First the good: The grand canyon is a 10/10 attraction for nature loving enthusiasts and I can't stress that enough. It is a natural marvel and if this is your only option to see it, you should take it. My 9 year old son and indoorsy wife loved the grand canyon. It's disappointing that the experience left additional feelings as well.
As stated, our trip to the Grand Canyon West left us both amazed by the natural beauty and disappointed by the experience provided by the Hualapai Tribe. Things were severely disorganized and at times had a kitchy quality often associated with the commercialized Niagara falls.(Though not nearly to that extent)
The skywalk, which comes at an exorbitant cost, was overshadowed by the stunning views at Guano Point, an attraction included in the base ticket (for 3 people about 15x more spendy than the North and south rim). It's regrettable that the Tribe's focus on profit seemed to overshadow the true purpose of enhancing visitors' experience.
What was particularly frustrating was the policy on photography on the skywalk. Instead of allowing visitors to capture their memories freely, the Tribe insists on charging an additional fee for photos. This left us feeling like we were being scalped at every turn, turning what should have been a joyful experience into one marred by blemishes.
While the Grand Canyon West undoubtedly has its merits, we can't help but feel that the Hualapai Tribe's approach to pricing and the overall visitor experience needs significant improvement. It is our hope that they reevaluate their practices and prioritize offering a more accessible and enjoyable visit for all.
Additionally, when faced with the option, choose the grand canyon that's managed by the national parks department. The feds are managing the space better than those who did before it.