Las Vegas visitor looking for a fun and cheap trip to the Grand Canyon? Hop a bus and head out to Grand Canyon West. Besides these trips being incredibly fun and cheap, here are seven more reasons why this tour deserves to be a the top of your to-do list:
1. Lake Mead and Hoover Dam are included. These famous landmarks are on the way to Grand Canyon West. Leave the bus at the dam for photos. Includes a spectacular drive across the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge (the best view is on the left side of the bus).
2. Experience the Skywalk Grand Canyon. The bridge is made entirely out of glass. Walk it’s horseshoe-shaped path and you’ll be 70 feet over the edge and 4,000 feet over the Colorado River. The views are astonishing. Most visitors compare their Skywalk experience to that of defying gravity.
3. Go on a helicopter ride to the bottom. Grand Canyon West is the only place in the canyon where you are permitted to do this. The length from rim to bottom is 4,000 feet. Exit your helicopter and partake in a Champagne picnic. Explore the floor, home to some of the Earth’s oldest exposed rock.
4. Go Grand Canyon river rafting on the Colorado River. This is a smooth-water float trip (no rapids) on a pontoon boat. Puts you face to face with the force that continues to carve the canyon. Pack a bathing suit for a refreshing swim.
5. Explore a traditional Indian village. Walking tours are available and are led by members of the Hualapai Indians, the tribe that owns the land that includes Grand Canyon West. This tour takes you among tribal dwellings like ceremonial huts, tee pees, and an outdoor amphitheater. Browse the Hualapai Market for handicrafts.
6. Buses are comfortable. Today’s motor coaches come with huge cabins, over-sized windows, VCR’s, and pre-recorded trip narrations in multiple languages. Bathrooms are clean. Seats are plush. Lots of legroom. And the bathrooms are extraordinarily clean.
7. It’s cheap. Basic tours start at $94. This fare includes full access to Grand Canyon West. Inside, ride the free shuttle bus to Eagle Point, Guano Point, the Rim, the Indian Village, and more. If you have the slightest inclination to do the Skywalk, save time and money and buy a package that includes tickets.
Grand Canyon West is only 120 miles from Las Vegas. This distance can be done in 2.5 hours by bus. Tours include a quick breakfast and a barbecue lunch. Expect to spend a minimum of half a day on these trips, longer if you upgrade to include a helicopter ride or pontoon boat float trip. Always make advance reservations. One or two weeks before you touch down in Las Vegas is cutting it close.
I also recommend purchasing your trip online. I’ve seen prices cut by up to 35%. Consider buying direct from tour operators. I do and I’ve never had a problem with my bookings. Be sure you print out your trip confirmation email and take it with you to Vegas.
I can come up with more reasons to take a canyon bus tour from Las Vegas to the West rim but these seven are the main ones. But really, when you step back and think about it, if you make it to Las Vegas, you’ve got to give a visit to the canyon some serious consideration. The proximity alone makes it a nearly mandatory visit. Plus, the best place to witness this magical land is just a 2.5-hour bus trip away! So climb aboard. It’s time to enjoy this incredible outdoor attraction.
Travel writer Keith Kravitz reviews Grand Canyon tours and posts the top 3 Grand Canyon bus tours here.
