Help from those familiar w/ Vegas/grand canyon area!!

[cstmgp]

We will be leaving for vegas thurs night (tomorrow), for my sisters wedding. My wife has never been to the canyon, so I would like to make a 1-2 day trip.
My question is, what is the closest point to vegas, where you can get the full effect/view of the canyon, and any other atractions??

Thanks,
Shaun

[crb_22601]

Well I think I might be able to help you. I actually lived at the south rim of the grand canyon for 15 years, so I think I might have some sort of idea for you.

I would say from Vegas it would be about 4 1/2 hours to the South rim national park. If you decide to go into the park and stay for the night I would recommend staying at the El Tovar it is a very nice hotel that is located literally on the edge of the canyon, though anywhere you stay in the park might be a little pricey. But if you want to stay about 10 minutes away you can stay at Tuscyan sp. which the rooms of course will be cheaper.

As far as sights in the park, I would recommend going to Kolb Studio you can ask any of the rangers or the people at a hotel or gas station and they will know where it is. Excellent views. For sunsets or sunrises i would go to the west rim; it will be less crowded and much better.

If you are not going all the way to the park, I believe there is that Glass walkway that might be interesting, it wasn't built when I lived at the canyon and it is not even in the park. Government wouldn't let them build it. It is on the reservation. It might be interesting.

I would say if you want the full Grand Canyon views and experience go to the South Rim national park. if you want to see a little bit of the canyon you will drive by it most of the way through the reservation though it will be more like a crevasse then a canyon.

Hope that helps you can always pm me with more specific stuff if you need.