Planning a trip means knowing when you need to be ready. For our popular 2-night, 3-day Grand Canyon tour, the start and end times vary by day and by the course (A or B) you choose. We believe in being upfront, so you can pack your patience and excitement accordingly.
Here’s an honest, hour-by-hour look at what time the tour actually starts and ends each day, based on our official itinerary at 2-night, 3-day Grand Canyon Tour.
1. The Big Picture: Two Courses, One Amazing Journey
Our 3-day tour visits the same iconic spots: Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Zion Canyon, and Las Vegas. The difference between Course A and Course B is the order of travel, which affects your daily start times.
- Course A (Forward Direction): Starts with Las Vegas, then Page/Lake Powell area, finishing with the Grand Canyon before returning to LA.
- Course B (Reverse Direction): Starts with the Grand Canyon, then Page/Lake Powell area, finishing in Las Vegas before returning to LA.
The choice often comes down to whether you want to build up to the Grand Canyon or see it first. Both include one night in a canyon-area hotel and require you to book your own Las Vegas hotel for one night.
2. Course A: The Forward Direction Day-by-Day
This course begins with the excitement of Las Vegas.
Day 1: LA to Las Vegas
- Start Time: Departure from LA's Koreatown between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Key Stops: Lunch in Barstow (In-N-Out included), outlet shopping, Seven Magic Mountains, Welcome to Las Vegas sign photo.
- End Time: Arrival in Las Vegas in the evening. Hotel drop-off is provided for hotels on the Las Vegas Strip (from The Venetian to Excalibur). This hotel is not included in the tour price; you must book it yourself.
Day 2: Las Vegas to Page (Canyon Hotel Day)
- Start Time: This is the early day. Departure from Las Vegas around 4:00 AM.
- Key Stops: Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon (with Navajo guide), Lake Powell viewpoint, stargazing/ Milky Way photos.
- End Time: Check-in at the included canyon-area hotel after evening activities.
Day 3: Grand Canyon to LA
- Start Time: After breakfast at the hotel.
- Key Stops: Grand Canyon South Rim & East Rim tour, Route 66 photo stop.
- End Time: Arrival back in LA between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tour concludes.
3. Course B: The Reverse Direction Day-by-Day
This course heads straight for the natural wonders.
Day 1: LA to Williams/Canyon Area
- Start Time: Departure from LA's Koreatown at 6:00 AM.
- Key Stops: Rest stop in Barstow, local brunch (not included), Route 66 photo, stargazing/ Milky Way photos.
- End Time: Check-in at the included canyon-area hotel after evening activities.
Day 2: Full Canyon Course to Las Vegas
- Start Time: After breakfast at the hotel.
- Key Stops: Grand Canyon South & East Rim, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon (with Navajo guide), Lake Powell viewpoint, Zion National Park.
- End Time: Arrival in Las Vegas between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Hotel drop-off is provided for Strip hotels (not included in tour price).
Day 3: Las Vegas to LA
- Start Time: Hotel pickup in Las Vegas between 8:00 AM and 8:20 AM.
- Key Stops: Welcome to Las Vegas sign, Seven Magic Mountains, lunch in Barstow (In-N-Out included), outlet shopping.
- End Time: Arrival back in LA between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tour concludes.
4. What's Included and What You Pay On-Site
Knowing the schedule also means knowing what's covered. Here’s a clear breakdown from our tour page.
| Included in Tour Price | Not Included (Pay On-Site in Cash) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle & fuel costs | Meals & personal expenses (except 1 In-N-Out lunch) |
| Guide fees | Travel insurance |
| Safe pickup/drop-off | Toiletries |
| 1-night canyon hotel | Las Vegas hotel (you book it) |
| Hotel breakfast & 1 In-N-Out lunch | U.S. guide tip ($20/day per person = $60 total) |
| Bottled water | Entrance fees & Antelope Canyon guide tip (Total: $235 per person) |
5. How to Choose Between Course A and B
With the same spots, your choice depends on travel rhythm.
- Choose Course A if you want to ease into the trip with lighter first-day travel and the fun of Las Vegas, building up to the natural highlights.
- Choose Course B if you want to see the Grand Canyon first when you're most fresh, and end your trip with the energy of Las Vegas.
The schedule is designed for comfort, but there is one early departure (4 AM on Day 2 of Course A or the long Day 2 of Course B). We manage pace carefully and build in rest stops. For a detailed comparison of all our tours, visit our All Tours page.
6. Final Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Be On Time: Pickup times are windows, not exact moments. Please be ready at the start of the pickup window.
- Pack for Early Mornings: Have layers ready for that early departure. You can rest in the vehicle.
- Book Your Vegas Hotel: Remember, your Las Vegas hotel is not included. Book a hotel on the Strip (between The Venetian and Excalibur) for a seamless drop-off.
- Have Cash Ready: Prepare the $235 per person for on-site fees plus the $60 guide tip in cash for a smooth process.
- Ask Us: If you're unsure which course fits your flight schedule or travel style, just ask us on KakaoTalk. We help match you with the right itinerary.
We run these tours every week because we love sharing these landscapes. Knowing the realistic schedule helps you come prepared to fully enjoy every moment, from the 4 AM sunrise drive to the final evening back in LA. If you're looking for a shorter option, we also offer a comprehensive 1-night, 2-day Grand Canyon Tour that concludes in Las Vegas.
All information is based on our official tour page as of May 2026. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or road conditions.
Next steps
Pick the path that fits, or message us first and we will recommend one
Frequently asked
Is the 4 AM departure day very tiring?
The schedule includes significant driving, but we operate in small groups (4-12 people) which allows for flexible pacing and rest stops. We monitor everyone's condition and the local weather to avoid overexertion. Many guests sleep during the early morning drive.
I'm traveling alone. Can I join?
Yes, many of our guests travel solo. Room assignments are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, you will be paired with a same-gender roommate. A single-room supplement is available if you prefer your own room; please mention this when booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
A full refund is available up to 30 days before departure. Cancellations 20-29 days prior receive a 20% refund, 8-19 days prior receive a 30% refund, and 3-7 days prior receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 2 days of departure are non-refundable.
Can I use my America the Beautiful National Parks Pass?
No. Our tours are commercial operations, and personal annual passes cannot be applied. The required entrance fees are part of the on-site cash payment.
Where exactly in LA is the pickup?
Pickup is in Koreatown, Los Angeles. For Course A, pickup is between 8-9 AM. For Course B, pickup is at 6 AM. The exact meeting point will be confirmed via KakaoTalk before your departure.