You probably assume that the Grand Canyon West Rim and Skywalk are part of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Actually, They aren’t.
This part of the Grand Canyon belongs to the Hualapai Tribe and provides the largest portion of the tribe’s income.
The Hualapai reservation is comprised of one million acres that includes the western corridor of the canyon. It includes Peach Springs, a small town that serves as the tribe’s headquarters on the historic Route 66.
The Hualapai tribe has many sources of income. Guided hunts, ranching, timber harvest and trading with other tribes nearby. But this income is limited.
The Hualapai Ranch
The Hualapai turned to the lucrative tourist industry to make a greater income.
Because the West Rim is much closer to Las Vegas than the South and North Rims, this area has grown to be a favorite part of the canyon.
The Hualapai have worked hard to make it the highlight of any Grand Canyon tour.
The Skywalk allows visitors to walk out beyond the rim and see the bottom of the canyon below… through a glass floor! It hovers 70 feet over the rim and suspends thousands of feet above the ground. It’s an incredible way to view the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is the crown jewel of Hualapai tourism.
This might sound unbearable to some, but even people too afraid to venture out on the Skywalk will find plenty of other things to interest them.
The Skywalk is located at Eagle Point. There is a small village where visitors can see authentic Native American dwellings and watch performances from members of various tribes.
Seeing handmade crafts and jewelry is also something many enjoy.
Look into the past at Guano Point. The remains of the tram that once took miners eight thousand feet to a Guano mine can be found here.
The view at Guano Point is breathtaking. With the 360 degree vista, it is a favorite place for visitors to dine. It’s perfect for capturing some breathtaking photographs and to pick up some of the beautiful jewelry and crafts offered in the Hualapai Market.
With amazing views and the activities the Hualapai Tribe offers, it is little wonder that Grand Canyon West Rim and Skywalk have become so popular.
With Las Vegas as the starting point, tours are easy to book. Among the favorite tours are the helicopter tours. With the variety of helicopter tour packages available, it is easy to find one that fits your schedule. If a helicopter isn’t what you prefer, there are also bus tours. To learn more and find a tour package that is to your liking, see our other Grand Canyon Tours.
Learn even MORE about the Gran Canyon Skywalk and
Sources:
- More Grand Canyon photos can be found on Wikimedia Commons
- Learn all about the Hualapai Tribe events and services on their website
- And more about the Hualapai Reservation History
- Fantastic Facts about the Grand Canyon Skywalk
