I would like to request information on grand canoyn floating trip.
Sure – where are you staying during your visit?
At the Holiday Inn in Flagstaff, Arizona.
I am just wondering where they could be picked up and at what time, because it doesn’t make sense for them to drive all the way to the airport if they go to some Grand Canyon hotels.
We offer a Colorado River Float Trip package that also includes a hike in Lower Antelope Slot Canyon.
Pickups are offered at most major hotels in Flagstaff (which includes the Holiday Inn). Pickup is 6.30-6.45 am
The one I am talking about is the smooth water float trip.
It definitely makes more sense to be picked up right in Flagstaff versus driving all that way to the South Rim.
http://grandcanyon.com/
So they do pick up at the Holiday Inn in flagstaff between 6:30 to 6:45am?
They sure do.
So the passangers just need to be in front at the hotel at this time?
Yes, at the front lobby. When you book the trip, you’ll receive a confirmation via e-mail that will give you the meet time, location, guidelines on what to bring, wear, etc.
Where does the tour starts picking up passengers?
The starting point is the Grand Canyon Store in Flagstaff, which is across from the AMTRAK Station.
Okay we have 45-50 pax.
Would that be okay?
Yes, absolutely.
What time do they drop them off at the hotel?
6:30PM?
The trip is ~12 hours long, so round 6.30-7 PM. That said, refrain from scheduling anything time sensitive for that evening in case you encounter a traffic problem or other delays.
Alright. What is the price per person?
Our price per person is $229.
Okay ..thank you
We are requesting information on a Grand Canyon floating trip.
Where can we park the car to catch a bus?
Visitor – We are staying in Tusayan and would like to explore the South Rim? Where can we park the car to catch a bus?
Visitor – And what is an ideal spot to watch the sunset?
Rita – There are several places in Tusayan to catch the shuttle into the Park, and they are well marked. The IMAX theater is one location.
Rita – Please keep in mind the Tusayan Shuttle does not begin until May 12, through September 7th and for Sunset, anywhere along the rim is Great!
Visitor – Oops, we get there tomorrow; can we park inside the village?
Rita – Yes, you can drive inside the Park entrance and then pick up the “in-park” shuttle.
Rita – There are several places to pick up the shuttle and they are very well marked.
Rita – I would suggest catching the shuttle at the first parking lot you come to after entering the park.
Rita – Parking in the Village is usually full.
I am trying to plan a vacation for my parents.
Visitor - I am trying to plan a vacation for my parents so I’m looking to see what is available…
Rita – Are they interested in visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim?
Visitor – What is the South Rim?
Rita – The Grand Canyon has “rims” you can visit.
Rita – Each one offers a different experience
Rita – The South Rim is the most visited, the most accessible to the public
Visitor – How can I find out what they are like?
Rita – Let me find some information for you.
Visitor – So, do you recommend the South Rim???
Rita – Here is a Travel Planner: http://grandcanyon.com/pdf/
Rita – When people see pictures of the Grand Canyon it is usually of the South Rim. It has beautiful views and offers more in the way of lodging, restaurants, museums.
Rita – Here is some more information for you: http://grandcanyon.com/travel.
Visitor – Are there tours available from Las Vegas?
Rita – Definitely! Let me find those for you.
Visitor – You are so helpful!
Rita – Las Vegas tours: http://grandcanyon.com/
Rita – Several of the tours from Las Vegas cover an area called Grand Canyon West.
Rita – Grand Canyon West is not located in the National Park, but is on Indian Tribal land, and is a high desert region versus the forest area of the South Rim.
Visitor – So would the South Rim be nicer?
Rita – The South Rim is considered the “true” Grand Canyon National Park. However, Grand Canyon West is in the Grand Canyon.
Visitor – Oh, I see.
Rita – There are tours from Las Vegas that take in the South Rim.
Rita – These tours are all day tours because of the distance.
Visitor – How far away is Las Vegas?
Rita – The South Rim is 5 hours from Las Vegas, while Grand Canyon West is only 3 hours from Las Vegas.
Visitor – Is Las Vegas the closest place to fly to?
