail and showing us incredible views and educating us on the geology, flora and fauna. Such a value add to our Grand Canyon experience.
Response from the operator: Hello Brooke. Your 5-Star review of Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris, our Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk Tour and your awesome guide Werner is much appreciated. Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris is celebrating our 33rd year of operating offroad tours that utilize Forest Service backroads en-route to the edge of the Grand Canyon. We are thrilled that you had an excellent experience. Cheers!
via Tripadvisor
Grand Canyon views
Excellent views of the Grand Canyon
Response from the operator: Hello Steven. Thank you for your 5-Star review of Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris and our Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk Tour. We are so pleased that we were able to take you down Kaibab Forest backroads en-route to spectacular viewpoints at the edge of the Grand Canyon. We hope to see you again soon. Cheers!
via Tripadvisor
Loved my tour.
This was my first time to the Grand Canyon. Loved my tour of the Grand Canyon. Our guide was very knowledgeable humorous. Thank you to the tour Back Road Safari company.
Response from the operator: Hello Diana. Thank for your 5 Star review of Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris and our Grand Canyon Safari & Rim Walk Tour. We enjoyed taking you down the back roads of the Kaibab National Forest and to the edge of the Grand Canyon National Park. We hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 160
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Grand Canyon National Park.
How much does 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am cost?
+
Prices start at $130 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Grand Canyon National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Grand Canyon National Park is not rushed.
Is 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 456 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Grand Canyon National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am?
+
Around 160 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Grand Canyon National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Grand Canyon National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Grand Canyon National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Grand Canyon National Park?
+
The Grand Canyon splits into three very different products: South Rim ground tours, helicopter and fixed-wing flights, and Colorado River rafting days. Most visitors arrive from Las Vegas, Sedona or Flagstaff, so drive time is the number one factor in how good the day feels. Our ranking treats total transit hours as part of the value calculation, not a footnote. On Outty we rank every Grand Canyon National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 4-Hour Biblical Creation + Sunset Tour • Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, 3 Hour Off-Road Sunset Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate Detour, Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour with Optional Sunset Views. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Grand Canyon National Park?
+
March to May and September to November. South Rim stays open year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Grand Canyon National Park?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am?
+
Included: Bottled Water. Not included: Gratuities; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am?
+
USE GOOGLE MAPS. The parking lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department, located in Tusayan, Arizona. South of the IMAX Theater, between the Wendy's and IMAX. Check in time is 9:15 am. Departure time is 9:30 am. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am?
+
Across 456 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 3 Hour Back-Road Safari to Grand Canyon with Entrance Gate By-Pass at 9:30 am.
Pick your date




