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Arizona Adventure Tours

Arizona Vacations Adventure Tours

Our Arizona adventures explore the diverse ecosystems of the Grand Canyon state from arid desert to lush riverbanks and otherworldly rock formations.

Astounding wonders of Mother Nature abound in Arizona, where the landscapes seem to defy words. Behold the epic views of the Grand Canyon from the rim and the canyon floor. Hop on a train and see the landscapes change before your eyes. Behold dry deserts and forested rivers. Arizona is a jewel in the American Southwest, offering countless adventures and hidden gems at every turn.

Arizona Adventure Tours

North America

Grand Canyon Adventure

4.93

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Experience the Grand Canyon from all angles as you explore hidden gems and take in famous views of this beloved landmark. Each day brings new awe-inspiring moments as you hike and raft among the incredible natural wonders.

Trip Start: Phoenix, Arizona Trip End: Phoenix, Arizona

North America

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

4.76

  • Duration 6 days
  • Activity Level Level 3 
    • Activity Level 3

      Step It Up

      I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.

    Read more about the Active Range

 FAMILY VACATION

Introduce your family to the awe-inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon. On this six-day trip, you’ll hike, kayak, and take a train ride through this incredible region to discover its dynamic history and geological wonders.

Trip Start: Phoenix, Arizona Trip End: Phoenix, Arizona

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

Reviews from our Arizona Adventures

view all

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2023

Hot Grand Canyon

"We knew it would be hot when we booked a year ago, but an unprecedented heat dome had settled over the southwest weeks prior to our arrival. Despite walking into the blast furnace (aka Phoenix), the remainder of the trip into northern Arizona was far more pleasant. And we were provided ample hydration drinks/water by our amazing guides (Megan and Joel)! It was truly an awesome trip and the best reward was witnessing my family's expressions as they viewed one of the worlds natural wonders for the first time. The accommodations, guides, and meals were all wonderful.

read more

"We knew it would be hot when we booked a year ago, but an unprecedented… read more

"We knew it would be hot when we booked a year ago, but an unprecedented heat dome had settled over the southwest weeks prior to our arrival. Despite walking into the blast furnace (aka Phoenix), the remainder of the trip into northern Arizona was far more pleasant. And we were provided ample hydration drinks/water by our amazing guides (Megan and Joel)! It was truly an awesome trip and the best reward was witnessing my family's expressions as they viewed one of the worlds natural wonders for the first time. The accommodations, guides, and meals were all wonderful. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

L Luke | July 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2023

Grand times in the Grand Canyon

"Honestly, we were not sure what to expect: as time drew closer, we were starting to get concerned about our plan of going to the desert in the middle of the summer. There were heat warnings and advisories and even news of a lady that died of heat in the Grand Canyon! We had never done a guided trip before with the kids and there was going to be plenty of hiking in 100+ heat.

Our trip started off with a long day in Scottsdale after our airline moved us to a very early morning. It was a scorching day in Scottsdale waiting for our tour to start. The next morning, our guides, Joel and Bob, showed up promptly and ready to go. They greeted us and the kids and we set out. We got used to seeing the Austin Adventures van and trailer for the next week!

On day 1, we headed down to the Salt River and got ready to kayak. Joel joined us on our adventure while Bob drove the van to the pick up spot. We had an REI guide with us who…

read more

"Honestly, we were not sure what to expect: as time drew closer, we were… read more

"Honestly, we were not sure what to expect: as time drew closer, we were starting to get concerned about our plan of going to the desert in the middle of the summer. There were heat warnings and advisories and even news of a lady that died of heat in the Grand Canyon! We had never done a guided trip before with the kids and there was going to be plenty of hiking in 100+ heat.

Our trip started off with a long day in Scottsdale after our airline moved us to a very early morning. It was a scorching day in Scottsdale waiting for our tour to start. The next morning, our guides, Joel and Bob, showed up promptly and ready to go. They greeted us and the kids and we set out. We got used to seeing the Austin Adventures van and trailer for the next week!

On day 1, we headed down to the Salt River and got ready to kayak. Joel joined us on our adventure while Bob drove the van to the pick up spot. We had an REI guide with us who lead the group, but having our AA guide with us was great too. They were all very diligent in our need of water, sunblock, and snacks all week. The kayak trip was very nice. The weather was very hot, but the water was cold. We got to paddle and even take turns jumping off of a rock into the channel. It was a very fun way to get things rolling, esp. for the kids. Bob had lunch waitin for us and it was great. All of the guide lunches we had were very good and plentiful. After the kayaking, we headed to Prescott.

