Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris · Tusayan
A 4WD safari vehicle leaves Tusayan two hours before sunset, takes forest back roads that skip the line at the south gate, and ends at Grandview Point for the sunset. Pick it for the smaller group and the quieter way in.
Grand Canyon Jeep Tours & Safaris holds forest permits for the back roads in the Kaibab National Forest around Tusayan. On this tour that means you skip the queue at the South Entrance, and enter the park by a quieter route. Then come the stops: Yavapai Point, Pipe Creek Vista and, per the overview, Duck on a Rock, with an hour at Grandview Point for the sunset.
It leaves two hours before sunset, so the start time moves through the year. The vehicle seats up to 12 and the tour needs at least 2 people. Reviews mention elk in the forest, blankets on cold evenings and guides who take photos for you.
Honest caveats. A dirt forest road is not rock-crawling: one September 2026 guest wrote "There is really no off roading". Clouds can hide the sunset, and in monsoon season (July to early September) storms do. The listing also warns off travellers with back problems, heart problems and pregnant travellers. And the $100 park fee for non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older is not in the price.
The lot in front of the Tusayan Fire Department at 408 AZ-64, between the IMAX theater and Wendy's. It is in Tusayan, not Grand Canyon Village.
Dirt roads through ponderosa forest on the operator's permits, around the line at the south gate.
The first rim stop, with a wide view across to the North Rim.
A quieter pull-out east of the village.
The guide times the arrival for the last light, then drives you back to Tusayan.
★★★★★Such a wonderful tour. The ride through the forest was Beautiful and educational. Our stops in the park were great. Our view of the sunset was absolutely stunning.
★★★★★It was rainy and cold but Werner took excellent care of us with water and blankets! He took us on a back road where we saw many elk.
★★★★★She knew so much about everything, and she found a lot of animals, great picture spots and a wonderful sunset. She was also aware of my fear of heights and looked out for me ;)
★★★★★This was a great way to see Grand Canyon. Our guide, Mike, was knowledgeable about the history and brought us to some of his favorite spots. Much easier than trying to navigate on our own.
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Partly on dirt. The vehicle uses forest back roads outside the park, then paved park roads to the viewpoints. It is a smooth back-road drive, not rock-crawling.
Two hours before sunset, so the time changes through the year. Your booking confirmation gives the exact time.
Up to 12, with a minimum of 2. If you are alone, the operator asks you to call 928-638-5337.
Yes. Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older pay the park's $100 nonresident fee unless they hold the $250 non-resident annual pass. It is not in the tour price (NPS fees).
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Forest back roads that skip the entrance gate, then sunset at Grandview Point, in a group of up to 12.
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