The Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the USA, a view of the world’s largest canyon you’ll remember forever. At up to 5,249 ft deep, the valleys have been shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years. The Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona, and its western rim, the West Rim, is accessible from Las Vegas. The journey by car takes approximately three hours.
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Grand Canyon West is Operated by the Hualapai Indian Tribe
The entire area around Grand Canyon West is managed by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. Their refuge once stretched from the Grand Canyon along the famous Route 66 to San Francisco, covering 5 million acres of land. This territory gradually shrunk, but the Hualapai continued to thrive.
In 1988, they began to open their territory to the general public. Firstly, to give tourists a chance to learn about their traditions and culture, and secondly, to provide financial security for future generations of Hualapai. Since then, they have been developing more attractions. While it may seem to some that they are merely trying to maximize profits, the reality is quite different. The Hualapai have successfully adapted to modern times and are working to ensure the survival not only of their tribe, but of their culture as well.
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What to Do in Grand Canyon West
🎟️ Grand Package
The basic package includes admission to the grounds and the Grand Canyon Skywalk. You can visit Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch sites. Depending on the date you choose, the price varies between $64 and $70.
🎟️ Grander Package
This package includes everything in the Grand Package, plus a voucher for one meal in a restaurant. The price ranges from $85 to $91.
🎟️ Grandest Package
This package includes admission to the venue and the Skywalk. Plus, it includes a 12-15 minute helicopter flight that will drop you 3,501 ft to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There, you’ll transfer to a boat and float down a section of the Colorado River. A helicopter will then transport you back to the start of the experience. The package does not include food. Price starts at $313.
🎟️ Grandiose Package
This package includes admission, lunch, and most importantly, a full-day experience of rafting down the Colorado River. The price per person starts at $399.
🎟️ Add-Ons
A voucher for a meal at Sky View Restaurant can be added to all packages for $21.00. For $39, you can pay for a ride on the 3,199 ft zip-line 499 ft above the canyon rim.
🎟️ Grand Canyon West Tickets
The prices listed are current as of March 24, 2023. See below for detailed program descriptions. Tickets can be ordered at the official Grand Canyon West website.
The area is not part of Grand Canyon National Park, which is a five-hour drive away. Therefore, the America the Beautiful Pass does not apply here.
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Eagle Point
The main attraction at Eagle Point is a unique viewing platform, the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which features a transparent floor.
Daredevils can take photos from the edge of the cliff, beneath which is a chasm more than a thousand feet deep. The place fills up quickly with people weaving in and out of the shot. There is a good view of the Skywalk from this spot, and if you walk up it one at a time, you will get good photos of a friend or acquaintance on it.
Eagle Point also has a large amphitheater with Native musicians, a traditional Indian teepee, and last but not least, a diner offering snacks.
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Guano Point
Guano Point is 2 mi from Eagle Point, and a bus can take you there. If you feel hungry, an outdoor buffet is available with a beautiful view of the surroundings.
After your meal, I recommend taking the approximately 1,148 ft trail to Hitchpoint Hike. At the edge of the cliff lie the remains of a 8,858 ft-long cable car that facilitated the mining of guano. The cable car was destroyed when a USA Army pilot cut its cables during an unauthorized crossing of the Grand Canyon.
Nevertheless, it is worth climbing to the top of the rocky hill; it offers the best view of the entire Grand Canyon. You would regret missing this climb.
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Hualapai Ranch
Hualapai Ranch resembles a scene straight out of a Wild West movie. You can enjoy a cowboy show with lassoing demonstrations and tomahawk throwing or take a ride in a genuine Indian wagon.
For an additional fee, you can stay overnight at the ranch or go horseback riding.
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Tips for Visitors
🗺️ Where is Grand Canyon West?
Grand Canyon West is a three-hour (128 mi) drive from Las Vegas. Just renting a car is the best way to reach the location. You will drive on a USA highway through the desert, and along the way, you can stop at the famous Hoover Dam.
Parking at the entrance to Grand Canyon West is free, use the location on Google Maps for navigation.
🚌 Bus Trip from Las Vegas
If you prefer an organized trip, a bus from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim is available. The price includes transportation on an air-conditioned bus, tickets, lunch, and a photo stop at the Hoover Dam. More information about the tour.
🕒 Grand Canyon West Hours
Grand Canyon West is open every day of the year, including national holidays. It is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the last admission at 5:00 pm.
Please note that the opening hours may be reduced during the winter months from November to March.
💡 Good to Know
Free buses run regularly between the entrance gate and various stops, which you can board at your convenience. There is no time limit for your stay at each stop.
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Photos of Grand Canyon West
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