This article highlights the Grand Canyon West Rim, a recreation area offering access to viewpoints and cultural attractions.
The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.
Its colorful layers, created over thousands of years by the Colorado River, leave in awe those who have the opportunity to see it in person.
Even though many people are familiar with how the Grand Canyon looks, I am not sure most of those understand the true magnitude of this geological feature located in the state of Arizona.
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles or 446 kilometers long. It is contained within the Grand Canyon National Park, the Kaibab National Forest, the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, the Hualapai Indian Reservation, the Havasupai Indian Reservation, and the Navajo Nation.
Therefore, the canyon occupies an extensive amount of terrain and can be accessed from different points (not only from the National Park).
For those in search of beauty, adventure, and the closest option from Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon West Rim is a wonderful option!
Table of Contents
About the Grand Canyon West Rim
For the record, let’s set some things straight. The Grand Canyon West shelters a segment of the main canyon formed by the Colorado River.
This area has been named Grand Canyon West to differentiate it from the North and South rims which are inside the Grand Canyon National Park. The Hualapai tribe are in charge of managing this piece of land and have built extensive facilities for the enjoyment of visitors.
To keep things in perspective, the distance from the Grand Canyon Village (South Rim) to the Grand Canyon West Rim is between 240 to 300 miles (depending on the route taken). It can take 4-5 hours to get from one point to the other. So, we are talking about the same canyon in here but there are huge distances involved. Take that into consideration when planning your trip.
About the Hualapai
The Hualapai Tribe is a sovereign nation governed by an executive and judicial branch and a tribal council. Their capital is located in Peach Springs, Arizona. Their territory stretches along the southern side of the Grand Canyon.
In 2007, the Hualapai opened to the public the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped, glass bridge encrusted on the edge of the canyon. This development and other facilities have brought thousands of visitors to the nation’s land.
How to Get to the Grand Canyon West Rim
The two major, closest cities are Las Vegas, Nevada (130 miles), and Kingman, Arizona (80 miles). Another option is to arrive at Phoenix’s airport which is located 260 miles from this rim.
There are two ways to reach the area:
- By car (independently) – the ride will take 2 hours each way from Las Vegas. Do your research before committing to this option since parts of the road which takes you to the visitors’ center are unpaved (can break some rented vehicles agreements)
- With a tour company (guided from Las Vegas) – if you take this option, transportation to the area is included in your package. This is an entire day affair. The drive will take 3 hours and does not feel monotonous because there are several stops along the way (this is why it takes longer than by independent vehicle). For the ride back, you are probably going to be dead tired and fall asleep in the bus.
Important Note: If you are visiting the Grand Canyon West independently, make sure your GPS is guiding you to the correct location. Check the map and make sure the GPS is taking you north of Kingman, Arizona. If the GPS is taking you north of Williams or Flagstaff, you are going to the National Park, not to the west rim.
Coordinates are as follow: Latitude: 36d0’43.55″N, Longitude: 113d48’40.50″W
Attractions at the Grand Canyon West Rim
It doesn’t matter if you visit the area independently or with a tour, your first stop will be the visitor’s center.
Each visitor is required to buy a package to enter the facilities. The price of the package varies depending on what you want to see. The basic package includes access to the two main viewpoints, stop at the Hualapai Ranch, musical performances, cultural activities and use of a shuttle.
In terms of time, it is recommended that you allocate at least 4 hours to the Grand Canyon West. That amount of time will let you enjoy to the max all of what the area has to offer. If you visit independently, you can stay as long as you want (for the day). People who visit with a tour have 4 hours to move around as they want (ask your tour company about this, mine provided 4 hours and it was a good amount of time to see everything without feeling rushed).
Here are the attractions on site:
The Skywalk
The Skywalk is the main attraction in the Grand Canyon West. It made news around the world when it was opened in 2017.
This engineering marvel was designed to withstand winds of about 100 miles per hour and an 8.0 magnitude earthquake. Seventy-one loaded 747s can land over the bridge without breaking it.
