If you’re eyeing a day trip from Las Vegas to see the Grand Canyon West Rim, this tour might catch your eye. Offering a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and memorable vistas, it’s a popular option for visitors wanting to tick off this natural wonder without planning the entire trip themselves. We’ve looked into it to help you decide if it’s a good fit.
One thing we really like is the combination of scenic stops—from the Hoover Dam to Eagle Point, Guano Point, and the famous Skywalk if you choose to upgrade. The second is the value for money—for around $80, you get transport, multiple viewing points, and a box lunch, which adds a lot of convenience. But, a potential downside is the long day’s travel—about 11 to 12 hours—so it’s not for everyone, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace. This tour suits those who want a comprehensive experience in one day, especially if sightseeing is your main goal and you’re comfortable with a busy schedule.
Key Points
- All-in-one package: Round-trip transportation, scenic stops, and entry tickets included.
- Multiple viewpoints: Eagle Point, Guano Point, and optional Skywalk provide varied vistas.
- Convenience: Hotel pickups, bottled water, and a boxed lunch make the day smoother.
- Long but rewarding: Expect a full 11-12 hours with lots of walking and sightseeing.
- Varied reviews: Mostly positive, with some concerns about guide personality and bus comfort.
- Best for: Travelers wanting a structured, guided day trip with plenty of photo ops and optional upgrades.
What’s Included and What’s Not
This tour offers a pretty good package for the price. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, a Grand Canyon West entrance ticket, bottled water, and a boxed lunch. There’s also the option to add the Skywalk ticket, which is a notable highlight if you’re interested in walking on glass 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.
However, if you skip the Skywalk upgrade, you won’t get that specific experience, but you still have access to Eagle Point and Guano Point, which are spectacular in their own right. Be aware that lunch and breakfast are optional extras if you prefer to bring your own or skip them. Also, the tour doesn’t include the Skywalk unless you pay extra.
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The Itinerary in Detail
Stop 1: Boulder City
Your day begins early with hotel pickup, typically around 6:00 am. You might get a quick breakfast here if you’ve selected that option. It’s a good way to start the day fueled up, though some reviews mention that the bus’s older model lacked WiFi and charging options, which could be inconvenient.
Stop 2: Hoover Dam Viewpoint
You’ll drive over the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge—a stunning vantage point for a quick photo as you cross over the Colorado River and glimpse Hoover Dam. There’s a short 5-minute stop here, just enough to snap some shots and take in the engineering marvel below.
Stop 3: Grand Canyon West
This is the heart of the tour. You’ll have around 4 hours to explore Eagle Point, Guano Point, and the visitor center. Expect jaw-dropping views from these vantage points, especially Guano Point with its sweeping panoramas. According to reviews, guides are knowledgeable, providing interesting stories along the way, though some feel guides could be more engaging.
Stop 4: The Skywalk (Optional)
If you paid for the Skywalk, this is where you’ll head. Suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon, the glass bridge offers some of the most iconic photos you can take. It’s a quick hour-long experience but highly photogenic. Some travelers find it overpriced, but others see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Stops 5 and 6: Eagle Point and Guano Point
Both these locations are highlights. Eagle Point features natural rock formations resembling an eagle in flight, and the views are breathtaking. Guano Point, with its rugged cliffs and the Colorado River below, offers 360-degree vistas. Reviews show that visitors love the variety here, with many quoting the stunning landscapes and the chance to take plenty of photos.
Final stop: Boulder City
Before heading back, there’s a 30-minute stop at a local restaurant for refreshments. Some reviews praise the food, calling it decent, but others mention that it can be overpriced or that they didn’t get the lunch if they didn’t prepay. It’s a good opportunity to stretch your legs and grab a quick snack.
What Travelers Say
Most reviews are positive, highlighting the knowledgeable guides, spectacular views, and overall value. Many say that the trip is well-organized, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery and take photos. One traveler shared, “Incredible experience with memories that will last a lifetime,” emphasizing how impactful the views are.
