GRAND CANYON WEST, HOOVER DAM, RED ROCK CANYON, LAS VEGAS TOURS

From Las Vegas, the West Rim – also called Grand Canyon West – is the closest and most accessible area to view the Grand Canyon and the location of the optional glass SkyWalk (if you are brave enough).

Driving time from Las Vegas is 2.5 hours each way, so it is a comfortable day trip. The drive follows through lots of desert, so we’ll fill the journey with stories about the canyon, so you’ll know what to expect and be a little more knowledgeable about the geology, wildlife and people that make this a Natural Wonder of the World.

It is an excellent idea to include a visit to Hoover Dam in your day trip to Grand Canyon West.

On the drive back to Las Vegas, you’ll hear stories about some of the unique characters from Las Vegas history, Area 51, Atomic City and more.

Grand Canyon West is located on land operated by the Hualapai Tribe, not the National Park Service. The canyon views are superb and definitely gives you a true taste of the Grand Canyon, especially if you are not enthusiastic for the alternative, which is a 4.5hr drive each way to the South Rim.

All visitors must pay the Legacy Fee charged by the Hualapai Nation to visit Grand Canyon West and includes the shuttle bus to various viewpoints. Consider it an entrance fee. Walking on the Glass SkyWalk is an additional cost over the Legacy Fee.

Guano Point has stunning 360 degree views of the Canyon and site of the old mine. And you can clearly make out the eagle in the natural rock formation at Eagle Point.

There’s also an interpretive village with Native American performances and a gift store with hand crafted arts.

The Hoover Dam is a short 1/2 day trip from Las Vegas and to this day remains an impressive engineering achievement.

There are two American engineering icons on display. The Hoover Dam and the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge which arches across the canyon that holds the Colorado River and looks down upon the Hoover Dam.

You’ll wonder at the height of the concrete walls, judge the water levels of Lake Mead, or get dizzy looking straight down from the bypass bridge, it’s all impressive.

Tours of the dam and the Powerplant are available from the Bureau of Reclamation. You can book online in advance for the Powerplant Tour only.

On our way to Hoover Dam we’ll hear stories about how the dam was conceptualized and constructed, do some chocolate sampling at Ethel Ms, and make a short detour to Boulder City. There are stories about when the Mob ruled Las Vegas to entertain you on the drive back to the Strip.

Red Rock Canyon is only 30 minutes from the Strip and the tour follows a specific route to provide us with a sample of the Mojave desert environment that borders Las Vegas.

It’s amazing that the natural beauty of Red Rock Canyon is so close to the dazzling lights of Vegas. Our route takes us along the base of the mountain range, and we’ll have the choice to stop at several attractions including Spring Mountain Ranch and the Springs Preserve. Our route back to the Strip also takes us past the Premium Outlet Mall, Las Vegas’ largest, in case we need some retail therapy.

At Red Rock Canyon itself, the 13 mile scenic loop drive has many viewpoints, seasonal waterfall oasis, and hiking opportunities.

The Visitor Center has a new interactive display that includes the Desert Tortoise habitat and their caretakers, the “Tort Wranglers”. Watch for wild burros on the drive to Red Rock Canyon, especially around Blue Diamond. Or you might meet Jackson the formerly wild burro who now spends some days greeting, educating and making visitors laugh.

There are extensive hiking trails available. Pop into the Visitor Center for latest trail info and if you need help matching your time and ability for the right hike for you.

The tour route finishes with a drive through Las Vegas Downtown, or “Old” Las Vegas as many call it. You’ll see where icons like the Golden Nugget and the Fremont St Experience and lightshow are located.