Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 123 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour worth booking?
Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour is a 5-hour experience in Grand Canyon National Park, United States, from $17 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 123 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (123)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $17 per person
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, so awe-inspiring, that you simply have to see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails on the canyon’s South Rim and fills you in on the fascinating history of the canyon and the Native people who once lived there. So get out there and see something incredible! Hermit Road isn't accessible by private vehicle during the summer. The tour will instruct you to park at stop 15 and walk from stops 16-22, then take the shuttle for stops 23-31. The stops after 31, on the eastern side of the park, can once again be accessed via private vehicle. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, & enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
What you get
About this experience
Witness one of the natural wonders of the world in all its glory. The Grand Canyon is so massive, so awe-inspiring, that you simply have to see it with your own two eyes to truly understand its scale. This self-guided tour takes you to all the best vistas and hiking trails on the canyon’s South Rim and fills you in on the fascinating history of the canyon and the Native people who once lived there. So get out there and see something incredible! Hermit Road isn't accessible by private vehicle during the summer. The tour will instruct you to park at stop 15 and walk from stops 16-22, then take the shuttle for stops 23-31. The stops after 31, on the eastern side of the park, can once again be accessed via private vehicle. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, & enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
What you'll see and do
The tour begins near the South Entrance Station, where you'll be filled in on the different entrance fee options. Note: The tour is over 30+ miles long, with more than 55+ audio stories, and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
10 minutes here
Grand Canyon National Park
Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park! This awe-inspiring natural wonder is unlike any other place on earth, and your narrated driving tour will make sure you get the most out of your visit. Full of astonishing vistas, unbeatable hikes, and some surprising history, this national park is an absolute must-see for anyone in the USA.
Pass by without stopping
Grand Canyon Visitor Center South Rim
You'll arrive first at the Visitor Center, where you can find maps and other park info, as well as restrooms and snacks.
Pass by without stopping
Mather Point
Your first overlook will be Mather Point, one of the park's most popular spots. The views here are simply incredible, offering clear line of sight up to 30 miles across the canyon!
Pass by without stopping
Yavapai Point
The next viewpoint is Yavapai Point, where you'll get more great views from the canyon's south rim and learn about the tribe for whom the point is named.
Pass by without stopping
Yavapai Geology Museum
Want to get hands on with the Grand Canyon's geological history? Just stop by the Yavapai Geology Museum for some educational exhibits!
Pass by without stopping
Hopi House
The first stop within the village is the Hopi House, an incredibly accurate recreation of the ancient Hopi dwellings one might have found here while the tribe still occupied the area. This building is also the perfect place to pick up some handmade souvenirs from your visit!
Pass by without stopping
Kolb Studio
As you continue on to Kolb Studio, the competitor to Lookouot Studio, you'll hear all about the bitter rivalry between the two which almost drove them both to ruin back in the 1900s.
Pass by without stopping
Lookout Studio
Up ahead are two buildings perched on the canyon’s edge. The one you can see right now is Lookout Studio, and you’ll find one just a little beyond it called Kolb Studio.
Pass by without stopping
Hermit Road
For the next part of the tour, you'll hop on board the park's free shuttle. Don't worry, your audio tour guide will instruct you on exactly how to do this!
Pass by without stopping
Trailview Overlook
The first stop on Hermit Road is Trailview Overlook, which offers views of the famous Bright Angel Trail, the grueling path which leads all the way down to the bottom of the canyon. You'll probably even see some exhausted hikers climbing it!
Pass by without stopping
Maricopa Point
Next up is Maricopa Point, which was once the site of a uranium mining operation. Get the unexpected history behind this while you appreciate the gorgeous views.
Pass by without stopping
Powell Point
After that is Powell Point, which offers more canyon magic and honors the explorer who risked life and limb to chart the Colorado River.
Pass by without stopping
Hopi Point
The shuttle route brings you next to Hopi Point, where you'll learn about bald eagles, their importance to the Hopi tribe, and how to spot them.
Pass by without stopping
Mohave Point
If you've been hoping for a great view of the Colorado River, that's up next at Mohave Point. Here, you'll get a bird's eye view of this tremendously powerful river.
Pass by without stopping
Monument Creek Vista, up next, offers a view of the most intense rapids in the park: Granite Rapids. You'll also hear about the first female river guide and how she got her start in the Grand Canyon!
Pass by without stopping
Pima Point
The next stop on your right is Pima Point, which sports one of the best views of Colorado. When you’re there, stop and listen. If the vista’s quiet, you can hear the rushing sound of water moving along the river.
Pass by without stopping
Hermit's Rest
So where does all this stuff get its name? Well, back in the mining days, one particular miner had no interest in being around other people. He far preferred the rhythms of nature. He spent most of his life living near this spot, content to while away his days with only the rocks and birds and squirrels to keep him company.
Pass by without stopping
Pipe Creek Vista
After the shuttle, the tour continues east along Desert View Drive. The first stop along this road is Pipe Creek Vista, a favorite for birders hoping to spot the canyon's rarer specimens, including even the ultra-rare California condor!
Pass by without stopping
The next landmark is the appropriately-named Duck on a Rock Viewpoint, which offers a good look at an oddly-shaped rock formation many claim looks exactly like a duck.
Pass by without stopping
Grandview Point
After that is Grandview Point, and the view seriously is grand. This is also the trailhead for a hiking trail which leads below the canyon's rim and features some truly remarkable sights.