However, there are some drawbacks. A few guests mention bus discomfort—the bus is older and lacked WiFi or charging ports, which can be frustrating on a long day. One review noted that the guide’s personality varied, with some guests feeling that certain guides lacked charisma or professionalism. Another common concern was the overpriced optional extras, like the Skywalk and meals, which some felt were scalped prices on an Indian reservation.
A small number of guests experienced cancellation issues or last-minute changes, which is worth noting if you’re booking far in advance. One reviewer mentioned their trip was canceled less than 24 hours before, with a delayed refund, so flexible travelers should keep this in mind.
Transportation and Comfort
The tour uses buses that seat up to 56 people, which makes for a lively but sometimes crowded experience. Every seat has a lap belt for safety, but the bus’s age was noted by some reviewers as less comfortable. There is free WiFi, but it’s dependent on cell signal—useful if you want to check social media but not reliable for streaming.
Pickup is offered from most major Las Vegas hotels, making logistics easier. Make sure to confirm your pickup details at least 24 hours before. The drive to the canyon takes about three hours each way, meaning you’ll be on the bus for a good chunk of the day.
Value for Money and Who It’s Best For
At $80 per person, this tour offers a fair price considering the transportation, multiple scenic stops, and entrance fees included. The optional upgrades for the Skywalk, meals, or additional activities will increase the cost, but you can choose what fits your budget and interest.
This tour is excellent for first-time visitors wanting a guided, all-inclusive experience, especially if you’re short on time but want to see as much as possible. It’s also suitable if you’re interested in the iconic views and don’t mind a full day of travel and sightseeing.
On the other hand, if you prefer more flexibility or less time on the bus, you might find this tour a bit hectic. Also, if you’re a solo traveler or a couple happy exploring at your own pace, make sure the scheduled stops and group size work for you.
Final Thoughts
This Grand Canyon West with Hoover Dam stop tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to experience some of the most stunning sights near Las Vegas. The included transport, scenic viewpoints, and optional Skywalk make for memorable moments, especially if you’re someone who loves snapping photos and taking in vast landscapes.
It’s particularly suited to those who want a guided experience that covers multiple highlights without the hassle of planning, even if the journey is a long one. The quality of guides and the stunning vistas are what most guests praise, though some would prefer more modern buses or better guide engagement.
If you’re okay with a busy schedule and want to see the canyon and dam in one go, this tour could be a good option. Just be prepared for the full day and consider your comfort with long bus rides.
Grand Canyon West with Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Skywalk
“Incredible experience on this trip with grand canyon destinations les by curty the guide and nelson the driver. Curty was very knowledgeable and hi…”
FAQ
How early should I book the Grand Canyon West Rim Coach Tour?
It’s best to book as soon as your travel dates are set, especially during busy seasons, since capacity is limited and tours can sell out.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no specific age restrictions, but since it’s a full-day tour, children should be able to handle the long hours in the bus and walking at the stops.
How does pickup work?
Round-trip transportation is available from most major Las Vegas hotels. When booking, select your hotel, then confirm your pickup details with the local operator at least 24 hours before departure.
How long is the drive to the canyon?
About three hours each way from Las Vegas, covering roughly 130 miles. It’s a long day on the bus, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
How much time do I get at the canyon?
You’ll have approximately 4 hours to explore Eagle Point, Guano Point, and the visitor center, enough to take photos and enjoy the views.
Is there a restroom on the bus?
Yes, there’s a unisex restroom onboard for your comfort during the trip.
What about food?
A boxed deli sandwich lunch, snacks, and bottled water are included if you select those options. Vegetarian requests should be specified in advance.
Can I buy souvenirs or extras?
Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs at the stops, and you can pay for optional experiences like the Skywalk or meals if you didn’t prepay.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather—layers are recommended. Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
In the end, this tour is a solid choice if you want an organized, all-in-one experience of the West Rim. It balances scenic beauty with the convenience of transportation and guided insights, making it a good pick for most travelers eager to see the Grand Canyon without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.
