Rona the Ribbiter

  • Shop
    • Books and Quilt Patterns
      • Books
      • Patterns
      • Pattern CORRECTIONS
    • Traveling Quilter Collection
    • Gadgets and Notions
    • Clearance Items
    • Wholesale
    • My account
    • Shopping Cart
  • Watch
    • Quilter’s Community
      • What is the Quilter’s Community?
      • Behind the Quilts Podcast
      • LIVE with Rona & Stefan
      • Tutorials
      • Group Discussions
    • Traveling Quilter Show Notes
    • Quilt Babble Live
  • Quilt
    • Bucket List Challenge
    • Quilt Shops in the US
      • Quilt Shop Spotlights
    • Project Posts
    • Quilt Shows
    • O’er at the Pond
  • Travel
    • Planning
    • Budgeting
    • Health & Safety
    • Road Trips
    • Airline Travel
  • Meet Rona
    • About
    • Contact Ribbit
    • Upcoming Events
    • Hire me!

June 7, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Why Visit Grand Canyon West?

Arizona· Fun Facts· O'er at the Pond· Travel· Travel Tips· United States

Why West is better than the national park!

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
  • Share via Email Share via Email

Up until last year I didn’t even know that Grand Canyon West was even a thing. Even while living in Arizona all those years ago we only ever visited the Grand Canyon National Park. Low and behold, heading over to Grand Canyon West was less expensive and we had a BLAST!

View of Colorado River | Rona the Ribbiter at Grand Canyon West edge

Grand Canyon West is not actually a part of the Grand Canyon National Park. In fact, it is the home of the Hualapai (WALL-uh-pie) Tribal Nation. One million acres and 108 miles along the canyon and Colorado River, the Hualapai tribe welcome visitors form all over the world!

Grand Canyon West sign

First off, the drive in to Grand Canyon West is incredible. Located right where the Mojavi Desert and the Colorado river meet, you get to drive through the largest and most dense Joshua tree forest in the world! These unique trees look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book!

Years ago, the Joshua tree was recognized by native people for its useful properties: tough leaves were worked into baskets and sandals, and flower buds and raw or roasted seeds made a healthy addition to the diet. The local Cahuilla have long referred to the tree as “hunuvat chiy’a” or “humwichawa;” both names are used by a few elders fluent in the language.

https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/jtrees.htm

Get your FREE Travel Safety Checklists!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    what to see at Grand Canyon West

    Back in 2003 the tribe built the Skywalk at Eagle Point. It’s a massive circular bridge that stretches 70 feet out over the Canyon edge. With a clear bottom you can see all the way down 4000 feet to the Canyon floor. It was amazing!!

    Sky Bridge Building Grand Canyon West

    The set up at the Skywalk is pure genius. You’re not allowed to take ANYTHING with you. Not even your cell phone. I’m guessing the main reason was to prevent people from dropping things over the side. But also, to prevent people jamming the relatively small area with posing for selfies, etc.

    Instead, they have 3 cameramen stationed around the Skywalk. Each one takes a series of photos then points you to the next. It was amazing how smoothly they kept people flowing through. And they take some super fun photos!!

    Rona the Ribbiter on Sky Bridge Grand Canyon West

    Guess which one was my favorite?? Ha!


    • Traveling Quilter Books
      Traveling Quilter Books
      $14.95 – $39.90
    • Traveling Quilter T-shirt - Unisex
      Traveling Quilter T-shirt – Unisex
      $25.00
    • English Paper Piecing Travel Kit
      English Paper Piecing Travel Kit
      $44.95
    • Traveling Quilter 18 oz. Travel Mug
      Traveling Quilter 18 oz. Travel Mug
      $25.00
    • travel health safety kit
      Traveling Quilter Touchless Sanitizer Kit
      Sale Product on sale
      $15.00 $10.00

    Near the Skywalk building is an incredible historical ‘living museum’. They show the progression of the tribes through their shelters. Beginning with the tepee all the way through to the pueblos. Above is a sweat lodge and in the background is a Hogan.

    Sweat lodge and Hogan at Grand Canyon West

    Explore the Hualapai Tribe’s history, learn about the area from the displays inside the attraction and take the self-guided tour through the Native American Village at Eagle Point. Should you work up an appetite, American cuisine is offered in the Sky View Restaurant, featuring dramatic panoramic views of the Skywalk and Eagle Point through floor-to-ceiling windows.

    Grand Canyon West Website

    They aren’t kidding about the view from the restaurant. This was from our lunch table!

    After a nice visit at the Skywalk, you board a bus that takes you out to Guano Point. Yes… that guano. Can you spot Gavin???

    Guano Point view at Grand Canyon West

    Apparently I have a thing about taking far away pictures of my kid. Lol. But how cool is this shot!?!?

