Grand Canyon West

The Hualapai Nation

If you’re lookin’ for an adventure that’s a little wilder, a little closer to the edge (literally), and downright thrillin’, Grand Canyon West might just be your next stop. This slice of the canyon is owned and operated by the Hualapai Nation, and it offers a unique perspective that’s a far cry from the South or North Rim.

Here, you’ll find some of the canyon’s most dramatic views, from the famous Skywalk—a glass bridge hangin’ over the canyon’s depths—to viewpoints like Guano Point, where the vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. And because it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from Las Vegas, it’s perfect for a day trip or a quick jaunt away from the glitz and glamour.

Grand Canyon West is about thrills, chills, and a dash of Native culture, all wrapped up in a package that’s as unique as a cactus in bloom. If adventure calls, this might be the rim for you!

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Gettin' There

Now, if you’re plannin’ on visitin’ Grand Canyon West, your best home base is none other than Las Vegas. That city may be known for its bright lights and roulette wheels, but it’s also your gateway to the wild beauty of the Hualapai lands.

If you’re flyin’ in, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport is the closest major hub, with plenty of options for flights, car rentals, and even tours that’ll shuttle you right to the action.

With that, I’ve rustled up an itinerary that’ll guide ya through everythin’ you need to kick off your Grand Canyon adventure from Las Vegas—where to bunk, step-by-step advice on fittin’ Grand Canyon West into your journey, and a roundup of the best eats along the trail. Just click that button below and snag this treasure for yourself!

Shop Itineraries

Gettin' Shut-Eye

Staying near the Skywalk

For travelers wantin’ to stay right in the heart of the action, Hualapai Point Cabins are your go-to option at Grand Canyon West. These cozy cabins are located just steps from the Skywalk, givin’ you front-row access to all the excitement. It’s the perfect place to start your day with a sunrise over the canyon. RV travelers can also park their rigs here, makin’ it a convenient option for those bringin’ their home on wheels.

Book a Cabin Now

Hualapai Point Cabins

Keep in mind, Grand Canyon West is divided into two main areas: the Skywalk area (about a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas) and Peach Springs (2.5 hours from Vegas, & also a 2.5 hour drive from the Skywalk), where the Hualapai River Runners rafting adventures kick off.

Again, all the information you'll need to consider to make the most of your visit to the Hualapai nation will be found in our Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Itinerary.

Shop Itineraries

Staying in Peach Springs

If river rafting is part of your plans, the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs is the ideal spot to bunk for the night. Not only is it a modern and comfortable place to stay, but it’s also the starting and ending point for the rafting tours. Wake up, hop on your single-day whitewater adventure, and at the end of your thrilling ride, they’ll bring you right back to your room. Talk about convenience, partner!

Book Hualapai Lodge Now

Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs

Staying just outside GC West

If you’re lookin’ for nearby options outside the park, the Grand Canyon Western Ranch is a fine choice. Located just outside the main Skywalk area, this ranch offers rustic cabins, campsites, helicopter tours, horseback rides, and campfire singalongs with cowboy tunes. It’s a great way to soak up the Old West charm while restin’ up for your canyon adventures. There's also a few mighty fine vacation rentals in close proximity, and I've got it all listed on my GC West Lodging page.

Grand Canyon Wester Ranch

Staying Just Outside Peach Springs

If Peach Springs is all booked up or you’re lookin’ for other options nearby, you’ve got a few fine choices. Kingman and Seligman both offer a range of hotels and motels, perfect for bunkin’ down before or after your adventure. For a truly unique stay, check out the

Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, just a short drive away. This quirky spot lets you rest up while explorin’ underground wonders, you can even rent a bed in the cave itself —talk about a story to tell around the campfire! Wherever you hang your hat, you won’t be far from the action.

GC West Lodging

The room inside the Grand Canyon Caverns

Grub

When it comes to vittles at Grand Canyon West, your best bet is to stay on-site. The Skywalk Café serves up some decent grub with views that’ll make every bite taste better. Ain’t nothin’ like enjoyin’ a burger while starin’ out at canyon walls carved by millennia of time.

