12 Best Things to Do at Grand Canyon West Rim: Skywalk, Tours & More!
Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim? Yay, that’s so exciting!
The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason – it’s absolutely stunning – and the Grand Canyon West Rim is a beautiful and unique part of the canyon that everyone should visit.
There are plenty of great things to do at Grand Canyon West Rim, including hiking, sightseeing, and even helicopter tours.
In this post, you will read about all the best things to do at the Rim. We also included a list of Grand Canyon West Rim activities.
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How to get to the Grand Canyon West Rim from Vegas: Driving vs bus tour
To get to the West Rim from Las Vegas, you have a couple of different options. You can either drive there using Google Maps driving directions from Vegas or take a bus tour to Grand Canyon West.
The bus tours are great if you are short on time, hangover (it’s Vegas, after all), or just don’t feel like driving the stretch from Vegas to the Grand Canyon.
The cost of taking a bus tour also works out to be much cheaper than driving there yourself. The downside to these tours is less flexibility since you will have to follow the tour agenda at all times.
On the other hand, driving is a good option if you enjoy road trips and like doing things at your own pacing The problem with driving is that it’s a long and winding road, you’ll have to stop every 2 hours or so.
Driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim will take about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
things to do at Grand Canyon West Rim
From spectacular views to fun activities or just great photo ops – here are the best things to do at the Grand Canyon West Rim.
1. Enjoy The View From Eagle Point
Eagle Point is located in the Hualapai Reservation and is named for the eagle-shaped rock formation that is visible from the viewing point.
It offers spectacular views of the Colorado River and Little Colorado River Gorge below.
Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to visit Eagle Point, as you will be able to see both the sun rising above the canyon walls, lighting up all kinds of colors in the rock, and the sun setting below the horizon.
2. Get a birdseye view of the canyon on a helicopter ride
Did you know that you can actually get a birdseye view of the canyon on a helicopter?
Flying in a helicopter over the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is an exhilarating experience and one of the most amazing things to do at this part of the canyon.
In a helicopter tour, you will fly to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and soar over the canyon walls into its mysterious depths on this scenic flight from Las Vegas. Marvel at sights such as the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Fortification Hill from above, then feel the exhilaration of flying along the rim of the Grand Canyon.
3. Hiking
Hiking is an excellent way to explore the rim and get some great views
There are many trails in the area, each offering something different, so you’ll be able to choose one that matches your fitness level and interests.
The two most famous hikes you can do at the West Rim are Highpoint Hike and the Grand Canyon West Rim Trail.
The Highpoint Hike is a great way to see some of the coolest views of Guano Point and the Colorado River.
The 2.8-mile Grand Canyon West Rim Trail is another excellent choice, offering beautiful views while still being suitable for all fitness conditions.
4. Stargazing At Grand Canyon West Rim
Stargazing is amazing in general, but it is one of the best things to do at Canyon West Rim. The night sky at Grand Canyon West Rim has been described as one of the darkest and most spectacular skies in all of North America.
With no city lights around for miles, you can enjoy amazing stargazing opportunities. For stargazing, make sure to stay overnight at the canyon.
5. Staying overnight
For stargazing at the Grand Canyon West Rim, you will probably have to stay overnight in some of the few lodging options in the canyon, such as the Cabins at Grand Canyon West, the RV Parking, or the Hualapai Lodge on Route 66.
Spending the night at Grand Canyon West is also a cool idea because it allows you to see the canyon at different times of the day and even get there earlier than all the other tourists.
6. Lunch with a view at Sky View Restaurant
Located at Eagle Point, the Sky View Restaurant is a great spot for lunch and to enjoy the view. If you like your meal with an amazing view, then Eagle Point is one of the best things to do at Canyon West Rim.
I didn’t find the food at this restaurant to be any sort of extraordinary, but if you enjoy spectacular views and casual American food, it’s worth it.
7. Relax at Hualapai Ranch
Hualapai Ranch is a village that simulates the life of cowboys and Indians in the West. The Hualapai people run this beautiful ranch on their land, which is located near Guano Point.
It has plenty of amenities that you can enjoy, such as real Western food, horseback riding, or just relaxing in an authentic Grand Canyon ranch environment.
8. Walk on the Grand Canyon SkyWalk
The Skywalk is perhaps the most famous attraction in the west part of the Grand Canyon.