Day 2- we started off with a fantastic breakfast at the Hassayampa Inn. The pancakes were huge! My daughter loved her parfait and rest of the crew had tasty omelets. I loved getting Joel's advice on what was good on the menu at each place. After a big breakfast, we headed to Watson Lake outside Prescott. What a beautiful place! Yes, it was hot... But, Joel and Bob always had plenty of water and lots of info about local plants, wildlife, and geological formations. . After the hike, we headed to "Bear"-izona. That's the most bears I've ever seen. We got to feed the grizzlies which was cool. Then we headed to Williams. We would be on our own for the afternoon. Joel gave us several recommendations for what to try for supper.

Day 3-after breakfast the next morning in Williams, we watched a wild west show at the train depot. It was pretty "meh", but we didn't have anything else to do while waiting for the train. The train ride was fun. I enjoyed looking for wildlife as we rode along. After we got to the Grand Canyon, they picked us up and took us to another tasty lunch, except this time it was on the rim and our first glimpse of the GC. We hiked along the rim back to our hotel. What a magnificent sight! It's such a beautiful place. That rim hike was a good warm-up to our canyon hike the next day. We rested up, did a little souvenir shopping, then had a great supper at the El Tovar.

Day 4-This was the big day--into the Grand Canyon! We had a good breakfast at El Tovar. Joel had recommended the avocado toast. I'd never had it before and it was very good. After that we headed to the South Kaibab trail head. We were going to head some miles into the canyon and then back out. Like the guides said, "into the canyon, optional. Out of the canyon, mandatory!" We loaded up lunch and plenty of water. We went all the way down to Cedar Point. The trip out was tough, but not as bad as we thought. We rested a bit then headed to supper outside the park.

Day 5-We headed out of the park to the watch tower and lunch in Flagstaff. The pizza there was great! After that, a beautiful drive to Sedona. It was hot again, but another great place. We got to spend some time in the pool watching the bats fly around.

Day 6-The last day. The Pink Jeep tour was a fantastic way to see the Sedona area. We had a good time doing that. We saw Montezuma's Castle which was a very interesting look at some American history. Then back to the airport and home! It was a great trip! read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

A Amy | July 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2023

Grand Canyon

"This was our family's 3rd Austin Adventures National Park trip. I can't say enough good things about our amazing guides: Megan, Joel and Ryan. The other family's were great travel companions as well. This trip struck a great balance of activity, relaxation and incredible scenery. I knew the Jeep off roading excursion and Grand Canyon Railway would be highlights for my son, but there were also some nice surprises like Bearizona and visiting The Watchtower that will be great memories. Our hotel room in GC had beautiful canyon views out large window. The best nights sleep was in Sedona at The Best Western that included plush bed, private balcony with gorgeous views and a fun hotel pool/activity center.

read more

"This was our family's 3rd Austin Adventures National Park trip. I can't say enough… read more

"This was our family's 3rd Austin Adventures National Park trip. I can't say enough good things about our amazing guides: Megan, Joel and Ryan. The other family's were great travel companions as well. This trip struck a great balance of activity, relaxation and incredible scenery. I knew the Jeep off roading excursion and Grand Canyon Railway would be highlights for my son, but there were also some nice surprises like Bearizona and visiting The Watchtower that will be great memories. Our hotel room in GC had beautiful canyon views out large window. The best nights sleep was in Sedona at The Best Western that included plush bed, private balcony with gorgeous views and a fun hotel pool/activity center. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

E Emily | June 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2023

Great Family Trip

"The views were breathtaking, the variety of travel and experiences were interesting, and the guides friendly and knowledgeable.

read more

"The views were breathtaking, the variety of travel and experiences were interesting, and the guides… read more

"The views were breathtaking, the variety of travel and experiences were interesting, and the guides friendly and knowledgeable. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

L Lori | June 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2023

Great Family Vacation

"We took our two grandchildren on the Grand Canyon family trip and it was a wonderful way for us to bond with the kids and enjoy the company of the other families. The guides were great with kids and very knowledgeable about the geology, plants, and animals in the desert areas that we visited.

read more

"We took our two grandchildren on the Grand Canyon family trip and it was a… read more

"We took our two grandchildren on the Grand Canyon family trip and it was a wonderful way for us to bond with the kids and enjoy the company of the other families. The guides were great with kids and very knowledgeable about the geology, plants, and animals in the desert areas that we visited. read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

H Harriet | June 2023

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure

"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super and it was a great variety of things to do. We loved it. Austin Adventures goes above and beyond what we even could imagine!!

read more

"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super… read more

"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super and it was a great variety of things to do. We loved it. Austin Adventures goes above and beyond what we even could imagine!! read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

L Lynn | September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure

"great adventure outstanding guides

read more

"great adventure outstanding guides read more

"great adventure outstanding guides read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

K Kent | September 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful.

read more

"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful. read more

"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

M Michele | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better.

read more

"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better. read more

"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

T Tad | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful guides

read more

"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful… read more

"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful guides read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

E Emily | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing and I genuinely already miss everyone. It was the little things the guides did for us that made it so special, like a cold glass of pickle pear juice after hiking in the Grand Canyon and setting up lunch to eat around the rim. I cannot wait to go on my next adventure!

read more

"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing… read more

"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing and I genuinely already miss everyone. It was the little things the guides did for us that made it so special, like a cold glass of pickle pear juice after hiking in the Grand Canyon and setting up lunch to eat around the rim. I cannot wait to go on my next adventure! read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

M McKenna | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I did not care for the Prescott hotel. It wasn

read more

"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I… read more

"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I did not care for the Prescott hotel. It wasn read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

M Mary | June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not to participate in one of the biking and hiking events, other family members said they were fun and worth the time. I thought the food was excellent but felt there was way too much time spent at the dinners and the first breakfast. Buffet breakfast better. While the weather was bad and made watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon impossible, it was never contemplated in the schedule either evening. I

read more

"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not… read more

"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not to participate in one of the biking and hiking events, other family members said they were fun and worth the time. I thought the food was excellent but felt there was way too much time spent at the dinners and the first breakfast. Buffet breakfast better. While the weather was bad and made watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon impossible, it was never contemplated in the schedule either evening. I read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

E Ellen | June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time.

read more

"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time. read more

"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time. read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

J Jennifer | June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations

read more

"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations read more

"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

J Jennifer | June 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"The trip was great, the other guest and the size of the group was wonderful!

read more

"The trip was great, the other guest and the size of the group was wonderful! read more

"The trip was great, the other guest and the size of the group was wonderful! read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

C Cindy | September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"Trip was outstanding. Both tour guys were great. I wish some of edge activities were a little longer, I think 7 mile bike ride for an adventure tour is too short but overall a GREAT trip and a great experience

read more

"Trip was outstanding. Both tour guys were great. I wish some of edge activities were… read more

"Trip was outstanding. Both tour guys were great. I wish some of edge activities were a little longer, I think 7 mile bike ride for an adventure tour is too short but overall a GREAT trip and a great experience read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

J James | September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"It was awesome. I enjoyed all of it.

read more

"It was awesome. I enjoyed all of it. read more

"It was awesome. I enjoyed all of it. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

M Mike | September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"Our guides, Matt and Joel, made the trip. They were outgoing, energetic and charming. They purposefully interacted with the trip participants providing ice breaker conversations and activities which helped to alleviate the initial awkwardness of traveling in close proximately with so many strangers. I felt this allowed everyone to relax and enjoy each others company very early on in the trip. In addition, their concern for our safety and enjoyment was genuine. They went above and beyond in a myriad of ways paying attention to small and large details working to meet the individual needs of each person. They executed the Austin Adventures itinerary with expertise, professionalism and many unique touches all their own.

read more

"Our guides, Matt and Joel, made the trip. They were outgoing, energetic and charming. They… read more

"Our guides, Matt and Joel, made the trip. They were outgoing, energetic and charming. They purposefully interacted with the trip participants providing ice breaker conversations and activities which helped to alleviate the initial awkwardness of traveling in close proximately with so many strangers. I felt this allowed everyone to relax and enjoy each others company very early on in the trip. In addition, their concern for our safety and enjoyment was genuine. They went above and beyond in a myriad of ways paying attention to small and large details working to meet the individual needs of each person. They executed the Austin Adventures itinerary with expertise, professionalism and many unique touches all their own. read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

