CRes may not book, modify, or cancel tour reservations within 2 days of arrival – Earliest Day June 7, 2026
Advise guest to reconfirm exact departure times for tours with any transportation desk (Bright Angel or Maswik) at least 2 days prior to their tour date.
Guests staying at Yavapai Lodge will need to call the transportation desks at either Bright Angel or Maswik to check-in, and then drive or utilize the free shuttle to get to their pickup location (Bright Angel or Maswik).
Elevation – 7,000 feet at the South Rim. 2,500 feet at Phantom Ranch.
Travel Agent Commission – Travel Agents MUST be advised all tours are NON-COMMISSIONABLE
Transportation Desk Information
Bright Angel Transportation Desk
| Bright Angel Transportation Desk Hours (928) 638-3283 | |
|---|---|
| March – October | 5:00am – 8:00pm |
| November | 6:00am – 7:00pm |
| December – February | 6:00am – 6:00pm |
Maswik Lodge Transportation Desk
| Maswik Transportation Desk Hours (928) 638-2631 x7540 | |
|---|---|
| Daily | 8:00am – 12:00pm |
| 1:00pm – 5:00pm | |
Grand Canyon South Rim Tours Quick Reference
IMPORTANT NOTE: All tour buses are air-conditioned. In-park tour buses “kneel” to reduce step up to bus.
| Tour | Vehicle | Location | Route | Adult Rate | Child Rate | Item Class | Duration | Max Bookable in CRes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert View Tour | Motorcoach | In Park | East along rim | $101.00 | Ages 3-16 $50.50 Children aged 2 and under are FREE as a lap child only | DV | 3h 45m | No Limit |
| Sunrise Tour | Motorcoach | In Park | West along rim | $43.00 | Ages 3-16 $21.50 Children aged 2 and under are FREE as a lap child only | SR | 1h 30m | No Limit |
| Sunset Tour | Motorcoach | In Park | West along rim | $43.00 | Ages 3-16 $21.50 Children aged 2 and under are FREE as a lap child only | SS | 1h 30m | No Limit |
| Hermit’s Rest Tour | Motorcoach | In Park | West along rim | $59.00 | Ages 3-16 $29.50 Children aged 2 and under are FREE as a lap child only | HR | 2h | No Limit |
| Combination Tour | Motorcoach | In Park | East and west along rim | $127.00 | Ages 3-16 $61.00 Children aged 2 and under are FREE as a lap child only | DV+ HR/SS/SR | Varies | No Limit |
| Railroad Express Tour | Train | In Park/Out of Park | Van to Williams/ Train to South Rim | $65.00 | Ages 2-16 $37.00 Children aged 2 and under are FREE as a lap child only | RE | 5h | No Limit |
Canyon Vistas Mule Ride | Mule | In Park | Rim Trail | $192.96 | $192.96 | CV | 3h | 10 Riders |
| Havasupai Garden Mule Ride | Mule | In Park | Bright Angel Trail | $510.31 | $510.31 | HG | 7h | 5 Riders |
| Harvey Car- Private Tour | Vintage Car | In Park | West along rim | $500.00 +tax Up to 4 guests | $500.00 +tax Up to 4 guests | HC | 2h | 1 Car |
Motorcoach Tours
All tour buses are air-conditioned. In-park tour buses “kneel” to reduce step up to bus.
These tours should not be offered to GCR guests, see GCR Available Tours
The Combination Tour features tours that travel both east and west along the rim and offers guests a discounted rate on both tours so they get the most for their tour dollar. The Combination Tour ALWAYS includes the Desert View tour, which travels east along the rim to see the Watchtower, plus one west bound tour (either Hermit’s Rest, Sunrise or Sunset).
Guests may choose to take their two tours on the same day, or on different days.
Mule Rides
Mule Rider Restrictions MUST be covered prior to booking reservation.
Please emphasize this ride stays ABOVE THE RIM and does NOT travel into the canyon at any point. The ride travels along a trail that is near the rim and offers amazing views in both directions of the roundtrip ride.
What to wear and what to take MUST be covered once guest books reservation
Mule Rider Restrictions MUST be covered prior to booking reservation.
Please emphasize this ride going BELOW THE CANYON and DOES travel into the canyon. The ride travels to Havasupai (Hah-vah-sue-pie 🔉) Gardens via the Bright Angel Trail roundtrip. Lunch is included.
What to wear and what to take MUST be covered once guest books reservation
The mule ride can be rigorous, and these restrictions are in the interest of everyone’s safety. If a guest feels like a mule ride into the Grand Canyon is too much, the Canyon Vistas mule ride is a great alternative. This ride stays above the rim of the canyon, so the restrictions are slightly different than a mule ride into the canyon. All riders must sign an “Acknowledgement-of Risk and Agreement”. Riders under 18 (unless emancipated) must have the agreement signed by their parent or guardian.
| QUESTION TO ASK | REQUIRED RESPONSE | WHY? |
|---|---|---|
| Will all riders be 225 lbs. (200 lbs. for Havasupai Gardens rides) or less fully dressed (102 kg)? | YES | The mules at the Grand Canyon generally weigh 1,000 pounds. In fairness to the mule and to ensure that they will be in service a long time, it is advised that they not carry more than 25% of their weight. That would be 250 pounds. The saddle, tack, etc. weigh around 50 pounds, which leaves 200 pounds as guest weight limit. Canyon Vista rides do not go into the Canyon, the ride is much easier, thus allowing the rider weight limit to be slightly increased at 225lbs. |
| Will all riders be at least 9 years old? | YES | Due to safety issues, no one under the age of 9 can ride with or without an adult. |
| Will all riders be at least 4 ft. 9 in. (1.44 meters) tall? | YES | Mules are very w-i-d-e animals. People under 4 ft. 9 in. tall would generally not have legs long enough to wrap around the mule and reach the stirrups. For safety reasons everyone’s feet must fit comfortably into the stirrups. |
| Are all riders in good physical condition? | YES | |
| Do all riders speak and understand fluent English? | YES | On the trips along the canyon rim any number of emergencies can arise. The mule train consists of up to 20 guest mules (plus guides) and each mule is carrying a person, most of whom are probably not used to riding mules. If the guides sense any kind of danger, they need to yell commands to the guests that must be obeyed immediately. There is no time for someone to translate for the guest. If even one person in that mule train does not understand what they’re being told to do, it endangers the well-being of everyone. |
| Do any riders have a fear of heights or fear of large animals? | NO | A guest with a fear of either heights or large animals could endanger their own well-being and that of everyone on the mule trip. |
| Will all riders be able to attend an orientation before embarking on the trip? | YES | We strongly urge the riders to check-in at the Bright Angel Transportation desk the day prior to the trip to be weighed, check heights, and finish paperwork. Orientation is held the morning of the mule trip at the Mule Barn. Guest must attend! |
| Will any of the riders be age 17 or younger? | NO | If yes, the child must be accompanied by someone 18 or older, or emancipated. Effective September 26, 2024, all riders 17 and under will be required to wear a helmet for the duration of the ride; helmets will be provided. |
Required Clothing for Summer (April – October)
- Wide-brimmed hat that ties underneath the chin. We will provide string if guest’s hat does not have a tie, or hats are available for purchase at the Bright Angel Transportation Desk (approximate cost $7.25). Baseball type caps are not recommended, as they do not provide enough coverage.
- Helmets will be required to be worn by all riders 17 and under – we will provide helmets and brims (brims only provided for summer rides). Helmets will be provided to any rider who wants one (they can ask for one upon arrival). Guests cannot bring their own personal helmets.
- Long-sleeved shirt– a lightweight, button down shirt is recommended, with a t-shirt or tank top underneath.
- Long pants–shorts or capri pants are NOT permitted. If for religious reasons the guest does not wear long pants, they may either wear a riding skirt that goes to their ankles, or leggings under their skirt, as long as they go to their ankles.
- Smooth and hard soled, closed toe shoes, similar to a cowboy boot. Heavy, thick-soled hiking boots are not encouraged as their tread may get caught in the stirrups. Lightweight shoes, such as tennis shoes, are acceptable in the summer.
Required Clothing for Winter (November-March)
- A warm hat (ball cap or otherwise) that fits snugly to your head is required to protect from the cold.
- Long-sleeved shirt, combined with sweaters or sweatshirts, depending upon temperature.
- Long pants–shorts or capris are NOT permitted.
- Smooth and hard soled, closed toe shoes, similar to a cowboy boot. Heavy, thick-soled hiking boots are not encouraged as their tread may get caught in the stirrups. Winter boots with a smooth, hard sole are recommended. Lightweight shoes, such as tennis shoes, are not recommended for winter since they offer little warmth.
- Helmets will be required to be worn by all riders 17 and under – we will provide helmets. Helmets will be provided to any rider who wants one (they can ask for one upon arrival). Guests cannot bring their own personal helmets.
Year-Round Recommendations
- Water — guest is given a souvenir Bota bag, which is the only water allowed
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Sunglasses with good ultraviolet protection (must be secured to rider)
- Bandana
- Wind or rainproof gear (rain jackets are no longer provided, guest must bring their own. No ponchos allowed).
- One compact camera, OR pair of binoculars PER PERSON. They must be on a strap or string to hang around the rider’s neck, leaving their hands free. A cellphone can be used as a camera, as long as it has a neck strap and is kept on silent. If a guest is using a GoPro type of camera, they may have it on their hat or around their chest, but it must be secured. They may NOT have it on their wrist, or in their hands.
Seasonal Recommendations – Winter
- Dress in layers. Recommend thermal style underwear, fleece, wool shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, especially during colder months.
- Knit stocking cap
- Scarf or muffler
- Lotion & sunscreen
- Gloves/mittens
- Two pairs of socks (if room in shoes)
- Hand & feet warmers
Items NEVER Allowed
- Backpacks, fanny packs, or belt packs
- Sandals, flip flops, or open-toe shoes
- Extra camera lenses
- Full-size video cameras
- Camera bags
- Purses
Items Allowed but NOT Recommended
- Wallet and keys (guest should move to a front pocket to avoid losing them, and to avoid an indelible impression from sitting on them all day)
- Earrings and jewelry (may get caught in clothing or reins)
Railroad Express
This tour should not be offered to GCR guests, see GCR Available Tours
This tour is NOT available as part of the Combination Tour.
Harvey Car
Convertible Option: Choose between top-up or top-down before departure (cannot be changed mid-tour)
2026 Dates TBD
Booking Procedures & Codes
ADA Information for Tours
South Rim Tour Groups
CRes may book any quantity of seats on a tour, up to the maximum available inventory. For those tours that have multiple buses going out at the same time, guests booking large parties should be made aware there is no guarantee their party will all be on the same bus(es).
Refer guests with parties larger than the maximum capacity to Group Sales at groups-gcsr@xanterra.com. It is not required, but if a guest would like to include the number of people in the group, preferred date and time, and route if known, they may do so in the email.
Private Charters
Currently, in-park private charters are not being provided until further notice.