Grand Canyon West Rim

Located outside of Grand Canyon National Park, the West Rim is privately owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe in a remote part of Arizona’s wilderness. The remote vistas and unique Skywalk make the West Rim memorable.

Located outside of Grand Canyon National Park, the West Rim is privately owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe in a remote part of Arizona’s wilderness. If you opt to drive yourself, rather than taking one of the shuttle vehicles or planes, make sure it’s in good working condition, as there are no gas stations or fast food stops along the way. Any way you get there though, the remote vistas and unique Skywalk make the West Rim memorable.

Weather
Check out this link to current weather conditions at Grand Canyon West Rim.

Culture
The Grand Canyon’s West Rim offers a chance to explore the Hualapai nation’s culture in addition to the stunning beauty of the Grand Canyon. Traditionally hunter-gatherers, the tribe, whose name means ‘People of the Tall Pines,’ once roamed more than five million acres. Now the Hualapai American Indian Reservation covers nearly one million acres, including 108 miles of the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. After struggling with economic hardships, the Hualapai people opened their land to the public in 1988, deeming it Grand Canyon West.

Landscape
Spectators rave about the magnificent canyon views seen from the remote stances on the West Rim.

Grand Canyon West map

Wildlife
Mule deer
Bighorn sheep
Bobcats
Coyotes
Mountain lions
Beavers
Gophers
Chipmunks

Best Views

Guano Point features panoramic views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. You can also head over to what’s left of a historic tram that once stretched 8,800 feet across the canyon to a guano mine.
The Hualapai people consider Eagle Rock‘s beautiful and aptly named formation sacred.

Lodging and dining
Grand Canyon Ranch Resort
Lodging and dining in Las Vegas (121 miles away) is also an alternative

Activities

Look down through the glass beneath your feet to the canyon’s bottom on the Skywalk.
Try a day-long whitewater rafting adventure with the Hualapai River Runners that starts with a hike to a natural waterfall, includes rafting and lunch along the Colorado River and ends with a helicopter ride.
Visit the Hualapai Ranch for horseback and wagon rides in a western town.

Distance from nearby park entrances and cities

36 miles from North Rim, Ariz.
121 miles from Las Vegas, Nev.
216 miles from Flagstaff, Ariz.
242 miles from South Rim Visitors Center
253 miles from Phoenix, Ariz.

Top Ten Things to do in Grand Canyon

1. Stand on the Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped walkway that extends almost 70 feet out into the Grand Canyon. Visitors on the Skywalk, which has a clear, 4-inch-thick glass bottom, peer over the railing, or down through their stance to see the Canyon and all of its 4,000 feet of vertical abyss. Read More...

2. Ride the Grand Canyon Railway

Adventure, sightseeing and history! If it’s adventure, sightseeing and history all rolled into one that you want on your Grand Canyon vacation, then Grand Canyon Railway is your answer. This is an unforgettable experience and will add much to your vacation to the Grand Canyon. Read More...

3. Go Hiking or Backpacking

Grand Canyon National Park, and the greater Grand Canyon region, is a hiker’s dream. Most of Grand Canyon National Park is undeveloped backcountry. There are literally hundreds of miles to hike and backpack and explore. Despite the Grand Canyon’s popularity and numbers of visitors each year, visitors only need to hike a small distance to enjoy some solitude. Read More...