K Kimberly | September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2021

Grand Canyon Adventure

"We can't say enough!! This vacation by far has been our favorite, every detail and quality of service and knowledge out guides gave us was outstanding! We had Joel and Matt as our guides they made this a super fun and educational trip and truly went out of their way to deliver!

read more

"We can't say enough!! This vacation by far has been our favorite, every detail and… read more

"We can't say enough!! This vacation by far has been our favorite, every detail and quality of service and knowledge out guides gave us was outstanding! We had Joel and Matt as our guides they made this a super fun and educational trip and truly went out of their way to deliver! read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

P Patty | September 2021

Intro Block Image 1 v3

Secure Your Spot Now, Pay the Rest Later

As members of the Active Adventures family, Austin Adventures offers booking assurance that allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days (180 days for Africa and Himalayas trips) from your original trip start date.  

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grand canyon tour

When is the best time to visit Arizona

Many people think of the words “hot” and “dry” when they conjure up an image of Arizona, but in reality, Arizona’s climate varies widely according to altitude. Southern Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson) experiences very hot summers and warm winters while Northern Arizona (Flagstaff, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon) will see four distinct seasons, although any time of the year is mild enough for a visit. On an Austin Adventures Arizona adventure, you’ll likely fly into Phoenix but will immediately head north to milder weather.

SPRING (APRIL TO MAY)

Spring is a nice time to visit Arizona regardless of where you go in the state. Southern Arizona will likely be pleasant in April (with average highs around 80°F) while May will see temperatures creeping upwards into the 90s – don’t forget, it’s a dry heat. If that’s too hot for you, head north where it will be much cooler at this time with highs in the 60-70°F range and lows in the 30s (bring a jacket!)

SUMMER (JUNE – AUGUST)

Summertime temperatures can vary greatly depending on where you are during the hottest part of the season. Southern, Arizona is hot, hot, HOT seeing high temperatures in the 100F+ range and lows in the 80s. In this kind of heat, most of our guests either hang out inside or head out to the pool (wear your sunscreen!) June – August is the “value season” in Southern Arizona while Northern Arizona enjoys its “peak season”during this time frame. Up north, you’ll find highs in the 80s and lows in the 50s – just perfect for an active vacation!

AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER -DECEMBER)

The fall season starts out warm in September (especially in Southern Arizona) but will drop down considerably over the next few months. Later in the season, the south starts to see some nice temperatures in the 60 to 70°F range. It will get colder up north, averaging anywhere between 40 to 60°F for a high, but it’s not so cold that you can’t take in the sights by foot! Depending on where you travel, you may even come across some snow later in the season. After all, places like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon average about 7,000 feet in elevation!

WINTER (JANUARY – MARCH)

We would consider winter in Arizona quite pleasant for the most part. Southern Arizona experiences its peak season at this time as tourists flock to the warm temperatures, attempting to escape the snow across the rest of the US. The high’s in Phoenix at this time land in the 60 to 70°F range ah, perfect.  Northern Arizona will definitely be colder as you head up in elevation, but the winter temperatures (highs anywhere between 40 to 50°F) are quiet pleasant in the height of the day. Lows can be below freezing so there’s a possibility of snow – dress warm!

arizona adventure

How to prepare/pack/plan for an Arizona Adventure Vacation

You can travel to Arizona at just about any time of the year and enjoy an adventure vacation. So, your main question might be: what do I pack? While our detailed pre-trip planner will give you the specifics, read on for a few tips from our adventure travel professionals on what to pack and how to prepare for your Arizona adventure.

Pack lightweight clothing, but be sure to bring layers

Since it’s warm most times of year in Arizona, you’ll want to be sure to pack lightweight clothing (shorts and t-shirts) to maintain a cool body temperature in the heat of an active day. However, you’ll also want to bring along a few extra warmer layers as it can be cool in the mornings, evenings, and nights! If you’re traveling anytime between late October and early April in northern Arizona, you may want to bring a warm jacket or fleece, gloves, a warm hat, mid-weight long-sleeve layers, warm socks, and long underwear.

Pack your raincoat, especially during monsoon season!