Even with those facts, it is still a bit intimidating to walk over it. The vertical drop from the top is higher than any skyscraper in the world.
I am not going to lie. I decided to visit this part of the canyon (from Vegas) because of the Skywalk. There was no way I was going to miss the experience (even if I am super scared of heights).
The Skywalk may look inoffensive from afar but as I was getting closer and closer to the to the moment of truth, I started to get more and more nervous. I even thought about going back and not doing the walk. I convinced myself that everything was going to be fine (remember it can withstand dozens of 747s).
But you know what, once I was over the actual Skywalk, all fear disappeared. I mean, I still was a little nervous but the colors of the canyon walls take dominion of your emotions. You feel like a bird floating over one of nature’s most magnificent work. I walked slowly, appreciated the views and kept smiling. I even sat over the bridge for one of the photos.
Once I got off the Skywalk, I breathed with relief. I am so happy I decided to do this since the beauty of the canyon is beyond words.
Eagle Point
The Skywalk is located at Eagle Point. The Colorado River can be seen 4,000 feet below the rim.
This was my first time at the Grand Canyon. I had all these dreams about how it would look. Like many, I have seen the pictures. Nevertheless, I was completely blown away when I saw the big scar on the surface of the earth. It is so humongous!!!
Now, a word of caution, people get carried away with what they are seeing but I recommend paying attention to your steps. There is nothing separating you from the canyon. One misstep can be fatal.
Guano Point
After Eagle Point, I felt a little apprehensive because I read in numerous Internet forums how the view at Guano Point surpasses what can be seen at Eagle Point. I was like, how is that possible? Walking over the Skywalk was too good to be true. How can the next stop be better than what I just experienced?
While riding the shuttle to Guano Point, I got an understanding of why people prefer the second view. The driver told us to prepare for 360 degrees views of the canyon. I can barely handle a linear view (in terms of managing awesome beauty), how I was supposed to handle a circular one?
We were able to climb two rock promontories: one flat and the other pointing to the sky. Both of them give you the promised complete 360 views of the canyon. Simply amazing!
Hualapai Ranch
Around the ranch, wagon and stagecoach rides, games of horseshoes, gunfights, and archery are offered. In addition, there are also multiple hiking, jogging, and biking trails around the property. You can stay overnight in the ranch if desired.
Other Attractions
Helicopter, river, and zip line tours are available to those who are interested in experiencing a shot of adrenaline. All these activities have an additional cost.
Prices
Now, there is a caveat. The tickets to the Grand Canyon West are expensive. A package including the Skywalk, a meal, and a shuttle to the different viewpoints costs about $80. Taking out the Skywalk from the package takes the price down to $50.
A tour will charge you transportation costs on top of that (about $40, for a total of $120 -$130 per person, per tour).
Activities such as helicopter rides, river rafting, and riding a zip-line have an additional cost.
Is the experience worth it?
Everybody’s travel experience is different. Therefore, I will refrain from affirming if this experience is worth it or not. In my opinion (and it is just my opinion), the experience is unique and I enjoyed it to the max. I will do it again if I am afforded the opportunity.
I recognize this is a pricey experience and understand if you prefer to skip it.
Best Time to Visit
The Grand Canyon West is located in the desert. Temperatures can reach 110 – 120 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. It would be difficult to enjoy yourself with that weather.
I recommend visiting during fall, winter or spring when temperatures are more pleasant.
