The Cabins at Grand Canyon West offer character and superb sunset views from the balconies – but a day tour from Las Vegas will work out cheaper.
Why stay at Grand Canyon West?
Grand Canyon West is usually visited as a day trip from Las Vegas. This tends to be pretty good value, especially as most tours also include the Hoover Dam.
However, it is possible to stay at Grand Canyon West, which is on Hualapai Tribe land and not part of Grand Canyon National Park. Staying makes it easier to do the Grand Canyon Skywalk – the glass platform stretching over the canyon – at quieter times.
If doing it under your own steam, there are combo deals that include the Skywalk and a meal – the Hualapai frybread giant taco is the most interesting option on this front – as well as the admission price.
Grand Canyon West vs Grand Canyon South Rim
The primary reason to pick Grand Canyon West over the Grand Canyon South Rim is that it is considerably closer to Las Vegas. It’s the difference between a drive of just over two hours and one of more than four hours.
There’s also the Skywalk – there’s nothing similar at the South Rim – and helicopter tours that land inside the canyon.
Accommodation at Grand Canyon West
The main accommodation at Grand Canyon West is the Cabins at Grand Canyon West. There’s a degree of eccentricity to these cabins, as they are next to Hualapai Point, a tiny settlement with a throwback wild west vibe.
The cabins are big and chunky, sculpted out of wood and reasonably well-equipped. There’s a fridge and microwave in the room, which may come in handy as the restaurant at Hualapai Point closes at 6pm.
Cabins at Grand Canyon West facilities
We stayed in one of the two bedroom cabins. These have two bedrooms, with large double beds and their own shower-equipped bathrooms, either side of a fairly spartan living area with two settees.
In some ways, the cabins are surprisingly luxurious. Hair dryers, make-up mirrors and air conditioners ramp up the comfort levels, and the Native American-design runners on the beds are a nice touch.
On the flip side, there’s no TV, there’s a somewhat unavoidable level of dustiness and the beds are a bit of a squeeze for two adults.
Sunset views from the Cabins at Grand Canyon West
By far the best reason to stay in the Cabins at Grand Canyon West, however, is the balcony. A sprawling affair with two chairs and two benches, it offers prime sunset views over the Grand Canyon.
You can take the half-mile walk to the canyon rim to see the sunset, but you’ll still get excellent views sitting on the balcony with a cold drink.
While we were there, we got to watch a double rainbow emerge over the Grand Canyon – an utterly special moment that the day-trippers will have missed.
Cabins at Grand Canyon West prices
One bedroom cabins at Grand Canyon West cost from $199 a night, while two bedroom cabins cost from $299 a night. Whether this is worth it depends on your budget and how much time you have. On a short break to Vegas? Probably not. As part of a road trip around Arizona? Quite possibly.
More Grand Canyon travel
- How to drive Hermit Road at the Grand Canyon without taking the shuttle bus.
- Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?
- The best route from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon.
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