DAY TOURS FROM PHOENIX
Some of Destinations options for a tour in Arizona.
GRAND CANYON SOUTH RIM TOURS FROM PHOENIX
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon National Park and some time on Route 66.
This guided tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim departs from the Phoenix & Scottsdale area between 6:00am and 7:00am, and returns between 7:00pm and 8:00pm. If you’re interested in adding a helicopter tour to your South Rim experience, check out our Colors & Canyons Tour. You can even stay overnight to add more adventure to your tour of the South Rim! The expert guided tours that Destination Arizona offers of the South Rim hit all the best things to do at the Grand Canyon to make sure you see all the best sights and attractions on the rim.
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most accessible areas when touring from Phoenix, thanks to its convenient geographical location. The South Rim is 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. At Destination Arizona we travel up scenic route 64 before we reach our ultimate destination.
TRAVEL INFO
855-594-7687
Departure Location:
Most hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe area
Departure Time:
Between 6:00am and 7:00am
Return Time:
Between 7:00pm and 8:00pm
Transportation:
Destination Arizona custom touring vehicles specifically designed for small groups with individual leather captain’s chairs that recline for each person.
Cancellation Policy:
Tours canceled within 48 hours of departure will be charged in full
Notes:
This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.
TOUR ITINERARY
Departs: between 6:00 am and 7:00 am
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Returns: between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm
​
After departing the Phoenix metro area, our tour travels through the expansive Sonoran Desert filled with the native saguaro cactus. The scenery begins to change as we increase in elevation and views of the cactus fade into pine trees. As we continue further into Northern Arizona, we will travel the outskirts of the Route 66 town of Flagstaff and from the highway, see the San Francisco Peaks among the seemingly endless Ponderosa Pine Forest, the largest contiguous forest of ponderosa pines in the world.
Williams will be our first stop along the tour for a chance to experience Route 66, the iconic American highway steeped in rich tradition. While in Williams, guests will have the opportunity to “get their kicks on Route 66” with walks along the original route, explore the local shops and capture souvenir photos highlighting a bygone era in classic American history. Also known as the Will Rodgers Highway, Route 66 is the most recognizable road in the United States and stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to California upon completion. While you are enjoying Route 66, your guide will pick up your picnic lunch made fresh that morning.
You’ll experience about three hours within the National Park marveling at the beauty that is the Grand Canyon. Don’t forget to visit the historic El Tovar Lodge and Hopi House in Grand Canyon Village. While at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, you will have opportunities to walk the rim, shop, capture an unlimited number of photographs, or enjoy your lunch and relax with the best seat in the house.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
-
Lunch
-
National Park entrance fees
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Unlimited bottled water
-
All taxes
-
Guide gratuities
-
Third party activities
TRAVEL TIPS
Temperatures in the Grand Canyon are typically 25-30°F cooler than in Phoenix and vary by season. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.
VERDE CANYON RAILROAD & HISTORIC JEROME TOURS FROM PHOENIX
The Verde Canyon Railroad is a heritage railroad running between Clarkdale and Perkinsville in the U.S. state of Arizona. The passenger excursion line operates on 20 miles of tracks of the Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad, a shortline.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Embark upon this tour of the Verde Valley, including Jerome and the Verde Canyon Railroad.
The Verde Valley was recently named a top 10 travel destination by Lonely Planet, so come enjoy a wonderful day of touring with Destination Arizona. Take a tour of the historic ghost town of Jerome, a tour of the Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale, as well as stunning views from your first class seat on the Verde Canyon Railroad (lunch is included).
This guided tour of the Verde Canyon Railroad and Jerome departs from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area on Wednesday and Saturday between 6:30am and 7:30am, and returns between 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Enjoy a Starlight train ride on Verde Canyon Railroad this summer! Verde Canyon Railroad tours operating on Saturday June 2nd, July 28th, August 25th and September 15th will depart between 10:30am and 11:30am, and return between 10:30pm and 11:30pm. The Verde Canyon Railroad Starlight train rides are a fantastic way to enjoy cooler temperatures and watch an amazing Arizona sunset. The Starlight rides are scheduled to coincide with the full moon so Verde Canyon is brightly lit even late into the trip.
TOUR ITINERARY
Departs: between 6:30 am and 7:30 am
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Returns: between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm
​
The day will begin with a pick up from most hotels in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. After hotel pick up, we will tour to the heart of the Verde Valley which was recently named a Top 10 travel destination by Lonely Planet.
Our first major tour stop will be the historic mining town of Jerome. Mining in Jerome started in the late 1800’s and over the course of its history has produced approximately 33 million tons of ore including copper and gold. During our time in this historic mining ghost town, we will explore the history that made it “the wickedest town in the West.”