This horseshoe-shaped glass bridge extends 70 feet from the canyon walls, giving you a clear view 4,000 feet to the Canyon floor below and lets you enjoy unparalleled views of the canyon and the Colorado River below.
Walking on the skywalk will cost you additional 20 dollars, and pictures are not allowed – although they do have some photographers available. If you’re not scared of heights, then the Skywalk is one of the best things to do at Canyon West Rim.
9. Explore Guano Point
Guano Point offers 360-degree views of the canyon and is a great place for more hiking and exploring, as well as some very spectacular views of Eagle Point and more.
10. Go on a boat ride in the Colorado River
Float trip down the Colorado River, through Black Canyon with a boxed picnic lunch and an optional swim at a secluded beach or a fun-filled kayak trip from Willow Beach.
11. Take an airplane tour
Add an air-only tour of the Grand Canyon to any Las Vegas vacation.
Experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World from the air on this guided adventure from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. If you want to go over the top on your trip, this is definitely one of the best things to do at Canyon West Rim.
Fly from Boulder City, Nevada, over Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the US, and the famous Hoover Dam en route to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim on a short flight.
12. Visit Kingsman for a taste of Route 66 nostalgia
Located on Historic Route 66, Kingsman is a kitschy roadside town filled with unique gift shops and restaurants.
It’s small and usually pretty quiet, but it has lots of fun photo ops and some delicious food options, like the world-famous Kookamonga Burger at Primo Burgers.
Best Grand Canyon tours
Ready to book your Grand Canyon adventure? Make sure to book any tickets and tours in advance. Tours are the best way to experience a place, and these tours we’ve curated are some of the best things to do at Canyon West Rim.
These are some of the best tours available:
Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight with Colorado River Float or Kayak Trip
Escape to the Grand Canyon for this full-day sightseeing adventure.
Enjoy a scenic, 1-hour, round-trip flight from Las Vegas to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, flying over the famous Hoover Dam and beautiful Lake Mead along the way.
After returning over the Mojave Desert and other natural wonders, choose between a float trip down the Colorado River, through Black Canyon with a boxed picnic lunch, an optional swim at a secluded beach, or a fun-filled kayak trip from Willow Beach.
Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop with Optional Skywalk
This Grand Canyon day tour has it all.
En route to the West Rim and exclusive to this particular tour, you’ll enjoy a hot, sit-down breakfast at a restaurant. This tour also includes a bonus stop at the Hoover Dam Memorial Bridge, where you can capture incredible photos of the Dam! Continuing onto the Grand Canyon, your tour guide will tell you all about the Canyon and the Hualapai Indians.
Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
Fly from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon in a sightseeing helicopter, touch down deep in the canyon for a Champagne toast, and explore the scenic desert landscape in luxurious style.
This Grand Canyon helicopter tour includes plenty of flying time, hotel pickup and drop-off in Las Vegas, and drinks and snacks on a private bluff inside the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon South Rim, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend Day Tour from Las Vegas
This one-day tour covers 3 amazing landscapes in the Grand Circle in just one day based from Las Vegas.
In addition to the well-known Grand Canyon, you will visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, where you can witness the stunning features that have been sculpted in this expansive scenery.
Frequently asked questions
How to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim free?
To visit the Grand Canyon, you will have to get a general admission ticket. You will also need to purchase an additional ticket to visit the skywalk. So no, it’s not free.
Can I take my car to the Grand Canyon West Rim?
Yes! Parking is free at Grand Canyon West. Park by the visitor center and then take the shuttles up to the viewpoints.
Is Grand Canyon West a National Park?
No, the Grand Canyon West Rim is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. It is an entirely separate attraction.
How long does it take to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim?
Three to four hours is, in my opinion, how much time you should plan to spend at Grand Canyon West Rim.
Is Grand Canyon West really worth it?
Absolutely! The trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Vegas, and I would do it all over again.
The canyon is awe-inspiring and one of the most iconic places on earth. So for me, it’s a must!
Wrap-up: The best things to do at the Grand Canyon West Rim
That’s a wrap! As you already know by now, there are several exciting things to do at Grand Canyon West Rim. And we hope our list of Grand Canyon West Rim activities gave you some great ideas to plan your trip to the Rim!
I had a great time there, and I know you will as well.
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