Grand Canyon, Bryce & Zion

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Grand Canyon tour is fully guided and includes all hotels, activities, and some meals. Happy Travels! Caravan
Zion National Park
Grand Canyon
Tour Map

Tour Year:

20262027

Discovering Wildlife in Grand Canyon National Parks

Appreciating the wildlife in Grand Canyon parks and trails is a great way to make your trip all the more memorable. Visitors often note the stellar sunsets and panoramic views as a key reason for visiting, but these lands are actually a thriving ecosystem loaded with many different kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, which are ready for viewing at a safe distance.

The many trails that take visitors throughout the canyon are home to endless species, living their best lives alongside guests who are welcome to view them without disruption. Learn more about the many species that call the Grand Canyon home with this simple guide.

Safety Considerations For Appreciating Wildlife

Visiting for the first time, it is clear to see why so many people visit the Grand Canyon. But the natural beauty of this destination is home to many different animals that the staff throughout the park are dedicated to protecting. The park strictly forbids guests from feeding or touching any wildlife in the park.

In fact, the Grand Canyon National Park website encourages all visitors to view wildlife from at least two school bus lengths away. Further, guests are not allowed to provoke the animals for the sake of a great photo, but must instead appreciate them quietly and from a distance. These rules are in place to protect both you and the wildlife from harm. Be respectful throughout the trip and enjoy the natural beauty of this destination without complication.

Where to See Wildlife in The Grand Canyon

With safety and respect in mind, many visitors can catch a glimpse of wildlife across the park’s many trails. Rim Trail on the South Rim (Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum) and the North Kaibab Trail and Desert View Drive are both great options for taking in wildlife. However, many of the most popular viewpoints and trails remain home to endless species.

Truly, the Grand Canyon is bursting with life, and wildlife is seen distributed throughout the park’s many trails. Many visitors can even catch glimpses of wildlife at popular viewpoints.

Birdwatching in The Grand Canyon

Many bird watchers “flock” to Grand Canyon National Park to see exotic and rare bird species, most notably the California condor, the peregrine falcon, and the world-famous bald eagle. Some of the species you may be able to view include:
Research conducted by the National Park Service (NPS) has identified over 359 different species of birds that are either permanent residents or seasonal visitors. Some highlights include:

  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Golden Eagle
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Turkey Vulture
  • Common Raven
  • Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay
  • Pinyon Jay,
  • Violet-green Swallow
  • Rock Wren
  • Black-throated Gray Warbler
  • Juniper Titmouse
  • Mountain Chickadee
  • Bushtit
  • Ash-throated Flycatcher
  • Lesser Goldfinch
  • Dark-eyed Junco
  • Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
  • Mexican Spotted Owls
  • Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo.

Consider visiting the park in the early mornings to avoid crowds, but also improve your chances of viewing the largest number of species possible. Fall remains the best season for birdwatching, with many species still present all year long.

Viewing The Mammals of The Grand Canyon

The inner canyon trails at both the North and South Rims are reported to be the home of 90 different species of mammals. Visitors often report sights in forested areas, but also rocky open spaces along the Canyon’s rim. Species of mammals guests may come across include:

  • Elk & Mule Deer
  • Desert Bighorn Sheep
  • Abert’s Squirrel
  • Coyotes
  • Bobcats
  • Mountain lions
  • Bison

Under all circumstances, never provoke, feed, or disturb any of the mammals you encounter.

