Things to Do in Grand Canyon West, Arizona

Located in Mohave County, Arizona, Grand Canyon West is a census-designated place. The community is on the Hualapai Reservation. As of the 2020 census, its population was zero. There are several things to do in Grand Canyon West, including a Skywalk, Native American market, and Cabins.

Skywalk

The Skywalk in Grand Canyon West is a popular tourist attraction, but some residents object to it. The area is a sacred place for the Hualapai Indians, and construction of the walkway at the edge of the canyon has upset traditionalists. Besides the Skywalk, the Hualapai are building a major resort, which includes a canyon-side golf course. The construction project is not complete.

The Skywalk’s width is about 65 feet (20 meters) and the length is 70 feet (21 meters) at its closest point to the canyon wall. The walk is made of 32-inch-wide (810 mm) steel beams, which weigh almost 1 million pounds without counterweights. The Skywalk’s steel beams were welded together and installed on site. The steel beams and glass panels were then lifted into place with special manipulators. These manipulators use large suction cups to lift the large glass panels into place. Eventually, the entire walkway was in place.

Native American market

The Native American market in Grand Canyon West is a great place to buy souvenirs and find unique gifts made by Native Americans. You can buy jewelry, baskets, and other Native crafts from the local artists and support a local economy. If you’re traveling from Las Vegas, it is a day trip that is well worth the trip.

While shopping at the Native American market in Grand Canyon West, you can also take in some local culture and watch some traditional dances performed by the Hualapai Tribe. There are four different markets to visit if you visit this popular attraction.

Cabins

If you want to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors, stay in one of the Grand Canyon West cabins. They are cozy cabins for up to six people and include all the essentials for a relaxing stay. Many have a refrigerator and microwave and some have a porch with wooden benches. Guests also receive a complimentary general admission ticket.

The Grand Canyon West Cabins are located at the edge of the canyon, so you can get a view of both sunrise and sunset. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in this area, including horseback riding, sleigh rides, campfire stories, and cowboy shows. In addition to the cabins, you can also stay at the nearby Hualapai Ranch.

Restaurant

There are a number of great restaurants in Grand Canyon West. Most of these eateries require general admission tickets, but some include vegetarian options, wine, and beer. Some even offer a kids menu. Some of these restaurants also offer traditional Hualapai Tribal recipes. Here’s a look at some of the best choices.

Arizona Room – This restaurant, located in the Bright Angel Lodge, offers Navajo and Southwestern fare. The menu includes dishes like pozole verde, pork, and green chili. There’s also oven-roasted native squash with heirloom bean stuffing. Arizona-brewed beer is always available, too.

El Tovar Lodge – The El Tovar Lodge features the only five-star restaurant in Grand Canyon West. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, it’s the perfect place to take in the spectacular view. For dinner, you’ll want to make reservations to ensure a table. Diners can choose from fireplace-style seats or canyon view tables, and there’s a wide selection of fresh-baked pastries, too.

Hualapai Indian Reservation

The Hualapai Indian Reservation is home to over 2300 members of the Hualapai Nation, a federally recognized tribe in Northern Arizona. This reservation stretches over three counties in Northern Arizona. It is home to some of the most incredible scenery in the world, including the Grand Canyon and the Hualapai Indian Village.

The Hualapai Reservation spans nearly one million acres and is located 50 miles west of Grand Canyon Village. It is bounded on the north by the Colorado River, and shares its western border with the Havasupai Reservation. Despite its remote location, the reservation is accessible only by dirt roads leading to Peach Springs and Grand Canyon West.

The Hualapai originally inhabited seven million acres of the Grand Canyon. The oldest archaeological evidence reveals that they lived on the land in the sixth century A.D., using the natural resources of the area to grow crops. They also built small rock dams to irrigate their gardens. As a result, the Hualapai’s traditional lands are red and rich in pigments.

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