Grand Canyon West Rim: Visitor’s Guide (2023)

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The Grand Canyon West Rim is only two hours outside of Las Vegas. And it offers some of the most incredible adventures imaginable.

There are scenic viewpoints, ziplining, helicopter rides, and hiking trails. And let’s not forget – the famous Skywalk.

As someone who visits often, planning your day here is essential so you can prioritize what to see and do. Otherwise, you could miss out!

So in this guide, I’ll help you create your travel itinerary and share tips to maximize your Grand Canyon time.

About Grand Canyon West

The Grand Canyon West Rim is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in Arizona. The tribal land stretches one million acres with over 100 miles of Grand Canyon and Colorado River views.

The Hualapai Tribe is a sovereign Indian nation, which means they don’t get any federal funding from the U.S. Government. So your visit to the West Rim helps support the tribespeople.

And because it’s on Indian land, it’s not affiliated with the Grand Canyon National Park, so you’ll need to pay to enter. But it’s well worth it.

The West Rim is well-run, with complimentary shuttle services and thrilling Grand Canyon experiences. And it’s educational, too, as you’ll learn about Native American history.

Hours of Operation

Grand Canyon West is open 365 days a year, holidays included. So you can plan your trip any day of the week, Monday through Sunday.

The current hours of operation are 8:00 am until sundown. And the closing hours fluctuate depending on the time of year. For instance, from March through October, the last entry is usually at 6:00 pm, while from November to February, it’s 5:00 pm.

Tickets

No matter what you decide to do at the Grand Canyon West Rim, you’ll need to buy a general admission (GA) ticket. And that goes for everyone in your group – except for children four years of age and younger who get in for free.

GA tickets give you access to Hualapai Point, and the Grand Canyon views at Eagle Point and Guano Point. You’ll also get to ride on the complimentary hop-on, hop-off shuttle service.

If you’re interested in the zipline or taking a helicopter and pontoon tour, you’ll need to buy an add-on ticket. The Skywalk is also an additional charge. But kids ages four and younger can go on the Skywalk for free, too, as long as they’re old enough to walk by themselves.

Build Your Bundle

The following rates are subject to change and vary depending on the day. All prices are before sales tax.

• General Admission: starting at $49 per person
• Add-On: Skywalk: starting at $26 per person
• Add-On: Meal Ticket: $25 per person
• Add-On: Zipline: starting at $45 per person
• Add-On: Helicopter Pontoon Tour: starting at $289 per person

Autumn Adventure Deals

The West Rim’s Autumn Adventure Deals are pre-designed packages that offer savings over the à la carte rates. You can choose from three package options.

Things To Do At Grand Canyon West

Your general admission ticket includes a day pass to see the Grand Canyon at Eagle Point and Guano Point. And after undergoing a renovation, Hualapai Point is also back on the general admission tour.

If you’re going on the Skywalk, you’ll do that at Eagle Point. The zipline, which is open seasonally, is at Hualapai Point. And then, the helicopter and pontoon tour leaves from the Aerial Tours Building, near the parking lot.

Eagle Point

Eagle Point is where most guests go first, and it’s the second stop on your self-guided West Rim tour. Immediately, when you hop off the bus here, you’ll see a majestic view of the Grand Canyon.

Although you can’t see the bottom from this location, it’s pretty much a straight drop-off. So please be careful not to get too close to the edge. And don’t cross the ropes either, as there are fracture points in the rocks.

Native American Village

At Eagle Point, you’ll also find an authentic Native American village. Here, you’ll walk along a path that’ll take you back to a simpler way of life. And you’ll see how tribes like the Hualapai, Navajo, and Hopi built housing, sweat lodges, and stoves.

It’s a great educational experience for both adults and kids. And at every structure, there’s an informational sign, too. So, you’ll learn how the Native Americans designed them and the spiritual significance behind the materials.

Although you won’t have a view of the Grand Canyon from here, the setting for the village is beautiful! You’ll look out over miles and miles of rolling plains.

Skywalk

The Skywalk is also at Eagle Point. And I highly recommend going on it to see the bottom of the Grand Canyon and take in some spectacular views. I think it’s worth doing at least once – even if you’re scared of heights like me.

Now, the Skywalk is a glass walkway extending out over the rim like a horseshoe. It’s roughly 4,000 feet above the floor of the Grand Canyon. And with nothing underneath it for support, it’s quite the adrenaline rush!

Read Also: Is it worth going on the Skywalk?

Guano Point

When you’re done at Eagle Point, you’ll hop on the shuttle to Guano Point. There, you’ll experience the most spectacular rim views of the entire tour! And you’ll get to see the Colorado River too.

One of the best viewpoints of the river is directly in front of where the bus drops you off. So once you get off the shuttle, walk straight ahead toward the rim. But, be careful here. There aren’t any ropes – only a few signs warning you not to get too close.

The first time I went, I thought this view was the only thing to see at Guano Point, so I didn’t explore the area. But there’s also a trail that takes you to a historical monument. And trust me – you don’t want to miss this short hike!

Guano Mine & Highpoint Hike

So after you’ve seen the Colorado River viewpoint, head over to Guano Point Cafe. You’ll see a trail in front that’ll lead you to the remnants of an old tramway used for mining guano. It’s not too strenuous of a walk, but there isn’t a rail, so proceed cautiously.

You’ll see more incredible Grand Canyon views on the right as you continue along the path. And then, off to your left, you can climb up a rock formation that’ll give you a 360-degree view. This is the Highpoint Hike, and the views from here are breathtaking, especially at sunset!

The trail ends at the historic head house that would take workers in cable cars across the river to a cave. So while you’re there, try to imagine an old tramway 2,500 feet high and 7,500 feet across!

Hualapai Point

Hualapai Point is the first stop on your tour, and it’s home to the Hualapai Ranch. This ranch features an old Western town. And you can even go inside the buildings, like the old-time jail, and take some photos.

There are fun activities for the kiddos, such as a small shooting gallery where you can compete against each other. And a saloon where you can get some cold treats like root beer floats!

Hualapai Point is also where you’ll find the Grand Canyon zipline experience. And hiking and biking trails, too.

Ziplines

If the Skywalk isn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, you can also go ziplining. The zip lines go over side canyons, and you can see the Grand Canyon in the distance.

The first run at Hualapai Point is 1100 feet long and 500 feet off the ground, while the second is 2100 feet long and 700 feet off the ground. There are four ziplines at each run, too, so you can ride with your friends and family.

Are you interested in riding the ziplines? Check out my new Grand Canyon Zip Line guide.

Helicopter & Pontoon Tour

The Helicopter and Pontoon tour takes you on a helicopter ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon – 3,500 feet below the rim! You’ll then get on a guided boat tour. And learn all about the tribe’s history, including why the river is sacred to the Hualapai people.

The boat ride itself is relatively smooth. And it gives you an entirely different perspective of the Canyon, too. For instance, it’s much narrower at the bottom than at the top – which stretches 19 miles in some places!

After the boat ride, you’ll get in a helicopter again to ascend to the top of the rim. Your roundtrip flight time is about 15 minutes, so you’ll see some incredible views.

Shopping

A fantastic little gift shop is inside the Skywalk building at Eagle Point. Here you’ll find a collection of souvenirs, including Skywalk and West Rim merchandise.

For instance, there are hats, t-shirts, mugs, and even sunglasses – in case you forget or lose yours. You’ll also see a unique collection of hand-crafted items and art from local tribes.

And then, on select days at Guano Point, there’s an authentic Native American flea market. Although the market hasn’t been open the past two times I’ve gone, I’ve heard great things.

Dining

There are four restaurants at the West Rim. You’ll find Sky View Restaurant and Skywalk Cafe at Eagle Point and Guano Point Cafe at Guano Point. Gwe Ma’jo Restaurant is also open now at Hualapai Point. All are open daily.

FAQs: West Rim Grand Canyon

Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the Grand Canyon.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The West Rim?

The best time to visit the Grand Canyon is in the spring and fall months. This is because temperatures are much more moderate. But the ziplining experience is only open during the summertime, so if you want to do that, make sure to come then!

As far as the time of day goes, you’ll see more intense colors in the early morning and later afternoon hours. I noticed a big difference looking at the Grand Canyon around noon compared to 2:30 pm.

Is There A Place To Stay The Night?

If you need overnight accommodations, you can stay on-site at the Cabins at Grand Canyon West. These are located at Hualapai Point. There are cabin options for up to six guests and even front porches to watch the sunrise and sunset.

The cabins often sell out, though, so it’s good to book early if you want to spend the night.

How Long Does It Take To See The West Rim?

You can do it in about three hours if you’re just getting general admission tickets and eating at a restaurant. However, with an add-on experience like the Skywalk or ziplines, it’ll take you roughly four to five hours.

Can You See The Grand Canyon West Rim For Free?

Because the West Rim is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, you’ll have to pay to see it. But kids four years of age and younger get in for free. And they also get complimentary entry to the Skywalk (as long as they’re old enough to walk on their own).

Can You Visit Hoover Dam And The Grand Canyon In One Day?

Hoover Dam is on the way to the Grand Canyon if you’re coming from Las Vegas. So you can do both – if you want to get up early!

But in my opinion, it’s better to devote an entire day to the West Rim. There’s just so much to see and do there. And it’s worth taking the time to explore.

It’s also about eight to nine hours round trip from Las Vegas, so adding a trip to the Hoover Dam makes for a very long day.

Where Is The Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Experience?

The Grand Canyon whitewater rafting experience is NOT at the West Rim. Instead, it’s in Peach Springs, AZ, which, if you’re driving, is a little less than two hours from the Rim.

The whitewater rafting adventure is on the Colorado River, and it’s run by the Hualapai River Runners. You can choose from one or two-day packages. And with either option, you’ll have an experienced guide that’ll take you rafting, hiking, and climbing.

What Should I Wear To Grand Canyon West?

Casual clothes are best, along with tennis shoes or hiking boots. If you’re coming during the spring and fall, it’s good to wear layers. During these months, the temperature can vary a lot during the day.

And because the Grand Canyon West Rim is a family-oriented place, there’s a dress code. For instance, visitors must wear shirts and shoes at all times. Also, the following items are prohibited.

• Clothing with objectionable material, obscene language or graphics
• See-through attire
• Clothing that’s excessively torn
• Apparel that exposes parts of the body that are inappropriate for a family environment

Is It Better To Drive Or Take Bus Tours?

Because there are so many things to see and do, it’s much better to drive to the Grand Canyon. If you take a bus tour, you’re on the tour company’s schedule, and it’s a tighter time frame. So you may not get to do the add-on experiences.

If you don’t have a car, you can rent one in Las Vegas. Many of the hotels offer car rental services on-site. I always like to check the airlines’ websites, too, as many have competitive rates on car rentals.

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Conclusion

The West Rim offers phenomenal views and attractions you won’t find anywhere else. And being on the Hualapai reservation provides a different perspective of the Grand Canyon.

My two favorite experiences are the Skywalk and walking on the trail to the Guano Mine. So I recommend putting these on your list if budget and time allow.

I will say, though, that how close people get to the Rim at Guano Point is a little scary. There aren’t any rails or ropes there, and I still get anxious thinking about it. So please keep this in mind when taking pictures.

Because there are so many things to do here, it’s best to leave Las Vegas in the morning – at the latest, by 9 am.