After our Jerome tour, we’ll visit the copper mining mecca of Clarkdale and the Arizona Copper Art Museum. Using the original school house, the Arizona Copper Art Museum tour showcases more than 5,000 unique pieces dating back to 3500 BCE. During our time at this world class art museum, guests will explore both functional and artistic uses of this second oldest known metal on the planet. From the practical uses in home kitchen supplies and tools to the ornate works of art used to adorn palaces and castles, the wide uses of copper are nothing short of amazing!
From the Arizona Copper Art Museum, we will tour to the historic Verde Canyon Railroad for a chance to enjoy incredible views of the Verde Valley. The very first tracks were put down over 100 years ago to transport local workers and ore mined from the surrounding Jerome mountains and are still in use today. The unspoiled wilderness you will tour through is a scenic and historic treasure that has left people in awe since 1911. With stunning views of the Verde Valley from either your first class seats or your open-air viewing car, the casual elegance of the train allows guests to discover the heritage uniqueness of the landscape and its diverse ecosystem. From the stunning 1,800 foot tall red rock canyon walls as we get closer to Sedona to the consistently rippling waters of the Verde River, the scenery explored on this four hour journey is truly breathtaking. As they say, “it’s always a good day when you’re on a train.”
TRAVEL INFO
Departure Location:
Most hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe area
​
Departure Days:
Wednesday and Saturday
​
Departure Time:
Between 6:30 am and 7:30 am
​
Return Time:
Between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm
​
Transportation:
Destination Arizona custom touring vehicles specifically designed for small groups with individual leather captain’s chairs that recline for each person.
​
Cancellation Policy:
Tours canceled within 48 hours of departure will be charged in full.
​
Notes:
A minimum number of guests must be met for this tour. You may be booked on stand by until the tour is confirmed.
This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
-
Arizona Copper Art Museum Entrance Fee
-
First Class Seat on the Verde Canyon Railroad
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Appetizers on the Verde Canyon Railroad
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Lunch
-
Unlimited bottled water
-
All taxes
-
Guide gratuities
-
Third party activities
TRAVEL TIPS
Temperatures at the Verde Canyon vary by season. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.
COLORS AND CANYONS TOURS FROM PHOENIX
Each Colors and Canyons Tour is provided through an exhilarating helicopter ride that departs from the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe area and takes you up to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Spend the day exploring the Grand Canyon State with a tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim and historic Route 66 with breathtaking views from a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.
This day tour will treat you to panoramic views at the most expansive sections of the Grand Canyon South Rim and exploration of historic Route 66. Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park with a 45 minute helicopter tour over the deepest and widest part of the Canyon with our travel partner, Maverick Helicopters.
The Colors & Canyons Tour departs daily from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area between 6:00am and 7:00am, and returns between 7:00pm and 8:00pm.
TOUR ITINERARY
Departs: between 6:00 am and 7:00 am
Returns: between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm
​
After departing the Phoenix metro area, our tour travels through the expansive Sonoran Desert filled with the native saguaro cactus. The scenery begins to change as we increase in elevation and views of the cactus fade into pine trees. As we continue further into Northern Arizona, we will travel the outskirts of the Route 66 town of Flagstaff and from the highway, see the San Francisco Peaks among the seemingly endless Ponderosa Pine Forest, the largest contiguous forest of ponderosa pines in the world.
Williams will be our first stop along the tour for a chance to experience Route 66, the iconic American highway steeped in rich tradition. While in Williams, guests will have the opportunity to “get their kicks on Route 66” with walks along the original route, explore the local shops and capture souvenir photos highlighting a bygone era in classic American history. Also known as the Will Rodgers Highway, Route 66 is the most recognizable road in the United States and stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to California upon completion. While you are enjoying Route 66, your guide will pick up your picnic lunch made fresh that morning.
Just before entering the Grand Canyon National Park, you will be checked in for your 45 minute helicopter flight, spanning over 90 miles of the Grand Canyon. After your flight, your DETOURS guide will bring you back into the National Park to discover more by foot. You will have opportunities to walk the rim, shop, capture an unlimited number of photographs, or relax with the best seat in the house.
TRAVEL INFO
Departure Location:
Most hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe area
​
Departure Time:
Between 6:00 am and 7:00 am
Return Time:
Between 7:00pm and 8:00pm
​
Transportation:
Destination Arizona custom touring vehicles specifically designed for small groups with individual leather captain’s chairs that recline for each person. Maverick’s ECO-Starhelicopters feature wraparound glass for outstanding visibility, front-facing, theater-style seating and individual leather seats.
