The Best Things to Do at Grand Canyon West Rim + How to Visit from Las Vegas
The world-famous Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders that you absolutely must see! Like many of you, I’ve had it on my travel bucket list for quite some time. So after moving to Vegas last year, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to visit Grand Canyon West!
The Grand Canyon is a massive, breathtaking natural wonder located in Arizona. At approximately 277 miles in length and 1 mile in depth, the Grand Canyon features a diverse range of historical geological features, stunning vistas, and rich ecosystems such as the Colorado River, million-year-old red rock formations, and the famous Havasu Falls.
The Grand Canyon is divided into several rims: North Rim, South Rim, East Rim, and West Rim. While each of them offers their own unique experiences and perspectives of the canyon, I’m sharing everything you need to know, plus the best things to do at the Grand Canyon West Rim!
How to visit the Grand Canyon’s West Rim
The best way to visit the Grand Canyon’s West Rim is to take a day trip from Las Vegas! The West Rim is only a 2-hour drive away, making it a perfect quick little getaway from the busy Las Vegas Strip.
Between family and friend’s coming to visit, plus our own Las Vegas day trips as locals, I’ve visited the West Rim about 4 times now. So needless to say, I’ve done and seen it all so I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Canyon West Rim!
I personally recommend getting a rental car and exploring the West Rim by yourself. This not only saves time, but gives you the freedom to stop along the way to the Grand Canyon, as well as other spots around the Las Vegas Valley. If you don’t have a car or want to drive, there are lots of great tours you can book through Get Your Guide or Viator!
Things to do at Grand Canyon West Rim
Grand Canyon West Rim: Eagle Point
Rising 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, Eagle Point is one of the main viewpoints at the Grand Canyon West Rim, which is owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe. Just across from this viewpoint stands some magnificent rock formations, which if you look closely, come together to form the silhouette of an eagle spreading its wings across the canyon.
To experience the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the local and regional tribes, you can also embark on a self-guided exploration of Eagle Point's Native American Village. Wander along a pathway adorned with traditionally constructed dwellings, ovens, and sweat lodges and admire the fascinating blend of architecture, design, and functionality that went into constructing these works.
Grand Canyon West Rim: Grand Canyon Skywalk at Eagle Point
One of the main attractions at Eagle Point is the Skywalk, a glass-bottomed horseshoe-shaped bridge that extends over the edge of the Grand Canyon’s rim. For an additional fee, it provides a thrilling experience and unique vantage point, allowing visitors to walk above the canyon and observe the depths of the canyon floor below.
Grand Canyon West Rim: Guano Point
Guano Point is another prominent viewpoint at the Grand Canyon West Rim, offering captivating views and unique geological features. Guano Point provides panoramic views of the Grand Canyon’s stunning landscapes and intricate rock formations, as well as vantage points where you can marvel at the vastness of the canyon and the winding Colorado River below. I highly recommend walking the whole way around, and if you’re physically able, hike up the rocks as high as you can for an incredible bird’s eye view from the top!
More things to do at Grand Canyon West Rim
Other activities at Grand Canyon West include: kayaking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ziplining, boat rides, helicopter rides and more! See Grand Canyon West for a full list!
Day trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim Itinerary
Looking for a fun day trip idea from Las Vegas? Check out my jam-packed Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim day trip itinerary:
6:00 am: Drive to Grand Canyon West Rim
8:00 am - 10:00 am: Explore the Grand Canyon West Rim
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Kayak from Willow Beach to Emerald Cove. We were able to kayak to Emerald Cove and back in an hour but give yourself 2 hours just in case. I recommend getting a tandem kayak so you can maximize your time. (The best months to visit Emerald Cove are from April - October. The best time to see Emerald Cove is on a sunny day between 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm)
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Visit the Hoover Dam (open daily from to 5:00 pm) & Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. You don’t need to spend a ton of time here. Drive all the way up to the furthest parking lot for a cool view of the Hoover Dam from the Lake Mead side, then drive over to the bridge parking lot and walk up to the center of the bridge for a full scope of the dam from the opposite side. Don’t forget to admire the bridge as you drive under it, it’s just as impressive as the dam itself!
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Explore Boulder City - Walk the town, peruse some antiques, visit some cute coffee shops (I love the cafe inside the Boulder City Co. Store), and more. If you want to make time to visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum (open Thursday - Monday from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm) I recommend you make it your first stop in Boulder City, or you can always visit the Hoover Dam afterward as long as you get there before they close at 5 pm.
6:30 pm: Dinner at Lake Las Vegas - I highly recommend Sonrisa Grill (get the chicken flautas & pineapple coconut margarita), Tokyo Social House, or The Pub!
Copy my Grand Canyon outfit
Grand Canyon West Rim FAQ
Is the Grand Canyon West Rim worth seeing?
Absolutely! There are so many beautiful spots to visit at the West Rim, plus it’s only a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, which makes it a quick and easy day trip from the busy Sin City!
How much time is needed at the Grand Canyon’s West Rim?
I’ve done multiple day trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West Rim and even after doing all of the activities I’ve never spent more than 2 hours.
How much does it cost to visit Grand Canyon West Rim?
The basic admission fee includes access to the Hualapai Tribal lands and the viewpoints at the West Rim. Prices for the basic admission package can range from around $50 to $70 per person. The Skywalk is an additional cost starting at $26 per person. (Please note: prices are subject to change)
Can I do a day trip to Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas?
Yes! In fact, it’s one of the best ways to see the west rim of the Grand Canyon. It’s about 4 hours round trip from Las Vegas which makes it the perfect day trip idea!
What other day trips from Las Vegas can I do?
One of the many reasons why we love living in Vegas is that there are so many things to do nearby that are less than 3 hours away including some popular national parks! Some day trips from Las Vegas you can do are Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, Seven Magic Mountains, Red Rock Canyon, Lake Las Vegas, Willow Beach, Valley of Fire State Park, Mount Charleston, Death Valley National Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Snow Canyon State Park, Lake Havasu, Dixie National Forest, ElDorado Canyon, Extraterrestrial Highway, Nelson ghost town, Joshua Tree Forest, the Mojave Desert and more!
What are the best things to do in Las Vegas?
There are so many amazing things to do in Las Vegas! While it’s far too much to list here, you can check out my Las Vegas Itinerary travel guide or 100+ Free Things To Do In Las Vegas to find the best things to do and see on your Las Vegas trip!
