Getting to Grand Canyon West & the new Skywalk

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, American, Southwest, United and US Airways offer nonstop service to Las Vegas. Restricted round-trip fares start at $78. Then drive (2 1/2 hours) or take a tour to Grand Canyon West for the day.

PLACES TO STAY

Hualapai Reservation, (928) 769-2219, www.destinationgrandcanyon.com. Most visitors are day-trippers from Las Vegas. The tribe operates the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs, about two hours’ drive on a dirt road.

Grand Canyon West Ranch, 3750 E. Diamond Bar Ranch Road, Meadview, Ariz., (800) 359-8727; www.grandcanyonranch.com.This dude ranch has no connections to the Hualapai Nation. Cabins for two start at $178.77 per person, which includes three meals.

TOURING AND RAFTING

Grand Canyon West, (877) 716-9378 or (702) 878-9378; destinationgrandcanyon.com. It’s open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 30; until 6 p.m. after that date. Drivers must buy a package: Creation costs $29.95 for adults and includes lunch and a visit to one viewpoint; the $109.95 Explorer includes lunch, visits to both prime viewpoints, the Skywalk and a horseback ride or a Hummer off-road trip. Skywalk visitors pay at least $74.95. Trips arranged through Hualapai-affiliated tour operators typically include transportation from Las Vegas and range from $149 to $462.