The West Rim of the Grand Canyon, on Hualapai tribal land just about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, is home to two of the most rewarding overlooks in the entire canyon: Guano Point and Eagle Point. One is built around sweeping, photo-perfect panoramas; the other around culture, history, and the famous Skywalk. Together, they're the heart of any Grand Canyon West day trip.
This guide breaks down what makes each viewpoint special, the best photo spots and walking paths, where to eat, how the free shuttle works, and how to experience both with ease on a guided West Rim tour from Christianson Tours.
Overview of Grand Canyon West's Main Viewpoints
Grand Canyon West is designed to be explored at a relaxed pace, but with one important detail to plan around: private cars aren't allowed inside the park. Instead, a free hop-on shuttle service connects the main viewpoints and activities, so getting between Eagle Point and Guano Point at Grand Canyon West is simple and stress-free.
Both stops deliver unforgettable scenery, but they offer very different experiences. Here's a quick side-by-side of Guano Point vs Eagle Point before we dive into each:
Eagle Point: Eagle Rock Formation, Cultural Village & Skywalk
Eagle Point takes its name from a striking rock formation on the canyon wall that resembles an eagle in flight, wings spread wide. It's one of the most photographed natural features at the West Rim, and it's only the beginning of what this stop offers.
Eagle Point is the cultural heart of Grand Canyon West. Here you'll find:
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A Native American village with replicas of authentic dwellings representing various Native American tribes, plus exhibits celebrating the Hualapai people who have called this region home for generations.
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An amphitheater that hosts all-day live performances depicting different tribes — a memorable cultural highlight you won't see anywhere else in the canyon.
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An arts and gift shop offering authentic, handmade Native American jewelry and crafts.
Eagle Point is also home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that juts out about 70 feet beyond the rim, letting you look straight down to the canyon floor far below. It's a genuine thrill, but engineered for confidence: the floor is five layers of glass roughly 2.5 inches thick, and the bridge is built to support up to 71 million pounds. There's a flat admission fee, and personal belongings (including cameras) aren't allowed on the bridge to protect the glass — but you'll have the chance to buy a professional photo afterward.
Guano Point: 360-Degree Views & the Old Tramway
If Eagle Point is about culture, Guano Point is about raw, jaw-dropping scenery. This rocky pyramid peak delivers some of the most beautiful views at Guano Point Grand Canyon, with panoramic 360-degree vistas of the canyon and the winding Colorado River below. It's a long-time favorite of photographers and nature lovers for good reason.
Guano Point also comes with a fascinating piece of history. It's home to the remains of a historic tramway that once stretched 8,800 feet across the canyon to a guano mine — a relic of the area's mining past that now makes for an iconic photo backdrop and a great spot to pause and take it all in. You can also browse the Huara Pie Market here for jewelry and handicrafts.
Best Photo Spots & Walking Paths at Each
At Guano Point
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Hike the high point. A short climb to the top of the rocky peak rewards you with even more spectacular 360-degree views — the single best vantage point for canyon-and-river photos. The terrain is rugged, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time.
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Frame the old tram. The historic tramway remains make a uniquely atmospheric foreground for canyon shots.
At Eagle Point
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Capture the eagle. Line up the eagle-shaped rock formation for the classic, must-have West Rim photo.Capture the eagle. Line up the eagle-shaped rock formation for the classic, must-have West Rim photo.
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Shoot the Skywalk setting. While cameras aren't permitted on the bridge itself, the surrounding viewpoint and approach offer dramatic canyon-edge angles — and a professional photo on the glass is available to purchase.Shoot the Skywalk setting. While cameras aren't permitted on the bridge itself, the surrounding viewpoint and approach offer dramatic canyon-edge angles — and a professional photo on the glass is available to purchase.
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Document the culture. The Native American village and amphitheater performances offer rich, story-filled photo opportunities.Document the culture. The Native American village and amphitheater performances offer rich, story-filled photo opportunities.Dining at the Viewpoints
Dining at the Viewpoints
You won't go hungry exploring the rim. On Christianson Tours' lunch-inclusive West Rim packages, a hot lunch is served at Eagle Point or Guano Point, so you can refuel surrounded by some of the best scenery in the Southwest.
Beyond lunch, the West Rim's Hualapai Ranch adds a fun, western-style atmosphere with cowboy entertainment, while the markets and shops at each viewpoint — the arts and gift shop at Eagle Point and the Huara Pie Market at Guano Point — are perfect for a snack break and a souvenir between overlooks.
The Shuttle System & How Long to Spend
Because private vehicles aren't allowed within Grand Canyon West, the park runs a free shuttle that loops between Eagle Point, Guano Point, and the other activity areas. You simply hop on and off as you go, with no driving or parking to worry about.
On a Christianson Tours West Rim trip, you'll have roughly three hours at the canyon — ample time to enjoy both signature viewpoints. A good rhythm is to spend time soaking in the culture, Skywalk, and eagle formation at Eagle Point, then ride the shuttle to Guano Point for the high-point hike, the 360-degree panoramas, and a relaxed lunch. Your guide will help you make the most of every minute.
Making the Most of Both on a Guided Tour
Seeing Eagle Point and Guano Point is easy and enjoyable when the logistics are handled for you — and that's exactly what Christianson Tours does best. Here's why a guided West Rim tour is the smartest way to experience the Grand Canyon West viewpoints:
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West Rim tours from $97 per person, with all taxes included and no hidden fees — no fuel surcharges, no credit card fees, no sales tax.
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Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off across the Las Vegas Strip and downtown area, plus comfortable, air-conditioned coaches.
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All the details handled — transportation, entry fees, and logistics — so you can simply enjoy the day.
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A separate professional driver and expert guide who bring the history, geology, and culture of the West Rim to life.
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A Hoover Dam photo stop, continental breakfast box, bottled water, and an optional hot lunch at Eagle or Guano Point.
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Easy upgrades, including Skywalk packages and the option to add a helicopter flight to the canyon floor or a Colorado River boat experience.
Christianson Tours has been providing tours and transportation with professional drivers, guides, and personable service since 2000 — so you can relax knowing both viewpoints, and everything in between, are taken care of.
Conclusion
Eagle Point and Guano Point are the two viewpoints that define a Grand Canyon West visit — one rich with Hualapai culture and the heart-pounding Skywalk, the other crowned by 360-degree panoramas, a storied old tramway, and the Colorado River winding far below. Experiencing both in a single day is the ideal way to appreciate everything the West Rim has to offer.
With Christianson Tours, you get there in comfort, skip the driving and parking, and let an expert guide handle the details — all at an honest price with no hidden fees. From the eagle-shaped rock to the top of Guano Point, it's a day at the Grand Canyon you'll remember for a lifetime.
Book your Tour with Christianson tours today, and get ready to explore the wonders of both viewpoints
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Guano Point and Eagle Point?
Guano Point is a rocky pyramid peak prized for its panoramic 360-degree views of the canyon and the Colorado River, plus the remains of a historic 8,800-foot tramway. Eagle Point is the cultural hub — named for its eagle-shaped rock formation and home to a Native American village, an amphitheater with live performances, and the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Can I drive my own car between the viewpoints?
No — private vehicles aren't allowed inside Grand Canyon West. A free shuttle service connects Eagle Point, Guano Point, and the other activity areas, so you can hop on and off easily. On a Christianson Tours trip, your transportation and entry are handled for you.
Is the Skywalk at Eagle Point or Guano Point?
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is located at Eagle Point. It's a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge with a flat admission fee. Personal belongings and cameras aren't allowed on the bridge to protect the glass, but you can purchase a professional photo afterward.
How long should I spend at each viewpoint?
Christianson's West Rim tour gives you around three hours at the canyon — enough to enjoy both. Many visitors start with the culture, Skywalk, and eagle formation at Eagle Point, then take the shuttle to Guano Point for the high-point hike, the panoramas, and lunch.
Is there food at the viewpoints?
Yes. On Christianson's lunch-inclusive packages, a hot lunch is served at Eagle Point or Guano Point. The viewpoints also have markets and shops, including the arts and gift shop at Eagle Point and the Huara Pie Market at Guano Point.
Can I add a helicopter ride or boat tour at the West Rim?
Yes. Helicopter flights are available at Grand Canyon West, taking you from the rim down toward the canyon floor, and you can add a pontoon boat experience on the Colorado River for an unforgettable rim-to-river adventure. Ask the Christianson team to help you plan it.
How do I get to the viewpoints from Las Vegas?
The easiest way is a guided West Rim tour with Christianson Tours. The West Rim is about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, and tours start from $97 per person with complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off — no driving or parking required.