Grand Canyon: Back-Road Safari & Gate By-Pass Tour

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (452 reviews) 96% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationLikely to sell out

1/12

Duration3h

GroupUp to 12

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Elk sightings, forest shortcuts and canyon rim walks with stories

You’ll skip traffic lines with a back-road safari from Tusayan, spot elk or deer in quiet forests, walk along dramatic Grand Canyon rim trails with a local guide sharing stories, and explore historic spots like Kolb Studio and El Tovar Hotel. It’s not rushed—you’ll have time to breathe in pine air, listen to canyon silence, and maybe laugh at your own pronunciation attempts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Grand Canyon South Rim Safari Tour

Check in at Tusayan at 9:15 am
Board custom safari vehicle
Bypass south entrance gate traffic
Drive back-road scenic route
View elk, deer, and birds
Stop at Yavapai Point viewpoint
Visit El Tovar Hotel and Hopi House
Explore Bright Angel Lodge area
Walk along rim with guide
See Kolb Studio and Bright Angel Trail
Observe hikers and mules on trail
Learn Grand Canyon history and geology
Return to Tusayan for drop-off

The Experience

I didn’t expect to be grinning before we’d even seen the Grand Canyon. But there we were, bouncing along a pine-scented back road in this quirky safari vehicle, watching a couple of elk just standing there—like they owned the place (they kind of do). Our guide, Mike, waved at a passing ranger who gave us this knowing nod—apparently these forest permits are pretty special. We skipped right past the usual traffic at the south entrance. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so smug about not sitting in a line of cars.

The air was chilly but sharp, and when we finally got out near Yavapai Point, it hit me—the canyon isn’t just big, it’s… well, it’s hard to put into words. Mike started pointing out layers in the rock and telling us about how old everything is (spoiler: very), but honestly I kept getting distracted by the way the sun made everything look like it was on fire for a second. We walked along the rim for a while—maybe 45 minutes?—and I remember stepping over some crunchy gravel and hearing nothing but wind and someone’s distant laughter. There was this moment at Kolb Studio where you could see hikers zig-zagging down Bright Angel Trail—tiny dots—and I wondered if they regretted their life choices yet.

I tried to pronounce “Kaibab” after Mike explained what it meant (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it). We stopped at El Tovar Hotel too; people were sipping coffee on the porch like they had all day. The tour wasn’t rushed at all—we had time to wander around Lookout Studio and peek inside Hopi House. Honestly, by the end my shoes were dusty and my head was full of weird facts about mules and artists who built studios on cliff edges. Still think about that first blast of cold canyon air when we stepped out—you know?

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup from Tusayan, entry via exclusive forest back-roads that bypass main gate lines, guided stops at major viewpoints like Yavapai Point and Kolb Studio with interpretive stories from your local guide, two relaxed rim walks totaling about 90 minutes (around three-quarters of a mile), plus bottled water throughout before returning to your starting point.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris