Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam: Skywalk, Lunch & Las Vegas Pickup

Summary

Grand Canyon West day trip with Skywalk views and Hoover Dam stop

You’ll ride out from Las Vegas through Arizona’s Joshua Tree forest, stand on the Grand Canyon Skywalk if you dare, share lunch above Guano Point’s wild cliffs, and catch wide-open views over Hoover Dam—all with pickup, entry fees, WiFi onboard, and a local guide who brings these places to life. It’s less about checking boxes than feeling just how big—and strange—the world can be.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that line in the rock?" our driver, Mike, asked as we rolled out of Las Vegas before sunrise. "That’s where the river used to be—long before my grandma was born." He had this way of making the desert feel like it had stories tucked everywhere. The Joshua trees outside looked kind of scraggly in the morning light. I kept trying to snap photos through the window but mostly ended up with blurry shapes and a reflection of my own face.

The first real jolt hit at Eagle Point. It’s quiet there—like, really quiet except for wind and some people’s nervous laughter near the edge. Our guide pointed out where the Hualapai land stretches out, and I remember smelling dust and something faintly sweet in the air (maybe sage?). I did the Skywalk even though my knees were not thrilled about it—glass under your feet is just... weird. But looking down into that canyon? It’s like your stomach drops and you’re still standing. Someone behind me whispered “don’t look down” and of course I immediately did.

Lunch at Guano Point was surprisingly decent—chicken with beans and rice, nothing fancy but it hit the spot after all that walking. We sat on these picnic benches with a view that made everything else seem small for a while. The sun got strong by then; I forgot sunscreen so my nose paid for it later. There was a guy selling handmade jewelry nearby who told us about bighorn sheep sometimes showing up at Hemenway Park. Didn’t see any myself, but now every time I see a rocky hill I half-expect one to pop out.

On the way back we stopped at Hoover Dam Overlook. The water looked almost fake-blue from up there—kind of surreal after all those reds and browns at the canyon. Mike pointed out where Lake Mead starts; he said his dad used to fish there before it got so low. The bus WiFi worked okay most of the time—I sent a few photos home but mostly just watched the landscape change colors as we drove west again. I still think about how small you feel out there, in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon West and Hoover Dam tour

• Pick up from Las Vegas Strip
• Drive east to Arizona Joshua Tree forest
• Arrive at Grand Canyon West on Hualapai Reservation
• Visit Eagle Point and explore Skywalk option
• Enjoy lunch and time at Hualapai Ranch
• Visit Guano Point for views and hike
• Photo stop at Hoover Dam area
• View Colorado River from Pat Tillman Bridge
• Stop at Hemenway Park for Bighorn Sheep
• Return to Las Vegas

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Grand Canyon day trip?

No, pickup is from a central location on the Las Vegas Strip (Treasure Island).

Does this tour include entry to Grand Canyon West?

Yes, admission to Grand Canyon West is included in your booking.

Can I walk on the Skywalk during this tour?

The Skywalk ticket is optional; you can add it when booking if you want to try it.

Is lunch provided at Grand Canyon West?

You can select an option that includes lunch when booking your tour.

Are there stops at Hoover Dam or Lake Mead?

Yes, there's a photo stop at Hoover Dam Overlook with views of Lake Mead and Colorado River.

Will I see wildlife like bighorn sheep?

You might spot bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park in Boulder City during a brief stop.

How long do we spend at Grand Canyon West Rim?

You’ll have about 4 hours to explore Eagle Point, Guano Point, and other areas at West Rim.

Is WiFi available on board during travel?

Yes, WiFi is available on board for most of the journey between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip with air conditioning and WiFi onboard; entry fees for Grand Canyon West; bottled water and a granola bar; an optional Skywalk ticket if selected; lunch if chosen during booking; plus plenty of time to explore Eagle Point, Guano Point, Hoover Dam Overlook, and even try spotting bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park before heading back in comfort.