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The 21 Best Arizona Tours

Visit the Grand Canyon, Sedona's red rocks and more on these top-rated excursions.

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Arizona is home to several incredible natural sites and Monument Valley is one must-see attraction.

Whatever draws you to Arizona , these tours – determined by U.S. News to be the best available thanks to traveler input and expert opinion – have something for you. If you're eager to see the Grand Canyon State's desert landscape, there are multiple methods offered, ranging from bicycles and off-road vehicles to hot air balloons and helicopters. If you're interested in more particular aspects of local culture, such as cuisine, wine or supernatural phenomena, there are tours for you, too. What these excursions all have in common is informed guides prepared to provide insights into the state's varied attractions.

Monument Valley Safari – Monument Valley Tour

This trip through Monument Valley takes participants to the valley's famous rock formations, including the Mitten Buttes, Three Sisters and the Totem Pole, as well as the Yei Bi Chei spires. You may recognize some of these landmarks from their numerous appearances in Hollywood Westerns. The 3 ½-hour excursion in off-road vehicles also features a Navajo rug-weaving demonstration and a visit to a traditional Navajo home. Visitors to the photogenic valley typically enjoy learning about its history from the experienced guides. Take note that the Navajo Reservation observes daylight saving time, so there may be a time difference between it and some other parts of Arizona. The approximately 36-mile trip is available to book daily with both morning and afternoon departure times (which vary by season). Tickets start at around $90 for adults and $70 for youths ages 8 to 17. Children 7 and younger can ride for free. Monument Valley Safari also offers more immersive experiences, such as an 18-hour Hunts Mesa tour.

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Apache Trail Tours – One Hour Off-Road Desert Tour

Embark on an exciting off-road adventure on this Sonoran Desert tour, where you'll ride trails dating back to the gold rush of the 1800s. As you travel through riverbeds and cross craggy terrain, you'll spot saguaro cacti and desert wildlife like diamondback rattlesnakes. Jeep tours are offered daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tour-takers typically find the drivers/guides both knowledgeable and amusing, and describe the scenery as exceptional. Fees start at $50 for adults and $40 for kids ages 2 to 15. (Children younger than 2 cannot take this tour.) In addition to this 60-minute tour, 90- and 120-minute iterations are also offered. Apache Trail Tours operates out of Goldfield Ghost Town, a recreated Old West boomtown about 40 miles east of Phoenix .

Arizona Winery Tours – Sedona Wine Tour

Visit three Sedona area vineyards on this daylong tour. Wineries visited may include Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery, D.A. Ranch and Page Springs Cellars, among others. Reviewers frequently express appreciation for the guides' knowledge about the specific wineries as well as the history of the surrounding area. Tickets cost approximately $150, which include round-trip transportation to the Sedona/Oak Creek area and transportation between various stops, lunch at one of the wineries, wine tasting fees and snacks. Trips usually occur daily (but may not be available on some weekdays during parts of the year, so be sure to check with Arizona Winery Tours before making your plans). Pickups start at 9 a.m. and outings typically end around 3 p.m. Private tours are also available. All participants must be at least 21 years old and have a photo ID.

Bright Angel Bike Rentals and Tours – Hermit Road Tour

Cycle alongside the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on this family-friendly ride, which winds along on a paved road closed to vehicular traffic. The 5 ½-mile trip features commentary about the sights and the area's history from guides widely deemed friendly and insightful. Prices depend on the size of bicycles used, with ones suitable for adults (or anyone at least 5 feet tall) starting around $75, and bikes for shorter riders running about $55. Bike trailers are available for children ages 2 and older who can't pedal. The fee includes transportation from Bright Angel's location near the canyon's South Rim Visitor Center to the starting point at Hopi Point and back from the journey's end at Hermit's Rest. Tours typically take place from mid-March to mid-October starting at 9 a.m. and last about three hours (including the van rides). The company also offers a guided ride covering a slightly longer distance, as well as bike rentals for those who wish to explore on their own.

Ghost Town Tours – Jerome – The Original Jerome Ghost Adventure

Are ghosts among the residents of Jerome, a former copper mining town? Find out on this 90-minute tour led by guides equipped with ghost-detecting gear. Ghost hunters enjoy the enthusiastic guides and their knowledge of local history as well as all things supernatural on this entertaining excursion. Tours take place daily and depart every two hours starting at 10 a.m.; the last tour departs at 8 p.m. Tickets cost approximately $70 for anyone 18 and older and about $35 for those 17 and younger. Jerome is located about 55 miles southwest of Flagstaff . In addition to Jerome tours, Ghost Town Tours conducts tours in Clarkdale and Cottonwood.

