Have you ever wanted to visit the Grand Canyon beyond the stone walls and busy trails of the National Park? Look no further than Grand Canyon West! Through the offerings of Grand Canyon West and the Hualapai Tribe, you can explore the canyon from the river bottom to the skies above. Spend a long weekend here, delving deeper into the culture, adventure, and beauty of the Grand Canyon.
This story is created in partnership with Grand Canyon West.
Arriving in Grand Canyon West
Begin your journey by flying into Las Vegas, Nevada, or Phoenix, Arizona. It is a two hour drive from Las Vegas and a four hour drive from Pheonix to reach the West Rim of the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian Reservation. Enjoy your drive through the wide expanse of the Mojave Desert as you cruise past colorful rock striations and a plethora of succulent species. When you arrive in Grand Canyon West, you’ll find several different lodging options. If you’re looking for the closest canyon access and an authentic Western experience, consider booking one of the Cabins at Grand Canyon West, which includes admission to Grand Canyon West as well as stunning views and amenities for up to six people per cabin.
Day 1: Living on the Edge
Start your first day of adventure by stopping by the Main Terminal, where you can buy tickets, look up maps and access the many attractions, purchase snacks and souvenirs, and meet some of the Hualapai tribal members on staff to learn more about the history and culture. Next, fuel up at the Sky View Restaurant, located on the second floor of the main terminal. In addition to fantastic view, it offers views over the the acclaimed Skywalk. When you’re ready, step over the edge and onto the 10-foot wide glass bridge that allows you to seemingly walk on air, 70 feet away from the rim’s edge and 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon floor below. There’s no need to fear, though, for as weightless as this bridge may seem, it is strong enough to hold 70 fully loaded passenger jets! With your mind at ease, you can take in the surrounding views of Eagle Rock, the stone guardian of the Hualapai people, and get your photo taken by one of the on-site professionals (no phones or cameras are allowed on the Skywalk).
When you’ve returned to solid ground, take a step back in time and visit the authentic Native American village at Eagle Point. Here, you can take a self-guided tour through the village, imagining what life might have been like when Hualapai, Navajo, Hopi, Plains, Havasupai, and other tribes lived in the area. Next, head over to Guano Point, where you can grab a bite at the Guano Cafe before taking the Highpoint Hike trail out to the historic point that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the canyon. Here, you can also see the remains of the aerial tramway built in 1957 to mine the nitrogen-rich guano (bat feces) in caves below.
Day 2: Ignite The Spirit
Day two of your Grand Canyon excursion starts at Hualapai Point. As you walk down the dusty street of this Western town, you can speak with Hualapai ambassadors about their culture and history and browse handcrafted goods from tribal vendors at the Hwal’bay Trading Post (pronounced wall-by). You can also enjoy the Hualapai culture through their traditional foods at Gwe Ma’jo.
Next, ignite your spirit by ziplining across a canyon! You won’t be ziplining across the Grand Canyon itself, but this 3,200-foot zipline will take you soaring 500 feet above a side canyon to Quartermaster Viewpoint. This wild ride is by reservation only, so be sure to book before you go! After the adrenaline has worn off, you’ll be glad to recharge and reflect on the day’s excitement taking in the sunset views from the porch of your private cabin.
Day 3: As Above, So Below
There is no better way to send your trip “over the top” than getting to see the Gand Canyon from a view few people get to experience. Take your trip above the rim of the canyon that you have stood at on a Helicopter tour. This once-in-a-lifetime excursion takes you soaring above the Grand Canyon for about 15 minutes for yet another exciting view from the heights.
Pair your experiences in the skies and on the rim with a one-day rafting trip down the Colorado River. In just one day on the river, you’ll enjoy a short hike, lunch on a beach, and the perfect combination of exciting rapids and mellow waters. Having seen all of this from various vantage points will only make it easier to sit back, float, and soak it all in with a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
Grand Canyon West truly offers a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience this stunning geological feature and get to know the Hualapai people on a much deeper level. From the canyon floor to the skies above, adventure awaits!