Rita – Las Vegas is usually less expensive air fare from most cities, but Phoenix is about the same distance from Grand Canyon South Rim.
Rita – There are commuter flights into Flagstaff, AZ from Phoenix.
Rita – Flagstaff is about 90 minutes from the South Rim.
Visitor – Oh, I see. I think Las Vegas will be the most economical than for them.
Visitor – What time of year is best?
Rita – Spring and Fall are best. The summers are hot in Las Vegas and warm at the South Rim, although not as hot as Las Vegas.
Rita – Would you like lodging options for the South Rim? They do book up quickly.
Visitor – Are there tours that include lodging?
Rita – We offer day tours or less. We can only recommend lodging.
Visitor – Ok. Is it cheapest to lodge in Las Vegas or at the South Rim?
Rita – Las Vegas hotels are very reasonable and plentiful.
Rita – The South Rim lodging is more expensive and there are not as many options to choose from.
Visitor – So then the tour would begin at Las Vegas?
Rita – Yes, many of the tours do begin in Las Vegas and include hotel pick up and drop off.
Visitor – Thanks so much for your help. You have given me some good ideas. I will continue looking around.
Rita – Take your time, and let me know if you need more information!
We will be at Grand Canyon on May 18 Friday night camping out.
Visitor – Yes, We will be at Grand Canyon on May 18 Friday night camping out, Do i need a lot of gear it is our first camp out. 3 boys with my wife and I.
Alley – Do you have a space reserved?
Visitor – Yes we just reserved it yesterday, South Rim I don’t remember where, but I am nervous we dont have a lot of gear and I am afraid of bears.
Alley – You’ll need the basics, tent, sleeping bags. Sleeping bags should be fairly sturdy as nights are still getting down around freezing.
Alley – No bears at the Grand Canyon, too dry…
Alley – Also, probably won’t need a portable stove as Mather Campground has barbecue grills and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Would recommend flashlights or headlamps because it gets very dark at night.
Visitor – Ok, in May it is cold?
Visitor – Ok flashlights cool…
Visitor – We won’t do much hiking but apropiate shoes right?
Alley – Daytime highs are nice, in the high 60′s, low 70′s but overnight lows are still around 30
Alley – Yes, tennis shoes, or perhaps Tevas/Keens type sandals if you prefer sandals.
Visitor – Okay Iam at the library using the computer. Can I chat with you later or do get a different person and what is the website to chat you are very helpful!
Alley – It’s http://GrandCanyon.com… I’m available until 2 PM Arizona Time. If you get one of my co-workers that’s cool, they know just as much (if not more) than I do 
Visitor – Thank you so much. Wow, I was not prepared for cold, but I will be now. Have a nice day, Alley.
Alley – YouTube Video re: camping ->: http://youtu.be/Ut5qiY1ODOc
I am planning a road trip across america and one of our stops is the grand canyon!
May 8, 2012 – chat conversation with a GrandCanyon.com visitor.
Visitor – Hi! I am planning a road trip across america and one of our stops is the grand canyon! We will only be visiting it for one day and plan on sleeping nearby in a hotel.
Visitor – We mainly want to ‘view’ the canyon at the most desireable views.
Alley – Hi thanks for visiting
Alley – The most “desirable” views are definitely from Grand Canyon South Rim. As for where you might stay, when are you planning on visiting?
Visitor – October of this year or April of next year
Visitor – We haven’t decided because my vacation time is varying.
Alley – Very good. Staying inside the park is always most desirable, but those Grand Canyon hotels fill the quickest. For availability and pricing, visit www.grandcanyonlodges.com or call 888-297-2757
Visitor loaded: http://grandcanyon.com/hotels.
Visitor – Are there plenty of hotels that aren’t in the park?
Alley – If you are unable to find lodging inside the park, the next best option is Tusayan, Arizona just outside the park (the page you just clicked on).
Visitor – Ah yes, this is probably more our budget.
Alley – “Plenty?” No – there are 6 hotels inside the park, all of which fill 6 months to a year in advance, so if you’re visiting in October, they’re down to slim pickings.
Alley – But you might still find availability in Tusayan/GC Village South
Visitor – So if we were going in April of next year I would probably want to book around December?
