Grand Canyon West: What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Grand Canyon West Arizona
Grand Canyon West is a census-designated place in Mohave County, Arizona, the United States, located on the Hualapai Reservation. If you’re looking to visit the Grand Canyon, there are two main options: you can either drive down to the South Rim from Las Vegas, or you can fly to Grand Canyon West and take a helicopter to the West Rim.
- Distance From Las Vegas Is Approx. 125 miles Via US-93 S
- Google Map: Grand Canyon West, AZ, USA
There are pros and cons to each option, but let’s start with some general information about Grand Canyon West so that you know what you’re getting into before planning your visit!
West Rim
The West Rim is located in Arizona and offers unique views, along with a glass skywalk. If you’re planning a trip to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, take some time out of your vacation for a visit to West Rim.
Some of our favorite activities at West Rim include zip lining and taking photos of sunsets and sunrises from Mather Point. From here, it feels like you can see forever.
Where is the West Rim?
The West Rim is located about 70 miles from Las Vegas and 75 miles from Phoenix, Arizona. To get there from Phoenix, head south on Interstate 17 for about 70 miles to State Route 64 and then take SR-64 east for 36 miles.
Head north on SR-89A for 11 more miles before merging onto US Highway 93. Drive north another 55 miles to reach Grand Canyon West’s entrance gate and visitor center.
When is the Best Time to Go?
At first glance, it might seem like visiting Arizona in January or February would be a great idea. However, when you consider that it’s winter season in Phoenix (and temperatures can drop below freezing), you realize that timing matters.
The best time to visit Phoenix is during its spring break – March through May and September through October.
READ MORE: 10 Best Day Trips to and from San Jose
How long does it take to drive there?
Grand Canyon West is located in northwestern Arizona, just outside of Las Vegas. The Skywalk is not accessible by car, so visitors will need to take a bus or helicopter. The closest airport is called Lake Havasu City Airport and can be reached by car or bus from Las Vegas.
Visitors then take a connecting flight or helicopter ride to Grand Canyon West. On average, it takes roughly four hours to drive from Lake Havasu City Airport and 2.5 hours from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. There are also flights directly to Grand Canyon West Airport.
These options make visiting far more convenient but also cost more than a car rental and driving yourself; however, they’re worth considering if you’re short on time or seeking an adventure.
Another benefit of taking one of these transportation methods is that transportation companies often have information about additional activities like hiking trails as well as tickets for zip lining in your baggage when you return home—just ask! Skyslide: If you’re planning on visiting Kaibab National Forest before seeing the Skywalk at Hualapai Hilltop, check out Slide Rock State Park; it’s only 5 miles away!
Is There Parking at Grand Canyon West?
Parking is free and plentiful at Grand Canyon West, but should you want more information you can find that on their website. If you do drive, don’t forget your camera as there are plenty of great photo opportunities along Highway 64. There’s also a shuttle service if walking isn’t your thing.
One option is The Skywalk Express which runs about every half hour from 8am-8pm during peak season and 10am-6pm during non-peak times.
This bus will bring you all the way from Las Vegas (either from Downtown or Town Square) to Yavapai Point for $40 per person one way or an $80 round trip, which includes admission into Skywalk and Guano Point.
How do I book a tour?
Booking a tour of Grand Canyon West is easy; you can even book your tour online. Simply click on the Link Grand Canyon West tour and choose from several available options.
And there are dozens of other alternatives if you have additional travel requirements or want something more off-the-beaten path. Use our tips for planning your trip to get started.
Other Questions To Ask Yourself About Going To The West Rim Of The Grand Canyon
- Is The West Rim Of The Grand Canyon Open? – Yes.
- Is It Worth It? – Most Definitely.
- Is There Parking At The West Rim? – Yes, but it is limited and fills up fast. That’s because there are only about 150 parking spaces in total for all of Phantom Ranch at each rim (if you count both rims).
- Should I Take A Shuttle To Get To And From The West Rim of The Grand Canyon? – Yes.
- How Do I Get To The West Rim Of The Grand Canyon? – By shuttle bus from either Flagstaff or Williams; four round trips per day run between Williams and two stops on South Kaibab Trail near Phantom Ranch with an additional four round trips per day running between Flagstaff and Bright Angel Lodge.
- One-way fares cost $55 USD or $10 USD off if booked online ahead of time while round-trip fare costs $100 USD or $10 USD off if booked online ahead of time.
- When Can I Go To The West Rim Of The Grand Canyon? – 365 days a year.
