Hi,

myself and two friends are backpacking across america next Summer and we were just wondering is there any public way to get to the grand canyon from las vegas or phoenix or would we have to stay in a hotel and use a bus service from there?

thanks!
o- cherry

I don't know of any public transportation to the GC, but you could always sign up for a day tour from Vegas to the Canyon: http://www.lasvegasgrandcanyontour.c...h-rim-tour.htm

There's no EASY way to get from Vegas or Phoenix to the Canyon by common carrier, but it can be done.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...sportation.htm

You could fly between North Vegas Airport and Tusayan Airport:
www.grandcanyonairport.net/gcn_airlines.asp

You could ride Amtrak busses between Flagstaff or Williams and Phoenix or Vegas.
www.amtrak.com

Or do the same on Greyhound busses (to Flagstaff only)
www.Greyhound.com

From Flagstaff or Williams you could ride a shuttle to the Canyon.
http://www.openroadtours.com/shuttle...gc/default.htm
http://flagstaffexpress.com/schedule.htm

Paul has the right idea except I don't think Amtrak has a stop in Phoenix.

Most people relying on public transport would take the Hound to Flagstaff and then the shuttle to the Canyon (see Paul's links). You can also hitchhike from Flag to the Canyon.

Bill

thank you all so much that really helps a lot!!

Before you actually go to the Grand Canyon, because you are planning to go in the summer, you should consider where to spend the night in the park. If you want to stay in a lodge, the least expensive lodging I know of is the Bright Angel Lodge (not the cabins). (Call Xanterra Parks and Resorts for reservations.) Mather Campground is on the south rim and has excellent showers and public facilities. You can take the Grand Canyon shuttle bus to these places. When you get to the canyon, you want to make sure you can stay for several days and nights. There is so much to see and the colors change from hour to hour from the vantage point of the south rim. What you do not want is to get to the canyon and find you have no place to stay because the canyon is so popular in the summer and people book reservations so far in advance.

Jane