Deciding between a tour to West Rim or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon while visiting Las Vegas? That's a tough one. Especially because both destinations are equally superb. However, there are some logistical and budgetary differences between the two that can help solve the dilemma for you.
For your consideration:
Time
The one-way drive time by bus from Vegas to Grand Canyon West is 2.5 hours and 5.5 hours to the South Rim. Both trips take a full day. West Rim bus tours will have you back on The Strip by 6.p.m. while South Rim bus tours will get you back to your resort-hotel by 9 p.m.
Distance
The West Rim is 128 miles from Vegas; The South Rim is 279 miles. Both are full-blown road trips. Luckily, today's tour buses are packed with amenities like personalized A/C unites, oversized seats, head rests, and ample leg room. Most tours include lots of rest stops where you can get off the bus and stretch your legs. Some include a photo stop at Hoover Dam.
Activities
Here's where the two Rims start to separate. Go to the West Rim is you are looking for thrills and attractions. Visit the South Rim if you are looking for spectacular scenery. The South Rim is also more developed and features more dining, hiking, and shopping opportunities. Here are specifics:
South Rim
Lookouts
This part of the Park is packed with famous viewing spots, including Mather Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Observation Station, Hermit's Rest and more.
Dining
Lots of eateries here. My favorite is the restaurant in the Bright Angel Lodge, which serves up huge portions of affordably priced home-cooked food. Go to Maswick Lodge for cafeteria-style dining. There's a small snack bar behind the Lodge Restaurant. High-end dining (and cocktails) can be had at El Tovar Hotel. Near Mather Campground is a supermarket with deli, fried foods, and pizza.
Souvenir Shops
Something for everyone. For Native American crafts, shop Hopi House (can be high-priced). The gift shop at Bright Angel Lodge, Verkamp's, and Lookout Studio are great for souvenirs. Visit Kolb Studio for fine western art.
West Rim
The Glass Walkway
The Glass Bridge has grown to become Las Vegas' hottest "off-Strip" attraction. Since opening to the public in 2007, more than one million people have experienced the Bridge. The structure itself is a marvel: It's made entirely of glass and lets you walk 70 feet past the edge of the rim whereupon you will be suspended 4,000 feet over the Colorado River.
Hualapai Ranch
Includes a genuine western town with live gunfights. Horse riding and river rafting starts here. Helicopter flights take visitors to bottom of the Canyon. Lodging is available for overnight stays.
Lookouts
The most popular lookout is Eagle Point. Views are incredible. Be warned - There's no guardrail. The spot includes an Indian village and outdoor amphitheater for talks on local culture, flora, and fauna.
Gift Shops/Food
The West Rim continues to be evolving. Currently, there's the souvenir shop run by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. Inside, the facility is nicely supplied with souvenirs and snacks. Bus tours include a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by the Hualapai.
Weather
Elevation at the South Rim is more than 6,000 feet, which is 1,500 feet higher than the West Rim's, so expect cooler temperatures. Apart from that, both areas are susceptible to extreme weather. Here's a quick look at annual temperatures for both rims:
West Rim/Skywalk
Elevation is 4,700 feet.
Jan. - March Average high temperature: 70 degrees. Average low: 43 degrees.
April - June: Average high temperature: 96 degrees. Avg. 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.
South Rim
Elv.: 6,000 feet
Jan. - March Avg. high temp.: 45 degrees. Avg. low temp.: 21 degrees.
April - June: Avg. high temp.: 69 degrees. Average low: 39 degrees.
July - Sept.: Average high temperature: 82 degrees. Average low: 52 degrees.
Oct. - Dec.: Avg. high temp.: 52 degrees. Avg low: 27 degrees.
What to Wear & What to Bring
Dress in layers during winter and wear loose, light clothing during summer. Count on winter snow at the South Rim and wear pants, shoes and a jacket (it's not uncommon to see people in shorts!). During the summer make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.
Cost
Tours to the West Rim start under $100. South Rim excursions at $80. Tour prices include Park entrance fees. Book online for the absolute best price. Glass Bridge tickets are extra and cost $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors and military personnel.
Let's Go!
Which rim is for you? The South Rim or the West Rim? Hmmm.... Both are stunningly beautiful and offer plenty of things to do. Truth of the matter is it depends on your budget and how much time you have. If you evaluate a rim trip based on these two criteria, I assure you that you will find the Grand Canyon tour that best meets your needs.
For your consideration:
Time
The one-way drive time by bus from Vegas to Grand Canyon West is 2.5 hours and 5.5 hours to the South Rim. Both trips take a full day. West Rim bus tours will have you back on The Strip by 6.p.m. while South Rim bus tours will get you back to your resort-hotel by 9 p.m.
Distance
The West Rim is 128 miles from Vegas; The South Rim is 279 miles. Both are full-blown road trips. Luckily, today's tour buses are packed with amenities like personalized A/C unites, oversized seats, head rests, and ample leg room. Most tours include lots of rest stops where you can get off the bus and stretch your legs. Some include a photo stop at Hoover Dam.
Activities
Here's where the two Rims start to separate. Go to the West Rim is you are looking for thrills and attractions. Visit the South Rim if you are looking for spectacular scenery. The South Rim is also more developed and features more dining, hiking, and shopping opportunities. Here are specifics:
South Rim
Lookouts
This part of the Park is packed with famous viewing spots, including Mather Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Observation Station, Hermit's Rest and more.
Dining
Lots of eateries here. My favorite is the restaurant in the Bright Angel Lodge, which serves up huge portions of affordably priced home-cooked food. Go to Maswick Lodge for cafeteria-style dining. There's a small snack bar behind the Lodge Restaurant. High-end dining (and cocktails) can be had at El Tovar Hotel. Near Mather Campground is a supermarket with deli, fried foods, and pizza.
Souvenir Shops
Something for everyone. For Native American crafts, shop Hopi House (can be high-priced). The gift shop at Bright Angel Lodge, Verkamp's, and Lookout Studio are great for souvenirs. Visit Kolb Studio for fine western art.
West Rim
The Glass Walkway
The Glass Bridge has grown to become Las Vegas' hottest "off-Strip" attraction. Since opening to the public in 2007, more than one million people have experienced the Bridge. The structure itself is a marvel: It's made entirely of glass and lets you walk 70 feet past the edge of the rim whereupon you will be suspended 4,000 feet over the Colorado River.
Hualapai Ranch
Includes a genuine western town with live gunfights. Horse riding and river rafting starts here. Helicopter flights take visitors to bottom of the Canyon. Lodging is available for overnight stays.
Lookouts
The most popular lookout is Eagle Point. Views are incredible. Be warned - There's no guardrail. The spot includes an Indian village and outdoor amphitheater for talks on local culture, flora, and fauna.
Gift Shops/Food
The West Rim continues to be evolving. Currently, there's the souvenir shop run by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. Inside, the facility is nicely supplied with souvenirs and snacks. Bus tours include a delicious BBQ lunch prepared by the Hualapai.
Weather
Elevation at the South Rim is more than 6,000 feet, which is 1,500 feet higher than the West Rim's, so expect cooler temperatures. Apart from that, both areas are susceptible to extreme weather. Here's a quick look at annual temperatures for both rims:
West Rim/Skywalk
Elevation is 4,700 feet.
Jan. - March Average high temperature: 70 degrees. Average low: 43 degrees.
April - June: Average high temperature: 96 degrees. Avg. 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.
South Rim
Elv.: 6,000 feet
Jan. - March Avg. high temp.: 45 degrees. Avg. low temp.: 21 degrees.
April - June: Avg. high temp.: 69 degrees. Average low: 39 degrees.
July - Sept.: Average high temperature: 82 degrees. Average low: 52 degrees.
Oct. - Dec.: Avg. high temp.: 52 degrees. Avg low: 27 degrees.
What to Wear & What to Bring
Dress in layers during winter and wear loose, light clothing during summer. Count on winter snow at the South Rim and wear pants, shoes and a jacket (it's not uncommon to see people in shorts!). During the summer make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.
Cost
Tours to the West Rim start under $100. South Rim excursions at $80. Tour prices include Park entrance fees. Book online for the absolute best price. Glass Bridge tickets are extra and cost $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors and military personnel.
Let's Go!
Which rim is for you? The South Rim or the West Rim? Hmmm.... Both are stunningly beautiful and offer plenty of things to do. Truth of the matter is it depends on your budget and how much time you have. If you evaluate a rim trip based on these two criteria, I assure you that you will find the Grand Canyon tour that best meets your needs.
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