The Grand Canyon Experience That Will Inspire Your Next Day Trip

Grand Canyon West Rim, Arizona (USA)

Most people typically visit Las Vegas for weekend because let’s be honest.. that’s really all you need, right? While a weekend in Las Vegas tends to be busy enough, if you ever find yourself there for a bit longer than just a weekend, I would highly recommend journeying over to Arizona to check out the Grand Canyon. Remember those physical hanging calendars many of us had growing up? With each month showcasing a breathtaking photograph at the top? A good number of those images were taken at the Grand Canyon. While a picture gives a bit of a glimpse, there is nothing like seeing the mountain cliffs in person. The views are truly unreal. Find my full day itinerary at the end of this blog post.

Best time to Visit the Grand Canyon

The ideal time for hiking in the Grand Canyon depends on your preference, as you can head to the Grand Canyon and go on a hike throughout the year. According to Google, the best time to travel to the Grand Canyon is March-May or September-November. Keep in mind that summer months tend to be the busiest. I went to Vegas for a week at the beginning of November and incorporated a day trip to the Grand Canyon into my stay. While November brought slightly cooler temperatures, particularly when you leave around 6 am, the weather later warmed up to the high 60s / low 70s - which was perfect.

Grand Canyon Tours to Check Out

There are so many day trip tours from Vegas going to the Grand Canyon. See a few below, including the tour I ultimately went with:

• Grand Canyon West Rim Tour

• Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Tour

West Rim vs. South Rim, What’s the difference?

With the Grand Canyon being one of the most visited attractions in the United States, how do you decide which side of the rim to visit if you only have one day? Both the West Rim and South Rim will offer slightly different experiences. Both offer amazing views and are open year-round. If you are planning a day trip from Las Vegas, the West Rim is a bit closer in distance from the Las Vegas strip. Here are some key differences to consider:

West Rim: Located about 129 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, this rim will be suited for the beginner hiker. One unique attraction that the West Rim has is the skywalk. This glass bridge extends 70 feet above the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon West tour also allows you to ride the rapids, tours allow you to experience the Colorado River. The West Rim is a tourist destination operated by the Hualapi Tribe. Less congestion since it’s up and coming. Since closest to Las Vegas it is warm year round.

South Rim: Located about 280 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, this rim will be suited for the more experienced hiker as the trails are a slightly more difficult. The South Rim is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, managed by the Park Service. More congestion. Weather: moderate temperatures throughout the spring, summer fall, you can see snow in the winter.

Food Options at the Grand Canyon

I personally visited Grand Canyon West Rim. As part of my tour, a sandwich was included - we made a stop at a local restaurant on the way to the Grand Canyon to pick it up. However, if you’re planning to dine at the West Rim, there are several dining options available. Check out the restaurant choices here.

Getting Around While at the Grand Canyon

During the day, there is a shuttle service that is offered that will take you to different locations at the West Rim. The shuttle runs every few minutes, offering ease and accessibility.

Grand Canyon Disclaimer

Visiting the Grand Canyon requires extreme caution due to potential hazards. Warning signs are displayed throughout, especially regarding falling rocks. While there are areas where you can safely capture stunning photos that may appear as if you're hanging off the cliff, safety should always be the top priority. Enjoy your visit responsibly!

Full Day Itinerary (With the West Rim Tour)

• 6:30 am - Pick-up from Local Vegas Hotel Locations, they will share specific destinations with you in advance (You will be traveling on a coach bus)

• 7:30 am - Stop for Breakfast at Omlet House, a local family restaurant

• 8:00 am - As you're driving up to the Grand Canyon you will see the following landmarks:

  • Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Stop

  • Joshua Tree Forest Stop

• 11:30/12 - Arrive at Grand Canyon West Rim - You will have 3 hours to explore

  • Grand Canyon Skywalk - Please note that this experience will cost additional money outside of the ticket price you paid

  • Guano Point

• 3:30/4:00 - Leave

• 5:00 - Dinner Stop

• 7:30/8:00 - Arrive back in Las Vegas

*My Grand Canyon photos inspired my mom to pay the West Rim a visit! (haha)