Grand Canyon West Rim

The basics

The West Rim is an ideal day trip destination from Las Vegas, Nevada. Hike the area, visit the Western-style Hualapai Ranch for food and themed activities, or step onto the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk—a glass bridge near Guano Point that allows visitors to see the Colorado River flowing 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) beneath their feet on the canyon floor.

The West Rim is a popular destination for helicopter tours from Las Vegas, which give travelers a bird's-eye view of the Grand Canyon's rock formations and nearby attractions such as the Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. For a special treat, opt for a sunset helicopter tour that includes Champagne. Bus tours from Vegas offer a different perspective and sometimes also include a visit to Joshua Tree National Park.

Things to know before you go

• Plan to spend at least four hours exploring the West Rim.

• Transportation by private vehicle is not permitted within Grand Canyon West. Parking is available, and a hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus transports visitors between viewpoints.

• Bring sun protection, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes.

• Wheelchair users may need assistance on the area's rough terrain.

How to get there

Grand Canyon West is two to three hours by road from Las Vegas and 90 minutes from Kingman, Arizona. The nearest airport is McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.

When to get there

The Grand Canyon is a scenic place to visit year-round, with its colors ranging from blazing summer reds to snowy winter hues. Summer is the busiest season, when it's best to arrive early and book tours in advance.

History of the West Rim

Although the Hualapai Reservation was created in 1883, the Grand Canyon West Rim area wasn't developed until 1988, when 2,100 members of the Hualapai tribe decided to open their ancestral lands to visitors. In addition to its stunning viewpoints, the area now offers white water rafting, scenic hiking trails, and rustic lodging to travelers.

How long does it take to tour the West Rim of the Grand Canyon?

A self-guided Grand Canyon West Rim tour will take about three to four hours to see and experience most everything there. Many tour companies run tours that also combine a visit to Hoover Dam, which takes more time.

What should I not miss at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon?

When visiting the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, add the Grand Canyon West Skywalk to your admission ticket. The 70-foot (21-meter) glass bridge allows you to walk across the canyon at 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above its floor for unobstructed views.

What is the best time to visit Grand Canyon West Rim?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Grand Canyon West as these seasons allow you to avoid the summer crowds and heat that come in June, July, and August. The best time of day to visit is later in the afternoon so you can catch a sunset.

How much is the entrance fee to West Rim Grand Canyon?

Grand Canyon West Rim tickets start at US$49. A general admission ticket gives you access to the Hualapai Tribal Nation–owned attractions Eagle Point and Guano Point lookout areas and its hop-on hop-off shuttle service. Other attraction add-ons, like the Skywalk (US$29), cost more.

How do you spend a day at the Grand Canyon West Rim?

Filling your day at Grand Canyon West Rim is easy. Along with spending time at Eagle Point and Guano Point, you can walk across the Grand Canyon West Skywalk, go ziplining, take a helicopter ride, grab a meal at Skywalk Cafe or Guano Point Cafe, and visit Hualapai Ranch.

Are reservations required to visit the Grand Canyon West Rim?

No, reservations aren't required for general admission into the Grand Canyon West Rim. If you want to do things like go ziplining or take a helicopter ride or rafting tour, you may want to book ahead to make sure there's space available.

Ways to explore

The West Rim is an ideal day trip destination from Las Vegas, Nevada. Hike the area, visit the Western-style Hualapai Ranch for food and themed activities, or step onto the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk—a glass bridge near Guano Point that allows visitors to see the Colorado River flowing 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) beneath their feet on the canyon floor. The West Rim is a popular destination for helicopter tours from Las Vegas, which give travelers a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon’s rock formations and nearby attractions such as the Hoover Dam and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Accessibility

While shuttles and certain attractions, such as the Skywalk, are accessible, many paths and overlooks are not accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

None, although the Skywalk is only open to kids old enough to walk on their own, and the Zipline has height and weight restrictions.

What to pack

Hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers and good hiking shoes; revealing or offensive clothing is not permitted.

Not allowed

Outside food and beverages, any phones or personal items on the Skywalk, pets

Amenities

Eateries, lockers, gift shops, shuttles, smartphone app (no Wi-Fi available)

Address

The Grand Canyon West Rim is 2–3 hours by road from Las Vegas and 90 minutes from Kingman, Arizona. The nearest airport is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Note that the West Rim is not part of Grand Canyon National Park; it is nearly 4 hours west of the national park.

Driving

From Las Vegas, take Highway 93 South, turn onto Pierce Ferry Road, and follow signs to the Grand Canyon West entrance. The drive is about 2–3 hours, and free parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

The Grand Canyon West Rim is not reachable by public transportation. You can book a guided tour—most of which depart from nearby Las Vegas—to reach the landmark

Best times to visit

To beat the crowds (and the soaring temperatures), arrive early in the morning to make the most of your Grand Canyon West Rim visit.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends at the Grand Canyon.

Best months to visit

Summer is both the busiest and hottest time to visit, while winter can bring snow and cold temperatures. Aim for the spring or autumn shoulder seasons to keep things comfortable.

Special events

Christmas at the Canyon is an annual event that features festive decorations and special activities.