Grand Canyon West Rim Tour From Las Vegas – Ultimate Day Trip Guide

Nothing prepares you from standing mere feet from the edge of one of the world’s natural wonders. The vast expanse below, carved out over millions of years, and the overwhelming silence. Feelings of simultaneously being at one with nature and completely insignificant. This isn’t just any Las Vegas day trip, it’s an unforgettable experience. Here’s why you absolutely cannot miss taking a Grand Canyon West Rim tour when visiting the American southwest.

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What Exactly Is The Grand Canyon?

If you’ve never heard of the Grand Canyon we might be in trouble. But other than being a terribly large hole in the middle of nowhere Arizona, what do you need to know?

The Grand Canyon is a massive geological wonder carved over millions of years by the Colorado River. It stretches 277 miles long and is over a mile deep. Which, although impressive, is difficult to compute in your head the first time you hear it.

The largest canyon on Earth showcases dramatic layers of red rock that seem to just keep going. Your eyes gazing further and further down into the abyss below until you feel like you need to grab something to steady yourself for fear of falling in.

While the entire canyon is breathtaking, many visitors choose a Grand Canyon West Rim tour as it’s one of the most accessible sections from Las Vegas. It doesn’t hurt that it has sky-high viewpoints, cultural sites, and unforgettable panoramic vistas. Just WOW!

Can I Do A Grand Canyon Day Trip From Las Vegas?

Yes, you can absolutely do a Grand Canyon day trip from Las Vegas, and the West Rim is the best option for it. Unlike the South Rim, which is about a 4.5 to 5-hour drive each way, the Grand Canyon West Rim is only around 2.5 hours from Las Vegas.

That makes the West Rim a much more manageable (and enjoyable) day trip. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a long, full day. But it will get you to one of the most incredible views on the planet – sounds worth it, right?!

The Grand Canyon West Rim tour lets you experience the vertigo-inducing Skywalk, and stunning scenic spots such as Eagle Point, and Guano Point. It’s a convenient way to see one of the world’s natural wonders while still being back in Vegas by evening.

Grand Canyon West Rim Tour From Las Vegas

Just a few hours from the bright lights and noise of Las Vegas is a place that could not be any different. Taking a Grand Canyon West Rim tour from Sin City is something you won’t forget. Here’s what you can expect from the ultimate Las Vegas day trip.

THE JOURNEY – HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND CANYON

If you prefer to do things on your own time, it’s easy enough to rent a car in Las Vegas and drive yourself to the Grand Canyon. But if, like me, you’d rather stare out the window and let someone else do the hard work, you can’t beat a bus tour.

All day trips are not created equal, though, so be sure to check what’s included and the stops they make along the way. After all, what’s a little road trip without a few stops?

A straight shot driving from Las Vegas would be around 2.5 hours, but most full Grand Canyon West Rim tour options will break up the day into bite sized chunks. My tour made stops at the Hoover Dam and Joshua Tree Forest – as well as bathroom breaks and even breakfast.

THE COST – WHAT WILL A DAY TRIP SET YOU BACK?

Given this is one of the most popular day trips from Las Vegas, it won’t be the cheapest trip, but you’ll also find a range of prices. The cost all comes down to the choices you make.

Small group tour, or larger tour bus. With added extras like the Hoover Dam, or only to/from the Grand Canyon. Meals included, or do your own thing. In the end you have to just go with what you feel is the best option for you.

My preference is usually a small group tour. Limited to 10 or 12 participants I find them much more enjoyable. Such an option (with Hoover Dam) was to set me back just over $200 USD.

As fate would have it though, they cancelled my trip mere days before, so I ended up having to book a larger group tour. 40+ people, a bigger coach, but still including the places I wanted to see and meals for $165 USD. There are however options for around $100 USD with less inclusions.

ACTIVITIES AT THE WEST RIM

I know what you’re thinking – “A bus tour, I bet you don’t even get long at the Grand Canyon”.

