Selecting whether to visit the Skywalk or Grand Canyon National Park while staying in Las Vegas? That's a tough one. Both attractions are worth the trip. However, there are a few logistical and budgetary differences between the two that can help solve the dilemma for you.

How Much Time Does It Take

This is a big issue for a lot of people. It takes a bus 2.5 hours to reach Grand Canyon West and 5.5 hours to reach the South Rim. It takes a helicopter 45 minutes and an airplane 25 minutes to reach the West Rim, respectively. It takes an airplane 45 minutes to fly to the South Rim; there are no direct helicopter flights. Expect to spend a full day on trips to the West Rim. South Rim airplane trips require a full day, too, while bus tours average about 15 hours.

Distance

The one-way driving distance from Las Vegas to the West Rim is 128 miles and 279 miles to the South Rim. Both are relatively long trips. Fortunately, today's motor coach has all the amenities, including plush seats and a clean bathroom. There's also a number of stops where you can stretch your legs (including Hoover Dam).

What's There to Do?

Each rim has distinct things to do. The West Rim is renowned for its man-made attractions while the South Rim is praised for its incredible natural beauty. Additionally, while there are visitor facilities at the West Rim, the ones at South Rim are more developed.

South Rim

View Points

This part of the Park is filled with famous lookouts, including Mather Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Observation Station, Hermit's Rest and more.

Restaurants

Plenty of casual dining here. The Bright Angel Lodge restaurant serves up home-style cooking that's priced right. Maswick Lodge offers cafeteria style. There's a small snack bar behind the Lodge Restaurant. High-end dining (and cocktails) can be had at El Tovar. Near Mather Campground is a supermarket with deli, fried foods, and pizza.

Souvenir Shopping

This is a South Rim "must-do." For Native American handicrafts, it's the Hopi House. Go to Verkamp's or Kolb Studio for books, DVDs, and maps. The gift shop inside the Bright Angel Lodge is the place for t-shirts, water bottles, key chains, and postcards.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Glass Bridge

The Glass Bridge is becoming Las Vegas' hottest "off-Strip" attraction. Since opening to the public in 2007, more than one million people have experienced the Bridge. It's a fantastic structure: Made of special glass, it extends 70 feet over the Canyon, wherein you are suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.Hualapai Ranch

Includes a genuine western town with live gunfights. Horseback riding and river rafting starts here. Helicopter flights take visitors to bottom of the Canyon. Lodging is available for overnight stays.

Lookouts

The Grand Canyon West area is situated on the edge of the rim and offers you spectacular views of Eagle and Guano Points. There is no guard rail so use caution. Use the rim-top trail or the free shuttle bus to reach viewpoints.

Gift Shops/Food

The West Rim is still evolving. Currently, there's the gift shop run by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. Inside, you can buy snacks and souvenirs. Most bus tours will include lunch, which will most likely be a barbecue prepared for you by the Hualapai.

Weather

There's a huge difference in climate. The South Rim is situated in a national forest at an elevation of 6,000 feet while the West Rim is atop high desert at 4,500 feet. Here's a snapshot of each rim's annual temperatures:

Grand Canyon West

Elevation is 4,700 feet.

Jan. - March

Average high temperature: 70 degrees. Average low: 43 degrees.

April - June

Average high temperature: 96 degrees. Average low: 65 degrees.

July - Sept.:

Average high temperature: 105 degrees. Average low: 76 degrees.

Oct. - Dec.:

Average high temperature: 76 degrees. Average low: 46 degrees.

Grand Canyon South Rim

Elevation is 7,000 feet

Jan. - March

Average high temperature: 45 degrees. Average low: 21 degrees.

April - June

Average high temperature: 69 degrees. Average low: 39 degrees.

July - Sept.:

Average high temperature: 82 degrees. Average low: 52 degrees.

Oct. - Dec.:

Average high temperature: 52 degrees. Average low: 27 degrees.

Preparing for a Visit

The most comfortable way to dress for the rims during winter is to layer clothing and bring gloves and head gear. It snows at the South Rim, so bring/wear pants, shoes, and a light jacket. Summer at the West Rim is hot (100 degrees plus). Bring lots of sunscreen and water and wear a brimmed-hat. The South Rim is more temperate but it's still advised that you pack the same items that you would for the West Rim.

Cost

Grand Canyon West rim tours start at $94. South Rim at $79. Tour prices include Park entrance

fees. Book online to get the best price. Skywalk tickets are extra and cost $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children ages 3-11, and $26.95 for seniors and military personnel.

Wrap up

The Grand Canyon's West and South Rims are incredible places to visit and make wonderful day trips from Las Vegas. Many people get stuck choosing which rim is right for them. To resolve this, consider how much time and money you want to budget for the trip. Then determine if you prefer a tour that includes a lot of activities and attractions (West Rim) or one that puts more focus on the natural beauty of the Park (South Rim). By doing this "exercise," you'll find the Grand Canyon day trip that's just right for you.