Alley – If you want to stay inside the park, booking now would actually be the way to go, especially if you’d like to stay in one of the rimside properties.
Alley – Please watch our video on Grand Canyon hotels in-park ->: http://youtu.be/y2_YbePEsR0
Looking for boat and helicopter rides through the Grand Canyon?
May 4, 2012 -
Grand Canyon Boat and Helicopter Rides
Visitor – I am looking for boat and helicopter rides through the Grand Canyon. Also, looking for the city starting points for these rides.
Rita – For boat and helicopter combination tours, they would depart out of Las Vegas and cover an area called Grand Canyon West which is located about 3 hours from Las Vegas and is on Hualapai Indian Tribal land. http://grandcanyon.com/
Visitor – Do any that take off on the east side? or is it mostly out of Las Vegas?
Rita – If you are visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim, which is 5 hours from Las Vegas and located in the National Park, you can take helicopter rides, and float or rafting trips: http://grandcanyon.com/
Visitor – This information is for my boss and Las Vegas is out of the way. He is driving down from Cedar City, Utah and then wants to hit the Grand Canyon for some tours and then be on his way to the four corners area.
Rita – Ok, what time of year is he traveling?
Visitor – It will be in August.
Rita – He could visit the Grand Canyon North Rim, which is about 3.5 hours from Cedar City, Utah…however, it does not offer any helicopter or rafting trips.
Rita – The Grand Canyon South Rim would be about 6 hours from Cedar City. The South Rim offers tours of all kinds of tours.
Visitor – Oh, okay.
Visitor – Do you know of anything else they could do at the North Rim that is family focused?
Rita – There are mule rides, let me find some information for you: www.grandcanyonforever.
Visitor – Okay, perfect.
Rita – Also keep in mind, there is only one lodge at the North Rim and it books up a year in advance. Try www.grandcanyonforever.com/
Visitor – Wow!
Rita – If he comes through Page, there are air tours and float trips available as well.
Visitor – Is that still grand canyon? or outside of the canyon?
Rita – Page is outside of Grand Canyon, but is located next to Glen Canyon, which is the start of the Grand Canyon.
Rita – The float trips go through Glen Canyon.
Visitor – Okay good. thats a good idea!
Rita – Try www.coloradoriverdiscovery.com
Rita – And, Page has more options for hotels…here is the link: Page, Arizona Hotels
Rita – For air tours from Page call Grand Canyon Airlines at: 928-645-0246
Rita – Would you like me to email you a copy of this chat when we are finished?
Visitor – Absolutely! You have been great help for me.
Rita – Great! Thanks!
Rita – Anything else I can help you with?
Visitor – That should be all. You have given me some great information! I appreciate it!
Rita – You are welcome. When the chat closes, I will send you the email. Thank you for visiting GrandCanyon.com!
My husband and I are planning to visit the Grand Canyon next year.
May 3, 2012 – while visiting http://www.grandcanyon.com/
Visitor - My husband and I are planning to visit the Grand Canyon next year. We want to go in September.
Sandy – That is a great time to come.
Visitor – I have been several times, albeit a LONG time ago. He has never been.
Sandy – What kind of activities are you looking for?
Visitor – We would like to start in Las Vegas, tour Hoover Dam, see the Skywalk and stay at the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge a couple of days.
Sandy – Okay, that will be a lot of driving.
Sandy – Hoover dam is on your way to the skywalk, but then you will either need to turn around and go back to get to the North Rim or go all the way around.
Visitor – Yes, we plan to stop along the way. I read on the internet that the Skywalk was taken over by the Indian tribes.
Sandy – The skywalk has always been on Hualapai Tribal lands…
Visitor – We will probably turn around to get to the north rim.
Sandy – You will need to plan a full day for visiting Hoover dam and the Skywalk.
Visitor – Yes, I realized that the Skywalk is located on Indian land.
Visitor – I just wanted to make sure it is still open to the public.
Visitor – I want to see it, but I have no intentions of walking on it.
Sandy – It is open but even if you don’t walk on it, you will have to pay the admission fee.
