And a mini guide to conquering it.
Back in June while we were in Las Vegas, we went to visit one of the Natural Wonders of the World. We woke up bright and early with a plan: visit the Grand Canyon National Park. With a rental car booked, we prepared for our adventure.
Sunscreen, check.
Snacks and lots of water, check.
Comfortable clothes and shoes, check.
Backpack full of ‘just in case’ items, check.
Got on the elevator thinking we would be able to pick up our rental in a flash to begin the four-hour drive to the Grand Canyon National Park.
Wrong.
There was quite a line ahead of us. As we waited well past our booked appointment, the enthusiasm for the four-hour drive (8 hours total) was starting to dwindle but we were committed to seeing the Grand Canyon.
Suddenly, we overheard a man ask the concierge for a map to ‘Grand Canyon West’.
Interest piqued, I started typing away on Google and discovered it would be a two-hour drive to this destination instead. My friend and I decided that would be it. We were still going to see some part of the Grand Canyon and this one had a walkable, suspended glass floor.
So. Cool!
En Route to Grand Canyon West
The drive alone was breathtaking and memorable, coming from Toronto it’s a rare sight to see and much appreciated. After many desert mountains and lone roads, we finally arrived at our destination. We purchased our tickets that included the opportunity to go on the Skywalk for $71.99 USD and waited for the bus that would take us to all the sights.
First Stop: Hualapai Ranch
Due to all the excitement, we did not get a chance to explore the ranch.
Second Stop: Skywalk & Eagle Point
I was excited to take a picture on the Skywalk but the staff is quick to tell you that there will be no personal items (bags, backpacks, mobile devices, a stick of gum, etc.) on the floor and they mean it. Lockers are provided and you must go through a metal detector. You must also wear shoe protectors (they look like hair nets for shoes). I was a little disappointed I couldn’t document it but it will be something that lives in my memory.
Remember when I thought the idea of walking on a glass floor was “So. Cool!”?
Yeah…no. In retrospect, it was a really good idea but the adrenaline had me temporarily forget that I fear heights!
Thank goodness for those shoe protectors because they helped me shuffle along the glass floor inch-by-excruciating-inch. I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Every time I chanced a look down my heart sped up even faster. I kept thinking that the glass would shatter and I would plunge 4,000 feet to my death but alas my dramatic thoughts came to an end when I realized my inch-by-inch shuffle got me to the end. It probably only lasted 5 minutes and I was still able to admire Eagle Point and all its beauty.
Fear aside, I’d still recommend doing the Skywalk.
Eagle Point
Third Stop: Guano Point
Guano Point was probably my favourite part. After conquering the Skywalk I must’ve got an extra surge of adventure and forgot how high up I was and just began walking the trail and climbing rocks to get higher and higher.
The view from there?
Surreal.
The level of serenity?
Never felt more at peace for someone who fears heights.
I truly enjoyed this stop and not to mention the beautiful images I captured. Something I will remember forever.
Guano Point
If you’re going to Las Vegas anytime soon and have always wanted to see one of the Natural Wonders of the World, I would strongly suggest making the two-hour drive to Grand Canyon West. If after that you’re looking for more, drive the extra two hours to reach the Grand Canyon National Park. I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Below is a mini guide I complied to hopefully help you enjoy your time there!
Mini Guide to Visiting Grand Canyon West
- Check the weather, depending on when you visit you want to be able to prepare for the weather conditions. We visited at the end of June so it was H-O-T.
- Sunscreen is your friend, don’t forget to bring and apply it regularly.
- Stay hydrated!
- Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing. Bring a spare shirt just in case your clothes become too sweaty.
- Don’t expect to take pictures on the Skywalk. No personal items on the glass floor and the only photos that can be taken are by staff photographers.
- Pack light, I packed a backpack of things I never used. I would suggest bringing money, mobile device, camera, and water. Leave everything else in the car. If you get hungry and thirsty they have food and beverages at every stop.
- Explore as much as possible, it is truly breathtaking and serene. When you get up there, stop, put down your device, take in your surroundings and just breathe in nature.
