Is the Grand Canyon West Rim worth seeing?
We definitely think the Grand Canyon West Rim is worth adding to your Southwestern vacation. At this rim of the canyon, you can walk along the glass-bottomed Skywalk bridge, soar over the expansive canyon in a fixed-wing airplane, land on the canyon floor aboard a helicopter, and float along the Colorado River on a pontoon boat cruise.
What is the difference between the South Rim and West Rim of the Grand Canyon?
Many people don't realize that the Grand Canyon has two distinct regions, or rims, of the canyon that they can tour.
The South Rim is the region of the canyon that encompasses the Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim features the lush Kaibab National Forest and the historic Grand Canyon Village. Aerial tours of the South Rim soar over the widest and deepest parts of the Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, ground tours can take guests to world-famous lookouts like Bright Angel Point, Mather Point, Duck on a Rock, and Yavapai Point.
The West Rim is owned and operated by the Native American Hualapai Nation. In this region of the Grand Canyon, visitors can walk along the world-renowned Skywalk Bridge or visit famous lookouts like Eagle Point and Guano Point. GCSA helicopter tours have access to an exclusive landing spot at the bottom of the West Rim, allowing guests to explore the canyon floor and embark on a pontoon boat cruise of the Colorado River.
Compare Grand Canyon tours at both rims to find your perfect adventure.
What is there to do at the Grand Canyon West Rim?
Grand Canyon West offers several exciting outdoor activities.
- Soar through the desert skies on an airplane tour showcasing the highlights of Grand Canyon West
- Walk 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon floor on the glass-bottomed Skywalk bridge
- Stand at the cliff's edge and experience a 360-degree panoramic view of the Grand Canyon West Rim at Guano Point
- Float along the Colorado River as the skyscraping canyon walls rise on either side during a pontoon boat cruise
- Photograph the massive rock formation that has naturally eroded to resemble an eagle taking flight at Eagle Point
Discover more must-see activities at the Grand Canyon West Rim
How far is the West Rim from Las Vegas?
Many people are surprised when they discover the Grand Canyon West Rim is just a couple of hours from Las Vegas. At approximately 130 miles, this rim is the closest side of the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas.
On average, the drive takes approximately two hours and an airplane flight takes just over half an hour.
Can we bring bags or luggage into the Grand Canyon West?
Small items like purses, diaper bags, medical bags, and fanny packs are permitted inside the Grand Canyon West. Large bags and backpacks may be stored at the Boulder City or Las Vegas air terminal if space permits; otherwise, large bags must be checked upon landing at the Grand Canyon West air terminal. Diaper bags and medical bags may require inspection by security before they can enter the park. Visitors should also be aware that there are metal detectors at the park entrance.
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