The Grand Canyon’s West Rim is located outside of Grand Canyon National Park, just a two-hour drive away from Las Vegas. It’s part of northwest Arizona’s large Hualapai Indian reservation. Grand Canyon West offers visitors over 100 miles of stunning canyon and river views. Here you’ll find the Grand Canyon Skywalk and popular viewpoints, Eagle and Guano Points. Grand Canyon West’s 360-degree views are as good as you’ll find anywhere in the Grand Canyon. Surprisingly, it’s less visited compared to the South Rim, so it’s ideal for those who don’t like crowds. Before making the day trip from Las Vegas, we’ll show you the best things to do in Grand Canyon West Rim.


1. Grand Canyon Skywalk at Eagle Point

Operated by the Hualapai Tribe, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is an open-air bridge made of glass. It extends 70 feet over the rim of the canyon at 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. The bridge is shaped like a horseshoe and gives you unobstructed views of the Grand Canyon. You’ll be able to see the bottom of the Canyon as you gaze through the glass platform. If you are nervous about standing on glass, rest assured the bridge is strong enough to support the weight of seventy 747 airplanes.

  • Opening Hours: Daily 9am-7pm
  • Address: 808 Eagle Point Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States

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2. Guano Point

One of the most dramatic views of the Grand Canyon is at Guano Point. This rocky point offers stunning 360-degree views of the West Rim and the Colorado River. There are also the remnants of an aerial tram built over 60 years ago. Visitors reach Guano Point via a one-mile loop trail known as “Highpoint Hike.” The trail features slightly rough terrain but is accessible for hikers of all skill levels.

  • How to get there: 5-minute ride on a shuttle bus from the Skywalk.

3. The Sky View Restaurant

The Sky View Restaurant offers more than just delicious food and drinks. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. It’s the perfect spot for a meal or special event. The menu features a variety of casual American dishes. Satisfy your road trip cravings with burgers, hot dogs, or chicken wings. Sip on a cold beer or glass of wine while enjoying the view of Eagle Point and the Skywalk. At Sky View Restaurant, it’s all about the view.

  • Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
  • Address: 808 Eagle Point Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States

Official site


4. Colorado River

The Colorado River is a spectacular sight, winding its way through the floor of the Grand Canyon. It’s a major recreational destination offering activities like boating, rafting, and hiking. At the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, you’ll find a variety of Colorado River activities. There are helicopter tours of the Colorado River and the West Rim from Grand Canyon West Airport. You can cruise the Colorado River inside the Grand Canyon on a pontoon boat. The ultimate adventure is the all-day white water raft tour from Peach Springs. You’ll challenge the river’s white-water rapids and explore the canyon’s hidden waterfalls.

  • Duration: Half & Full day tours
  • Prices: Tours from $90 USD

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5. Zip Line

The Zip Line at Grand Canyon West is one of the longest and most exciting ziplines in the world. It’s sure to meet the need for speed and get your heart pumping. Guests soar 500 feet above the floor of a breathtaking side canyon. Four riders at a time can experience the zipline, so get ready for a race. It’s the perfect adventure for friends and family to do together. You can use your cellphone to capture the ride on video, but a GoPro would be much safer. Also keep in mind, that while the weather is predictable, wind conditions may play a role on the day, but it’ll be a hell of a ride!

  • Prices: from $39 USD
  • Address: Hualapai Ranch, 5001 Diamond Bar Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States

Official site


6. Helicopter Tours

If you don’t want to waste time on a bus trip from Las Vegas, a helicopter tour is the best option. West Rim Helicopter tours start at around $320. The tours include hotel pickup, drop-off, and roundtrip flights to the Grand Canyon. Along the way, you’ll view other landmarks like the Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead. Professionally trained pilots soar over the rim and into the depths of the canyon. The aerial views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River are breathtaking. You can even touch down inside the Canyon for a gourmet champagne picnic. Helicopter tours also leave from Grand Canyon West Airport. They fly from the top to the canyon floor for an incredible rim-to-floor experience.

  • Duration: Half & Full day tours
  • Prices: from $320 USD

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7. Hiking

There aren’t as many hiking trails inside the West Rim as there are on the North and South Rims. But the West Rim hiking trails provide some of the Grand Canyon’s most spectacular views. The most famous trail on the West Rim is “Highpoint Hike.” This trail leads to the top of Guano Point. There’s a spectacular 360-degree view of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. It’s as breathtaking a view as any you’ll find on the North or South Rim. There’s also a hiking trail leading from Guano Point to an abandoned aerial tramway. 