Pass by without stopping
Lipan Point
After that you'll come to Lipan Point, offering another great river view along with some fascinating facts about the park's geology.
Pass by without stopping
Navajo Point
The final viewpoint along this drive is Navajo Point, and last certainly isn't least in this case. Navajo Point is actually the highest viewpoint on the entire southern rim, standing at a staggering 7,500 feet above sea level!
Pass by without stopping
Grand Canyon Desert View Watchtower
At last, you'll arrive at the iconic Desert View Watchtower, a truly impressive stone structure perched on the canyon's edge. Depending on the season, you can even climb to the top for a view unlike any other. The tour concludes here.
Pass by without stopping
Yaki Point
A popular place for viewing sunrise & sunset, this remote lookout & shuttle stop offers restrooms.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Grand Canyon National Park
Start on Highway 67 near The North Rim Country Store, with the store and gas station on your left. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour. The audio starts automatically. South and East Rim are included. Download all versions in advance.
Meeting point
Grand Canyon National Park
Start in the parking lot of Verkamp's Visitor Center. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Visitor Center or nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Meeting point
Grand Canyon National Park
Start on Highway 64, with the Grand Canyon National Park sign on your right. Continue along Highway 64 toward Canyon Village. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Meeting point
Grand Canyon National Park
Start on Highway 64, with the Grand Hotel on your right and the Holiday Inn on your left. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with any nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Start on Highway 67 near The North Rim Country Store, with the store and gas station on your left. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour. The audio starts automatically. South and East Rim are included. Download all versions in advance.
Ends at
Start in the parking lot of Verkamp's Visitor Center. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with the Visitor Center or nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Ends at
Start on Highway 64, with the Grand Canyon National Park sign on your right. Continue along Highway 64 toward Canyon Village. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Ends at
Start on Highway 64, with the Grand Hotel on your right and the Holiday Inn on your left. This is the suggested starting point. We’re not affiliated with any nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour. The audio starts automatically—check your email/text for setup.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travel with Action (Action Tour Guide)
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check current road closures, seasonal access, and entrance requirements before your visit.
- The North Rim is open for the 2026 season, but services and facilities remain limited following the Dragon Bravo Fire. No water is available on the North Rim, so bring enough for your visit. The North Rim closes seasonally during winter.
- Parts of the South Rim tour, including Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead, are not accessible by private vehicle. Use the free park shuttle and bring headphones to listen to the audio tour.
- Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds, especially during spring break and other busy periods.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 123 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
123 verified traveler reviews for Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful
Only reason I gave poor is unless you start exactly at beginning you are then off q tour location. Also tour sound disappears on tour not due to location but app
via Tripadvisor
Great stories snd...
Great stories snd comments. The bad is you have to start at the designated start point and no where else.
Response from the operator: Hi Harold, I’m glad you enjoyed the stories along my Grand Canyon Tours! You can actually start from any of the Canyon’s entrances or even pick up the tour’s audio anywhere along the route - that’s one of the great things about self-guided touring. Your tour is valid forever, so if you decide to return and try a different route it will always be there waiting for you. Happy exploring!
via Viator
We started our tour and...
We started our tour and it was very helpful in getting us started and knowing where to go After two stops on the tour we had stormy weather so we stopped. The next day we chose to do a self guided tour using the park map. So we can't give an honest and informed review. The first part of the tour was good so I'm sure the rest would also have been.
Response from the operator: Faye, I’m glad the first part of my Grand Canyon South & East Rim tour helped you find your way around before the weather interrupted your plans. The tour is valid forever, so you can always return to it and continue the rest anytime - that’s the beauty of my self-paced audio tours! Thanks for sharing your experience with the portion you were able to use.
via Viator
Short trip to the south and east rim
Very informative and easy to follow My daughter and I love this history Easy to use but never made it to the east rim as we spent too much time in the south rim
Response from the operator: Hi Mahmoud, sounds like you and your daughter found plenty to enjoy on the South Rim! Since your tour has lifetime access, the East Rim will still be there whenever you have time to come back and finish the route. Happy exploring!
via Viator
Good
It was great the girl who took us out she was pretty cool and nice sweet but we felt the ride was kinda short we wish it was more but it was good
Response from the operator: Meshal, I think this may have been posted on my listing by mistake, as my Grand Canyon South & East Rim tour is a self-guided driving-and-walking audio tour with no in-person guide or ride included. I’d love for you to try my audio tour and share your experience with the route, stories, and flexible guidance.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 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
- 43
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Travel with Action, who run 41 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.9.
See everything Travel with Action runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Grand Canyon National Park.
How much does Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $17 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 Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour take?
+
Plan for about 5 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 Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 123 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 Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour?
+
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 Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour?
+
Around 43 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour 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 Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour?
+
Included: Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour; Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help; Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included; Private tour experience for your family, in your own car; and Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips. Not included: No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour?
+
Start on Highway 67 near The North Rim Country Store, with the store and gas station on your left. We’re not affiliated with nearby businesses, so their staff won’t have information about this tour. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour offered in?
+
It is offered in German, English and Spanish. 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 Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour?
+
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 Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Parts of the South Rim tour, including Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead, are not. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Grand Canyon National Park. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour?
+
Across 123 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Grand Canyon South & East Rim: Driving & Walking Audio Tour.
Pick your date
