Prepared By:
Sydney Rasmussen
A Week of adventure with Grand Canyon west
Start / End
Las Vegas, NV
Total Distance
258 miles (415 km)
Suggested Days
Seven
Suggested Seasons
Winter
#UnfollowtheCrowd
Overview
Spend a week exploring the lands of the Hualapai Nation in Arizona. Make Grand Canyon West your home base as you explore the cultural and geological wonders of this corner of the Grand Canyon State. We suggest taking your time and spending a full week exploring, and winter is a great time to bypass the crowds and appreciate the desert with a little less heat.
This itinerary was created in partnership with Grand Canyon West.
A Week of Adventure with the grand canyon west
DAY 1: LAS VEGAS TO GRAND CANYON WEST

Begin your journey in Las Vegas, Nevada, a convenient gateway to the Hualapai Nation. Many visitors rent a car here, gearing up for Arizona’s scenic desert roads. The two-hour drive to Grand Canyon West offers many great stops. Before leaving Las Vegas, visit Owl Canyon Trailhead, only 30 minutes from the airport. This two-mile loop winds through a stunning slot canyon near Lake Mead, providing a picturesque place to stretch your legs and get acquainted with the Southwest.
Next, head to the Hoover Dam, an engineering marvel standing 60 stories tall and 200 meters thick. Continue your drive east to Grand Canyon West for a cozy night in the Cabins at Grand Canyon West, where you can enjoy a well-earned rest and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
DAY 2: GRAND CANYON WEST: EAGLE POINT & GUANO POINT

Enjoy waking up on the canyon’s edge and make your way to Eagle Point, the primary visitor area of Grand Canyon West. Start with the Skywalk, a breathtaking glass bridge that juts out over the canyon, giving you a thrilling view of the vastness below. Then visit the Native American Village, a self-guided exhibit showcasing traditional dwellings, ovens, and sweat lodges. Don’t miss the railing-free canyon rim and Indigenous performances held from Friday to Sunday.
Pick up souvenirs at the Skywalk Main Terminal, which offers jewelry, art, and crafts from Hualapai, Hopi, and Mojave artisans. Enjoy a meal at the Sky View Restaurant, overlooking the Skywalk, with authentic and delicious Hualapai dishes.
Wrap up your day with a sunset at Guano Point, where you’ll find 360-degree views and remnants of old mining sites, a hint of the adventures yet to come. Return to the cabins for a restful night.
DAY 3: HUALAPAI POINT: CULTURE & ADRENALINE

Spend the day exploring Hualapai Point, where culture and thrill unite. Try the zipline for a heart-racing start, and visit Hwal’bay Gallery, which shares stories and artifacts curated by the Hualapai Department of Cultural Resources.
For lunch, savor more traditional Hualapai dishes at Gwe-Ma’jo Restaurant, followed by a trip to the Hwal’bay Trading Post for tribal souvenirs and handcrafted pieces from Native Hands. If you’re visiting Sunday through Tuesday, you can also join Hualapai artisans at the Trading Post for live crafting sessions.
Enjoy a scenic hike or bike ride along the canyon rim to round out the day, soaking in the natural beauty of this unique location.
DAY 4: PEACH SPRINGS: ROUTE 66 & CAVERNS

Head to Peach Springs, the Hualapai Nation’s capital, just a 1.5-hour drive from Grand Canyon West. As you explore, remember that Route 66 is approaching its Centennial, marking 100 years of this iconic highway in 2026! This historic road, which inspired the setting of the movie Cars, takes you back in time and connects travelers to America’s past.
Just 12 miles from Peach Springs lies Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the United States. Venture 220 feet (67 meters) underground to explore these geological wonders, learning about hidden layers of history. You can even dine in the Caverns Grotto, a restaurant tucked into the depths of the cave. After your underground adventure, return to Peach Springs and relax at the Hualapai Lodge to prepare for an exhilarating day on the Colorado River.
DAY 5: RAFTING ADVENTURE WITH HUALAPAI RIVER RUNNERS

Your rafting journey down the Colorado River with Hualapai River Runners will start early. This overnight adventure begins in Peach Springs and promises a packed itinerary led by expert guides. Enjoy thrilling rapids and quiet stretches along the river, soaking up the canyon’s grandeur.
You will camp in Spencer Canyon, where you’ll be treated to a delicious steak dinner by the campfire. A hike to Travertine Cavern Falls will satisfy your adventurous side as you climb ladders to reach this hidden gem.
The expedition includes a night under the stars, surrounded by the magic of the canyon walls—a bucket-list experience for nature lovers.
DAY 6: CONTINUED RAFTING WITH HUALAPAI RIVER RUNNERS

On your second day of rafting, you’ll continue navigating the Colorado River, this time by motor boat, marveling at the canyon from a unique vantage point few get to experience. The journey concludes with a smooth float along calmer waters, offering a serene end to an unforgettable adventure.
Around 6 pm, you’ll return to the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, where you can savor a hearty meal at the Diamond Creek Restaurant. Take this evening to relax and reflect on the incredible journey, sharing stories with fellow travelers.
DAY 7: RETURN TO LAS VEGAS OR CONTINUE ON ROUTE 66

As your stay in Grand Canyon West winds down, stop by the Hualapai Market to stock up on snacks and mementos for the journey from here. You can either drive back to Las Vegas or follow Route 66 to continue your adventure. With the Route 66 Centennial coming up, this trip offers a timely chance to celebrate the legendary road while experiencing the Hualapai Nation’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
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