​
Cancellation Policy:
Tours canceled within 48 hours of departure will be charged in full.
Notes:
Body weights required at the time of booking for helicopter safety.
This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
-
Lunch
-
Helicopter tour
-
National Park entrance fees
-
Unlimited bottled water
-
All taxes
-
Guide gratuities
-
$15/person fuel surcharge payable upon check-in
TRAVEL TIPS
Temperatures in the Grand Canyon are typically 25-30°F cooler than in Phoenix and vary by season. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.
Sedona Red Rocks
Red Rock State Park is a state park of Arizona, USA, featuring a red sandstone canyon outside the city of Sedona.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Red Rocks Tour from Phoenix.
Visit sites like Bell Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Airport Mesa in your tour, and if you wish add on an optional jeep tour of Sedona. The Sedona Red Rocks Tour leaves from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area between 6:00 am and 7:00 am, and returns between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
TOUR ITINERARY
Departs: between 6:00 am and 7:00 am
Returns: between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm
​
The Sedona Red Rocks tour gives you a chance to explore ancient Native American ruins, marvel at spectacular landscapes, and explore the local artisans of Sedona and the surrounding area. This day trip features an ancient Native American dwelling from the Sinagua Tribe that existed along this busy trade route between 1250AD – 1425AD. During our tour, we will explore the ruins at Montezuma Castle National Monument, one of the best-preserved Sinagua cliff dwellings in North America dating back around 1,000 years.
Following our time at Montezuma Castle, the tour will begin to explore the mystique surrounding Sedona with options ranging from cultural and spiritual to adventurous and active. You will enjoy views of the famous red rock features of Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Chapel of the Holy Cross. You will also be treated to views of Cathedral Rock, Snoopy Rock, and Submarine Rock, to name a few. In uptown Sedona, you can explore on foot the many art galleries and shops, get a psychic reading, or enjoy the serenity that Sedona provides with a glass of wine on the balcony. Guests will also have the option of experiencing Tlaquepaque, an outdoor arts & crafts village full of art galleries, craft shops, cobblestone paths & decorative arches. An alternate choice available to you as an add-on is an off-road jeep tour exploring the backcountry of Sedona. After approximately two hours, the tour returns home to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
TRAVEL INFO
Departure Location:
Most hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe area
Departure Days:
Daily
Departure Time:
Between 6:00am and 7:00am
Return Time:
Between 5:00pm and 6:00pm
Transportation:
Destination Arizona custom touring vehicles specifically designed for small groups with individual leather captain’s chairs that recline for each person.
Cancellation Policy:
Tours canceled within 48 hours of departure will be charged in full.
Notes:
A minimum number of guests must be met for this tour. You may be booked on stand by until the tour is confirmed.This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
-
National Monument Entrance Fees
-
Unlimited bottled water
-
All taxes
-
Guide gratuities
-
Third party activities
-
Meals
TRAVEL TIPS
Temperatures in Sedona are typically 10-15°F cooler than in Phoenix and vary by season. We recommend bringing a jacket in the event of changing weather patterns.
Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in the American Southwest, on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona. It includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to as Upper Antelope Canyon, and Lower Antelope Canyon.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tour Antelope Canyon in the only day-tour available from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area!
In one day, tour Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and the Navajo Nation. Experience one of the most picturesque slot canyons at Antelope Canyon before taking in the breathtaking views of Horseshoe Bend, among other sights and sounds of the American West. This guided tour of Antelope Canyon from Phoenix departs the Phoenix/Scottsdale area between 4:00am and 5:00am and returns between 8:00pm and 9:00pm that evening. Antelope Canyon tours are available from Phoenix every week on Thursday and Saturday.
TOUR ITINERARY
From the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, our route takes us through the Sonoran Desert up into the picturesque mountain town of Flagstaff. This historic Route 66 town lies at the base of the largest mountain range in Arizona, the San Francisco Peaks, which we will be able to gaze upon as we continue to travel north to the Lake Powell region. Along our way, we will enjoy a visit to a Navajo Trading Post and explore Navajo culture and their intricate crafts. Upon arrival to Page, Arizona, we will begin our tour of spectacular Lower Antelope Canyon.* Here, we will tour Lower Antelope Canyon with a local Navajo guide who will lead you through the amazing natural formations of this world famous slot canyon. The photo opportunities will be second to none! In addition to touring Lower Antelope Canyon, we also include photo stops along the majestic Lake Powell shoreline before stopping for a group lunch in Page at one of their unique eateries.