Arizona’s monsoon thunderstorms take place from mid-June through the end of summer during the height of the peak season. Monsoons in Arizona typically bring higher humidity, windstorms, dust storms and periods of heavy rains. Be sure to pack your raincoat in your day pack and make it easily accessible. Thunderstorms are especially common in the afternoons and develop quickly. Luckily, we’ve usually completed our activities for the day and are enjoying ourselves back at the hotel by the time a storm hits. In case you get caught in a thunderstorm during an activity, your guide will direct you to the safest area to wait out the storm.

Bring a day pack

For adults, we recommend a backpack in the 24 to 38-liter range. For kids: a small pack will work, but we find that parents usually end up carrying a lot of their kid’s “stuff” on any given hike! You’ll want to make sure you have enough room for plenty of water, sunscreen, and your camera. You also may shed layers throughout the day or bring a lunch, so don’t forget that you’ll need extra room for these items.

arizona adventures

Travel Tips for Visiting Arizona

When and where you go in Arizona will largely determine how you go about planning your trip. Below, you can read a few insider tips from our knowledgeable team, and if you want to know more – just give us a call!

1. Avoid heat-related illness.

It can be HOT in Arizona in the summer and it’s easy to fall victim to a heat-related illness if you don’t follow a few easy tips. First, drink more fluids than you normally would, ESPECIALLY during any outdoor activity. If you become thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. To avoid this, constantly sip on water throughout the day and drink lots of water after a strenuous activity. Also, you’ll want to steer clear (or enjoy in moderation) beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or large amounts of sugar (these can dehydrate your body!). Also, limit your outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its peak intensity.

2. Phoenix: in the heat of the summer.

When it comes to flying into Arizona, Phoenix is our city of choice. While it’s very hot in the summer, there’s a myriad of things to do inside that will keep you out of the heat but still having fun. There are a  number of water and splash parks if you want to get your soak on. You can also check out the Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona Science Center, or the Mining and Mineral Museum if you’d rather find a little intellectual stimulation. You can even hit up a Broadway production at the Orpheum Theater downtown or catch an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game in the comfort of a closed, air-conditioned ballpark.

3. Exercise now, enjoy yourself later

Many of our guests travel to Arizona from sea level (or near that) and find that activity is more difficult at this higher elevation. To prepare for this change, make sure to practice any kind of exercise routine (walking, running, cycling, fitness classes, etc.) to ensure you feel comfortable taking on an active vacation. The more physical you are before your trip, the better prepared you’ll feel, even with a change in elevation!

Hear from our Happy Guests
4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What our guests are saying about their Arizona Adventures

view all

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2023

Hot Grand Canyon

"We knew it would be hot when we booked a year ago, but an unprecedented heat dome had settled over the southwest weeks prior to our arrival. Despite walking into the blast furnace (aka Phoenix), the remainder of the trip into northern Arizona was far more pleasant. And we were provided ample hydration drinks/water by our amazing guides (Megan and Joel)! It was truly an awesome trip and the best reward was witnessing my family's expressions as they viewed one of the worlds natural wonders for the first time. The accommodations, guides, and meals were all wonderful.

read more

"We knew it would be hot when we booked a year ago, but an unprecedented… read more

"We knew it would be hot when we booked a year ago, but an unprecedented heat dome had settled over the southwest weeks prior to our arrival. Despite walking into the blast furnace (aka Phoenix), the remainder of the trip into northern Arizona was far more pleasant. And we were provided ample hydration drinks/water by our amazing guides (Megan and Joel)! It was truly an awesome trip and the best reward was witnessing my family's expressions as they viewed one of the worlds natural wonders for the first time. The accommodations, guides, and meals were all wonderful. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

L Luke | July 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2023

Grand times in the Grand Canyon

"Honestly, we were not sure what to expect: as time drew closer, we were starting to get concerned about our plan of going to the desert in the middle of the summer. There were heat warnings and advisories and even news of a lady that died of heat in the Grand Canyon! We had never done a guided trip before with the kids and there was going to be plenty of hiking in 100+ heat.

Our trip started off with a long day in Scottsdale after our airline moved us to a very early morning. It was a scorching day in Scottsdale waiting for our tour to start. The next morning, our guides, Joel and Bob, showed up promptly and ready to go. They greeted us and the kids and we set out. We got used to seeing the Austin Adventures van and trailer for the next week!

On day 1, we headed down to the Salt River and got ready to kayak. Joel joined us on our adventure while Bob drove the van to the pick up spot. We had an REI guide with us who…

read more

"Honestly, we were not sure what to expect: as time drew closer, we were… read more

"Honestly, we were not sure what to expect: as time drew closer, we were starting to get concerned about our plan of going to the desert in the middle of the summer. There were heat warnings and advisories and even news of a lady that died of heat in the Grand Canyon! We had never done a guided trip before with the kids and there was going to be plenty of hiking in 100+ heat.

Our trip started off with a long day in Scottsdale after our airline moved us to a very early morning. It was a scorching day in Scottsdale waiting for our tour to start. The next morning, our guides, Joel and Bob, showed up promptly and ready to go. They greeted us and the kids and we set out. We got used to seeing the Austin Adventures van and trailer for the next week!

On day 1, we headed down to the Salt River and got ready to kayak. Joel joined us on our adventure while Bob drove the van to the pick up spot. We had an REI guide with us who lead the group, but having our AA guide with us was great too. They were all very diligent in our need of water, sunblock, and snacks all week. The kayak trip was very nice. The weather was very hot, but the water was cold. We got to paddle and even take turns jumping off of a rock into the channel. It was a very fun way to get things rolling, esp. for the kids. Bob had lunch waitin for us and it was great. All of the guide lunches we had were very good and plentiful. After the kayaking, we headed to Prescott.

Day 2- we started off with a fantastic breakfast at the Hassayampa Inn. The pancakes were huge! My daughter loved her parfait and rest of the crew had tasty omelets. I loved getting Joel's advice on what was good on the menu at each place. After a big breakfast, we headed to Watson Lake outside Prescott. What a beautiful place! Yes, it was hot... But, Joel and Bob always had plenty of water and lots of info about local plants, wildlife, and geological formations. . After the hike, we headed to "Bear"-izona. That's the most bears I've ever seen. We got to feed the grizzlies which was cool. Then we headed to Williams. We would be on our own for the afternoon. Joel gave us several recommendations for what to try for supper.

Day 3-after breakfast the next morning in Williams, we watched a wild west show at the train depot. It was pretty "meh", but we didn't have anything else to do while waiting for the train. The train ride was fun. I enjoyed looking for wildlife as we rode along. After we got to the Grand Canyon, they picked us up and took us to another tasty lunch, except this time it was on the rim and our first glimpse of the GC. We hiked along the rim back to our hotel. What a magnificent sight! It's such a beautiful place. That rim hike was a good warm-up to our canyon hike the next day. We rested up, did a little souvenir shopping, then had a great supper at the El Tovar.

Day 4-This was the big day--into the Grand Canyon! We had a good breakfast at El Tovar. Joel had recommended the avocado toast. I'd never had it before and it was very good. After that we headed to the South Kaibab trail head. We were going to head some miles into the canyon and then back out. Like the guides said, "into the canyon, optional. Out of the canyon, mandatory!" We loaded up lunch and plenty of water. We went all the way down to Cedar Point. The trip out was tough, but not as bad as we thought. We rested a bit then headed to supper outside the park.

Day 5-We headed out of the park to the watch tower and lunch in Flagstaff. The pizza there was great! After that, a beautiful drive to Sedona. It was hot again, but another great place. We got to spend some time in the pool watching the bats fly around.

Day 6-The last day. The Pink Jeep tour was a fantastic way to see the Sedona area. We had a good time doing that. We saw Montezuma's Castle which was a very interesting look at some American history. Then back to the airport and home! It was a great trip! read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

A Amy | July 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2023

Great Family Vacation

"We took our two grandchildren on the Grand Canyon family trip and it was a wonderful way for us to bond with the kids and enjoy the company of the other families. The guides were great with kids and very knowledgeable about the geology, plants, and animals in the desert areas that we visited.

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"We took our two grandchildren on the Grand Canyon family trip and it was a… read more

"We took our two grandchildren on the Grand Canyon family trip and it was a wonderful way for us to bond with the kids and enjoy the company of the other families. The guides were great with kids and very knowledgeable about the geology, plants, and animals in the desert areas that we visited. read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

H Harriet | June 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2023

Great Family Trip

"The views were breathtaking, the variety of travel and experiences were interesting, and the guides friendly and knowledgeable.

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"The views were breathtaking, the variety of travel and experiences were interesting, and the guides… read more

"The views were breathtaking, the variety of travel and experiences were interesting, and the guides friendly and knowledgeable. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

L Lori | June 2023

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2023

Grand Canyon

"This was our family's 3rd Austin Adventures National Park trip. I can't say enough good things about our amazing guides: Megan, Joel and Ryan. The other family's were great travel companions as well. This trip struck a great balance of activity, relaxation and incredible scenery. I knew the Jeep off roading excursion and Grand Canyon Railway would be highlights for my son, but there were also some nice surprises like Bearizona and visiting The Watchtower that will be great memories. Our hotel room in GC had beautiful canyon views out large window. The best nights sleep was in Sedona at The Best Western that included plush bed, private balcony with gorgeous views and a fun hotel pool/activity center.

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"This was our family's 3rd Austin Adventures National Park trip. I can't say enough… read more

"This was our family's 3rd Austin Adventures National Park trip. I can't say enough good things about our amazing guides: Megan, Joel and Ryan. The other family's were great travel companions as well. This trip struck a great balance of activity, relaxation and incredible scenery. I knew the Jeep off roading excursion and Grand Canyon Railway would be highlights for my son, but there were also some nice surprises like Bearizona and visiting The Watchtower that will be great memories. Our hotel room in GC had beautiful canyon views out large window. The best nights sleep was in Sedona at The Best Western that included plush bed, private balcony with gorgeous views and a fun hotel pool/activity center. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

E Emily | June 2023

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure

"great adventure outstanding guides

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"great adventure outstanding guides read more

"great adventure outstanding guides read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

K Kent | September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure - September 2022

Grand Canyon Adventure

"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super and it was a great variety of things to do. We loved it. Austin Adventures goes above and beyond what we even could imagine!!

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"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super… read more

"EVERYTHING WAS FANTASTIC!!!! We had a great trip! All the activities were super and it was a great variety of things to do. We loved it. Austin Adventures goes above and beyond what we even could imagine!! read less

5 Stars (27 reviews)

L Lynn | September 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful.

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"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful. read more

"Great experience. Everything taken care of, wonderful. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

M Michele | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing and I genuinely already miss everyone. It was the little things the guides did for us that made it so special, like a cold glass of pickle pear juice after hiking in the Grand Canyon and setting up lunch to eat around the rim. I cannot wait to go on my next adventure!

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"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing… read more

"For my first Austin Adventures trip, it was beyond my expectations. The guides were amazing and I genuinely already miss everyone. It was the little things the guides did for us that made it so special, like a cold glass of pickle pear juice after hiking in the Grand Canyon and setting up lunch to eat around the rim. I cannot wait to go on my next adventure! read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

M McKenna | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful guides

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"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful… read more

"It was a fun trip. The grand canyon is beautiful, and we had wonderful guides read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

E Emily | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better.

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"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better. read more

"Outstanding. Itinerary was great and the guides were even better. read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

T Tad | July 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I did not care for the Prescott hotel. It wasn

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"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I… read more

"Loved the guides and how they kept everything organized and made things easy for us.
I did not care for the Prescott hotel. It wasn read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

M Mary | June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time.

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"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time. read more

"Great trip! Guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The family had an awesome time. read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

J Jennifer | June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations

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"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations read more

"overall a great trip! wonderful service, pretty good accomodations read less

5 Stars (45 reviews)

J Jennifer | June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation - June 2022

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not to participate in one of the biking and hiking events, other family members said they were fun and worth the time. I thought the food was excellent but felt there was way too much time spent at the dinners and the first breakfast. Buffet breakfast better. While the weather was bad and made watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon impossible, it was never contemplated in the schedule either evening. I

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"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not… read more

"This was a very well executed family oriented active vacation. While I chose not to participate in one of the biking and hiking events, other family members said they were fun and worth the time. I thought the food was excellent but felt there was way too much time spent at the dinners and the first breakfast. Buffet breakfast better. While the weather was bad and made watching the sunset at the Grand Canyon impossible, it was never contemplated in the schedule either evening. I read less

4 Stars (45 reviews)

E Ellen | June 2022

Meet Your Arizona Adventure Guides

FAQs About Adventure Vacations in Arizona

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Austin Adventures traveler, it’s highly recommended you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of travel delays, missed connections, medical expenses or injury, or lost baggage for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Protection page for more in-depth information and our recommended insurance provider.

