The Awe-Inspiring West Rim of the Grand Canyon

Guapo Point in Grand Canyon West, Arizona

When you hear people talk of the Grand Canyon, sometimes people refer to it as the hole in the ground while others talk about the beauty of the landscape.  Each person shares their own opinion about any type of topic or event, just as they share their own opinion on their thoughts of visiting the Grand Canyon.  And, that’s what I’m going to do here – share a little bit about my experience of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon.  But before I do share my detailed experience on my tour of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, allow me to share some fast facts about the area:

• Even though the air temperatures may soar into the 100s, the water temperature within the Colorado River remains a chilly 45 degrees year round.
• Grand Canyon West lies in the middle of the Tribal Lands of the Hualapai Nation.
• Grand Canyon West is separate from the Grand Canyon National Park, which is maintained by the United States National Park Service.
• The West Rim is the ONLY place in the entire Grand Canyon where you can take a helicopter to the canyon floor.
• The West Rim is one of the only areas that allows visitors to access the bottom of the canyon.
• The Skywalk was built by the Hualapai, and it extends over 70 feet from the Rim hanging out over the canyon floor, which is some 4,000 feet beneath!
• It is only a little over 120 miles from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas, Nevada, and 242 miles to the South Rim Visitors Center.
• At Guapo Point, you can visit the Native American Village where you can peruse items on sale by members of the Hualapai, Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai and Plains Native American Tribes.
• At Hualapai Ranch, you have the option of staying overnight in a cabin facing the canyon.

Prior to going to Las Vegas for the Star Trek Convention last August 2017, my friend, Allison and I decided that rather than try to spend extra money on seeing Vegas shows, we would opt for a tour of the Grand Canyon instead.  When you’re from the East Coast, it’s not often that you’re going to cross the country, and we both figured if we were that close to the Grand Canyon, we may as well see what all the fuss was about. 

After scouring the various tour companies, we settled for one with Canyon Tours as they provided a pick-up at our hotel, which was very convenient.  The morning of our tour, the shuttle driver picked us up before picking up a few other tourists scattered at various Las Vegas hotel. Soon thereafter, we departed Las Vegas and drove out to Boulder City’s Municipal Airport.  From there, we boarded a 19 seat prop-plane that flew us from Boulder City, Nevada, to the Grand Canyon West Airport.  The flight was quite scenic as you flew over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Mojave Desert (which quite honestly made me think I was flying over Mars as it was so desolate!)  Allison and I were strapped in to the jump seats at the very rear of the plane with both of us having emergency exit doors on either side of us (I wasn’t quite sure whether to be relieved or slightly nervous at the thought!) As our pilots touched us down on the runway at Grand Canyon West, we kept peering around trying to locate the Grand Canyon as from the airport tarmac, you can’t visibly see anything. 

We were immediately paired off with another couple from Russia and escorted quickly to the helicopter pads, where eventually a helicopter landed for us.  I was fortunate enough to be able to ride in the front seat with the pilot, which totally thrilled the aviation lover within me.  As we inched slowly skyward, the pilot maneuvered us so that we hovered over the Grand Canyon and my jaw hit the ground.  He proceeded to fly us through a series of twists and turns before setting us down some 4,000 feet from the top on the bottom of the canyon floor.  Upon departing the helicopter, we endured an arduous hike down a number of trails and stairs to the edge of the Colorado River where we boarded a pontoon boat that sailed down the cool yet muddy waters of the Colorado River. 

When I glanced around at my surroundings, I quickly figured out ‘what the fuss’ was all about with the scenic aura of the Grand Canyon.  I was in completely awe.  Words cannot even describe the sheer beauty that surrounded me, as you can somewhat see in the photos displayed here (although the photos can’t do it justice!)

Eventually, after nearly dying in the August heat and climbing the stairs back up the hill to the landing pad, we boarded another helicopter which took us back up to the top.  We then were given our bag lunches (which I thought were quite nice) before we boarded a bus and headed towards Eagle Point and the infamous Skywalk.  We enjoyed our lunch while staring out at the beautiful expanse that was displayed before us.  That was a lunch view I could enjoy getting used to!

