Featured in the Laughlin Entertainer Magazine July 29, 2025

The bucket list Arizona attraction for visitors from across the globe is undoubtedly the Grand Canyon. The majestic geological wonder carved out by the Colorado River is 277 miles long, with the most-visited section being the South Rim, within Grand Canyon National Park.
While peering across the canyon from its edge offers a breathtaking view, many guests are curious about the canyon’s floor. To explore that area typically requires a grueling hike or mule ride. However, there is a little-known option for guests to drive to the bottom from the West end of the canyon, which is not part of the National Park, but lies within the Hualapai Indian Reservation. This hidden treasure requires a permit and is the only access road to the bottom. It begins in Peach Springs, Arizona, about 85 miles from Laughlin.

For this unique perspective of the canyon, take a trip with Desert Wonder Tours, which will safely transport guests from Laughlin to the canyon floor and back, while also providing a historic jaunt along Route 66, with expert knowledge and stories along the way.
Tour owner and operator, Bob Walton, is a Kingman, Arizona, native with ancestry dating back tothe late 1800s, around the time the town was founded. He grew up exploring the Mojave Desert and he now shares it with visitors through his many tours to exciting locations in the area.
His passion for his homeland pours into his tours, where he imparts area history and details as hetransports guests to local wonders. They will gain a wealth of knowledge before they even reach their destination, and they can relax and let Walton’s crew take care of the driving while they soakin the views along the way. Along with Walton, he has a team of experienced guides, including Brandon Dubuc, who is the 2024 recipient of the Community Achievement Award for tourism, proving their dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences for their guests.

One of Desert Wonder Tours’ unbelievable trips is the Grand Canyon Basin Tour. With pick-up right from your Laughlin resort, the tour will head toward Kingman, where the van makes its way onto Route 66. The historic byway leads right to Peach Springs, where the tour will head out on the access road to the Grand Canyon’s floor.
While it is a remote gravel road, the trip is not treacherous, as one might imagine. Rather it is only about an hour ride from Peach Springs through the scenic canyon to the shores of the Colorado River at the bottom. Along the way, spot different desert flora, such as ocotillo, prickly pear and cholla cactus, as well as Cottonwood and Juniper trees. Diamond Creek also runs along the road, before meeting the Colorado River at the bottom.
Before you know it, the tour has reached its destination with the mighty Colorado flowing freely at the canyon floor. The Diamond Creek Rapids provide a little rush in the flow, and the spot is popular for rafters to enter and begin another adventure. There is also a sandy beach with a shallow entrance where guests can stick a toe in the cool, refreshing water. A day use picnic area provides shaded tables to stop and have a snack. In the summertime, expect it to be toasty, as the lower elevation at the floor makes for higher temperatures.
After enjoying the serenity of this natural wonder, the tour will head back to Peach Springs, where guests will enjoy lunch at Hualapai Lodge. Try the famous Hualapai taco on fresh fry bread. After dining, it’s back on Route 66 for the return trip, where the group may stop at a couple of road side attractions, including Hackberry General Store and Antares Point, both filled with nostalgic charm, art and souvenirs. Guests then will be transported back to their hotel after a full day of exploration.
Any of Desert Wonder Tours’ trips can be customized to fit your schedule and needs. View their offerings and book online at
desertwondertours.com, or call 928-716-2046 to discuss options.