Grand Canyon West, Arizona
Grand Canyon West may not be as expansive as the South Rim but it is awe-inspiring nonetheless. And notwithstanding its proximity to Las Vegas (under 3 hours) and popularity of the recently opened Grand Canyon Skywalk it is significantly less crowded than the South Rim, at any time of the year. Yet the experience is far less ‘wild’ than Toroweap or the North Rim. A variety of family attractions, the glass-bottom Skywalk, Indian Village and Hualapai Ranch, and fun family activities, horseback riding and hummer tours, make the West Rim of the Grand Canyon a great choice when traveling with kids.
Situated on the Hualapai Indian Nation Reserve and managed by the Hualapai tribe, the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. A fact that is made clear when you purchase your package. The Grand Canyon West Rim is priced and bundled like an attraction not a national wonder. And while there are no commercial buildings to obstruct the views, the Skywalk lookout, when complete in 2008, could change that.
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Getting there
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is 120 miles (193 km) from Las Vegas, 253 miles (407 km) from Phoenix and 216 miles (347 km) from Flagstaff. Yet you need to know more than distance when calculating the driving time to Grand Canyon West. Whether you approach the West Rim from Peach Springs or Kingman the last 14 miles (23 km), roughly a 30-minute drive, are on rough, unpaved road. From Las Vegas, the trips is just under 3 hours, 4 from Flagstaff and roughly 5 hours from Phoenix as well as the South Rim.
Getting around
A trip to Grand Canyon West is park and ride. Private vehicles are not permitted within the West Rim area. A hop-on hop-off shuttle service connects all points along the rim - Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, Indian Village and Hualapai Ranch. A coach service, currently $10 per person, provides an alternative to navigating Diamond Bar Road in your own vehicle. The bus trip between the welcome center and entrance is roughly 30 minutes each way. Of note RVs are not allowed beyond the welcome center.
When to travel
The West Rim is a year round destination. The best time of year to visit is spring (March through May). The peak season isn't limited to summer weekends and the month of July but includes the week between Christmas and New Year, Spring Break, and holiday weekends throughout the year.
Travel health & child safety
The shortest available metaphorical reins are required on all children. There are no guardrails, anywhere.
Opening hours
The West Rim is open 365 days a year. Opening hours are seasonal and daylight dependent. Grand Canyon West is open 7:00 to 19:00 from May through September and 8:00 to 16:30 from December through February. Skywalk hours are 8:00 to 18:00 in summer and in winter 8:00 to 15:30. Native American performances are held daily year round.
Fees
Grand Canyon West is priced like an attraction and the cost of the entrance fee is based on the activity package you choose. Of note, admission to the Skywalk is not included in all packages and in some cases cannot be added even with an additional fee.
Contact details
Packages for Grand Canyon West and tickets for the Skywalk can be reserved via email at reservations@destinationgrandcanyon.com or by telephone at +1 877 716 9378. Reservations for the park and ride service can be made by telephone at +1 702 260 6506.
Things to keep in mind
Whether you take the bus from the welcome center or make the journey to the entrance in your own vehicle you are likely to be wearing more than a bit of red earth. The only hiking on the West Rim is the less than 1/4 mile (400 m) High Point Trail at Guano Point. Accommodation is limited; book well in advance.
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