Dec 5 2008
Understanding PricingOutside Packages: Before you start your journey to Grand Canyon West, whether it be from Las Vegas or the Phoenix area, decide what you want to do and see, think about how long you can spend and review literature on package trips and flights. Since driving to this remote area is not easy right now, many have signed up for helicopter trips, small plane tours or other packages. Some opt to stay at Grand Canyon West. These trips must be planned for and some are rather pricey. Here are some options (there are many others):
Westwind Aviation - Westwind flies out of Deer Valley-Phoenix Airport. They have a fleet of single engine turbo-prop Caravans, very sturdy and reliable planes. We flew courtesy of Westwind to the Grand Canyon West Skywalk Grand Opening.
They offer a package charter to Grand Canyon West. The Adventure Tour is priced between $480 and $525 per person. On this 7 hour tour, you can fly over scenic Arizona and the canyon, picnic at Guano Point, and tour the Skywalk and the Indian Village. Your pilot also serves as guide once you arrive at Grand Canyon West. What sounds really exciting is their Perspectives Option. This includes a 10 minute helicopter experience down to the floor of the Canyon, a brief walk to the river’s edge, a 15 minute smooth water pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River, with towering cliffs above you, then 10 minute ride back to the top and reconnect with the pilot for the 1.5 hr. ground tour above, before the return flight to Phoenix.
Air time to Grand Canyon West from Deer Valley Airport is only 1 hour. The Airport is conveniently located off I-17 just north of the I-101 interchange.Westwind Website.
Papillon Tours - Papillon operates Grand Canyon West tours out of Las Vegas. Papillon is the only Helicopter Company certified to fly both the South and West Rim of the Grand Canyon with three exclusive landing sites at the bottom of the Grand Canyon! They offer airplane, helicopter and bus tours. I have not toured with them but know that they are a large company with a history of serving tourists out of Las Vegas. Papillon Grand Canyon West Website
Main Papillon Website
Packages Offered At Grand Canyon West
Let's say you drive to Grand Canyon West on your own, arrive at the airstrip terminal which serves as the entry to the area, and want to tour and see the Skywalk. While you don't need to reserve a walk on the Skywalk ahead of time, you should call and reserve your tour package ahead of your visit. You have some options.
The most important thing to remember is that you must purchase either an outside or on-site tour package to see the Skywalk. There is no entry to the Skywalk without purchasing an entry package or tour.
Grand Canyon West On-site Package Tours Official Website
You Can Stay Overnight at Grand Canyon West
Hualapai Ranch - Hualapai Ranch offers a wild west experience with cowboys, western shows, opportunities to go horseback riding and old fashioned western meals. You can stay overnight at the ranch. Information on Packages. You can also stay at the ranch, for corporate retreats and group experiences. Inquire via their website.
Hualapai Lodge - the lodge is located in Peach Springs, capital of the Hualapai Tribe. Hualapai Lodge has rooms ranging to $120. It has a lobby with large fireplace, clean and basic rooms. The Diamond Creek Café offers American foods, including hamburgers and sandwiches along with specialties such as Hualapai tacos. They have a pool and gym, laundry facilities. Address: 900 Rte. 66, Peach Springs, AZ, USA. Phone: 928/769-2230 or 888/255-9550
It's Worth the Price
After visiting Grand Canyon West and the Hualapai people, peering over the canyon's edge and experiencing the thrill of flying in to the airstrip over beautiful Arizona canyonlands, I have to say the prices, which appear high on first glance, are worth it when you consider the importance of tourism to the Hualapai people. The Skywalk and the tourist facilities at Grand Canyon West represent the dreams of the Tribe for a financially secure future. All the Tribe has are these beautiful lands. In order to make money, this impoverished Tribe must find a way to use the land. They have chosen to open their lands and hospitality to the world and thus ensure a future for themselves and their children. In my book, a visit to the unusual Grand Canyon West is a good addition to a Southwest vacation.
