GRAND CANYON GROUP TOURS

GRAND CANYON GROUP TOURS

Grand Canyon group tours typically meet in the park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, unless other arrangements are made. We offer two unique group tour options, each exploring different locations and offering distinct experiences. For a richer adventure, your group may enjoy scheduling different tours across multiple days during your visit.

Option 1: Grand Canyon Vehicle-based Rim Tour

Your guide will meet the group at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, beginning with a short walk to the rim and an introductory talk near the iconic Mather Point. From there, the guide will join you in your vehicle to navigate between viewpoints, providing narration during the drive and focused teaching at each stop. Most teaching takes place at overlook locations, so even if your group has multiple vans, everyone will experience the same key insights.

A typical group tour in vans includes 3 to 4 stops from Mather Point to Desert View along Desert View Drive, offering a variety of spectacular canyon perspectives. Coach bus tours have access to designated parking areas, often including stops at Mather Point, Grand Canyon Village, and Desert View, showcasing views of the Colorado River, Painted Desert, and a range of dramatic vistas.

Option 2: Grand Canyon Rim Walking Tour

Meeting your guide at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, your group will start with an introductory talk near Mather Point before embarking west along the Rim Trail toward Yavapai Point. Along the way, we’ll stop for teaching moments as the canyon reveals itself. At Yavapai, you’ll enjoy views of the Colorado River, along with the historic Phantom Ranch and Kaibab Suspension Bridge.

From Yavapai Point, your group may either continue west along the Trail of Time or return to the Visitor Center to take a short drive to the Grand Canyon Village. Here, you can enjoy additional viewpoints and a brief walk to a lesser-known fossil bed, where you’ll find and photograph various marine fossils nestled in the rock.

Transportation and Park Fees

Groups are responsible for all transportation to the park and during the tour, as well as entry fees into the Grand Canyon National Park.  Visit the Grand Canyon Entry Fees page for information on park entry costs.  If you are hiring transportation (such as a coach bus), make sure the transportation company possesses a current Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permit to enter the park.  The coach driver must present the CUA at the gate upon entry.

SUNSET CRATER & WUPATKI TOURS

Let Canyon Ministries lead you on a journey through two remarkable National Monuments, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki. These adjoining parks showcase one of the most recent and visually striking volcanic eruptions and lava flows in the Southwest, as well as impressive Native American ruins crafted nearly 1,000 years ago.

This tour brings to life the events of Genesis 10-11, exploring the post-Flood migration of people groups from Babel during the Ice Age and the dramatic reshaping of the landscape through volcanic eruptions. It’s the perfect way to continue the “rest of the story” beyond the Flood, offering a fuller view of the Southwest’s incredible history and formation.

Starting and ending in Flagstaff, this experience includes a short hike through fascinating lava formations, followed by an exploration of ancient ruins, reflecting on the lives and stories of those who once called this land home. Later in the tour, your group will hike to the top of a volcano to take in sweeping views of the Painted Desert and Bidahochi Basin that once held a large lake many believe eventually spilled over the Kaibab Plateau, triggering a breached dam/catastrophic lake drainage that helped form the Grand Canyon.

With up to 8 hours of exploring, this tour has been described by multi-day school groups as their favorite adventure. Watch the video at the bottom of this page to see the striking Sunset Crater Volcano!

Transportation and Park Fees

Groups are responsible for all transportation to the park and during the tour, and entry fee cost into Sunset Crater/Wupatki (one fee gets you both).  Check the Sunset Crater Entry Fees page for information on Commercial Fee park entry costs.

PAINTED DESERT & PETRIFIED FOREST TOURS

Join Canyon Ministries for an unforgettable large group tour from Flagstaff to the breathtaking Painted Forest and Petrified Forest National Park! This immersive journey is designed for churches, schools, and organizations eager to explore one of Arizona’s most unique natural wonders while learning about its geological and biblical significance.

This 10-hour tour departs from Flagstaff in the morning, where our experienced guide will greet your group and provide an overview of the day’s itinerary. As we travel east along scenic routes, you’ll marvel at the diverse landscapes of the American Southwest, with insights into the plants, animals, and geological features along the way.

Upon arrival at the Petrified Forest, your group will embark on a series of guided stops, including iconic sites like the Rainbow Forest and the Giant Logs. Here, you’ll witness the stunning remnants of ancient trees that have transformed into beautiful, colorful stone after being rapidly buried by sediment.

After exploring the Rainbow Forest and the southern end of the park, your group will have time to enjoy packed lunches that you can bring along that day before we venture northward for more exploration. With short hikes along trails and visits to Native American archaeological sites in the central part of the park, your guide will help make the history of this remarkable location come alive.

As we enter the northern end of the park, we’ll take in sweeping views of the colorful Painted Desert and distant Hopi Buttes before stopping at a gift shop just outside the park to purchase your own petrified wood or souvenirs. Join us for a day filled with adventure, learning, and fellowship as we discover the marvels of the Petrified Forest together!

Transportation and Park Fees

Groups are responsible for all transportation to the park and during the tour, and entry fee cost into Petrified Forest National Park.  Check the Petrified Forest Entry Fees page for information on Commercial Fee park entry costs.

Request your group tour(s) below and we will confirm availability as soon as possible.

GROUP TOUR QUESTIONS?

Not sure what to do or where to begin?  Fill our Group Tour Inquiry below and we can help figure out the best solution for your group.  We can also provide suggestions on where to stay and what to do when coming to the area to do tours with us.