After our time in Antelope Canyon and Page, we will embark upon a scenic one-mile walk to Horseshoe Bend Overlook which is highlighted by awe-inspiring views into this deeply carved channel and the Colorado River below. Photos from the edge of this natural beauty are widespread across the world and are nothing short of amazing.
*This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness and includes walking up and down stairs, ladders and loose sand at different times during the tour.
TRAVEL INFO
Departure Location:
Most hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe area
Departure Days:
Thursday and Saturday
Departure Time:
Between 4:00am and 5:00am
Return Time:
Between 8:00pm and 9:00pm
Transportation:
Destination Arizona custom touring vehicles specifically designed for small groups with individual leather captain’s chairs that recline for each person. Two tour guides are required for this tour.
Cancellation Policy:
Tours canceled within 48 hours of departure will be charged in full.
Notes:
A minimum number of guests must be met for this tour. You may be booked on stand by until the tour is confirmed.
This tour can also be operated as a private tour. Contact a tour specialist for details.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
-
Continental breakfast
-
Lunch
-
Navajo Park Permit fee
-
Unlimited bottled water
-
National Recreation Area fees
-
Lower Antelope Canyon tour
-
All taxes
-
Guide gratuities
-
Upper Antelope Canyon supplement
-
Meals not listed above
TRAVEL TIPS
Temperatures in Page are typically 5-10°F cooler than in Phoenix and vary by season. We recommend our guests bring jackets in the event of changing weather patterns.
Tombstone
Tombstone is a town in southeastern Arizona, known for its Wild West history. Exhibits at the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park include a replica gallows. On historic Allen Street, the O.K. Corral outdoor theater re-enacts an 1881 cowboy gunfight
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
On this guided day tour of Tombstone, Arizona, explore the “Town Too Tough To Die” and its classic western history like the OK Corral.
Famous for its lawmen and bandits, Tombstone was the metropolitan hub of the American West for its commerce, mining and cattlemen. During your day tour of Tombstone and Southern Arizona, tour wild west history including the San Xavier del Bac Spanish Mission, the famous cemetery at Boot Hill, the Tombstone Courthouse, Big Nose Kate’s Saloon, Birdcage Theater and the OK Corral. This Tombstone Tour departs from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area on Tuesday and Saturday between 6:00am and 7:00am, and returns between 6:00pm and 7:00pm.
TOUR ITINERARY
Departs: between 6:00 am and 7:00 am
Returns: between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm
​
Our first stop as we head into the wild west is the White Dove of The Desert; one of the Southwest’s best preserved missions at San Xavier del Bac. Founded in 1692, the San Xavier Mission is still in operation and allows guests to marvel at the ornate craftsmanship showcasing both Spanish and Native influences. Original frescoes and statuary are still on display within the mission for guests to admire as well.
We’ll head further south into the “Town to Tough to Die”. Tombstone was home to the true men and women of the West. Outlaws, businessmen, miners, and cattlemen flocked to the area in the late 1870’s for their chance to strike it rich. The most famous lawman of Tombstone, and the entire West, was Wyatt Earp. Wyatt and his brothers originally came to Tombstone as entrepreneurs; however, with the increasing unrest they needed to protect their investment in the mining industry and became lawmen. During the tour, guests will be able to stand on the very ground Wyatt Earp stood during the shootout at the OK Corral!
While in Tombstone, you’ll have a chance to visit both sides of this “colorful” town. The original gathering spots for outlaws and gunmen who strolled into town were Big Nose Kate’s Saloon and the Bird Cage Theatre. The Bird Cage Theatre, which had the reputation as “the wickedest nightspot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast,” was a saloon, gambling parlor, and theatre show that provided entertainment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 8 years to anyone brave enough to enter. For those men and women who were “overly brave” and fell afoul of the law, they had to make a visit to the Tombstone Courthouse. Included in your tour will be entrance to the museum at the Tombstone Courthouse, which pays homage to the brave souls who did their best to keep the peace in this rough and tumble town. True to the reputation of the Wild West, gunfights and stand-offs were a weekly occurrence. For those souls unfortunate enough to be on the losing end of those gun battles, they were buried at the infamous Boot Hill Cemetery. The cemetery aptly got its name from those who died with their boots on and were buried as such.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
-
Entrance Fees into Tombstone Courthouse
-
Unlimited bottled water
-
All taxes
-
Guide gratuities
-
OK Corral entrance fee
-
Third party activities
-
Meals
TRAVEL TIPS
Temperatures in Tombstone vary by season. We recommend bringing a jacket in the event of changing weather patterns.
