Grand Canyon West Rim Small Group Tour
A Grand Canyon West Rim Small Group Tour
Grand Canyon West Rim small group tours guarantee you the Grand Canyon experience you have been dreaming of. This small group tour package offers a semi-private and intimate trip with your family and friends. We will begin by picking you up from your hotel in Las Vegas in a Mercedes Sprinter van. Your source of information throughout the tour will be our professional tour guide and driver. There will also be a delicious breakfast snack for you as you begin your morning as well.
Travel Through The Mojave Desert And Joshua Tree Forest
The Mojave Desert spreads throughout Nevada, California, Arizona, and Utah. Therefore, you will get to see a good part of it on your journey to the Grand Canyon West Rim. The Mojave is the driest and smallest desert in the United States. This desert is notorious for having the hottest surface temperature in the world and the lowest elevation in the US.
The unique vegetation and mountainous topography of the Mojave makes the drive to the canyon a sightseeing experience all on its own. Throughout the desert there are many natural resources that contribute to the initial and continuous growth of the western US region. For instance, there are gravel and sand basins that drain into salt flats from which potash, salt, and borax are found. Additionally, tungsten, silver, iron and gold are present in the land.
There are hundreds of plant species in the Mojave Desert to look for while on a Grand Canyon tour. The cactus, Mojave yucca, and the Spanish bayonet grow in large numbers throughout the landscape. Some common shrubs to see include shad scale, creosote bush, big sagebrush, burgages, and bladder-sage.
The Mojave Road passes across the Mojave Reserve and was used as a wagon trail after the Civil War. The Mojave is truly an interesting place for our guests to learn about the history of the tough old days in the west.
Joshua Tree National Forest
Another benefit of the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon drive is the chance to see Joshua Tree National Park within the Mojave Desert. Two separate desert ecosystems meet at Joshua Tree National Park which gives this area a unique landscape and environment that people travel to see. This area has occasional rains and strong winds. The park is also rich in cultural history that interests many visitors. The Joshua Tree itself belongs to the Agave family of plants, which are always a good indicator that you are in the Mojave Desert.
The Joshua tree got its name from Mormon immigrants after the biblical Joshua due to its outstretching limbs of the tree that guided the travelers westwards across the Grand Canyon West Rim.
Arriving At Grand Canyon West
The drive to the Grand Canyon West Rim is only about two and a half hours from Las Vegas. Once you arrive, you will not have to worry because Grand Vegas Tours does not have any hidden tour fees. The entry fee to the West Rim is included in your tour fee with us. It is also important to note that the price of admission to the Skywalk Bridge is not included in the tour fee, as some guests choose to not do this activity. The entry to the Skywalk is optional. If you would like to walk on the Skywalk, your tour guide can upgrade your reservations to include the Skywalk tickets during the trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim. This will save you time after arriving at the canyon as you will not have to wait in line to purchase tickets.
What To See At The Grand Canyon West Rim
The Welcome Center
The West Rim Welcome Center is very close to the Grand Canyon West Rim Skywalk. The Welcome Center gives visitors their first glimpse of the vast canyon views. The West Welcome Center receives over 1.2 million tourists per year.
Upon entrance, guests walk along a historical exhibit through the welcome center and onto the tour buses. The exhibit informs visitors about the geographic and cultural features of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon West Rim at large.
The West Welcome Center layout makes it easy and convenient for large groups to quickly access services, explore the building, and buy food and gifts at the various shops. There are also large graphics of the Grand Canyon West Rim and the Colorado River to view that give you an idea of how large the canyon truly is. Additionally, the massive bay windows provide breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon West Rim.
Eagle Point
After visiting the West Rim Welcome Center and getting some information, you will board the shuttle to the first scenic spot, Eagle Point. This overlook gets its name for the rock formation that resembles an eagle in the canyon. The amphitheater here hosts Native American performances between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM every day. Here you can embrace the cultural heritage of the tribes who call the Grand Canyon home. Also, don’t miss visiting the Indian Village and the Creations by Native Hands shop for authentic and unique Grand Canyon souvenirs.
The Native American Gift Shop has many items from hats, t-shirts, handcrafted weavings and jewelry made by the Hopi, Majove and Hualapai tribes. Take home a piece of the Hualapai culture with you to remember your Grand Canyon West Rim experience by.
At the West Rim, you can also see the traditional housing of the tribes in the Grand Canyon West Rim region such as the Navajo, Hualapai, Plains, Havasupai and the Hopi. Leisurely walk along in the village to see traditional housing, sweat lodges, and ovens. The architecture, functionality, and style of each feature and structure will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of the native American culture. Legacy Passes are available for purchase as well. These passes allow visitors to take a ride through the grounds on shuttle buses to several points in the Grand Canyon West Rim. The shuttle buses in this area not only make it easy to get around, they also ensure that you will not miss any of the must-see stops throughout the West Rim.
