Considering the absolute massiveness of the Grand Canyon—277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide at points—the nearly 18 square miles of Grand Canyon West may not seem like a lot. But trust us, Grand Canyon West packs the maximum amount of fun and excitement into that space, and best of all, it’s all only a two-hour drive from anywhere on the Las Vegas Strip.

If you only have a few hours to spare, make sure to include a visit to Skywalk, an impressive glass-bottomed bridge built into the edge of a side canyon. It draws millions of visitors a year, and rightly so. The feeling of exhilaration felt as you see the Grand Canyon floor opening up beneath your feet as you walk cannot really be described in print. But trust us: It’s one of the most spiritual experiences you can have in the Southwest.

If you have extra time, squeeze in a zipline ride 500 feet above a side canyon for more than a half-mile, or head to Peach Springs along historic Route 66, where you can schedule a whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River. (We recommend checking weather reports first.) There are also plenty of hiking, off-roading and fishing opportunities available. Time to experience the Southwest in a whole new way.

5001 Diamond Bar Road, Peach Springs, Ariz. 888.868.9378 or grandcanyonwest.com

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