bus tours

Question

we will have a car while in the grand canyon.

there is a sunset tour offered and I thought it might be a good idea so we were not driving in the dark. thoughts?

how about the bus tour that goes East? my husband take a lot of photos will he feel rushed if we are with a tour or will each stop have plenty of time. How will the parking be if we drive ourselves? We will be there thursday and friday ( oct 2&3). We are staying in the park.

thanks,

Dee

Answer

Visiting the Grand Canyon with a car gives you flexibility, but shuttle and bus tours have advantages, especially for sunset trips or visiting the eastern viewpoints along the South Rim.

Regarding the sunset tour:

Taking a guided sunset bus tour is a good idea if you want to avoid driving in the dark on unfamiliar roads. It can be relaxing since you don’t have to worry about parking or navigating.
The guides usually time the stops to give everyone a chance to enjoy the views, so you won’t feel rushed.
Sunset tours also often include narration about the geology and history, which adds to the experience.

For the East Rim (Desert View) bus tour or driving yourself:

Driving yourself gives ultimate flexibility for photography—your husband can stop as long as needed at each viewpoint.
Parking at popular stops like Desert View Watchtower or Lipan Point is generally available, but in early October (Oct 2-3) it can be busier on weekdays due to seasonal visitors, so arriving early helps.
Bus tours typically stop at multiple viewpoints along the East Rim. While there is time for photos, it may feel a little structured—longer stops are usually 10-15 minutes per site, depending on group size and tour style.

Other tips for driving and parking:

Use the South Rim shuttle system for busy areas like Mather Point, Yavapai, and the Visitor Center to avoid congestion and limited parking.
Arriving mid-morning or mid-afternoon at popular viewpoints usually allows for easier parking.
If your goal is photography and flexibility, driving yourself is preferred; if you want a stress-free evening with commentary and no night driving, the sunset tour is a smart choice.

In summary, both options work well. Driving yourself gives more control and photography time, while a guided sunset tour is relaxing and removes the stress of driving after dark. Many visitors combine both: they drive during the day and take a sunset or sunrise tour for convenience and guided insight.

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