Reptile Species in The Grand Canyon

Home to 41 different reptile species, including 6 different venomous rattlesnakes, these animals can be appreciated from a safe distance, known to be especially prominent during the hot summer months. Some species you may come across include:

  • Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard
  • Common Chuckwalla
  • Gila Monster
  • Western Whiptail
  • Collared Lizard
  • Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
  • Gopher Snake
  • Sonoran lyre snake
  • Desert nightsnake.
  • Desert Tortoise

Viewing Amphibians in The Grand Canyon

Amphibians remain an important element of the Grand Canyon’s biodiversity, known to be especially vulnerable to changes in their environment. The Grand Canyon remains an important home to 8 different species of amphibians, including:

  • Canyon Tree Frog
  • Red-spotted Toad (Anaxyrus punctatus)
  • Tiger Salamander
  • Woodhouse’s Toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii)
  • Western Tiger Salamander
  • Great Basin Spadefoot (Spea intermontana)
  • Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)

Arachnids and Insects At The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon just might be heaven for insect lovers, as there are close to 1,500 different species of invertebrates and insects that call the park home. Key members of the Canyon’s ecosystem, these species help decompose decaying materials and act as helpful pollinators to my plant species. Visitors can encounter:

  • Beetles
  • Wasps & Bees
  • Butterflies & Moths
  • Tarantulas
  • Scorpions
  • Black widows

Simple Tips For Enjoying Wildlife at The Grand Canyon

For those who love nature and wildlife, use these tips for the best possible wildlife viewing experience at the Grand Canyon.

  • Bring Your Binoculars: Safe viewing is done from a distance, and binoculars or even a zoom camera lens can help you appreciate your findings from a distance. Never approach wildlife you come across, and always remain peaceful and quiet.

  • Arrive Early: The more peaceful and calm the park is, the more likely you are to come across wildlife. Show up for early morning hiking experiences to improve your chances of coming across rare wildlife species.

  • Dress Comfortably: Bring out your best hiking gear, including comfortable shoes, refillable water containers, and removable layers. Depending on the season, you may need to prepare for rain or cooler temperatures. Bring along a variety of clothing that can keep you comfortable no matter the weather.

  • Keep a Safe Distance: The Grand Canyon National Park website encourages visitors to stay two school bus lengths away from all wildlife for your safety and theirs. Leave the park exactly as you found it and be respectful of all rules and guidelines.

  • Morning or Night: Should you be unable to visit early morning, early evening is another good time to explore the park in search of wildlife. While the park remains busy all day long, look to explore calm and quiet portions of the park if you wish to see wildlife.

  • Never Head Off Designated Trails: The Grand Canyon remains home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in America, but guests are required to stay along these paths. Heading off posted hiking trails puts not just you at risk, but also the ecosystems found within the Canyon. You risk disrupting the natural environment here, as heading off-trail requires a special research permit.

  • If You Are Ever Unsure, Ask: Park Rangers are ready to answer questions from guests and help them have the best possible experience. Look to your tour guide to help you find the right hiking trail for not just wildlife viewing, but for your safety.

Private Group Travel Considerations

Visitors who are looking to experience wildlife along their trip to the Grand Canyon can see great benefits from booking a private group tour. Small tour groups with a dedicated guide make the experience both fun and exciting, offering deep knowledge about the offerings of the park, but also offering their guidance for animal lovers.

While the Grand Canyon National Park is welcoming to individuals, they are host to many different tour groups that include stops beyond the most frequented trails and tourist hotspots.

Have Caravan Take You There

Caravan stands as your number one provider of intimate and private group travel offerings that can help you experience the diverse wildlife found in the Grand Canyon. In fact, the multi-day private tour of the Grand Canyonoffered by Caravan includes a deep exploration of the Canyon itself, but also the unique opportunity to explore the ecosystem found in the Navajo Nation. Here you can explore many trails that are often only available to private tour groups, helping you connect with nature but also take in the endless wildlife seen throughout the area.

Utilize the experience of travel guides who maintain deep knowledge of the Grand Canyon experience, ensuring you never miss an important detail. This trip is perfect for first-time visitors, but also experienced nature enthusiasts looking to discover all that the Grand Canyon and this beautiful state have to offer.

Book your trip today!

Travel with confidence knowing that every detail of your trip has been carefully planned out, with guides that can set you in the right direction and help you appreciate this incredible wonder of the world. Reach out to us directly by calling 1 (312)-321-9800, or 1-800-CARAVAN to learn more about our private travel group offerings of the Grand Canyon.

