| Deciding on whether to visit the Skywalk or Grand | | | | Horseback riding and river rafting starts here. |
| Canyon National Park while staying in Las Vegas? | | | | Helicopter flights take visitors to bottom of the Canyon. |
| That's a tough one. Both attractions are worth the trip. | | | | Lodging is available for overnight stays. |
| However, there are some logistical and budgetary | | | | Lookouts |
| differences between the two that can help solve the | | | | Eagle Point is the main lookout for the West Rim. |
| dilemma for you. | | | | Spectacular views are to be had. Be warned - There's |
| For your consideration: | | | | no guardrail. The area includes an Indian village and |
| Time | | | | outdoor amphitheater for talks on local culture, flora, |
| The one-way drive time by bus from Las Vegas to | | | | and fauna. |
| Grand Canyon West is 2.5 hours and 5.5 hours to the | | | | Gift Shops/Food |
| South Rim. Budget an entire day for either trip. The | | | | The West Rim is still evolving. Currently, there' the gift |
| South Rim bus, which leaves early, will have you back | | | | shop run by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. Inside, you can |
| at the hotel at 9 p.m., while the West Rim bus returns | | | | purchase snacks and souvenirs. Most bus tours will |
| by 6 p.m. | | | | include lunch, which will most likely be a barbeque |
| Distance | | | | prepared for you by the Hualapai. |
| The one-way driving distance from Las Vegas to the | | | | Weather |
| West Rim is 128 miles and 279 miles to the South Rim. | | | | The South Rim, elevation 7,000 feet, is 1,500 feet |
| Both are relatively long trips. Fortunately, today's motor | | | | higher than the West Rim, so expect cooler |
| coach has all the amenities, including plush seats and a | | | | temperatures. Other than that, both areas are subject |
| clean bathroom. There are also a number of stops | | | | to extreme weather. Here's a quick look at annual |
| where you can stretch your legs (including Hoover | | | | temperatures for both rims: |
| Dam). | | | | West Rim/Skywalk |
| Things to Do | | | | Elevation is 4,700+ feet. |
| Here's where the two Rims begin to separate. The | | | | Jan. - March |
| West Rim has more man-made attractions; the South, | | | | Average high temperature: 70 degrees. Average low: |
| more natural ones. The infrastructure (dining, lodging, | | | | 43 degrees. |
| amenities) is more developed at South Rim. Here are | | | | April - June |
| specifics: | | | | Average high temperature: 96 degrees. Average low: |
| South Rim | | | | 65 degrees. |
| Lookouts | | | | July - Sept.: |
| This part of the Park is filled with famous lookouts, | | | | Average high temperature: 105 degrees. Average low: |
| including Mather Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Observation | | | | 76 degrees. |
| Station, Hermit's Rest and more. | | | | Oct. - Dec.: |
| Restaurants | | | | Average high temperature: 76 degrees. Average low: |
| Plenty of casual dining here. The Bright Angel Lodge | | | | 46 degrees. |
| restaurant serves up home-style cooking that's priced | | | | South Rim |
| right. Maswick Lodge offers cafeteria style. There's a | | | | Elevation is 7,000 feet |
| small snack bar behind the Lodge Restaurant. High-end | | | | Jan. - March |
| dining (and cocktails) can be had at El Tovar. Near | | | | Average high temperature: 45 degrees. Average low: |
| Mather Campground is a supermarket with deli, fried | | | | 21 degrees. |
| foods, and pizza. | | | | April - June |
| Gift Shops | | | | Average high temperature: 69 degrees. Average low: |
| Something for everyone. Hopi House specializes in | | | | 39 degrees. |
| Native American crafts (can be pricey). The gift shop | | | | July - Sept.: |
| at Bright Angel Lodge, Verkamp's, and Lookout Studio | | | | Average high temperature: 82 degrees. Average low: |
| are great for souvenirs. Fine art is available on the | | | | 52 degrees. |
| "bottom" floor of Kolb Studio. | | | | Oct. - Dec.: |
| Grand Canyon West | | | | Average high temperature: 52 degrees. Average low: |
| Skywalk | | | | 27 degrees. |
| The Glass Bridge has become Las Vegas' hottest | | | | What to Wear & What to Bring |
| "off-Strip" attraction. Since opening to the public in | | | | Warm layers in the winter and wind-resistant, cool |
| 2007, more than one million people have experienced | | | | clothing in the summer. Expect winter snow at the |
| the Bridge. It's a fantastic structure: Made of special | | | | South Rim and wear pants, shoes and a jacket (it's |
| glass, it extends 70 feet over the Canyon, wherein you | | | | not uncommon to see people in shorts!). During the |
| are suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. | | | | summer, always bring a water bottle and plenty of |
| Hualapai Ranch | | | | sunscreen. |
| Includes an authentic western town with live gunfights. | | | | |