Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Rim Tour: Is it Worth it?

Okay, so you’re thinking of ditching the slots for something a little, or rather a lot, more grand? That trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, yep, it might just be what you need. Really, this is about seeing one of the planet’s most fantastic landmarks but without all that fuss that sometimes comes with visiting the South Rim. This writing will see if this tour is going to be that bullseye of value and breathtaking views for you.

What to Expect from the West Rim Tour

You know, that Grand Canyon West Rim tour, it is almost an easy getaway that starts right from the wild heart of Vegas. Typically, you’re looking at a full-day gig, and it all begins quite early, because, really, you want to grab those views as the day gets started. Most tours will take you across the desert landscape in a motor coach; some of these will have big ol’ viewing windows. That being said, you might be getting narrated snippets of local flavor and little bits of history along the way. Once you arrive, you’ll get a chance to see spots like Eagle Point, and also Guano Point which just has these amazing panoramic vistas, it is pretty spectacular. Depending on what you chose for your tour, you might also get lunch included and then some cultural demonstrations too from the local Hualapai tribe. If the ground isn’t exciting enough, there is usually an optional helicopter flight down into the canyon itself, that makes it even more impressive!

The Skywalk Experience: Step into Thin Air

The Skywalk is that horseshoe-shaped bridge that just juts out, nearly about 70 feet out, over the edge, that being over the canyon floor. Too it’s made entirely of glass, so, truly, you are suspended, seemingly floating there. Very few visitors, you will hear, say it wasn’t somewhat intimidating, which is also what makes it so cool, and like your stepping out on it! Photos? You might be out of luck getting that solo selfie with a smartphone; because for the purpose of, you know, preventing phone-drops to the canyon depths below, personal cameras are often not allowed. Worry not! Really there are professional photographers there who’ll take pictures of you, for, maybe, a small fee. It might seem kind of expensive for a photo, but, frankly, when else are you getting a snapshot like that?

Is the Skywalk Worth the Extra Cost?

So, is the Skywalk worth those added dollars? Arguably, it’s really a matter of preference. If things like thrills and you just like these “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, then that small walk above air could very well be worth it. Sure, the canyon views are there and awesome from all points around the rim, yet the Skywalk? The Skywalk really does offer you that certain different viewpoint, that you are almost soaring. That said, if the thought of looking down from hundreds of feet in the air that makes you very nervous or that little extra cost feels a bit much, maybe you could skip this and you won’t feel as though you’re missing too much.

Other Activities at the West Rim

The Skywalk, well it is definitely a main draw, still the West Rim it actually has plenty more on offer to make your trip, maybe a great day of stuff to see and do. Thinking of maybe trying out a helicopter tour down to the bottom of the canyon with some of these. Actually, this gives you the opportunity to have that great view that no ground tour ever will. For example, there’s the cultural side; like your chance to experience the culture and the dance of the Hualapai Tribe and it definitely adds a whole depth of understanding to the area. Like your up for even more adventure, well there are things like zip-lining which are on offer, it really provides that even more adrenaline packed view for your adventure filled travel memories!

Planning Your Tour: What to Consider

First, what you need to do is, think about the season you are traveling and then also what the weather will be like when picking which is that certain day trip for you. That being said, the summers just bake the area in heat, right, so an earlier start will really help you a ton; really what will help, would be, loads of water, for example, and also a hat, and like your wearing sunscreen; basically just protect yourself. Then winters can get just a bit chilly, that really needs layering on clothing. Like your bringing your family along? Right then you might consider if that certain tour has activities for your children and also that they cater for kids of certain ages. Thinking about that budget? Just, really keep a good eye, alright on, what exactly, you get for these base tour prices versus the extras and then the add-ons. Really by thinking all of that in advance, and planning really helps you to smooth that trip.

The South Rim versus the West Rim: What’s the Difference?

Actually, so there are those distinct differences with these rims, which might affect where and also if this could impact if that West Rim is right for what you have. Right then, that South Rim; arguably it’s way bigger and it might offer up way more expansive vistas. By the way, the South Rim has trails that people can walk down and explore! On the other hand, The South Rim it is pretty darn far to reach from Las Vegas compared to the West. Meanwhile, like your focusing more just for convenience and these additional things that The West is all about with the Skywalk, and also, like your looking for a day’s short trip from Vegas? Then the West really does become an easier thing for planning. Both sides, like, offer absolutely stunning vistas of course, really just that ‘feel’ will differ dependent on time of travel or that individual travel style of you!