The Grand Canyon From Las Vegas

If you plan n touring the Grand Canyon and leaving from Las Vegas, it is important that you understand that there are two different areas that are offered as tour locations for the Grand Canyon. The reason it is important is that they are completely different locations with very different landscapes and activities offered, and many people who have dreamed of seeing the Grand Canyon that they have seen in books and magazines have the possibility of booking a tour to the wrong location. The marketing from tour companies will generally say "Tour The Grand Canyon" with little to no explanation of the area they are going to, and there is a good possibility that people who have booked a tour from some companies will regret their decision when they find out too late. It is important to understand that the "South Rim" of the Grand Canyon and the West Rim are two very different places, and you have to make your decision based upon what you are looking for in a tour instead of if it is simply going to the Grand Canyon. They are both the Grand Canyon, as is everywhere in between them. Each is simply a different viewpoint with different aspects that will appeal to different types of tourists.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the traditional view point that you have seen in pictures for decades. It contains the Grand Canyon national park, which is the area protected by the federal government as part of our effort to preserve historic and important areas and landmarks. The national park area is very scenic and lush, with hundreds of species of plants and animals that will be able to be observed at any point, as well as offering hiking and rafting, donkey rides and helicopter adventures. The South Rim has traditionally been considered the area that is referred to when you say you are taking a Grand Canyon tour. In recent years, a marketing campaign from the Navajo Indian tribe has provided an alternative area to tour, equipped with a manmade glass bridge for viewing. This area is located in the West Rim, and has struggled to receive tourist traffic due to the fact that it is less scenic and more desert landscape. It is not within the national park system, and as a result there is less to do there, and fewer amenities. The Skywalk Bridge was constructed as a way to lure Las Vegas tourists to the location instead of the traditional national park, and the proximity to Las Vegas was the biggest benefit. This location is 2 hours from Las Vegas instead of 4, and has become the choice for people with extremely limited time who only want a few pictures.

In our opinion, it is worth the extra driving time to visit the actual Grand Canyon National Park instead of the area which is simply "closer." Yes, the manmade bridge is interesting, but the area is generally appreciated for the natural beauty and not for tourist attractions that are much like a ride at a theme park. The Grand Canyon National Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a far wider range of activities that would be considered "adventurous" and also offers the backdrop for the photography that everyone who visits will want to take. If you only have an extremely limited time then the West Rim tours might be the answer, but if you actually want to visit the Grand Canyon we suggest the South Rim. Buyer beware.

Portions of this article were written using information from Bindlestiff Tours at

https://www.bindlestifftours.com/package/grand-canyon-overnight/