Spaces remain limited, call us today to learn more and book your dream vacation today!

Monument Valley
Bryce Canyon
Antelope Slot Canyon

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2026 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.

Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport

Day 1 • Phoenix

Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport

Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport

Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport is located two miles from the airport and fifteen minutes from downtown Phoenix. The hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool and an outdoor whirlpool/hot tub. The hotel is 100% smoke-free. Guest rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen television, telephone, iron and ironing board, hair-dryer, safe, coffee maker, mini-fridge, and a desk with an ergonomic chair.

Thunderbird Lodge
Kachina Lodge
Maswik Lodge
Yavapai East Lodge

Days 2, 3 • Grand Canyon

Thunderbird Lodge

Thunderbird Lodge

Thunderbird Lodge is a contemporary lodge located a few feet away from the rim edge of the Grand Canyon. All of the rooms have either two queen beds or one king bed, in-room coffee, refrigerator, safe, cable television, telephone, full bath, and air conditioning. Handicap rooms are also available. At Thunderbird Lodge, it's just a three minute walk to the Bright Angel Restaurant, Arizona Room Restaurant, and El Tovar Restaurant.

Kachina Lodge

Kachina Lodge

Kachina Lodge is a contemporary 'twin' lodge to the Thunderbird Lodge, located just a few feet away from the rim edge of the Grand Canyon. All of the rooms have either two queen beds or one king bed, in-room coffee, refrigerator, safe, cable television, telephone, full bath, and air conditioning. Handicap rooms are also available. At Kachina Lodge, it's just a three minute walk to the Bright Angel Restaurant, Arizona Room Restaurant, and El Tovar Restaurant.

Maswik Lodge

Maswik Lodge

Maswik Lodge is surrounded by a Ponderosa pine forest. Located one quarter of a mile from the rim edge of the Grand Canyon, all rooms have two queen beds or one king bed, coffee maker, mini-fridge, in-room safe, satellite television, hair dryer, telephone and air conditioning.

Yavapai East Lodge

Yavapai East Lodge

Yavapai East Lodge is conveniently located a short walk to the post office and the Market Plaza. The General Store is located at the Market Plaza and sells groceries, hiking equipment and gift items. Free park shuttles operate every 15 to 30 minutes, with stops at scenic overlooks. Yavapai Lodges has a tavern, a cafe and a dining hall. All rooms have two queen beds or one king bed, air conditioning, microwave and mini fridge, coffee maker, flat-screen television, telephone, iron and ironing board, hair dryer. WiFi is available at the Yavapai Lodge main building. Due to the remote location, the Wifi has limited bandwidth and is not ideal for downloading, streaming, etc.

Lake Powell Resort

Days 4, 5 • Lake Powell

Lake Powell Resort

Lake Powell Resort

Stay two nights at Lake Powell Resort. The resort is located on the shores of Lake Powell at Wahweap Marina, about 5 miles from the town of Page, Arizona and two miles from Glen Canyon dam. Guest rooms have two queen beds, air conditioning, coffeemakers and hair dryers. The resort features two pools, a jacuzzi, and a small beach on the lake shore. The resort has a lounge and two restaurants. Your breakfast is included each day at the world famous Rainbow Room, with spectacular views of the Glen Canyon and Lake Powell.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park

Days 6, 7 • Zion Park Area

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park

Stay two nights at the award winning Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Virgin Zion National Park, in the scenic town of Virgin. Enjoy your spacious rooms, offering one or two-king beds in every room. Stroll to the banks of the Virgin River, or just take in the views. Cool off in the super-sized outdoor pool, or relax in the hot tub while enjoying the scenery & sunset. Rooms include high speed Wi-Fi, 55" Smart TVs, air conditioning, phones, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers and coffeemakers.

Please note: The tours starting on September 30, October 2, and October 4 will stay at the Holiday Inn La Verkin (near Zion National Park).

