A comfortable Mercedes van carries travelers from Scottsdale to the South Rim for a full day of overlooks, visitor center exhibits and interpretive stops. Ideal for those who want Grand Canyon panoramas without long hikes, the tour mixes geology, local history and optional cultural stops.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The Mercedes van slips out of Scottsdale before the heat builds, highway light and desert scrub vibrating past the windows as the landscape stretches toward a rim carved by time. By midday the canyon opens—rock layers stacked like pages of geological history—while guides point out viewpoints and small artifacts of human presence: trading posts, old railroad grades, and stone walls that mark ancestral routes.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—participants should be comfortable sitting for extended periods and able to board a van.
Wildlife
History
The South Rim has been a gathering and travel corridor for Indigenous peoples for millennia; the National Park Service established formal protections in the early 20th century that shaped present visitor infrastructure.
Conservation
Stay on designated paths and pack out trash; the park manages fragile soils and native plants that are slow to recover from off‑trail disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Grand Canyon 2 Day Trip From Scottsdale (based on hotel availability) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for rim temperature swings
Bring a light insulated layer and a wind shell—temperatures at the South Rim can be 10–20°F cooler than Scottsdale.
Hydrate before and during the day
Carry a refillable water bottle; bottled water is provided but spending a long day outdoors requires extra fluids.
Plan for a restaurant lunch
Lunch is not included; budget time and money for a sit‑down restaurant stop or bring a packed lunch for flexibility.
Protect skin and eyes
High desert sun and reflective rock increase UV exposure—use sunscreen, sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
Layered jacket
Useful for cool rim winds and changing temperatures throughout the day.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during long stretches between stops; water refills are available.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
High desert sun is intense even on cool days—protect skin and eyes.
summer
Camera or phone with extra battery
The canyon offers dramatic vistas; carry extra power for photos over the long day.