In truth, the Grand Canyon has some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. A lot of people dream of visiting the region at least once, and some lucky ones go back over and over again. When you visit Vegas, you don’t want to miss seeing the Grand Canyon for yourself since it is an easy bus ride to the West Rim. Witnessing nature’s magnificence this way is an extraordinary experience.

The West Rim is the most popular Grand Canyon destination for travelers staying in Las Vegas. It’s only a 120-mile, 2-hour-bus ride from Vegas. The tours leave bright and early, around 7:00 a.m. and last a full day. Almost all the Vegas tour operators offer free shuttle pickup at the Strip hotels as part of their Grand Canyon tours. You shouldn’t make any assumptions, though, so read the fine print on the tour operator’s website to make sure your tour includes pickup and drop-off service at your Vegas hotel. While you’re there, confirm that your tour includes a stop at Hoover Dam so you can take some photos.

The portion of the drive between Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon West is spectacular. One such picturesque sight is at the foot of a scenic mountain range where the Colorado River meanders along the base of the mountains. Next you will head for Pierce Ferry Road and pass through an ancient Joshua tree forest that offers inspiring views you won’t see anywhere else on earth. When you reach Diamond Bar Road, you’ll know you are not far from your destination. Your journey culminates with you covering the last ten miles over a dirt road.

When you get to Grand Canyon West your fun is just beginning and you can board a helicopter and descend to the floor of the canyon. Then you can get in a pontoon boat and enjoy a ride down the smooth waters of the Colorado River. You will also find Hualapai Ranch at Grand Canyon West. There is plenty of fun entertainment in this old west town including staged gunfights that will thrill the family.

Hualapai tribe members make their homes on the West Rim so you will have a lot of opportunities to explore authentic Native American traditions on your tour. Make sure you stop in at the Indian Cultural Center, because it recreates a traditional Hualapai village you’re free to visit. You can catch magnificent views of the region from two lookouts in the area called Eagle Point and Guano Point.

The fabulous Grand Canyon Skywalk is the highlight of many West Rim tours. This is a glass U-shaped structure that extends 70 feet beyond the rim of the canyon that you can walk out on. While standing on the glass, you can look between your feet into the depths of the canyon for around 4000 feet. Although it is somewhat scary, it is totally safe. The Skywalk was engineered to hold the weight of 70 passenger jets and withstand 100 mph winds.

Grand Canyon tours are exciting and relaxing at the same time. To find the best options and price for your vacation, go online and search the various tour operator websites, and when you find a tour you like, be sure to book it as early as you can or it may sell out, especially in the summer when tours book fast. You’ll save money by booking online, and that’s where you’ll find the best deals. By booking online, you might be able to save up to 30 percent off the regular price of a West Rim bus tour.