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Airport Transfers

Arrival Transfers

Caravan’s Phoenix, Arizona hotel, the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport (427 North 44th St.) provides a courtesy shuttle from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Upon arrival, after collecting your luggage, please request a pickup by calling the hotel from the baggage claim area at: 602-661-3160. The shuttle operates from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Taxis cost approximately $20 and take 10 minutes.

Departure Transfers

Caravan includes a departure transfer to Harry Reid Airport, formerly known as McCarran Airport, (LAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada on the day the tour ends, arriving by 11 a.m. Please schedule flights after 1 p.m. If you wish to extend your stay in Las Vegas, taxis and shuttles are available from the airport. (Las Vegas regulations prohibit Caravan’s motorcoach from making stops at individual Las Vegas hotels). Taxis cost approximately $20-$30 and take 25 minutes or more. Airport shuttle services are located near the dropoff point.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

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Passports & Visas

Non U.S. citizens, please check your passport and visa requirements.

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Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

PhoenixGrand CanyonZion Park Area
TempRainTempRainTempRain
Jan66/410.742/181.552/291.6
Feb71/450.745/211.657/311.6
Mar76/490.951/251.763/361.7
Apr85/550.260/311.073/431.3
May94/640.170/380.783/520.7
Jun104/730.181/460.693/600.6
Jul106/810.885/531.6100/680.8
Aug104/801.082/522.197/661.6
Sep98/730.976/461.591/600.8
Oct88/610.764/361.278/491.0
Nov75/490.751/261.063/371.2
Dec66/421.044/201.553/301.5

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Phoenix
temp66/4171/4576/4985/5594/64104/73106/81104/8098/7388/6175/4966/42
rainfall0.70.70.90.20.10.10.81.00.90.70.71.0
Grand Canyon
temp42/1845/2151/2560/3170/3881/4685/5382/5276/4664/3651/2644/20
rainfall1.51.61.71.00.70.61.62.11.51.21.01.5
Zion Park Area
temp52/2957/3163/3673/4383/5293/60100/6897/6691/6078/4963/3753/30
rainfall1.61.61.71.30.70.60.81.60.81.01.21.5

Clothing Tips

This is a predominantly casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. A good pair of tennis shoes or hiking shoes is recommended for walking in the parks. Please bring a sweater or jacket to wear on the air conditioned motorcoach, and to wear at night at higher elevations such as the lodge at the Grand Canyon. Please bring a lightweight rain poncho in case of rain. Dress code for most evenings is smart casual.

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Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 52 Travel Tips

Meals

Meals included in the land price are indicated at the beginning of each day by B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner). Dinner, when included, is served at your hotel except when, as indicated in the itinerary, it is at a special restaurant outside the hotel. Coffee or tea is provided at all included meals.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, many meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides.

Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Size of Tour Group

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

Forms of Payment

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Caravan’s Travel Protection

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

REAL ID Required to Fly

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. If you do not have a REAL ID, a valid passport or passport card is also acceptable documentation for domestic flights. More information is available at www.TSA.gov or via your state’s department of motor vehicles.

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Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 366 Customer Reviews

"Each day was filled with the right amount of sightseeing and free time."

J. &. S. M., Manchester, Iowa

"The tour was simply fantastic! The tour allowed for activities for all levels of fitness or physical capabilities."

J. N. V., Adkins, Texas

"It was nice to be able to have free time to explore the Grand Canyon and Zion on our own."

J. D., Doylestown, Ohio

"Nothing can beat the beauty of the places we saw."

L. J. L., Sacramento, California

"The destinations were great, and we had plenty of time to enjoy them, as well as time to do things on our own."

C. S., California, Kentucky

"The stops for this trip were incredible. Montezuma's Castle, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park - all in one trip? You simply can't beat this!"

Client, Fort Mill, South Carolina

"This tour exceeded all our expectations. The Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, and Antelope Slope were breathtaking and each was so different from the next. We feel the tour was structured to give you the right amount of time at each location, and we enjoyed the additional stops along the way."

M. A. W. P., Bristol, Connecticut

Read All 366 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 366 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA