GC and other sights with crutches

Question

Hi, my 14 yr old son had unexpected toe dislocation surgery and is in a CAM boot and crutches. We are planning on visiting LV/AZ and need help with tour operators who can help plan an itinerary/tours to accommodate him. We are going to be in the area from Dec 21-31 and have flexibility to keep Phoenix of Sedona as base or LV or both to see max NPs.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Answer

Visiting the Grand Canyon and nearby sights with your son on crutches will require careful planning, but it’s definitely manageable, especially if you focus on accessible viewpoints and guided tours that minimize walking.

Base Locations:

Phoenix/Scottsdale: Good if you want access to Sedona and surrounding landscapes. Drive times to the Grand Canyon are 3.5-4 hours one-way, so day trips can be long.
Las Vegas: Convenient if you also want to see Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, and Grand Canyon West. Grand Canyon South Rim is about 4.5 hours from Vegas, so consider a 1-2 night stay near the park.
Sedona: Ideal for Red Rock sightseeing and short scenic drives. Accessible trails like Bell Rock and Chapel of the Holy Cross are relatively easy with crutches.

Grand Canyon Accessibility Tips:

The South Rim is very wheelchair and mobility device friendly. The shuttle buses to major viewpoints are accessible, and many overlooks have paved paths that are crutch-friendly.
Consider renting a mobility device or wheelchair if crutches become tiring; this can be done at visitor centers.
Popular viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View have paved paths suitable for crutches.
Avoid long hikes; instead focus on scenic drives and overlooks.

Tour Operators and Services:

Detours Arizona/Grand Canyon Shuttle Services: Offer customizable Grand Canyon tours from Phoenix or Sedona, including pickup, accessible viewpoints, and minimal walking.
Gray Line Tours (Las Vegas): Offers Grand Canyon West and Hoover Dam tours with options for minimal walking and accessible transportation.
Pink Jeep Tours (Sedona): Specializes in off-road Red Rock tours with vehicles that can accommodate someone on crutches for shorter scenic drives.
Accessible Guided Tours: Look for tours that specifically advertise accessibility—these often include shorter walks, wheelchair-friendly vehicles, and flexible pacing.

Other Sightseeing Considerations:

Red Rock Scenic Drive in Sedona—drive and stop at overlooks; minimal walking required.
Hoover Dam from Las Vegas—parking is close to viewpoints; guided tours are mostly accessible but check for indoor sections.
Route 66 towns (Seligman, Williams)—easy stops for photos and food; minimal walking.

Suggested Strategy:

Base in either Sedona for natural beauty or Las Vegas if combining Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West. Consider a short overnight near the South Rim to reduce driving strain.
Use guided tours that offer door-to-door service and flexibility to accommodate your son’s crutches.
Plan for scenic drives, viewpoints, and minimal walking to make the experience enjoyable for the whole family.

Overall, with some careful planning and the right tour operators, you can have a rich and accessible Grand Canyon and Arizona/Nevada experience without overexerting your son.

GC and other sights with crutches

More Grand Canyon National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions