| So, you're in Las Vegas on vacation and you're | | | | restaurants, a museum, other lodgings, gift shops, |
| considering a side trip to the South Rim of the Grand | | | | and the Bucky O'Neill Cabin, the oldest structure on |
| Canyon. | | | | the Rim. It's also here that you can board one of the |
| Good choice. Of all the "Rims," it's the South one | | | | many free shuttles and discover such key viewpoints |
| that's got all the world-famous views. | | | | as Mather Point, Yavapai Point, Yaki, and more. |
| How to get there if you're on a budget? By tour bus, | | | | Typically, you will have three hours to enjoy the |
| of course. | | | | South Rim and The Village. |
| Prices at the time this article was written ranged | | | | Here are some facts to consider as you enjoy this |
| from $80 to $160. Book online - the best deals are | | | | incredible natural wonder: |
| on the Internet. For more information about pricing, | | | | - The Canyon was created by the Colorado River |
| please see link at bottom of article. | | | | over a 5.4 million-year period. |
| These are not the motor coaches of yore, either. | | | | - The Canyon is 277 miles long and ranges in width |
| They are state-of-the-art vehicles, and they come | | | | from four to 18 miles |
| equipped with the following: | | | | - It's more than a mile deep. |
| - Restroom | | | | - At 8,200 feet (2,500 m) above sea level, the North |
| - VCR's | | | | Rim is 1,200 feet (350 m) higher than the South Rim. |
| - Deluxe, reclining seats | | | | - It became a National Park in 1919 |
| - Maximum legroom | | | | - 5 Million visitors annually |
| - Removable arm rests | | | | - It's populated by five Indian tribes |
| - Climate control (air conditioning and heat) | | | | The return trip to Las Vegas usually includes a break |
| - Large custom windows | | | | in Kingman, AZ, where you can stretch your legs, |
| Most bus tours, which hit the road around 7 a.m., | | | | grab a snack, or smoke (coaches are smoke-free). |
| include free hotel pick up and drop off, as well as a | | | | You'll then head back over Hoover Dam, skirt by |
| complimentary box lunch (we've tried them all and | | | | Boulder City, and then drop down into the Las Vegas |
| they're quite tasty). | | | | valley. |
| The drive to the South Rim includes such sights as | | | | Total trip time from pick up to drop off is |
| Lake Mead, historic Hoover Dam (there will be a brief | | | | approximately 14 hours. |
| stop for photos), the Colorado River, and Black | | | | If you've longed to experience the magnificence of |
| Canyon, exclusive habitat or big horn sheep. | | | | the South Rim, consider booking a trip with one of |
| The entrance to Grand Canyon National Park | | | | Las Vegas' many tour bus operators. Tours run daily, |
| features quite a dramatic change in scenery: You'll be | | | | seven days a week. The price is right, too, if you |
| up on the Kaibab Plateau, home of the largest stand | | | | shop and book on the Internet. There's no excuse to |
| of Ponderosa Pine in the world. | | | | leave this Seventh Wonder of the World on your |
| Your adventure begins at Bright Angel Lodge, the | | | | "bucket list" anymore. For more bus tour reviews and |
| main structure in historic Grand Canyon village. The | | | | pricing, please go to GrandCanyon123. |
| Lodge, built in the 1930's, is surrounded by | | | | |