Grand Canyon - West Rim and Hoover Dam- Top Passports

The geologic activity and erosion of the Colorado River created the Grand Canyon.

It is one of the most studied landscapes in the world, with a multitude of geological features and a rich archaeological history. Being considered one of the natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, with 5.9 million visitors per year.

After the two days spent in Los Angeles, we set off for the Grand Canyon. We knew we had a long drive of about 620 km, so we left early enough to have time to visit everything we set out to do.

On the way we made a small stop at Lake Mead Recreation Area . Lake Mead was created by the construction of the Hoover Dam and is the largest in the United States in terms of water volume, supplying the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, as well as some areas of Mexico.

Six hours later we arrived at the Grand Canyon West Rim. The Grand Canyon is divided into four areas: North Side, South Side, East Side and West Side, and the most visited and accessible are Grand Canyon West Rim and Grand Canyon South Rim.

We chose to visit the West Side because it was the closest to Las Vegas – our last stop in the US.

Parking is free and only the entrance ticket to the park is paid, which also includes the transfer service from one point to another. There are several packages that include various activities, such as helicopter rides, boating on the Colorado River, or zip-lining.

Unlike the South Rim, the West Rim has only three viewpoints and admission is more expensive because it is owned by the Hualapai Tribe and is not affiliated with Grand Canyon National Park. We paid $59/person (park entrance + Skywalk).

The Hualapai Reservation was established in 1883 and means “People of the Tall Pines“. For the Hualapai Indians the Universe and Earth are connected in a circle, without beginning or end, and the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River are living, spirit-filled entities.

From the parking lot we went to the first point: Eagle Point – the most spectacular view of the Grand Canyon. Here you can see in the sediments of the canyon the shape of an eagle with its wings spread wide.

Also in this area is an authentic village – a path lined with traditionally built houses.

The outdoor amphitheater offers a seating area to enjoy the music and special dances of the Hualapai tribe.

Before leaving for the next point, we climbed the Skywalk – a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge built about 200m above the canyon. Unfortunately, you can’t go in with your phone or other personal items, so I couldn’t take pictures, but the view is gorgeous.

We took the bus to the last stop: Guano Point – which offers stunning 360-degree views of the Canyon and the Colorado River.

On our way to Las Vegas we stopped at the Hoover Dam. From the Grand Canyon West Rim to the Hoover Dam is around 157 km which I covered in two hours.

The dam protects southern California and Arizona from the disastrous floods for which the Colorado River had been famous, and is used for hydroelectric power, agricultural irrigation, and domestic water supply. Built between 1930 and 1936, it is the tallest concrete dam in the United States (221m) and a major tourist attraction with approximately seven million visitors a year. Parking and visiting are free, but you can pay for guided tours between $10 and $30/person.