Visitor – A full day for the Dam and the skywalk. I did not factor that in. Thank you for that information!!
Sandy – You should probably spend a night in Vegas before going to the North Rim.
Sandy – The North Rim is about 5 hours drive time from Las Vegas.
Visitor – We are planning on it. We live in Tracy, CA. This is on the edge of the Central Valley, approximately 75 miles from Las Vegas
Sandy – The skywalk is about 3 hours each way.
Visitor – How far is the Skywalk from the Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge?
Sandy – It takes about 7 to 8 hours to drive from one to the other depending on traffic and road construction.
Visitor – Much further than I thought. Are you aware of any camping between the Skyrim and the Lodge?
Visitor – We will be in a tent.
Sandy – There should be something in St. George, or Fredonia, Arizona.
Sandy – Here is a good one for the St. George area: http://www.utah.com/database/
Visitor – So we will have to enter Utah. Um…
Visitor – Okay, thank you for this information.
Sandy – I-15 goes into utah from las vegas.
Visitor – I don’t have detailed maps of the area yet, but I will.
Sandy – That would be your closest acess to the north rim
Visitor – I knew that much, but I just did not realize we would be crossing into the Utah border to get to the North Rim. Interesting…
Sandy – Into Utah and back into Arizona.
Visitor – Have you ever stayed at the North Rim Lodge? Would you recommend it or are there too many tourists?
Sandy – I haven’t actually stayed at the lodge but some friends have. the north rim isn’t as touristy as the south, so it isn’t as busy.
Sandy – However, September is a busy month because the weather is usually perfect.
Visitor – I see. I have traveled a fair amount, but my husband of three years has not.
Sandy – I definitely recommend it – north rim is my favorite for the views.
Sandy – My husband likes the north rim much better than the south.
Visitor – I figured September because of the weather. Maybe we should go end of August first of September
Sandy – I would suggest mid September.
Sandy – August is still hot and busy with families.
Visitor – As a youngster, my family did the south rim three or four times, and the north rim once. Since this is my husband’s first trip, I wanted him to see the canyon when it is least busy.
Sandy – Mid-sept or later
Visitor – Okay, mid September it is. I was planning on September 21
Sandy – Perfect!
Visitor – I don’t know if we will actually stay at the Lodge, but after we spend a day or so on the North Rim, we will be heading home–hopefully a different direction. I love exploring and hate backtracking. There is too much to see to backtrack.
Sandy – I agree
Visitor – Sandy…you have been a wealth of knowledge–THANK YOU!!!! You have confirmed that I am at least on the right track.
Sandy – See Zion National Park for returning home from the North rim.
Visitor – Best regards!
Sandy – You’re welcome. thanks for visiting.
Visitor – Sounds excellent!
Visitor – By the way, will this chat session be emailed to me if I leave an email address?
Sandy – Yes, I will email it to you if you leave your email address.
Visitor – Thank you very much!!
Sandy – You’re welcome. I’ll send this right away.
I am looking for a mule trip and rafting.
May 3, 2012 – while visiting the http://www.grandcanyon.com/
Visitor – Hello, yes, I looking for mule trip and rafting. I have 21 and 22 May available for this. Can you offer me anything?
The Famous Grand Canyon Mule Trips
Alley – Grand Canyon mule rides are sold out 1 year in advance. We do have single-day white water and smooth water rafting trips though. Which do you prefer?
Visitor – Oh, only one company provide mule trips? What the difference between white water and smooth water rafting?
Alley – Yes, only one company offers mule trips. The difference between white water and smooth water is that white water has rapids, smooth water does not.
Visitor – Oh, no way for mule trip so 
only even for 1 person? So, white water more fun I guess?
Alley – For the mule trips you would need to contact Xanterra South Rim at 888-297-2757 Being 1 person might be advantageous.
Alley – For more information on white water rafting visit ->: http://grandcanyon.com/white-
Visitor – Which one more difficult physically?
Alley – The mule trip to Phantom Ranch takes 2 days; and it is the most difficult physically.
The Historic Teddy Roosevelt Mule Trip in 1913
Visitor – I saw somewhere in the web, half day mule trip.