Skywalk Cafe

For more options, you can find small restaurants in nearby Dolan Springs or stop in Kingman on your way to or from the rim. And if you’re leavin’ from Las Vegas, well, you’ve got every cuisine imaginable before you even hit the road. I've listed some of my favorites in our free Cheat Sheet's, so be sure to get your hands on one of those.

Want to know more about the best eats along your route? Check out our itineraries, where we’ve rustled up the top 3 breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots for every home base, includin’ Las Vegas.

Shop Itineraries

River Rafting

If ridin’ the mighty Colorado River sounds like your kind of adventure, partner, then Grand Canyon West is where you can make that dream a reality. The Hualapai River Runners offer the only one-day whitewater rafting trips through the canyon, startin’ bright and early from Peach Springs, AZ. It’s a thrill-filled day of splashin’ through rapids, explorin’ hidden side canyons, and seein’ the canyon walls rise around ya like nature’s own cathedral.

Hualapai River Runners

For folks drivin’ themselves, it’s highly recommended you book a room at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs the night before. That way, you’ll be rested, ready, and rarin’ to hit the water come mornin’. The lodge is also where the trip begins and ends, makin’ it the perfect home base for your river-run adventure.

Prefer to keep things simple? There are plenty of tour options from Las Vegas that include transportation, so you can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the drivin’. These tours start and end right in Vegas, combin’ the thrill of river raftin’ with the convenience of a full day planned for ya. Whether you drive yourself or hop on a tour, raftin’ the Colorado River is an unforgettable way to see the canyon up close and feel its power beneath your very boots!

Sight Seein'

Grand Canyon West isn’t just about views—it’s about experiences that’ll leave you breathless. The Skywalk is the crown jewel here, lettin’ you walk right out over the canyon on a glass bridge. It’s not for the faint of heart, but boy, is it unforgettable!

Guano Point

Guano Point offers some of the most dramatic and rugged views of the canyon, perfect for takin’ photos or just soakin’ it all in. Eagle Point, named for its rock formation shaped like an eagle in flight, is another must-see, complete with Native cultural demonstrations that’ll deepen your appreciation of the land.

If you’re lookin’ for more thrills, the area offers helicopter rides, river rafting tours, and even ziplines. There’s no shortage of ways to take in the majesty of the canyon from every angle.

Book River Runners NOW!

Hiking

Now, hiking at Grand Canyon West is a bit more limited compared to the South or North Rim, but that don’t mean you can’t stretch your legs. Guano Point has a short trail that takes you out to some spectacular vantage points. It’s an easy walk with big rewards, makin’ it perfect for families or those short on time.

Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead

For the more adventurous, there are guided tours that’ll take you deeper into the Hualapai lands, showin’ off hidden gems that most visitors never see. And of course, if you’re cravin’ a bigger challenge, you can combine your visit with nearby trails in areas like Lake Mead or the Hoover Dam.

I personally love the Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead which takes you through a series of 5 tunnels created to bring materials in to build Hoover Dam.

Remember, partner, this is desert country—bring water, wear sunscreen, and don’t underestimate that Arizona sun!

Tours

Grand Canyon West is made for tours, and there are plenty of options to suit every kind of adventurer. From Las Vegas, you can hop on a helicopter or plane that’ll fly you straight to the action, some even combin’ the experience with a Skywalk pass.

Want a closer connection to the land? There are ATV tours, river rafting adventures, and cultural experiences led by members of the Hualapai Tribe. And don’t miss the chance to zipline over the canyon—it’s a thrill you won’t soon forget.

For a deeper dive into all the tour options, check out our recommendations for Grand Canyon West in our Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Itinearary —it’s all there, laid out nice and easy for ya. Or, go ahead and click that button below to start booking your adventures now!

Las Vegas to GC Tours

Zip-lining at Grand Canyon West

Final Thoughts

Grand Canyon West is the wild side of the canyon, filled with adventure, culture, and views that’ll make your jaw drop faster than a tumbleweed in a windstorm. Whether you’re walkin’ the Skywalk, takin’ a helicopter ride, or enjoyin’ the Hualapai hospitality, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Saddle up and see for yourself—this rim’s got a way of stayin’ with you long after you’ve ridden off into the sunset!