Having been on too many tours where you have time to run around, take a few photos and leave, I was pleasantly surprised that on my Grand Canyon West Rim tour we had a relaxed 3.5 hours at the main event. Which is good, as there’s actually a lot to see and do here. A shuttle bus operates on a loop to the main spots, making it easy to get around.

EAGLE POINT

At Eagle Point you can explore a traditional Native American village, hold your breath as you step out over the canyon on the Skywalk or simply stand close to the edge of the Grand Canyon and take it all in. Watch the crows circle around as you wonder to yourself how this place can possibly be real.

There’s also an indoor exhibit at the visitor center here detailing the flora, fauna and geological history of the Grand Canyon. Keep an eye out for people from local indigenous tribes selling handmade jewelry and other Native American crafts outside.

GUANO POINT

Moving on to Guano Point, here you’ll want to stretch those legs and work a little extra for some next level views. Hiking optional, but recommended, you’ll see two prominent spots to get a better look of the Canyon below. The first is right behind the café and is perfect if you’re not looking to walk too far.

The second spot is along the Highpoint Hike, which I think is fairly self explanatory. It’s a bit of a climb, especially on a hot day. But wow is it worth the effort. I also took the trail underneath the remains of a once operational aerial tramway. While not as high, there was no-one else there and it was so silent, such a peaceful place to enjoy the views.

TRAVEL TIP: Allow around 45 minutes round trip (plus resting time) to do the Highpoint Hike. And take plenty of water – I was there in June and it was 42°C (107°F) with nowhere to hide from the sun.

ADD ON TOUR OPTIONS

While most Grand Canyon West Rim tour options will include access to Eagle Point and Guano point, they will usually also offer the Skywalk for an additional cost. The Skywalk is about $30 USD extra unless included in your tour price. However for those not on a tour, the Skywalk and other activities are included in the All-Access pass for $99 USD per person.

There is a zipline at the lesser visited Hualapai Point. This is also included in the All-Access pass but is subject to availability – and needs to be confirmed at the visitor center when you arrive. Unfortunately on a tour you likely won’t have time to do this.

One option open to those who make their own way to the Grand Canyon, or those on a tour, is a helicopter ride. This big ticket item isn’t cheap. But how many times can you say you’ve flown over the Grand Canyon? While I didn’t opt for this tour (at a cool $300 USD more), some on my tour did.

Note those doing the helicopter ride on their Grand Canyon West Rim tour will need to set around an hour aside for the trip. That might mean you either have a less relaxing lunch break, or might end up having to skip the longer Highpoint Hike.

FOOD AND SERVICES AT THE WEST RIM

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of bathrooms and food options. I can’t say the food options are the stuff dreams are made of, but there are hot and cold meals available. At Eagle Point there’s the Skywalk Cafe and the Sky View Restaurant. Expect burgers, salads, carb-loaded cheesy dishes with fries. Vegetarian options are limited, but present.

Guano Point has the Guano Point Cafe with less options than Eagle Point. I had the vegetable curry which was edible if not a little bland. Still, my tour included meals so might as well eat if you’ve paid for it.

Apparently outside food is not allowed, although I didn’t see anyone checking. But for food options you’re likely limited to eating on-site. Expect to pay around $25 per person for a meal. Although typically the All-Access Pass includes a $10 food voucher.

There’s a shop at both Eagle Point and the main visitor center at the entrance. Find souvenirs, cold drinks and a few interesting books about the Grand Canyon. Toilets are at all of the main stops and include accessible stalls.

TRAVEL TIP: The shuttle bus runs on a loop from the main entrance. First to Eagle Point, then Guano Point, then back to the main entrance. Travel time between each is only about 5 minutes or so, but in the summer it can get busy so plan accordingly for getting back on time.

ADDITIONAL STOPS ON MY GRAND CANYON WEST RIM TOUR FROM LAS VEGAS

With my limited time in Las Vegas and without access to a vehicle, the additional inclusions in a tour were important to me. That’s why I chose the Grand Canyon West Rim tour that also included some other popular sites.