Visitor – Don’t you offer half day mule and rafting trips?
Alley – That is no longer offered. The mule trips are either 2 days or 3 hours. The 3-hour mule ride is only through the forest, it does not go into the canyon at all.
Visitor – What about rafting? What options do you have?
Alley – 1-day smooth water and white water raft trips. By the way, where are you staying (Hotel)?
Visitor - And price. and it is available, so can I book it today or during this next couple of days?
Alley – The 1-Day White Water: $549 per person 1-Day Smooth Water: depending on pickup location, $184-229 per person.
Visitor – I booked hotel yesterday in Flagstaff, I don’t remember name, I can check in Travelocity, but I would like to find some place to stay from 21-22 night, don’t drive back to Flagstaff.
Alley – Where are you going after leaving Flagstaff?
Visitor – To Grand Canion
Alley – Where are you staying at the Grand Canyon?
Visitor – I come to Flagstaf in the evening of 2o of May, then I have 21 Monday, 22, and 23 at 6:30 I fly back to Dallas from Phoenix.
Alley – Are you staying in Flagstaff the entire time?
Visitor – Nowhere yet. I am looking somewhere to stay in Grand Canion. If I find, I would cancel my booking in Flagstaff.
Alley – Visit www.grandcanyon.com/hotels.
Visitor – Google says it is 1.40 minutes drive from Grand Canion
Visitor – I remember I check, looks like nothing available. Probably I need to call.
Alley – You might have better luck that way. Sometimes cancellations don’t make it back to the web.
Visitor – Where usually they pick up for rafting?
Alley – They pick up at all major hotels in the Flagstaff area.
Alley – They don’t pickup at Snow Bowl, Munds Park or any of the cabins on the outskirts…
Visitor – Let me find hotel name in a second… can you tell me they would pick me up from there or not..?
Alley – Yes
Visitor – Howard Johnson Flagstaff I-40 Exit 198 E. Lucky Lane
Alley – Yes, no problem
Visitor – Oh, cool. So for Monday and Tuesday, I can book rafting, and they will pick me up. What about mule trip, are they pick up for that?
Alley – No, you are expected to provide your own transportation to Grand Canyon South Rim for that
Visitor – What the price for mule trip?
Alley – You would need to contact Xanterra for that.
Visitor – Rafting also only one company, or there a different companies for that?
Alley – Different companies operate smooth water and white water trips, but we can help you set up either from Flagstaff.
Visitor – Not all companies provide pick up from Flagstaff?
Alley – Both smooth water and white water raft trips (single day) offer Flagstaff pickup, but not for the mule trips.
Visitor – White water 550$ 1 day. right?
Alley – Correct – also that’s due in full immediately upon reservation and 100% NON-REFUNDABLE for cancelling, so be sure you’re committed to your date
Visitor – I see. very strict
Alley – Yes, that particular trip is quite popular, that’s primarily why.
Visitor – How I can come back to chat with you? I want to check with mule trip, then see what I am doing. Your chat appear suddenly in my window.
Alley – I am usually first on the chat lines in the morning. I work Sunday through Thursday.
Visitor – Is there any button I can press on your web site, to start chat again?
Alley – The green “help” button at the top left.
Visitor – What about this site - http://www.nps.gov/grca/
Visitor – It is some other company?
Alley – That is the National Park Service (rangers).
Visitor – Thank you very much for information Alley. I’ll come back for more questions.
Alley – Please do – thanks for visiting today
Visitor – Can I save the our chat?
Visitor – Oh, I did it.
Alley – Yes, I can e-mail you the transcript.
Visitor – Thank you very much, and have a good day.
Alley – Thank you, I will e-mail the transcript when it comes in.
We would like to know what can be the best route to do in two days
May 2, 2012 – a conversation with a Visitor on GrandCanyon.com:
Visitor – Hi. We are visiting Grand Canyon next week and we would like to know what can be the best route to do in two days, where to enter the park by.
Rita – Well, where are you coming from?
Visitor – From Vegas
Rita – Are you interested in the Skywalk?
Rita – If you are interested in the Grand Canyon Skywalk, then we would recommend you go do that for 1 day, then continue on to the South Rim, and drive along all of the Viewpoints…
Rita – This would be a very FULL 2 days though…
Visitor – We were thinking about doing a trekking or hiking too…
Visitor – Maybe we’ll need more days for this?
Rita – Oh, okay…then I would recommend you go straigth to the South Rim and the first short hike I recommend is down the South Kaibab to Ooh Aah point…best view in the Grand Canyon…although, the trail is steep…this is about 2 miles down…
Rita – Or it’s also called Cedar Ridge…
Rita – The first restroom on the trail…great views from that location…
Visitor – Ok! Thank you very much indeed for your help.
Visitor – Apreciate it!
Rita – The majority of people will go down the Bright Angel trail…so it is very busy usually…and the mules pass you on it too…so you get to skip over their excrement…
Visitor – We’ll try this one
Visitor – Not the last one though 
Rita – So, you easily day hike them…it is 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim…so plan your travel time in accordingly…
Rita – 280 miles each way.
Visitor – Ok, thank you so much for your help Rita!
What else is there to do on the north rim vs south rim?
May 2, 2012 – a GrandCanyon.com visitor conversation:
(19:17:17) Visitor – I am trying to plan my trip for this June.
(19:17:28) Rita – Hi, what can I help you with?
(19:17:36) Visitor – I’m driving from Los Angeles in a camper. There will be 9 people. Our first time there.
(19:17:59) Rita – OK, are you looking for campgrounds at the South Rim?
(19:18:27) Visitor – That’s my biggest decision, south rim or north rim.
(19:18:47) Rita – Both are beautiful! The South Rim is the most visited.
(19:18:56) Rita – The North is more remote but so beautiful…
(19:19:44) Rita – Here is some information on camping at both rims: http://grandcanyon.com/
(19:19:48) Visitor – I guess the main decision is What else is there to do on the north rim vs south rim.
(19:20:28) Visitor – Do I spend my 3 days at the south rim or go to north and also see Bryce Canyon and Zion?
(19:20:52) Rita – That is a tough decision.
(19:21:18) Rita – Here is some more information on both of the rims: http://grandcanyon.com/travel.
(19:21:24) Visitor – How far is hoover dam from south and north rim?
(19:21:42) Rita – Hoover Dam is about 4.0 hours from the South Rim.
(19:21:56) Rita – The North Rim is another 4-5 hours from the South Rim.
(19:22:08) Rita – There is an option for you, but 3 days is pretty tight.
(19:22:23) Rita – If you drive to Zion from Las Vegas on I-15 North
(19:22:44) Rita – Then drive from Zion to Bryce, about 1 1/2 – 2 hours
(19:23:23) Rita – Then Bryce back down into Arizona and go to the North Rim via Hwy 89 and 89A thru Kanab, UT, Fredonia, AZ and Jacob Lake.
(19:23:42) Rita – Then you could tour through the South Rim on your way back to I-40 to Las Vegas.
(19:24:07) Visitor – I’m coming from Los Angeles.
(19:24:42) Rita – I understand, but you’re going thru Las Vegas on your way.
(19:24:53) Visitor – Okay
(19:25:01) Rita – Would you like me to put together a quick map for you?
(19:25:22) Visitor – Please
(19:26:16) Visitor – So a day at each park. One day at Bryce Canyon National Park, one at Zion National Park and one at Grand Canyon National Park. Or can you do Bryce and Zion in one day?
(19:27:20) Rita http://g.co/maps/69te8
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon to Zion to Las Vegas
(19:27:42) Rita – This shows the route I described…it’s a large loop, basically.
(19:27:57) Rita – You could do Bryce and Zion in one day, they are close enough.
(19:29:00) Rita – For campgrounds in Zion and Bryce, go to www.nps.gov and enter the park you wish to visit and then find the camping section
(19:29:11) Visitor – Thats not a bad idea at all.
(19:29:49) Visitor – I just have to see if thats too much driving in three days
(19:30:15) Visitor – Thanks
(19:30:26) Rita – That is true. Maybe just pick out the highlights of what you want to see on your vacation.
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