Details
- Remember you are on sovereign land. Follow the rules and instructions given to you
- Once on-site, cars are left at a parking lot and transportation is by shuttle
- Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time. In winter, Arizona is an hour ahead of Las Vegas and California. During the rest of the year, it is the same time in Arizona, Las Vegas and California
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed
- Pets are not allowed either
- Cameras and personal articles are not permitted in the Skywalk (you have to leave your belongings at a free locker)
- While walking over the Skywalk, your shoes are covered with special paper booties design to avoid scratching the glass
- Exercise caution when walking around the different viewpoint. Nothing separates you from the Grand Canyon
- This area is located far from main highways. It is a good idea to drive with enough gas and have something to eat and drink in the car
- If visiting on a tour, companies will make everything within their power to return you to your hotel at the agreed time (around 7:30 – 8:00). They do this because they promise you can go on a tour to the West Rim and be back for a show. However, I will not plan to attend a show after a day like this (too tiring)
Have you visited Grand Canyon West Rim?
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image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
What an amazing place. Such grandeur and glory!
Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/02/more-from-nasher-art-museum.html
photo cache says
Worth revisiting over and over. I have taken a small plane ride over the canyons on my first visit and I am forever grateful for that; nowadays the price would be way over my budget.
Kay L. Davies says
A wonderful, helpful, knowledgeable post about a very, very large place! I have a brother who is much, much younger than I am, and he visited the Grand Canyon with our parents and grandparents when he was 4 years old. They stopped first at one lookout area, then at another, but when they reached the third one, he said, “It’s just the same old hole!” I still laugh when I think about it.
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Felicia says
Wow beautiful views and the skywalk, amazing, but a bit disappointing you can’t have a camera on the skywalk. did they say why.
mick says
Very interesting post and great photos. Many years ago visited the south rim and that was great too. now I would be happy to leave all those Adrenalin things to younger and more adventurous people.
Lady Fi says
Terrifying but wonderful views!
Kelleyn Rothaermel says
Beautiful! I would love to go again. Maybe in the spring. We went in the winter and it was really to cold to enjoy. We did the pictures and than left as fast as possible.
Mandy says
Wow! Thanks for sharing. I learned so much reading your post. I guess they don’t want people taking photos on the skywalk? Is that why you have to leave all personal articles in a locker? It definitely sounds unnerving standing on glass knowing what kind of drop the canyon has! Yikes! Good for you for conquering your fear of heights to get the view!
Sara says
Gorgeous pictures of the rock formations. It’s amazing to me that these types of natural wonders exist and remain so unaffected. I don’t know if I would have been able to the do the skywalk, so I’m proud of you!
Allison says
I would love to visit any part of the Grand Canyon. I haven’t been before even though I grew up in the west. #wanderfulwednesday
Sarah says
what a great guide! (and love the pinterest image too!). I’m hoping to visit the grand canyon over the next year, so this is super handy!
California Globetrotter says
The Grand Canyon is sooo impressive and I’d love to see it again as an adult! Last time, I was in the 5th grade! That was a great road trip but I feel like my parents definitely missed a lot! #WanderfulWednesday
beatravelling says
This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. It looks so great! I am hoping to do a roadtrip through the US sometime soon. Just need the NOK/USD ratio to come back to normal 😉 #wanderfulwednesday
Setarra says
WOW! One of these days I’m going to make a trip to see the Grand Canyon. I’m realizing that I tend to focus on traveling internationally as if there aren’t just as amazing places right here in the U.S. Definitely gotta make more domestic trips.
Divya says
Thank you for the fun facts on the skywalk. Nice to know that there is a viewpoint here that surpasses the views from the skywalk. That was news to me.
We were at the South Rim, recently. The skywalk — for the next time I go that side.
I thoroughly enjoyed this post, Ruth. Thank you so much. 🙂
Birgitta says
Wow! Stunning! Thanks for sharing!
Esther says
We drove in the other direction once we were in Vegas, so never made it to Grand Canyon. It’s SOOOO on the list (I have a thing for rocks and mountains, since I am from such a flat country). #WanderfulWednesday
jill says
I’ve been to the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon but never the West. And it truly is something to see! Great tips on visiting and beautiful photos!
Sharon Wagner says
I still haven’t been there! We were thinking of revisiting Sedona and then going to the canyon. But now we’re exploring Utah instead. We’re getting close. Beautiful photos.
Sharon says
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon but not to the West Rim. I would like to go just for the Skywalk! Thanks for putting together all this info. Yes, I would definitely love to visit and it would be worth the cost for me!
Al says
Beautiful! I’ve been to the South rim a couple of times but never the other ones.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks for those amazing photos. The Skywalk looks surreal. I haven’t visited the west rim but your photos do inspire me for the future.
budget jan says
The Hualapai skywalk is wonderful. No wonder it is drawing so many visitors. It is such an iconic destination – you are lucky it is in your country.
JeffNourse says
I have just watched the Grand Canyon in just Discovery and geography TV channel. but, after reading your post I put grand canyon is on my travel bucket list.
Jules ( shadesofcourage.com) says
we will visit the Grand Canyon in June! Cannot wait. Not sure yet if I dare to go on the skywalk. #farawayfiles
Carol says
Wonderful post with great info – sharing with the world!
Sheree says
Great post! I must admit I had never heard of the skywalk before but it looks amazing! #flyawayfriday
Jillian says
This looks amazing. I grew up 3 hours from the Grand Canyon, but I’ve never been! For shame. The sky walk looks like an amazing experience
Katherine says
I can’t wait to the Grand Canyon, I’m trying to find more time than just a long weekend to get there though. Your pictures are amazing! #FlyAwayFriday
Caity says
Beautiful photos as always! I can imagine how scary it would be walking out onto the Skywalk but I’m sure it’s so surreal and amazing! I’ve never made it to the Grand Canyon but definitely hope to soon. #flyawayfriday
Corey | fifi + hop says
Visiting the Grand Canyon was one of my favorite family vacations ever as a kid. I really hope to bring my two girls there some day soon. Did you hear about the recent helicopter crash? Stuff of nightmares. The Skywalk looks awesome but not sure my vertigo-challenged self could handle it! #farawayfiles
Isabelle says
Whoa wait, I had no idea the Hualapai tribe is in control of some of the land the Grand Canyon is in. That is awesome! Did you meet anyone from the tribe?
umiko says
I thought about going there during our road trip, but after I saw the price, I skipped it for sometimes in the future. The skyline loos stunning though.
Soraya says
I am so sad I missed visiting the Grand Canyon on my last trip to the US. What an incredible place this must be! I’d love to do the helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, but the skywalk looks incredible too.
Ivan at mindthetravel.com says
I have walked over the Skywalk and the views are breathtaking, but I have never flew in a helicopter at Grand Canyon. It is definitely should be one helluva experience!
Alyse says
Wonderful post! I loved how you described the feelings you got when stepping out onto the Skywalk – what an unforgettable experience. I visited the Grand Canyon back in 2012 and now I wish the Skywalk was open back then so I could have done it, too. Thanks for the detailed info about this wonderful place, now I’ll have to go back!
Vanessa Brune says
I love viewpoints but only if they’re safe and solid. The horseshoe bend totally makes me nervous and I don’t think I’d ever be able to stand on one of those rocks – or maybe it’s not as bad in real life? It looks so scary though…
Faith Coates says
Magnificent – you wouldn’t however catch me on the skywalk…lol…just a tad too high for my taste but it is such a glorious tour #flyawayfriday
Carlinn says
Wow it’s so beautiful there and def on my bucket list!
Cassie says
We took a helicopter in when we got married in Vegas. It was incredible. The size of the canyon is impossible to understand even when you’re looking at it.
The walk way looks so teeny and inoffensive in your photos it’s impossible to imagine that many planes landing on it. Again, showing the huge scale of the place.
MG says
I loved reading this – I recently visited the Grand Canyon, but only the South Rim was open at the time! I never realized how much closer the west rim was to Vegas – it seems like such a shorter drive! Oh well, another excuse so I can visit again 🙂
Kate says
Amazing shots! I’ve never been and it sounds like that may be for the best, since I can now go see the skywalk. It sounds incredible and terrifying at the same time. 🙂
Andrea Mayfield says
This is such a great guide! Love all of your photos!