Our tour did include access to the Skywalk, and I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed with the Skywalk in general.  Due to weight concerns, you aren’t allowed to take any personal items (including cameras or cellphones) out on the Skywalk.  All of your items have to be locked up in a locker.  So, it is just you and your physical body walking out on the Skywalk.  When we first went out, it was so sunny, that you couldn’t even see down through the glass walkway.  Some individuals were even laying down on the walkway trying to see through to the bottom of the canyon.  While it did provide a nice view, it was kind of disappointing not to be able to take photos of your own nor really see what was right below your feet.  (I am sure at other times, if it isn’t so sunny for example, you can likely see straight down – which would terrify someone who has a fear of heights!)

After another picturesque stop in Hualapai Nation at Guano Point, we returned to the airport terminal at Grand Canyon West for our return back to Boulder City and on to Las Vegas.  I can’t speak for my comrade, Allison, but I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the Grand Canyon.  One of our guides told us that every day was a different scene.  He said the colors were never quite the same because of the sun, the clouds and a combination of any other factor.  Part of me, even a little over seven months later, is still in awe at having visited such a breath-taking place. 

So, if you are ever out in Las Vegas, I would highly recommend taking a day from your schedule and go visit the Grand Canyon.  From Las Vegas, you can drive to the Hoover Dam in 30 to 45 minutes, whereas the drive to the Grand Canyon is around two and a half hours.  But, I would highly recommend the Canyon Tours option, as well.  The cost is a little pricey, but for those that I have recommended it to (who have also taken the tour), they have all agreed it was money well spent, and I must concur.  I’ll admit that I whined and squawked and complained when I saw how much it was going to cost, but looking back on it now, I have NOTHING to complain about as it was absolutely phenomenal!!!

Rather than taking the five-in-one tour (that we did), I would possibly recommend taking the four-in-one, which basically excludes the admission to the Skywalk.  You still get to go to Eagle Point and the other locations, but you save a little money by not purchasing the ticket to the Skywalk and you aren’t likely quite as rushed. 

Canyon Tours describes their Grand Canyon West Rim Tours as follows -- Venture deep into Hualapai Indian country and discover the Grand Canyon’s West Rim! Arrive at the West Rim by bus, airplane, or helicopter and explore the Hualapai Village or experience the sensational views of Guano Point and Eagle Point. Complete your West Rim adventure with a helicopter floor landing, a relaxing cruise down the Colorado River, or a heart-pumping stroll on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Or if you’re a true adventurer, try one of our one-day whitewater rafting adventures! The West Rim features iconic viewpoints and unique attractions, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk. With tours departing daily from fabulous Las Vegas and complimentary hotel-to-hotel pickup and drop-off to most major hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, you can sit back and relax on your Grand Canyon West Rim adventure.  (https://www.canyontours.com/)

If adventure is calling you or even maybe history or just a love of nature and scenic beauty, you most definitely need to visit the Grand Canyon.  I personally don’t believe that you will be disappointed in the least. It is an action packed, fun-filled adventure!   HOWEVER, if you do go in August, first of all, may God be with you because it is HOT, but second of all, make sure you take plenty of water!!  It is one place that I would most definitely love to visit again, just maybe not in the dead of summer!

From the canyon floor
Colorado River in the close background along with
the surrounding canyon walls.

Helicopter awaiting lift-off from the floor of the West Rim

Took this photo while aboard the pontoon boat in the middle of the Colorado River.

Simply amazing beauty of all that surrounds in the Grand Canyon.

My chariot awaits! 

Eagle Point, Grand Canyon West, Arizona
You can see the Skywalk on the left as it extends out over the canyon.

Pictures cannot do this area justice.  The range of colors is simply incredible!

Another view from Guapo Point

On the return flight back to Boulder City, I didn't have any visual from my side of the plane of the Hoover Dam.  So, I simply held my camera up and took a quick snap out Allison's emergency exit door.  Thinking I didn't get anything, I didn't even review the pictures.  When I returned home and was going through my photos, I found this!  I audibly gasped at how crystal clear and perfect this picture took!  For having not been able to see a thing, I think it turned out pretty well!