What's included on your North America trips?

Accommodation

We've spent years finding places to stay that are quaint, perfectly-located, and comfortable when we take you to the most amazing parts of North America. We offer a wide variety of accommodations on our trips ranging from locally run inns and first-class hotels to resorts, dude ranches and historic national park cabins. Accommodations are selected for their location, unique charm and history, and offer a true feel for the region. We strongly believe in the value of a good night's sleep and our accommodation reflects this. We also like to have somewhere comfortable to relax after the day's activities.

Transport

We're really focused on ensuring that we spend as little time as possible sitting in vehicles, and that we optimise your vacation for adventuring in the great outdoors. Our average driving time is just over two hours a day, and we make plenty of stops for bathroom breaks and sightseeing along the way. We use modern, comfortable 15-passenger vans for all of our transfers and a second van is added to most departures to provide more flexibility and more room to spread out while seeing the sights! Make no mistake - our trips are not typical bus tour vacation packages! Picture more of a road trip with family complete with good music, tasty snacks, and plenty of guide-supplied fun facts along the way to keep you entertained!

Meals

Just about all your meals are included when you travel with Austin Adventures in North America. We provide a wide variety of cuisine - breakfasts are typically eaten at your hotel on your own time in the morning before meeting up with the group. Lunches feature everything from elaborate picnics to roadside cafes to sandwiches trailside. Dinners are usually eaten at our hotel's dining room or a local restaurant with plenty of options to choose from. We easily cater to vegetarians, picky kids, and people with particular dietary needs. All our guides have food safety certificates and are well-practiced in the art of food prep and serving while on-the-move. You'll find the meals are a real highlight of your trip!

All Guiding Services

Each trip features two or three incredible guides and our average guest to guide ratio is 6:1. Our guests are often drawn to North America by the beautiful scenic landscapes, promise of wilderness and clean air - and there's no doubt you'll find all that, though what you may not be expecting is to forge real, genuine friendships with your fellow tripmates, including our wonderful guides. They're hands-down the BEST guides you'll ever come across.

Activities

Any activity described in our itinerary, such as hiking, rafting, horseback riding, kayaking and biking, are included in your trip cost. Our itineraries are pretty jam-packed to maximize our time spent exploring in these amazing places, and your guides will make it clear if there are additional activities available (at your expense).

How many people are there on each of our North America trips?

We generally take up to 18 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

Our adult-only departures require a minimum age of 16 years and our family departures require a minimum age of 6 years to join (7 years on our Alaska Family Adventure) and are a great way to meet other like-minded families who like to get outside.
Please note child rates apply to children 12 years and under.

Do you charge a forced single supplement if I'm a solo traveller?

We welcome many solo travelers on our trips – in fact, we get so many solo travelers and they always say it’s a great way to travel alone, but not actually by themselves. You’ll have an incredible adventure sharing your experiences with other like-minded travelers, and the best part is we don't charge extra for solo travelers, providing you don’t mind sharing a room. However, for bookings within 90 days of your chosen departure, a forced single supplement will apply if there is no other guest of the same gender already booked to share with.

If you prefer not to share a room at all, you can upgrade to a single room, if one is available. 

If I book a trip with my children, will I be sharing a room with them?

Active Adventures & Austin Adventures family vacations are naturally about spending time with family and as such, most families opt to share rooms on our trips. At time of booking, families consisting of four guests with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at the guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What if I need a special diet?

We’re accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • pescatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • no pork (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)
  • picky kids (send us a list of what your child will eat and we'll make sure to have it!)
You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in your travel wallet. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online travel wallet.

 

How much luggage can I bring on the North America trips?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get cash?

You'll be able to find a reliable ATM once you arrive to start your trip, within the township or at the airport you land in, as national park ATM locations are sparse at best. Aside from tips for your guides, you could bring $200 and go home with change though some people like to bring some cash to cover a round of drinks, a few souvenirs, and dinner on "night on your own", although you could just as easily use a credit card for these purchases too.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size) and we recommend $15-25 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

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Arizona Adventure Blogs

Why Travel With US

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Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

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Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

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You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

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Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

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Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.

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"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.