Travel to the West Rim or the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

The most difficult part about taking a Grand Canyon tour is deciding to check out the South Rim or the West Rim. They are both fantastic destinations. So, as a way to break this tie, I'm going to do a brief rim-by-rim comparison that will ensure you're paired with the place that's best for you.

Are you interested in things to do or scenery?

The West Rim excels in activities. It's the only place where you can ride a helicopter 4,000 feet to the base. Then, if you are so inclined, you can walk upstream and take a Colorado Boat tour.

The world-famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is here. This attraction is a superbly engineered glass walkway that allows you to walk 70 feet beyond the edge as it suspends you 4,000 feet over the river. Don't look down if you are vulnerable to vertigo.

More exotic activities here include a chopper flight to a ranch, ATV trail rides, Hummer 4x4 adventures, and horseback riding. One of my favorite things to do at the West Rim is the Hoover Dam smooth-water rafting trip to Willow Beach.

Grand Canyon National Park (a.k.a. South Rim) is tame compared to the West Rim. What it does not have in "thrills" it makes up in natural beauty. This is the part of the National Park that even the rangers refer to as the "real" canyon.

There are no chopper rides to the base at the South Rim. If you want to get to the base, you have to hike. Having said that, the air tours here are very good. The heli ride from Grand Canyon Airport goes directly into the center of the Dragoon Corridor, the broadest, deepest section of the Grand Canyon, while airplane trips cover the South, East, and North rims.

There's also the fantastic one-day Grand Canyon rafting journey that operates from April to November. Choices include taking a coach or plane to Page, AZ, and then switching to a river raft. This is a smooth-water journey so there are no rapids. Children ages four years and older are allowed.

The hiking trails at South Rim are amazing. South Kaibab, Bright Angel, and the Rim Top trails are the most in demand. For view points, go to Yaki Point, Mather Point and Hopi Point. Most excursions include guided tours to these tourist attractions.

Where are you coming from?

Grand Canyon West is only 120 miles from Las Vegas. Helis, planes, and coaches can do the trip in 45 minutes, 25 minutes, and 2.5 hours, respectively. Grand Canyon National Park is too far for Vegas choppers. Your best alternatives are the plane or the bus.

I highly recommend taking the 45-minute airplane ride from Sin City to the National Park. It's quick, comfortable, and one of the greatest deals on the market. The coach is definitely economical, but one-way drive time is 5.5 hours and total tour time is a whopping 15 hours.

Phoenix and Sedona travelers can drive to the National Park in 4 hours and 2 hours, respectively. There are coach, airplane, and helicopter tours from those locations but it's far more affordable to drive yourself and do an air tour from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan.

How long do you plan to be at the canyon?

West Rim tours from Las Vegas are ideal day trips. The lengthiest tour is 1 day. Air-only trips are around 4 hours, and that includes hotel pick up and drop off. The Ground Canyon South Rim bus takes 15 hours minimum, which is why I advocate for the airplane tour considering that it will have you back on The Strip in time for your evening reservations. Tours that begin in Northern Arizona are full-day trips. I often tell people to reserve a room inside the National Park and stay overnight. This is easier said than done as Park hotels are generally booked a year in advance.

What can you afford?

South Rim and West Rim bus tours are the most affordable and come with lots of add-ons like smooth-water rafting, Skywalk tickets and helicopter rides. Air tours are more expensive, but you also see more canyon in less time. I estimate that what you see on a 30-minute chopper tour is equivalent to a few days on the ground. Plus the airborne views are unbelievable.

Ready to travel?

Grand Canyon tours are loaded with action and beauty. The two prime areas are Grand Canyon West and Grand Canyon National Park. The challenge is which rim to visit. If you are beginning from Las Vegas, the West Rim is your closest option. However, if your heart is set on Grand Canyon National Park, take the 45-minute airplane ride. I advise doing the South Rim for travelers starting out from Phoenix and Sedona. The key to making sure you get the trip of your dreams is to reserve in advance and on the Internet. Follow this approach and you'll get your canyon trip for a song.

Mr. Kravitz is a professional travel writer who reports on things to do at the Grand Canyon. If you are planning a canyon trip, check out his Top 3 Grand Canyon tour operators. His rankings are based on quality, safety and price. Spend several minutes on his page & there's a good chance you'll find the canyon tour of your dreams.c