All-Star Grand Canyon Tours – Grand Canyon Day Tour from Flagstaff

This full-day sightseeing trip takes you all the way around the Grand Canyon (weather permitting). Stops include Yavapai Point, site of the Yavapai Observation Station; Mather Point , featuring overlooks atop projecting rocks; Lipan Point, which offers a popular view of the Colorado River; and Desert View, home of its namesake watchtower . The tour also includes a visit to a trading post on the Navajo reservation. Guides win fulsome praise for their insightful commentary. Tickets start at $185 per person (or $100 for children 3 and younger). Prices include transportation and a picnic lunch, which typically takes place at the Tusayan Ruins. In the winter, when it's too cold for a picnic, tickets are discounted and lunch is not included; travelers will be taken to a restaurant for lunch at their own expense. Trips usually start at around 8:30 a.m. and end at about 5 p.m., including the approximately 80-mile drive from and to Flagstaff, and at least five hours in the park. Note that because of COVID-19, only private tours are offered at this time.

Hot Air Expeditions – Shared Morning Balloon Flight

See Phoenix and environs from above on this hot air balloon tour, which reaches altitudes up to 5,000 feet. In addition to the city itself, views include Lake Pleasant and Camelback Mountain as well as Sonoran Desert wildlife like coyotes. Reviewers consistently rave about the unparalleled views of the area, and describe the flight as smooth and the pilots (who double as guides) as informative and skilled. Tours take place every day (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) starting between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m., depending on the time of year. Flights last about 45 to 60 minutes, but the overall tour can last a few hours as it also includes a catered breakfast and a sparkling wine toast. Prices start around $200 for adults and $150 for anyone ages 5 to 12 or shorter than 4 feet tall. Trips depart from Phoenix's Deer Valley Airport. From November through March, afternoon flights are also available.

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Segway of Scottsdale – 2-Hour Scottsdale Segway Tour

Over the course of about 6 miles, this tour hits dozens of Scottsdale points of interest, including the city's canal system, its row of art galleries, its civic center, a ballpark and multiple pieces of public art. Segway of Scottsdale gives each rider an earpiece so they can always hear guides' commentary, which tour-takers tend to find very informative. Past participants report learning a great deal about the city on this two-hour outing. No previous Segway riding is required. Tickets start at $65 per person, which includes use of the Segway and a helmet. Tours depart daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Riders must be between the ages of 12 and 75. E-bike tours are another option for getting to know Scottsdale.

Kerrick James | Courtesy of Verde Canyon Railroad

Verde Canyon Railroad

Ride in comfort through the ravines and red rock buttes along the Verde River bordering the Coconino and Prescott national forests on this approximately 40-mile, four-hour journey in refurbished, climate-controlled train cars. Each car has large windows for viewing the surrounding scenery and wildlife. Passengers also have access to open-air viewing cars where guides provide expert narration regarding the sights. The cars are equipped with full-service cash bars. Travelers find the views remarkable, and the open-air cars are especially popular. Trips typically depart at 1 p.m. on most days, with additional morning and evening tours during select months of the year. Ticket prices start at $100 per person. Packaged snacks and bottled water are provided. The ride's starting point in Clarkdale, the Verde Canyon Depot, features a cafe, gift shop and small railroad-related museum. It's about 25 miles southwest of Sedona.

Desert Wolf Tours – Half-Day TomCar ATV Tour

Take in Sonoran Desert mountain scenery, as well as former stagecoach trails and Native American ruins on this three-hour tour departing from Phoenix. When the weather allows, rides may also involve river crossings. The tour's namesake TomCar all-terrain vehicles seat four and are equipped with roofs and windshields, which means riders 18 and older do not need to wear helmets. Reviewers say guides are fun, safe and well-versed in the desert flora and fauna. Tours are available daily at 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. from mid-September through May. From June through mid-September, tours run at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday only. Rates start at $175 for anyone 12 or older and $109 for those 11 or younger. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license. In addition to the ATV rides, prices include some branded souvenirs. Desert Wolf Tours also conducts outings combining ATV adventures and time at a shooting range.

Arizona Outdoor Fun – Centipede Guided Tour

Explore the Sonoran Desert's mountains, canyons and Agua Fria River via the Centipede Trail on this ATV or utility terrain vehicle adventure. The approximately two-hour trip covers 11 miles and features a nearly 2,000-foot change in elevation. Travelers often describe this journey as great fun and the guides as personable and professional. Drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate either single-seat ATVs or multiple-seat UTVs, which can carry between two and five passengers, depending on models used. Tickets cost about $100 for an individual ATV and range from around $200 to $500 for a UTV, depending on the number of passengers. Tours are available multiple times daily year-round (except Christmas). Start times vary by season: Morning departures are available year-round, but afternoon departures are only available seasonally. Other activities offered by New River-based Arizona Outdoor Fun include rifle shooting and hiking. The company's base camp sits about 45 miles north of Phoenix.

