Is the West Rim of the Grand Canyon worth a visit?
The West rim is the real CC, just not the better part.. And yes, seeing Something is better than seeing Nothing. Dice is right.... Grand Canyon West is still part of the Grand Canyon, but it is indeed not the best part of the GC.
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Which Rim of Grand Canyon is best – South Rim. Considered by many to be the “true Grand Canyon,” Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim features the vast, expansive views most often seen in magazines, websites, Facebook and on TV.
If you're starting from Las Vegas, it probably makes the most sense to see the West Rim. Just a 3.5 hour drive (122 miles) from the glittering desert oasis lies Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk and dozens and dozens of tour options.
Grand Canyon South Rim is most frequently chosen by first-time visitors to the area not only for its beautiful views, but for its abundance of visitor services and family-oriented activities. The South Rim is open year-round.
If you're starting from Las Vegas, it probably makes the most sense to see the West Rim. Just a 3.5 hour drive (122 miles) from the glittering desert oasis lies Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk and dozens and dozens of tour options.
Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase a General Admission ticket. Optional activities, such as Skywalk, helicopter, boat tours and zipline tours can be purchased at an additional cost.
The town of Tusayan, which is just 15-20 minutes away from the main Visitor Center on the south rim, has a great selection of places to stay. Grand Canyon Junction (formerly known as Valle) is further out (about 30 minutes to the rim), but is another good option. If you want a hotel, stay in Tusayan, which has plenty.
The Quieter Side of the National ParkOffering fantastic views with less congestion, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park offers those willing to drive five hours and 212 miles from the South Rim a chance to see the canyon without the crowds.
Guests cannot bring anything with them on the skywalk: no purses or backpacks and definitely no cell phones or cameras. The restrictions are necessary to protect not only the glass surfaces you are walking on, but also to keep the Canyon free from any possible falling debris.
Get your tickets to experience the Skywalk, Zipline, Helicopter tours and more. Don't forget your add-on meal ticket. Add a walk across the sky 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor on this 10-foot wide glass bridge extending 70 feet out over the West Rim. General Admission ticket required.
Best Time to Visit the SkywalkWhile the Skywalk is open daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, most visitors come between 11 AM and 4 PM Arizona Time. To avoid the crowds and the heat of the day, it is best to come in the morning before the mid-day rush.
The West Rim is the closest rim to Las Vegas. It is located about 130 miles from the heart of Las Vegas. On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours.
On average, visitors spend around 20-30 minutes on the Skywalk, but you're welcome to stay longer if you'd like. Some visitors choose to walk back and forth over the bridge a few times to fully experience the sensation of walking on air. It's also nice to really soak in the view, without any rush.
Bus Tour to Grand Canyon South Rim from Las VegasMost bus tours from Las Vegas go to the South Rim. A day trip to Grand Canyon South Rim from Las Vegas is the cheapest way to visit the national park from Vegas. Standard bus tours are priced starting from $79.
If you're planning to stay in Las Vegas, taking a day trip to the canyon is well worth it and can get you out of the city to indulge in a truly unique outdoor experience.
Many consider the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to be the authentic Grand Canyon experience. It features vast, expansive views often seen in popular media. From the South Rim, you can experience close to two-dozen unique views of the Grand Canyon, many with sweeping views of the Colorado River.