    They call it Guano Point because the peak there is about 4000 feet above the Colorado River. Directly below, down about 3400 feet is a huge bat cave. Many many moons ago they used to lower miners all the way down to the cave so they could harvest the guano. I couldn’t help but wonder how much guano you’d have to harvest to make that operation profitable…


    books ad

    If you’re planning to stay a night or two (or more), I HIGHLY recommend staying at Grand Canyon West cabins. The tribe has a few dozen cabins that, I kid you not, are only 1/2 mile from the Canyon’s edge! Seriously! This was the view from our porch.

    View from cabins at Grand Canyon West

    The cabins have no televisions. I mean honestly, why would you need one with that view??? Sitting on that porch with some hand work and I was in pure heaven!

    But they do have full bathrooms, closets, mini fridges and wi-fi. Just in case you can’t live without some sort of life line to the ‘real world’. 😀


    plan shop hop cover ad

    more to do at Grand Canyon west

    Unfortunately, on this trip we only had 1 day to explore. But there are tons more things to do out at Grand Canyon West!

    The cabins area has a fun ‘old west’ type town set up with games and adventure. Plus, there are loads of walking trails all over for amazing views! Be sure to pack your sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and definitely have your camera ready!!

    If you’re more of an adventurist, you can also take a helicopter tour, river rafting or even go ziplining! There really are a ton of amazing things to learn, see and experience, which is what makes Grand Canyon West a ‘must stop’ on the Arizona bucket list!

    Have you been to the Grand Canyon West? Or, are you planning to go? Let me know your favorites in the comments!


    RELATED POSTS:

    • More road trip fun and tips from Arizona
    • Great stories from O’er at the Pond’
    • Complete list of all the Quilt Shops in the US
    • Complete list of all the Quilt Shows around the world
    • Planning a Road Trip? Start HERE!

    Do you know someone who’d love to learn about Grand Canyon West, Arizona? Click the buttons below to share with your friends! Then be sure to join us in the Traveling Quilters group on Facebook for more travel adventures!

    • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
    • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
    • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
    • Share via Email Share via Email

    more on the blog

    Massachusetts quilt shops
    Complete List of 45 Quilt Shops in Massachusetts

    Continue Reading Complete List of 45 Quilt Shops in Massachusetts

    Studio Spring Clean Challenge QB Style!!

    Continue Reading Studio Spring Clean Challenge QB Style!!

    Complete List of 67 Quilt Shops in Kansas

    Continue Reading Complete List of 67 Quilt Shops in Kansas

    Road Trip Packing List
    Ultimate Packing List for Your Next Road Trip

    Continue Reading Ultimate Packing List for Your Next Road Trip

    AL quilt shops
    Complete List of over 41 Quilt Shops in Alabama

    Continue Reading Complete List of over 41 Quilt Shops in Alabama

    Quilt shops in ID
    Complete List of 45 Quilt Shops in Idaho

    Continue Reading Complete List of 45 Quilt Shops in Idaho

    Quilt Shop Illinois
    Complete List of 91 Quilt Shops in Illinois

    Continue Reading Complete List of 91 Quilt Shops in Illinois

    miss ds quilt shop
    Miss D’s Quilt Shop: a Quilt Shop Spotlight

    Continue Reading Miss D’s Quilt Shop: a Quilt Shop Spotlight


    from the e-store

    • Traveling Quilter Books
      Traveling Quilter Books
      $14.95 – $39.90
    • Life Happens, Quilting Helps Quilting T-Shirt Unisex
      Life Happens, Quilting Helps Quilting T-Shirt Unisex
      $25.00
    • Traveling Quilter T-shirt - Unisex
      Traveling Quilter T-shirt – Unisex
      $25.00
    • English Paper Piecing Travel Kit
      English Paper Piecing Travel Kit
      $44.95
    • Traveling Quilter 18 oz. Travel Mug
      Traveling Quilter 18 oz. Travel Mug
      $25.00
    • Kiss My Stash Quilting T-Shirt - Unisex
      Kiss My Stash Quilting T-Shirt – Unisex
      $25.00
    • Quarter Inch Club Quilting T-Shirt Unisex
      Quarter Inch Club Quilting T-Shirt Unisex
      Sale Product on sale
      $25.00 $20.00
    • Got Fabric Pin
      Got Fabric? Collector Pin
      $9.00 – $25.00

    About Rona the Ribbiter

    I'm Rona! I’m an author, pattern designer, teacher and Vlogger with a passion to see and experience all that life (and quilting) has to offer. Using travel to stitch life's quilt one adventure at a time!

    Previous Post: « Complete List of 37 Quilt Shops in Maine
    Next Post: Prairie Point Junction Quilt Shop »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to the Pond!

    I’m Rona! I’m an author, pattern designer, teacher and Vlogger with a passion to see and experience all that life (and quilting) has to offer. Using travel to stitch life’s grand quilt one adventure at a time! Learn more…

    Follow me on Social Media!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    what is quilters community
    YouTube Cover Traveling Quilter
    quilt babble cover
    2023 quilt show list
    quilters bucket list
    • Contact Ribbit!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Terms
    • Wholesale Orders
    • Hire Me!

    Copyright © 2023 · Ronatheribbiter.com ·

    This site uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to my Cookie Policy. ACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT