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Grand Canyon Village Sunrise
Day Tours , Ecology & Botany

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:

    Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trip Length: 3 Hours
  • Cost: $80/person
  • Group size: 2 - 6 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 expert guides will share the many wonders of the world’s most famous chasm.

  • Is your group larger than 6? 
  • Want to hike a little longer? 
  • Don't see the date you want?
  • Please email us for group rates at GCCFI@grandcanyon.org.

Visitors Enjoying the South Rim

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

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

Grand Canyon Village map

Itinerary

Let our experts show your family 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 and 200-million-year-old marine fossil beds. This activity is family-friendly! 

 

  • Is your family larger than 6? 
  • Want to hike a little longer? 
  • Please email us for special pricing at 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

Family of 4 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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.”

Family of 5 standing and smiling for photo on rock edge at Grand Canyon

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!”

Five hikers standing on forest cliff edge overlooking Grand Canyon 2017

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!”

Group of hikers standing and smiling in front of canyon from ground level at Grand Canyon

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.”

Field Institute guide educating group of hiker tourists seated on beach with water and canyon in background

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.”