8. Shopping

You can buy souvenirs and keepsakes of your visit to Grand Canyon West at four different shops. There are two gift shops, one at the Skywalk Terminal and one inside the Skywalk. Here you’ll find Grand Canyon West, Skywalk, and Route 66 souvenirs. Choose from t-shirts, coffee mugs, postcards, and a variety of other items. The Creations by Native Hands Gift Shop features handmade tribal gifts. They’re famous for handmade soaps using traditional Native herbs. Also, Guano Point is home to a Native American Flea Market. Visitors can buy handcrafted goods made by local Hualapai artisans.


Tours to Grand Canyon West Rim from Las Vegas

The West Rim is the closest section of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas. Visitors can experience the West Rim from the land, air, and water on full-day guided tours. Coach tours from Las Vegas include a stop at Hoover Dam and a walk on the glass-bottom Grand Canyon Skywalk. Admission to the West Rim, a BBQ on the Canyon’s edge, and spectacular views are also expected in tour packages. The most popular trips from Las Vegas are helicopter sightseeing tours to the West Rim. On the way to the Canyon, you’ll also fly over the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Mead, and Hoover Dam. Some helicopter tours will drop guests on the Canyon floor for a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. An extra option is to add white-water rafting down the Colorado River in search of hidden waterfalls.

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Where to Stay near Grand Canyon West Rim

There are two hotels near the Grand Canyon West Rim. If you want to take your time and relax after a long day exploring the canyon, it might be best to stay one night at the following hotels.

Grand Canyon Western Ranch 

The Grand Canyon Western Ranch is in Grapevine Canyon, 10 miles from the West Rim. With over 800 acres, they feature horseback riding, wagon rides, a gun range, and a herd of buffalo. There are rustic cabins, glamping tents, and campsites for guests. The custom-built cabins come with large front porches and wood-burning stoves. Glamping tents have all the comforts of home for those who want to camp in luxury. For the cowboys, there’s an overnight horseback trip with a campfire and outdoor cookout. The main ranch house is now a bar and restaurant, serving breakfast lunch, and dinner. Cabin rates start at $200 per night.

  • Guest Rating: 8.6
  • Star Rating: 3 stars
  • Address: 3750 East Diamond Bar Road, Meadview, AZ 86444, United States of America 

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Cabins at Grand Canyon West

The Cabins at Grand Canyon West are the perfect place to spend the night after visiting the West Rim. Relax under the stars after a long day of exploring and sightseeing. These rustic cabins are built for overnight stays. The different size cabins can accommodate from two to six people. They’re perfect for a family adventure to the Grand Canyon. Each cabin comes with an oversized porch, ideal for watching the sunset. Reservations include complimentary admission to Grand Canyon West. Cabin rates start at $250 per night.

  • Guest Rating: 8.2
  • Star Rating: 2 stars
  • Address: 5001 East Diamond Bar Road, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States of America

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Grand Canyon West Rim Weather

The weather at Grand Canyon West Rim is hot in summer, pleasant in spring and fall, and cold in winter. It’s still a year-round destination. Winter weather can be inclement, but everything is open. The best time to visit is spring or fall when the weather is just right. Summers can be hot with temperatures generally above 30 degress celsius.


Driving to Grand Canyon West Rim Viewpoints

The Grand Canyon West Rim is owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. They don’t allow private cars in this part of the canyon. Visitors can park at the Welcome Center. From there, shuttles will take you to Skywalk, Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch.

Entrance Fee – General admission starts from $59 USD. You’ll have a day pass for Grand Canyon West which includes the Skywalk, shuttle bus, and access to view points. 


Grand Canyon West Rim vs South Rim

If you only have a short time to visit the Grand Canyon, the West Rim is a better option. It’s closer to Las Vegas so one-day trips are more doable. The weather at the West rim is also better year-round, and it’s not as crowded. Views from the West Rim are just as spectacular as those from the South Rim. But if you want to visit South Rim, check our guide 9 Best Things to do in Grand Canyon South Rim.


Grand Canyon West Rim Map

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