The Hualapai Reservation At The Grand Canyon West Rim
The Hualapai’s name has a translation meaning “People of the Tall Pines.” The Hualapai Reservation covers about 108 miles along the Colorado River and the south part of the Grand Canyon itself. There are about 2,300 tribal members and a majority of the tribe live in Peach Springs, which is the tribal headquarters.
The Hualapai people live in the base of the Hualapai Mountains close to Kingman, Arizona. Their traditional homeland was bigger compared to their modern-day home which is in federal, state and private ownership. Historically, the kinship system between the tribes was formed on regional bands. Each band was name for their geological location, therefore creating the Hualapai name, “People of the Tall Pines”.
Once the reservation was established, the majority of the tribe made their way to Kingman or Peach Springs to live. The tribe now participates in commercial ventures such as river trips in the canyon along the Colorado River. Both of these attractions are open to Grand Canyon tour guests as well
Visitors love to learn about the Hualapai and experience a slice of their culture and land. Today, the Hualapai continue to speak their language and follow the traditional practices of cattle ranching, basket weaving, and carrying out traditional ceremonies which makes learning about them all the more interesting.
Hualapai Ranch
Get to visit the Hualapai Ranch, a part of the land in the style of an old west town. Hualapai Ranch is the hub of the activities in the Grand Canyon West Rim. After experiencing the sights and overlooks of the West Rim, it is the sole place to spend the afternoon. It has recreation facilities such as a food hall and a gift shop. Popular fun activities such as zip-lining, horseback riding, shopping, and dining can all be done at the Hualapai Ranch.
Tour The Skywalk At The Eagle point
The horse-shaped Skywalk Bridge measures 10 feet wide and extends about 70 feet out over the end of the Grand Canyon West Rim. You can see through the glass bridge about 4000 feet to the ground below. The skywalk is one of the main attractions that bring people to the West Rim of the canyon. The price of admission into the Skywalk is not included in the tour price. However, you can purchase a ticket for the Skywalk in advance through your tour guide or online. This will save you time upon arriving at the canyon so you will not have to wait in line.
After walking on the Skywalk you can check out the Skywalk Gift Shop that is filled with souvenirs for memories of your trip to the Grand Canyon West Rim. The Sky View Restaurant offers great eats while providing the best panoramic views of Eagle Point and the Skywalk.
Guano Point
After seeing Eagle Point and the Skywalk, prepare to see the most epic viewpoint of the West Rim. At Guano Point, you will see a 360-degree view of the Grand Canyon West Rim. However, walk to the edge at your own risk. As there are no railings, you will need to be careful. An intriguing aspect of Guano Point is where you get to check out the remnants of a tram that once stretched across the canyon to a guano mine. While at this point, you can stop by Guano Point Café at the edge of the canyon. This cafe has Native American crafts and jewelry and you get to interact with the tribal members.
What To Bring On A West Rim Tour
Visitors always wonder what they should bring on a Grand Canyon tour to best be prepared for the day ahead. Here are some small items we recommend bringing to make your experience comfortable and memorable.
- A camera will go a long way in preserving great moments at the Grand Canyon West Rim.
- You will need a government ID for any helicopter and boat ride tours you choose to take.
- Bring along sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the desert sun.
- Carry some cash or a credit card to purchase souvenirs at the many gift shops.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking that can be done.
- Dress in layers due to the common monsoon storms. Dress warmly during the winter months.
For more information on the West Rim and everything that is available there, check out the Grand Canyon West website.
Returning To Las Vegas
After touring the West Rim and having experienced a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon at the viewpoints, you will travel back to the Welcome Center and depart for Las Vegas once again. Now you can sit back and relax while your driver and tour guide take charge of the travel.
When selecting the best Grand Canon tour for you, keep in mind that the West Rim small group tour experience will enable you and your group to have a customized, memorable, and breathtaking tour like no other tour provider can offer.
Things To Note About A West Rim Tour
- There is a free cancellation within 24 hours into the tour
- No additional fees during the tour
- No fuel surcharge
- Timing is approximate and subject to changes
- Skywalk admission fee is NOT included in the tour
- The tour duration is approximately 10 hours
Like us on Facebook to share your tour memories with us!
Tour Includes:
- As our guest, you will spend 4 hours at the Grand Canyon West Rim.
- Guests will visit the Welcome Center, Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch.
- We provide pick up and drop off directly at the hotels. Don’t see your meeting spot for pick up on the list? Please contact us to help arrange for transportation to a convenient meeting spot for pick up.
- Our drivers care about you. Our drivers and tour guides are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly.
- What’s a tour without a meal? Yes, meals are included. You will get to enjoy an Artisan Deli Lunch with your choice of Turkey, Ham or Veggie along with chips, fruit and a cookie. We also provide breakfast snacks.
- Plenty of water is provided on tour.
- We provide luxury buses that are clean and comfortable.
- Want to see the Canyon above, beyond and below? See the Grand Canyon by helicopter and boat ride.