Why Should I Visit Grand Canyon West?

The Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders on Earth. Located in the state of Arizona, it is a massive gorge that stretches over 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and a mile (1.6 km) deep. The Grand Canyon West is a section of the Grand Canyon that is managed by the Hualapai Tribe and is a popular tourist destination. In this article, we will explore the reasons to visit Grand Canyon West, as well as its history and geography.

Reasons to visit Grand Canyon West:

1. Skywalk: The Grand Canyon West is home to the Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet (21 m) out over the edge of the canyon. This unique experience allows visitors to see the canyon from a different perspective, with a view of the Colorado River 4,000 feet (1,200 m) below.

2. Scenic views: The Grand Canyon West offers stunning views of the canyon that are different from other parts of the Grand Canyon. The West Rim is home to many scenic viewpoints, including Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the canyon.

3. Cultural experiences: The Hualapai Tribe manages the Grand Canyon West and offers cultural experiences that provide visitors with a glimpse into the tribe’s history and way of life. Visitors can take often observe traditional dances, storytelling, and arts and crafts demonstrations.

4. Adventure activities: The Grand Canyon West offers various adventure activities, including zip-lining, helicopter tours, and a boat ride on the river. These activities provide a unique way to explore the canyon and experience its beauty.

History of Grand Canyon West:

The Grand Canyon has a rich history that dates back millions of years. The Hualapai Tribe has lived in the area for centuries and has a deep connection to the canyon. They consider the canyon to be a sacred place and have lived off its resources for generations.

In the late 1800s, the Grand Canyon West became a popular destination for tourists. Miners and prospectors traveled to the area in search of gold and other minerals. The Hualapai Tribe began to offer guided tours of the canyon, and the first tourist facilities were built in the early 1900s.

In the 1930s, the Grand Canyon became a national park, and the West Rim remained under the control of the Hualapai Tribe. In recent years, the tribe has developed the area to provide visitors with a unique and authentic experience of the canyon.

Geography of Grand Canyon West:

The Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in Arizona, approximately 120 miles (190 km) from Las Vegas. It is a remote and rugged area with towering cliffs, deep gorges, and stunning rock formations.

The Grand Canyon West is located within the Hualapai Indian Reservation, and the Hualapai people have inhabited the area for centuries. They have a deep connection to the canyon, and their culture and traditions are intertwined with the natural wonder. One of the ways in which the Hualapai people have lived in the canyon is through their unique dwellings.

Native American Dwellings:

The Hualapai people have built homes within the canyon walls that are known as pueblos. Pueblos are traditional Native American dwellings that have been used for centuries. They are made from adobe or stone, and their thick walls provide insulation from the harsh desert climate. The pueblos are typically built in clusters, and each cluster has a central plaza where the community can gather for social and religious events.

Today, visitors to the Grand Canyon West can learn about the Hualapai people and their traditional dwellings as well as the dwellings of the Hopi and Navajo peoples. The Hualapai Village is a cultural center that provides visitors with a glimpse into the tribe’s history and way of life. Visitors can explore to learn about the architecture and construction of these traditional dwellings.

The  Skywalk:

The Skywalk at Grand Canyon West is one of the most unique and thrilling attractions in the world. This glass bridge extends 70 feet (21 m) out over the edge of the canyon and offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon. However, building the Skywalk was not an easy feat. The idea for the Skywalk was born in 1996 when David Jin, a businessman from Las Vegas, visited the Grand Canyon for the first time. He was struck by the beauty of the canyon but was disappointed that he could not get a clear view of the canyon from the edge due to the safety barriers. This experience inspired him to create a structure that would allow visitors to have an unobstructed view of the Grand Canyon.

Jin partnered with the Hualapai Tribe, who manages the Grand Canyon West, to bring his vision to life. The project faced numerous challenges, including finding a suitable location for the Skywalk, engineering a structure that could withstand the harsh desert climate, and navigating the complex regulatory process.

After years of planning and construction, the Skywalk was finally completed in 2007. The structure consists of a steel frame that is anchored into the bedrock of the canyon. The glass bridge is made up of four layers of glass and can support the weight of 71 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes.

The building of the Skywalk was a massive undertaking that required the work of hundreds of people. The project employed over 200 workers and cost approximately $30 million to build. The Skywalk has become a symbol of human ingenuity and innovation and has attracted millions of visitors from around the world.

Today, visitors to the Grand Canyon West can experience the thrill of walking on the Skywalk and taking in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. The Skywalk has become an iconic attraction, and its success has inspired other glass bridges around the world, including in China and Switzerland.

The building of the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West was a monumental achievement that required years of planning, engineering, and construction. The Skywalk has become a symbol of human innovation and has attracted millions of visitors from around the world. It has attracted many new visitors, many of whom had even visited another section of the Grand Canyon before, but who wanted to see this iconic marvel. The Skywalk is a testament to the power of human imagination and serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon.