Grand Canyon West Rim and Skywalk

Grand Canyon West is not part of Grand Canyon National Park which is comprised of the South and North Rims. Grand Canyon West is owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe (pronounced "Wall-uh-pie"). The Hualapai Reservation, established in 1883 comprises about 1 million acres that extends from the west corridor of the Grand Canyon to the small town of Peach Springs, Arizona located on Historic Route 66.

Photo of Skywalk at Grand Canyon West

The overwhelming number of visitors to the West Rim arrive on tours from Las Vegas. That's because it is much closer than the South Rim. Grand Canyon West is about 118 miles from Las Vegas versus almost 350 miles to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Most visitors to the West Rim only spend 3-4 hours there.

Tours that include group transportation are usually most convenient since the area is in a remote wilderness region. There are no gas stations, convenience markets or fast food services at Grand Canyon West. There is also about a 14 mile stretch of unpaved road leading into the Hualapai Reservation at the the West Rim. It is an anticipated the road will be paved in the near future.

Skywalk At The West Rim

Skywalk is by far the premier attraction. The horseshoe walk is a glass bridge that juts-out 70 feet into open space from the canyon's edge.

Photo of Skywalk at Grand Canyon West

Visitors have nothing but reinforced glass under their feet suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. The bridge is 10 feet wide with 6 foot high glass railing walls. If you are afraid of heights, this is not the attraction for you. Read more about Skywalk at the Grand Canyon West Rim.

Eagle Point

Besides being the location of Skywalk, it also features Native American Village where you can tour authentic Native American dwellings. See hand-crafted jewelry and crafts by Native Americans. Watch live Native American performances by members of several tribes scheduled with all day performances.

Guano Point

Guano Point. © Dzhingarova

Visit Guano Point and remnants of a tram that once stretched 8,800 feet to a guano mine. Take the short, easy "Highpoint Hike" featuring breathtaking views. Tourists may dine right at the canyon's edge with 360 degree views. At the Hualapai Market, interact with the Tribal members who have handmade authentic jewelry and crafts.

Hualapai Ranch and Cabins

Hualapai Ranch is the final stop on its free shuttle bus. The kids will love this setting in old west style. Learn how to rope, quick-draw the six-gun and enjoy cowboy entertainment. Take a 30-minute horse back ride to the rim or a 1.5 hour ride along the rim. Tourist have the option of staying overnight in a cabin that faces the rim. If you do, enjoy cowboy stories around a campfire.

Other Option Attractions and Things To Do

Other options include various helicopter rides and a combination helicopter boat trip which combines a flight through the canyon and landing on the canyon floor followed by a pontoon boat on the Colorado River. Horseback rides, overnight cabin stays, and meal voucher options are available separately.

A one-day whitewater rapids rafting tour by the Hualapai River Runners available that includes a helicopter ride to the top of the rim and a guided hike up to Travetine Falls and lunch on the banks of the Colorado River. Rafts depart from Peach Springs, Arizona and includes ground transportation from and back to Hualapai Lodge at Peach Springs.