Hiral says
Looking at this post, I reminisced my trip to the West Rim 4 years back. You have captured the glory of the place beautifully. 🙂
ashfina says
This is on my list for 2019 cant wait to visit. beautiful pictures btw
Hannah says
Wow I never realized just how big the grand canyon actually is! I’d love to visit someday, it looks incredible!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
We have only been to the Grand Canyon South Rim which is the main National Park. We have wanted to visit the West Rim for a long time and mainly because of the Skywalk. It looks like such a great area for a long weekend. It is quite pricey for a family of four but looks like it’ll be worth it. Thanks for all the helpful tips.
Liz says
I love all the colours! It takes me back to my trip to the Grand Canyon 10 years ago. Time flies!!
Anda says
I visited the West Rim many, many years ago. At the time the Skywalk wasn’t open. In 2009, my husband took his cousin there while we were in Las Vegas and told me it was absolutely stunning. I think I would have been scared to walk on it. I am very afraid of heights. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Urska says
Seeing Grand Canyon is very high on my bucket list. Thanks for this informative post with all the gorgeous photos. #TheweeklyPostcard
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
I’ve been to the Grand Canyon but hadn’t appreciated how far it was from one area to another. The West Rim looks and sounds as though it’s worth a visit for the Skywalk alone. What an amazing experience! #FarawayFiles
Travel Lexx says
Looks absolutely incredible – Grand Canyon is simply stunning and I definitely want to visit the West Rim next time I visit. Not too fussed about the Skywalk but would love to explore Guano Point and see some of these stunning views
David | Travelsewhere says
It really is a world famous landmark and I’d love to visit one day. That floating viewing deck really fits into the landscape well. I could see myself taking endless photos here. Will make sure to come back to this guide when I get the chance to visit. #FeetDoTravel
Nancie says
I would love to visit the Grand Canyon. Your photos are fantastic. Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday
Shona says
Absolutely stunning! The colours in the layers of the canyon are incredible. I’m glad you didn’t let the fear take over with the skywalk. I can imagine how it felt, but it had to be done. What a wonderful view from there. I’ve pinned for your tips. I really must get myself there one day. 🙂
Angie (Feetdotravel) says
I would say this trip definitely sounds worth it, it’s amazing! I am petrified of heights and when I first started reading about the skywalk I thought “not on your nelly” but then I thought “don’t be so daft, do it!” and I was with you all the way!! Awesome loved it. Pinned #feetdotravel
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) says
Stunning views of the Grand Canyon and very good detailed information on the tour offered at the West Rim. I would love to walk on the Skywalk and would definitely do the tour on my next trip to the Grand Canyon. I have seen the canyon once when driving by and taking 1 photo. Then an aerial view while flying our private plane over the canyon. It is amazing and I highly recommend travelers to take a visit there. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
New You Spa says
Grand Canyon is definitely going on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing this. The pictures that you have included are simply mind-blowing.
Agness of a Tuk Tuk says
The Grand Canyon is on my bucket list for a while as the perfect place for active travel, Ruth! This is such a comprehensive guide for the Grand Canyon West Rim which will come in handy when planning my trip there. Hence, I’m pinning your post! 🙂
Kana says
YEES! I visited the Grand Canyon for the first time last year and it was AMAZING! I took like 5 million photos and they all kind of look the same now, haha! Can’t describe that feeling when you’re standing there though, you know?! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday – see you again this week! xo
Janine Good says
I love the Grand Canyon! I have been in a very long time, but its timeless beauty blows me away every time I see it! Thank you for coming to Fly Away Friday! See you this week!
Cheryl says
The Grand Canyon is such a huge and majestic place. I haven’t been to the West Rim but I want to visit it. Not sure if I can handle the skywalk, I’m not a fan of heights lol. I also want to hike down to Havasu Falls and stay. It’s so beautiful in pictures. #WeekendWanderlust