Grand Canyon West Rim

Grand Canyon's West Rim, also known as Grand Canyon West, is the shining star of the Hualapai Indian reservation and home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped, cantilevered glass bridge attraction suspended 4,000 above the canyon floor. The Skywalk's popularity has catapulted the West Rim into Grand Canyon visitors' consciousness. A 3-hour (each way) day trip from Las Vegas, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is today one of the most popular Grand Canyon destinations, but its remote location is nearly devoid of lodging and services. In fact, there is only one choice for accommodations at the Rim, and one more within 14 miles. Because of the scarcity of hotels at the West Rim, most visitors wisely choose to stay overnight in Kingman (73 miles), Peach Springs (116 miles), Laughlin, NV (111 miles) or Las Vegas, NV (123 miles.) Look for packages that include admission to Grand Canyon West and its attractions with lodging at or near the West Rim, or go a la carte and book your hotel based on your individual needs and drive yourself or book a tour.

The West Rim is THE premier destination for tours originating in Las Vegas, and it offers several singular tour options not available at the South or North Rims: the Grand Canyon Skywalk; helicopter landings in the Inner Canyon; the road you can drive to the bottom; and one-day Colorado River rafting trips. If you have just a half-day to see the West Rim, take a helicopter or air tour from Las Vegas. If you have more time, consider a bus tour with a stop at Hoover Dam. Whatever tour you choose, you'll be required to buy an entrance package to Grand Canyon West; this is often included in tour prices, so check with your tour operator of choice. The best-value and least expensive package that includes a walk on the Skywalk - the highlight of the area - runs about $79.99 per person. Helicopter and air tours start about $250 per person, and bus/coach tours are affordable, typically starting under $120 per person.

Most visitors approach the West Rim from Las Vegas, a 123-mile drive via Highway 93 south over Hoover Dam. Go northeast on Pierce Ferry Road (County Highway 25)to Diamond Bar Road (County Highway 261). Go east on Diamond Bar Rd to Grand Canyon West. From Kingman, go north on Stockton Hill Road to Pierce Ferry Road to Diamond Bar Road. The final 9 miles of Diamond Bar Road are unpaved, and the road ends at Grand Canyon West Airport, the entrance to the West Rim, where you'll buy your entrance package and optional upgrades. Take the mandatory park-and-ride shuttle into Grand Canyon West.