Pink Adventure Tours – Ancient Ruin

Learn about the Sinagua people by visiting the ruins of the cliff dwellings they built near Sedona roughly 700 years ago. Sights on this trip to the Honanki Heritage Site include carved petroglyphs, painted pictographs and other artifacts. In addition to describing the lifestyle and farming practices of the Sinagua people, guides point out the red rock formations and other points of interest during the trip in the company's namesake pink vehicles to and from the site. Travelers generally find the guides to be educational and entertaining. Tours depart daily every hour from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., though there may be fewer options during select months. Tickets for the three-hour expedition start at around $109 for adults and $98 for children ages 2 to 12. (Infants younger than 2 are not permitted.) Be prepared for some walking on bumpy dirt paths during this activity. Pink Adventure Tours offers a variety of Jeep excursions in Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

Maverick Helicopters – Grand Canyon Spirit Tour

Observe the Painted Desert, Desert View Watchtower, Point Imperial, Marble Canyon and other famed Grand Canyon landmarks as you follow the course of the Colorado River from the South Rim to the North Rim on this approximately 45-minute flight. Recent flyers found the aerial views unsurpassable and the pilots friendly, enthusiastic and insightful. Ticket prices start at $309 per person. Tours typically depart Grand Canyon National Park Airport several times daily, in both the morning and afternoon, but the number of flights and particular start times vary by time of year. Maverick Helicopters also offers a number of other Grand Canyon helicopter tours as well as scenic flights around Las Vegas .

Grand Canyon Adventures – Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour

Spend a day visiting two of Arizona's most iconic landscapes. Marvel at Antelope Canyon , a remarkable slot canyon, in the morning and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area's Horseshoe Bend Overlook in the afternoon. In all, this trip includes transportation from and to Flagstaff (roughly two hours each way), about 90 minutes at Antelope Canyon and about an hour at Horseshoe Bend; it may also feature a stop at a Navajo trading post. Tour-takers appreciate the stunning landscapes and the guides' informed commentary. Tours are offered daily starting at around 8 a.m. and conclude at about 5:30 p.m. Tickets typically start at $229 for adults and $199 for children ages 4 to 13; prices include canyon entrance fees, lunch, drinks and snacks. The company also offers guided tours of Sedona and Grand Canyon National Park that depart from Flagstaff.

Arizona Safari Jeep Tours – The Vortex Experience

Visit Sedona's Vortexes – sites believed by some to possess a special mystical, yet palpable energy – on this 2 ½-hour Jeep ride. At each stop, guides share the cultural beliefs associated with the vortexes – a commentary that participants consistently find informative and interesting. The scenery itself also wins high marks. Trips with groups no larger than 15 people take place daily year-round with both morning and evening departures, though specific start times vary with the seasons. Tickets cost approximately $100 for participants 13 and older and $80 for youths ages 5 to 12. (This outing isn't recommended for children younger than 5.) Arizona Safari Jeep Tours also conducts numerous other tours in and around the canyons and rock formations of Sedona.

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Sunset Charter & Tour Co. – Topock Gorge Experience

See Devil's Elbow, Mohave Rock, Praying Indian, Stargazer and other landmarks on this 50-mile pontoon boat ride through Topock Gorge, which is often referred to as a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. The journey along the lower Colorado River also affords opportunities to observe ancient Native American petroglyphs, as well as water fowl and other wildlife. Reviewers appreciate the ample wildlife on display, as well as the captains' astute commentary. From April through September, cruises are offered Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. During these warm weather months, passengers are welcome to swim during the lunch break, so bring a swimsuit if you'd like to take a dip. From October through March, the cruise departs daily at 10 a.m. Tickets cost approximately $145 per person and include a picnic lunch and bottled water. The company also offers sunset cruises on Lake Havasu, as well as tours through Copper Canyon, among other experiences.

Arizona Food Tours – A Taste of Old Scottsdale Food Tour

Sample some of the fare that makes Scottsdale a destination for foodies on this approximately three-hour walking tour. Along the way, you'll stop at up to five eateries in the city's Old Town area for samples of barbecue, gelato, craft beer and Latin cuisine, among other dishes. Samples amount to a full meal and include two alcoholic beverages. Tourgoers enjoy both the tasty offerings and the local history provided by the engaging guides. Tours, which meet at the Old Adobe Mission, are offered daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets start at $75 per person. This tour typically involves a mile or more of walking and is not considered appropriate for anyone younger than 12. At this time, Arizona Food Tours only offers private tours of at least four people (though public tours may resume in the future). A happy hour tour and wine-focused outing are also available.

