Things to do in Las Vegas: Taking a Grand Canyon Bus Tour to the West Rim

Las Vegas is the perfect place from which to visit the Grand Canyon. There are plenty of ways to get there, but the lowest priced is the bus. These tours come with everything you need to enjoy a day at the canyon, and may be upgraded to feature a helicopter ride or a Grand Canyon river rafting adventure. With trips starting at $100 per person, what's not to like? 

On a tight budget but want to see the Grand Canyon while visiting Las Vegas? No problem. Hop a bus and head out to Grand Canyon West. In addition to these trips being incredibly fun and cheap, allow me to share seven more reasons why this tour deserves to be a the top of your to-do list: 
1. Lake Mead and Hoover Dam are included. These famous landmarks are on the way to Grand Canyon West. Most trips include a photo stop on the Arizona side of the dam. Includes a spectacular drive across the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge (the best view is on the left side of the bus). 
2. Do the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The bridge is made entirely out of glass. Walk it's horseshoe-shaped path and you'll be 70 feet over the edge and 4,000 feet over the Colorado River. Breathtaking views. Most visitors compare their Skywalk experience to that of defying gravity. 
3. Go on a helicopter ride to the bottom. The West Rim is the only place where you can do this. The length from rim to bottom is 4,000 feet. Exit your helicopter and partake in a Champagne picnic. Includes plenty of time to investigate the ancient surroundings and some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet. 
4. Go Grand Canyon river rafting on the Colorado River. Board an adventure-class rubber boat and float the rapids of the river that continues making the canyon what it is today. Pack a bathing suit for a refreshing swim. 
5. See an real Indian pueblo. Walking tours are available and are led by members of the Hualapai Indians, the tribe that owns the land that includes Grand Canyon West. This tour takes you among tribal dwellings like ceremonial huts, tee pees, and an outdoor amphitheater. Check out the Hualapai Market for handicrafts. 
6. Luxury buses are paragons of comfort. These aren't the coaches of lore. Today's buses sport large, climate-controlled cabins, large windows, plasma TVs, and trip narrations that have been translated into more than 10 languages. Bathrooms are clean. Seats are plush. Plenty of legroom. And the bathrooms are extraordinarily clean. 
7. It's cheap. Basic tours start at $94. This fare includes full access to Grand Canyon West. Inside, ride the free shuttle bus to Eagle Point, Guano Point, the Rim, the Indian Village, and more. If you want to do the Skywalk, or think you want to do it, I recommend you book a tour that includes tickets to it. 
The West Rim is a mere 120 miles east of Vegas. This distance can be done in 2.5 hours by bus. Tours include a quick breakfast and a barbecue lunch. Expect to spend a minimum of half a day on these trips, longer if you upgrade to include a helicopter ride or pontoon boat float trip. Book in advance: I suggest one to two weeks before you arrive in Vegas. 
I also recommend purchasing your trip online. I've seen prices cut by up to 35%. Consider buying direct from tour operators. I do and I've never had a problem with my bookings. Make sure you print out your trip confirmation email and take it with you to Vegas. 
I can come up with more reasons to take a canyon bus tour from Las Vegas to the West rim but these seven are the main ones. But the bottom line is this: If you come out to Vegas, you've got to do the canyon. The proximity alone makes it a nearly mandatory visit. Plus, the best place to witness this magical land is only a 2.5-hour bus trip away! So climb aboard. It's time to enjoy this incredible outdoor attraction. 

Article Tags: Grand Canyon West, Grand Canyon, Canyon West

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