Picking A Las Vegas Day Trip To Grand Canyon West Or South Rim
Choosing whether to visit the Skywalk or Grand Canyon National Park while staying in Las Vegas
? That's a tough one. Both attractions are worth the trip. However, there are several logistical and budgetary differences between the two that can help solve the dilemma for you.How Much Time Does It Take
This is a big issue for a lot of people. It takes a bus 2.5 hours to reach Grand Canyon West and 5.5 hours to reach the South Rim. It takes a helicopter 45 minutes and an airplane 25 minutes to reach the West Rim, respectively. It takes an airplane 45 minutes to fly to the South Rim; there are no direct helicopter flights. Be prepared to spend a full day on trips to the West Rim. South Rim airplane trips need a full day, too, while bus tours average about 15 hours.
Howe Far Is It?
The one-way driving distance from Las Vegas to the West Rim is 128 miles and 279 miles to the South Rim. Both are relatively long trips. Fortunately, today's motor coach has all the amenities, including plush seats and a clean bathroom. In addition there are a number of stops where you can stretch your legs (including Hoover Dam).
What's There to Do?
Each rim has distinct things to do. The West Rim is renowned for its man-made attractions while the South Rim is praised for its incredible natural beauty. Additionally, while there are visitor facilities at the West Rim, the ones at South Rim are more developed.
South Rim
View Points
This part of the Canyon is crammed with fantastic viewing spots. The most famous are Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, Yaki Point, Hermit's Rest and more. All can be reached via the Park's excellent free shuttle bus system.
Dining
Plenty of casual dining here. The Bright Angel Lodge restaurant serves up home-style cooking that's priced right. Maswick Lodge offers cafeteria style. There's a small snack bar behind the Lodge Restaurant. High-end dining (and cocktails) can be had at El Tovar. Near Mather Campground is a supermarket with deli, fried foods, and pizza.
Souvenir Shopping
Something for everyone. Hopi House specializes in Native American crafts (can be pricey). The gift shop at Bright Angel Lodge, Verkamp's, and Lookout Studio are great for souvenirs. Art work is available on the "bottom" floor of Kolb Studio.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Glass Bridge
Las Vegas #1 natural attraction? The Skywalk. More than a million people have experienced the "glass bridge." They keep coming, and for good reason. The Bridge juts 70 feet past the edge of the rim and suspends you 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. Many say it feels as if they are "floating" on thin air. Views from the Skywalk are breathtaking. There's no time limit as to how long you can stay on it.
Hualapai Ranch
Includes a geniune western town with live gunfights. Horseback riding and river rafting starts here. Helicopter flights take people to bottom of the Canyon. Lodging is available for overnight stays.
Lookouts
The Grand Canyon West area is siuated right on the edge of the rim and offers you spectaular views of Eagle and Guano Points. There is no guard rail so use caution. Use the rim-top trail or the free shuttle bus to reach viewpoints.
Gift Shops/Food
Grand Canyon West is a relatively new development of the Hualapai Indian Tribe. The complex that services the Skywalk is the hub of activity and includes a gift shop (this is where you pick up your Skywalk souvenir photos) and snack bar. The Tribe's future plans for the area include hotels and restaurants.
Weather
There's a big difference in climate. The South Rim is situated in a national forest at an elevation of 6,000 feet while the West Rim is atop high desert at 4,500 feet. Here's a snapshot of each rim's annual temperatures:
Grand Canyon West
Elevation is 4,700 feet.
Jan. - March
Average high temperature: 70 degrees. Average low: 43 degrees.
April - June
Average high temperature: 96 degrees. Average low: 65 degrees.
July - Sept.:
Average high temperature: 105 degrees. Average low: 76 degrees.
Oct. - Dec.:
Average high temperature: 76 degrees. Average low: 46 degrees.
Grand Canyon South Rim
Elevation is 7,000 feet
Jan. - March
Average high temperature: 45 degrees. Average low: 21 degrees.
April - June
Average high temperature: 69 degrees. Average low: 39 degrees.
July - Sept.:
Average high temperature: 82 degrees. Average low: 52 degrees.
Oct. - Dec.:
Average high temperature: 52 degrees. Average low: 27 degrees.
Preparing for a Visit
The most comfortable way to dress for the rims during winter is to layer clothing and bring gloves and head gear. It snows at the South Rim, so bring/wear pants, shoes, and a light jacket. Summer at the West Rim is hot (100 degrees plus). Bring plenty of sunscreen and water and wear a brimmed-hat. The South Rim is more temperate but it's still advised that you pack the same items that you would for the West Rim.
Price
Remarkably, tour prices to the rims are similar. West rim bus tours start under $100 and South Rim tours around $80. Helicopter tours to the Skywalk start at $200. West Rim airplane tours start at $105 and South Rim ones at $190 (this particular tour is a total bargain). Try to purchase an all-inclusive tour that includes Skywalk admission, which, if bought separately, will run you $29.95 per person.
Summary
The Grand Canyon's West and South Rims are incredible places to visit and make wonderful day trips from Las Vegas. Many people get stuck choosing which rim is right for them. To settle this, consider how much time and money you want to budget for the trip. Then determine if you prefer a tour that includes a lot of activities and attractions (West Rim) or one that puts more emphasis on the natural beauty of the Park (South Rim). By doing this "exercise," you'll find the Grand Canyon day trip that's just right for you.
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