HOOVER DAM

A ridiculous feat of engineering, the Hoover Dam is well worth a stop on the way to the Grand Canyon. It’s incredible to think this was built almost a hundred years ago without the advances modern day technology would have provided. And even more impressive is the fact it supplies water to over 16 million people.

There’s a walkway from the parking lot to the US 93 route bridge that gives an epic view over the dam. The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge let’s you look down and really take in the huge scale of the dam and the Colorado River below.

If you have more time I recommend a separate Hoover Dam tour where you can take a guided tour from the top of the dam to the tunnels below. But a stop to view the dam from the bridge is a good compromise if you’re short on time.

TRAVEL TIP: Walk to at least the halfway point on the bridge. You might think the view won’t change, but there’s a spot on the bridge where you can see the state line. Plant your feet on either side of Arizona and Nevada and stand in two states at the same time.

JOSHUA TREE FOREST

What do you know about the Joshua tree? Other than the fact it’s a popular U2 album, of course. Well, you can learn a lot more with a stop at this forest in Arizona. Here you can see a high concentration of these unique trees on a short trail.

These odd looking trees, a part of the Yucca family, are adapted to the dry desert conditions Arizona has to offer. They actually reminded me of the Giant Groundsel tree I saw while hiking Kilimanjaro, but other than their love of borderline uninhabitable places, the are not related.

The Joshua trees were really interesting to look at, and despite the warning signs about rattle snakes, it is a pleasant place to go for a quick walk. You won’t need long here, but it is a great stop that I’m glad I did.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING THE GRAND CANYON

Heading out into the middle of Arizona, there are some things you need to plan ahead for. Sure, a Grand Canyon West Rim tour is a popular day trip, but you’ll want to be prepared.

• Layers and sun protection are very important. In the summer it’s going to be really hot (this is the desert after all), and there’s no real shade. I had a hat, light scarf to cover my neck, and plenty of sunblock and I was still struggling with the heat.
• Stay away from the edge. Please be careful. There are no barriers at some parts of the West Rim, which, while billed as a plus from the site, it does add a level of danger to your trip. No backing up while taking a selfie!
• Plan to spend at least 3 hours. Any less and you won’t have time to properly see or appreciate the enormity of the Grand Canyon and the multiple stops within the park. Ensure the Grand Canyon West Rim tour you choose has at least 3 hours at the main site, otherwise I’d keep shopping around.
• Hydrate like your life depends on it. It does! Pack a lot of water and fill up your water bottle as you go. High temperatures and lots of direct sun can lead to dehydration if you don’t drink enough.
• Respect wildlife and the park. You’re visiting a natural wonder, don’t mess it up. Take your trash home with you, or dispose of it in a bin. Respect the traditional cultures of the Native Americans whose land the Grand Canyon is on. And give wildlife space. You’re unlikely to see rattle snakes, scorpions or tarantulas but they do exist here.

Is The Grand Canyon Really Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, the Grand Canyon is 100% worth visiting. And the West Rim offers a unique and unforgettable experience, especially for those short on time. It’s the perfect addition to a Las Vegas itinerary.

From the heart-stopping views to the rich cultural history of the Hualapai Tribe, a visit to the West Rim is difficult to put into words. There aren’t many places that leave me literally speechless, but I can say the Grand Canyon was one of them.

Personally I would skip the Skywalk if there’s an additional fee since there are so many great views without the need to stand a little further out. But since it’s included in the All-Access Pass, you might as well do it if you go on your own without a tour.

I won’t forget my day trip in a hurry, and appreciate the opportunity to also see the incredible Hoover Dam and the beautiful Joshua Tree Forest. While I would have preferred to be with a smaller group like I originally booked, I can’t fault the tour I was on – or the efficient way they kept us on schedule.

If you have more time you might want to visit the North or South Rim, but a Grand Canyon West Rim tour is a great place to start if you want a shorter day.

Whether it’s your first time or a return trip to the Grand Canyon, standing on the edge of this immense natural wonder is something you’ll never forget.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you visited the Grand Canyon before? Would you take a Grand Canyon West Rim tour from Las Vegas or would you prefer to drive yourself?