Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
551
canyon and a boat ride on the Colorado River.
Note:
Lower rates may be available on
their website.
Grand Canyon West is a self-styled major destination, with plans for a full-fledged
resort and major airport in the future. The first phase of this development is called the
Skywalk,
but contrary to what you may have read about this Vegas-style attraction, the
Skywalk is not over the Colorado River and is not in Grand Canyon National Park.
The horseshoe-shaped glass observation platform juts over a side canyon of the Grand
Canyon, and from the deck you can glimpse the Colorado River a short distance away
and 4,000 feet below. However, you'll have to cough up $68 for the privilege of walking
out on the Skywalk for a view that is only marginally better than the view from solid
ground. For your $68, you'll also get to ride a
shuttle
bus
along the rim of the canyon.
Tours operate daily throughout the year and cost $38 per person (without the Skywalk);
$68 with the Skywalk; $127 to $157 with a Hummer tour; $102 to $218 with a horse-
back ride; and $227 with a helicopter ride down into the canyon and a brief boat trip on
the Colorado River. Reservations are recommended. If you're coming from Kingman,
allow at least 2 hours to get here.
While I can recommend a trip out to Grand Canyon West only as a side trip from
Las Vegas or for travelers who absolutely must fly down into the canyon, the drive out
here is almost as scenic as the destination itself. Along Diamond Bar Road, you'll be
driving below the Grand Wash Cliffs, and for much of the way, the route traverses a
dense forest of Joshua trees.
OTHER AREA ACTIVITIES
If you long to raft the Grand Canyon but have only a couple of free days in your sched-
ule to realize your dream, then you have just one option. Here, at the west end of the
canyon, it's possible to do a 1-day rafting trip that begins on the Hualapai Indian Reser-
vation. These trips are operated by
Hualapai River Runners
(
&
888/255-9550
or
928/769-2219; www.destinationgrandcanyon.com), a tribal rafting company, and are
offered between March and October. Expect a mix of white water and flat water (all of
it very cold). One-day trips cost $328 per person.
Also in this area, you can visit
Grand Canyon Caverns
(
&
928/422-3223;
www.
grandcanyoncaverns.com), just outside Peach Springs. The caverns, which are accessed
via a 210-foot elevator ride, are open from Memorial Day to October 15 daily from 9am
to 5pm (sometimes until 6pm), and other months daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission
is $15 for adults, $9.95 for children 4 to 12. “Explorers' Tours” ($45) head off into parts
of the caverns that aren't seen on the regular tour.
16
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
In Peach Springs
Hualapai Lodge
Finds
Located in the Hualapai community of Peach Springs, this
lodge offers by far the most luxurious accommodations anywhere in the region. Guest
rooms are spacious and modern, with a few bits of regional decor for character. Most
people staying here are in the area to visit Grand Canyon West, to go rafting with Huala-
pai River Runners, or to hike in to Havasu Canyon. The dining room is just about the
only place in town to get a meal and serves some Native American dishes.
900 Rte. 66 (P.O. Box 538), Peach Springs, AZ 86434.
&
888/255-9550
or 928/769-2230. Fax 928/769-
2372. www.destinationgrandcanyon.com. 57 units. $100-$110 double. Rates include full breakfast (Nov
1-Mar 15). Children 11 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant;
concierge; exercise room; Jacuzzi; outdoor pool; room service.
In room:
A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
