Grand Canyon Journey to the Bottom Tour on Historic Route 66

If you’re dreaming of seeing the Grand Canyon from a different perspective, this Journey to the Bottom Tour might catch your eye. Offered by Laughlin Tours, it promises a trip to the canyon’s floor—something you don’t get to do every day—along with a nostalgic drive down Historic Route 66 and a stop at the Famous Hackberry General Store. It’s a full-day adventure that combines natural wonder with a slice of Americana.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines exclusive access—it’s the only road that takes you down to the bottom of the canyon—with a friendly, knowledgeable guiding team. We also appreciate that it includes lunch and park tickets, so you won’t have to worry about any hidden costs or planning logistics on the fly. However, a couple of things to keep in mind: the weather at the bottom can be cooler due to the river’s influence, and the tour isn’t suitable for young children under 12. If you’re looking for a well-organized, informative day trip that offers a different view of one of America’s most famous landmarks, this could be a good fit.

Key Points

• One-of-a-kind access: This is the only road leading to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
• Wildlife encounters: Expect to see a variety of animals along the way.
• Expert guides: The guides are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and caring.
• Convenience included: The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, park tickets, and lunch.
• Historic Route 66: Enjoy a scenic drive and stop at the Hackberry General Store.
• Weather considerations: The bottom can be cooler; bring an extra jacket.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins with casino pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or designated location, making it straightforward to start your day without the hassle of arranging transportation. The vehicle is a white van labeled “Laughlin Tours”, which keeps things simple and professional. The group size tends to be manageable, fostering a more personal experience, and you’ll be accompanied by a live English-speaking guide armed with an audio guide to enhance your understanding.

The Road to the Bottom: A Unique Access

The highlight here is that this is the only road in existence that takes visitors to the canyon’s bottom. It’s an adventure in itself, offering a rare chance to see the landscape from a vantage point most don’t get to experience. The drive is extended along Historic Route 66, which adds a nostalgic, scenic element to your day. During this part of the trip, your guides are attentive and eager to share insights, making the journey educational and engaging.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Traveling along this route, you’ll likely spot tons of wildlife, which adds a lively touch to the experience. While the tour doesn’t specify exactly what animals you might see, guided excursions like this often include sightings of birds, small mammals, and possibly even some larger creatures that inhabit the canyon surroundings. It’s a reminder of just how vibrant this ecosystem can be.

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Reaching the River and the Bottom of the Canyon

Once you arrive at the bottom, you’ll be able to pull right up to the Colorado River. This is a definite plus—imagine standing right at the river’s edge, with the vast canyon walls towering above. The experience of being at river level, with the canyon stretching in all directions, is quite special. The tour includes park tickets, so you won’t need to worry about additional entrance fees.

Lunch and Refreshments

Included in your package is a lunch at Hualapai Lodge, which offers a nice break in the middle of your day. There are also free waters in the van, but you’re encouraged to bring along any drinks or snacks you might want throughout the day. Since the weather at the bottom can be cooler due to the river flowing through, it’s wise to bring a jacket, especially if visiting in cooler months.

Considerations and Caveats

A point worth noting is that the tour might cancel depending on the weather or road conditions, especially in winter or during inclement weather. This is understandable, given the reliance on a single road to access the canyon’s bottom. Also, because the tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, it’s geared more toward adult travelers or older kids prepared for a full day of exploration.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You get a comprehensive package: hotel pickup and drop-off, a trained guide, park tickets, lunch, and water. The gratuity is not included, so it’s customary to tip guides if you feel they provided good service. The tour’s price of $299 per person can seem steep at first glance, but considering the exclusivity, transportation, and included amenities, many find it fair value—particularly for those interested in a less typical Grand Canyon experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for adventure seekers eager to see a different side of the Grand Canyon, history buffs interested in Route 66, or travelers who appreciate guided experiences with knowledgeable hosts. It’s also suited for those who want a hassle-free day with everything planned out, rather than piecing together individual tickets and transport.

On the flip side, families with young children might want to consider that the tour isn’t suitable for under-12s, and those with mobility issues should check the terrain and access points. If you’re after a leisurely, scenic overlook rather than a rugged adventure, this might not be your best choice.

Final Thoughts

This Journey to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon on Historic Route 66 offers a unique, well-organized way to see a different side of this iconic landscape. The combination of guided insights, wildlife viewing, and river-level access makes it a compelling option for many travelers. The inclusion of lunch and park tickets adds convenience, while the scenic drive through Route 66 offers a nostalgic touch.

If you’re comfortable with a full day of travel, don’t mind the possibility of cancellations due to weather, and are looking for an experience that’s a little off the beaten path, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your southwestern trip.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children under 12?
No, the tour is not recommended for children younger than 12, likely due to the length and nature of the trip.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, it includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or specified location via a white van labeled “Laughlin Tours.”

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring a jacket for the cooler conditions at the bottom, and consider bringing extra drinks or snacks since you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a trained guide, park tickets, lunch, and waters in the van.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, it can be canceled due to weather or road closure, so it’s good to check availability and weather forecasts beforehand.

Is there a guide provided?
Yes, a knowledgeable, friendly live guide shares insights throughout the trip, enhancing your experience.

How long is the tour?
It’s a full-day experience, but specific starting times can vary based on availability.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The chance to drive down to the canyon’s bottom—the only road in existence to do so—and stand right at the Colorado River.

If a different view of the Grand Canyon with a dash of Route 66 nostalgia sounds appealing, this tour offers a solid blend of adventure, natural beauty, and convenience. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but for the unique access and guided experience, many travelers find it worth the effort.

You can check availability for your dates here: