The Solo Traveler’s Guide to the Grand Canyon West
While the Grand Canyon National Park contains some of the most recognizable views of the canyon walls and draws the most tourist visitation annually, the Grand Canyon West Rim offers an entirely different experience with equally impressive sightseeing opportunities.
Property of the Hualapai Tribe, known amongst themselves as the People of the Tall Pines, the West Rim features a much more rugged landscape and Wild West atmosphere compared to the highly developed South Rim. If you're the kind of solo traveler that likes to skip the crowds and explore off the beaten path, the West Rim can give you a real connection to nature and offers exciting activities to keep you busy for an entire day - such as the world-famous Skywalk glass-bottomed bridge.
If you're already on a Las Vegas solo trip, then you have the perfect opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon West. In fact, you can experience all the most exciting lookout points and attractions in just a day's time! This guide will help you plan for the perfect solo trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim.
Grand Canyon West Location and Distance
The Grand Canyon West is located 127 miles (204 km) east of the Las Vegas Strip, which is about a 2 hour and 10-minute drive. If you plan to drive, be aware that you'll be traversing long stretches of desert land where you won't find many gas stations or stores. You may also lose cell phone service due to the remoteness, which can be an issue if you're driving an older or unreliable vehicle and break down along the way. If you want to drive to the West Rim, be sure your car can make the trek and fill up your tank before leaving Las Vegas.
When you arrive at the West Rim, you'll have your choice between several different entry passes, some offering entry onto the Skywalk and some including meals, boat rides, and even rafting adventures on the Colorado River. The choice is yours based on the price and how long you plan to stay.
Fastest Way to Get to the Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas
If you only have one day to visit the Grand Canyon West, you won't want to spend over 4 hours just on the roundtrip drive. Instead, you can reach the park in just 35 minutes on a Las Vegas helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon.
Benefits of Flying to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
Aside from saving time, there are even more benefits to flying to the West Rim than driving. Along the way, you'll find aerial views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the stunning Mojave Desert landscape - not to mention aerial views of the Grand Canyon itself. Helicopter tours include park entry, so you can save money and more time instead of waiting in line for your pass. You can also bundle your helicopter tour to include Skywalk Bridge tickets, boat rides, and more.
Land on the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
The most exciting aspect of flying in a helicopter is the option to land on the bottom of the West Rim! In fact, the West Rim is the only area of the entire canyon where helicopters can land on the bottom. Companies like Papillon Helicopters actually offer flights from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West where the helicopter will descend all the way to the canyon floor. You'll have the opportunity to climb out of the helicopter and wander the grounds between the colossal canyon walls, take photos, and even enjoy a glass of champagne near the bank of the Colorado River.
Best Solo Activities at the Grand Canyon West Rim
So, you've reached the West Rim - where do you begin? Whether you've got a park entry pass on your own or if you've arrived on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you'll have ample time to explore the area and take truly unique photos that can't be replicated at the Grand Canyon South Rim.
The good news is that all the top locations to visit can be reached via a complimentary shuttle service that can transport you throughout the park! Here are the best lookout points and attractions to visit at the West Rim when you visit on a solo trip.
Walk the Skywalk Bridge
The Skywalk is by far the most high-demand attraction located at the West Rim. This massive feat of construction features a 70-foot-long horseshoe-shaped bridge that extends over the canyon's edge. The floor is made of glass, but don't let that make you nervous. The glass bottom is strong enough to hold 71 million pounds (32,205,032 kg)!
It is important to note that cameras, purses, and backpacks are not permitted on the Skywalk. However, there are free lockers available to stow your personal belongings and a professional photographer walking the bridge to take photos of visitors.
See Eagle Point
The canyon wall across from the Skywalk is one of the West Rim's most famous lookout points: Eagle Point, aptly named after the massive naturally sculpted formation that resembles an eagle emerging from the stone. Eagle Point is truly a feat of nature and not to be missed. You can see and photograph Eagle Point from areas near the Skywalk, but you'll get a truly unparalleled view from atop the bridge.
Visit Hualapai Point
Hualapai Point is a cultural hub for visitors looking to learn more about the Native Americans who inhabit this area and offers fantastic activities and attractions. Here you can meet local Hualapai ambassadors and learn about their culture. You can shop for authentic Native crafts and souvenirs all handmade by local tribe members. You can also grab a bite to eat at Gwe-Ma'jo restaurant, which offers traditional Hualapai recipes. You can enjoy a peaceful time hiking or biking the nearby trails, or up the excitement at the shooting gallery or the zipline. Note that the zipline requires reservations and tickets to experience.
Stand at the Top of Guano Point
After Eagle Point, another lookout point that cannot be missed is Guano Point. Named after the now-defunct guano mining operations that used to take place at this area of the West Rim, Guano Point is a massive stone peninsula that extends into the center of the canyon. At the edge of this peninsula is a short summit that you can ascend and receive 360-degree views of the canyon scenery around you. Guano Point also offers a cafe for a quick meal and a shaded picnic area to eat.
Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Colorado River
Because the West Rim is the only region of the Grand Canyon where helicopter landings on the bottom are permitted, passengers flying from Las Vegas have yet another unique opportunity. After landing at the bottom, you can make your way down the dock to the bank of the Colorado River, where a shaded pontoon boat will take you on a peaceful float up and down the river between the 4,000-foot-high canyon walls.
Top Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon West Alone
The best part of solo travel is that you don't have to make group decisions about which activities to enjoy and which to skip. If you only have one day to spend at the Grand Canyon West, you'll want to be sure that you've planned everything in advance, so you aren't wasting time waiting in lines or deciding on your next activity. Here are the top tips for visiting the Grand Canyon West alone so that you can be certain that your experience will be unforgettable.
Decide What Season You'd Like to Visit
The West Rim may be located in the middle of the Arizona desert, but this area still experiences a range of temperature changes. The summer months can reach well over 100 degrees F (87 C) with constant sunshine. The rest of the year is far milder, even brisk in the winter. Be sure to dress accordingly; it's recommended to wear layers as temperature changes can be sudden. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are advised for visits during the summer months.
Take Advantage of Shuttle Service
Shuttle transportation is included in your park entry! You can travel between Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Point using this complimentary service.
Safety First When Taking Photos
True to its rugged form, there are no barriers or guardrails lining the edge of the West Rim. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to quite literally stand on the edge, but use caution when taking selfies. Stand a good distance from the rim or ask another visitor to snap a photo for you. The rim is not paved like at the South Rim, and sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
Book a Tour with VIP Skywalk Access
You can purchase Skywalk tickets on arrival and wait in line to step onto the bridge, or you can upgrade your Las Vegas helicopter tour to the West Rim and receive front-of-the-line access!
Talk to the Local Hualapai Natives
If you visit Hualapai Point, don't be hesitant to engage with the Native American ambassadors. They are there to answer questions, share their culture, and even host crafting workshops!
Visit the Grand Canyon West Rim with Papillon!
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters offers a wide array of flights from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West, with upgrades that include privatizing your aircraft, Skywalk passes, pontoon boat rides, meals, Las Vegas Strip flights, and helicopter landings on the floor. The most all-inclusive Grand Canyon package with Papillon Helicopters includes a helicopter landing on the bottom, a pontoon boat ride, and even entry onto the Skywalk!
Papillon has proudly operated helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon since 1965, making us the world's largest and longest-running air tour company. Each year, we transport over 300,000 passengers to destinations like the West Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and beyond. We operate daily helicopter and airplane tours with the industry's most state-of-the-art aircraft and highly trained pilots. We look forward to sharing the beauty of the Grand Canyon West Rim with you!