Quick Facts: South Rim vs. Grand Canyon West
Photo: Grant Ordelheide / Courtesy Grand Canyon West
What’s the difference between the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon West? A lot. To start, they are in opposite corners of Arizona, with the South Rim closest to Williams and Flagstaff. Grand Canyon West is closer to Las Vegas, Nevada. Grand Canyon West is operated by the Hualapai tribe, so it has a completely different history and vibe than the South Rim, which is operated by the National Park Service. Learn more below.
| South | West | |
| Managed by | National Park Service | Hualapai Tribe |
| Entrance Fee | $35/vehicle | $69/adult |
| Hours from Las Vegas | Nearly 5 hours (278 miles) | Just over 2 hours (122 miles) |
| Cultural Bonus | Park ranger talks | Hualapai exhibits, performances |
| Closest Lodging | Camping and lodging at rim | Hualapai Ranch near rim |
| Photography | Personal photography allowed | No cameras on the Skywalk |
| Unique Attraction | Inner canyon hiking trails | A glass bridge suspended over the Grand Canyon |
| One-day rafting trips | Start in Page, Ariz. | Start near Peach Springs, Ariz. |
For more information: 4 Sides of the Grand Canyon: North, South, West plus Havasu Falls