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co. – Sunrise Balloon Ride

Watch the sun rise over Phoenix's Sonoran Desert and Deer Valley during this top-rated hot air balloon trip. Riders regularly express enthusiasm about the beautiful desert scenery and the pilots' professionalism. The tour, which is offered daily, lasts up to 3 ½ hours and features 45 to 60 minutes in the air. To ensure participants don't miss a minute of the sunrise, Rainbow Ryders requires riders to arrive early (sometimes as early as 4:30 a.m., depending on the time of year). For late risers, a seasonal sunset tour is available. Tickets cost around $250 for adults and $100 for children 5 to 12. (Children younger than 5 as well as pregnant individuals are not allowed on this trip.)

Desert Belle Cruises – Narration Cruise

Bald eagles, bobcats, bighorn sheep, deer and horses reside in the area around Saguaro Lake and may be glimpsed on this 80-minute cruise. During the boat ride, the captain provides commentary regarding area wildlife, as well as local history and geography. Often exceeding travelers' expectations, this trip is frequently described as great fun by reviewers who find the commentary both humorous and informative. The boat, which features an open-air upper deck and a full cash bar, also wins praise. Prices start at $25 for participants 13 and older and $15 for kids ages 3 to 12; infants 2 and younger ride for $5. Narration cruises usually launch at noon and 2 p.m. daily from Saguaro Lake. (Other cruises featuring live music and wine or craft beer tastings are available at 4 p.m. on select days.)

Queen Mine Tours

Descend underground beneath Bisbee to a explore a former mine. During the hourlong tram tour, you'll learn about the methods and risks of copper mining from retired miners who double as guides. Travelers regularly find the guides' commentary fascinating and also describe the tram ride as fun. Tours are offered daily with multiple start times in both the morning and the afternoon. Tickets start at $14 for adults and $6.50 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and younger are not permitted on this excursion. Open-toe shoes and high heels are forbidden. Prices include use of a hardhat and a miner's headlamp.

Tucson Bike Tours – Historic City Bike Tour

Navigate Tucson by bike on this small-group ride. Highlights of the 9-mile journey include the downtown area (featuring a spin through a restored train depot), a Spanish fort in the Presidio district, the University of Arizona , a neighborhood with colorful adobe houses and another with old bars and unique shops. Cyclists describe the tour as a leisurely ride (it traverses mostly flat terrain) and say they learned a lot about the city's history from the insightful guides. This roughly two-hour trip takes place daily at 9 a.m. and noon and is limited to eight cyclists. The company also offers tours highlighting the city's best Mexican cuisine and its vibrant murals.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Arizona
• The Top Things to Do in Arizona
• The Best Restaurants in Sedona
• The Best Sedona Tours
• The Best Sedona Jeep Tours
• The Top Lakes in Arizona
• The Top Arizona Waterfalls

Tags: Arizona , Tours , Travel , Vacations , Arizona Vacations , US Vacations , Southwest Vacations

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Arizona Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Arizona. We’ve got 5 tours going to Arizona, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 7 days. The most popular month to go is  May, which has the most number of tour departures, and the most popular destinations are the Grand Canyon  and the Route 66 . From here you can also visit Copper Canyon .

34 Arizona tour packages with 140 reviews

• Sightseeing

Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell Small Groups Overnight Tour

Nicole was excellent. She gave a great tour , was flexible and showed us really cool places on the go. Her knowledge about the places were apt and very educational.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Hiking & Trekking

Southwest Family Journey: Sedona, Zion & the Grand Canyon

• Christmas & New Year

USA – 5 Days Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpacking Adventure

Hiking in the Grand Canyon: North & South Rims

Summer Rim to Rim

Grand Circuit Inn Based Tour

Hiking the Best of the Grand Canyon

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Lost Canyons of the Southwest

Exploring the Mysteries of Montserrat 7Days/ 6Nights

Arizona Adventure

Arizona Sonora Bike Tour

Grand Canyon Backcountry Hiking tour to Phantom Ranch

Vegas Stars & Canyon Skies

Best of Northern Arizona

Winter Hiking and Backpacking in Grand Canyon: Rim to Rim

What people love about arizona tours.

Amazing tour with fantastic tour guide The tour was amazing. Mike was very knowledgeable and well spoken. He was very fun to talk to. He shared a lot of historical facts about Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and other places we visited in this two day tour. The tour was very well planned and well organized overall in terms of time, logistics, and was a very smooth experience ! Hats off to Mike for making us comfortable throughout and being flexible to accommodate our requests in the extreme heat a few times ! We would definitely recommend this tour from Bindlestiff and especially Mike as the tour guide!

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International Versions

• Deutsch: Arizona Rundreisen
• Français: Circuits et voyages au Arizona
• Español: Circuitos y viajes por Arizona
• Nederlands: Arizona Rondreizen