01Good to know
Bring water, hat, and sunscreen
shade is limited.
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise–10 a.m. & 4 p.m.–sunset | Mar–May & Sep–Oct for mild weather
Open
Open now · 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price Range
$$ (included in Grand Canyon West admission; add‑ons extra)
Time Needed
60–90 minutes
Parking
Free parking at Grand Canyon West Welcome Center; shuttle to the point included
Ideal For
Guano Point Café (quick‑service), Native craft & souvenir stands, portable restrooms, interpretive signage on mining history
Why Visit Guano Point
Guano Point is a dramatic promontory on the West Rim offering 360‑degree canyon and Colorado River views, remnants of a 1950s bat‑guano tramway, and a short “Highpoint Hike” to a rocky summit.
Highlights
Description
Perched 4,000 ft above the Colorado River, Guano Point sits on a Hualapai Tribal peninsula created by two sweeping bends of the canyon. Named after a bat‑guano mine discovered in the 1930s, the site features the skeletal frame of a 1950s aerial tramway that once hauled fertilizer‑rich guano from a cave 2,300 ft below. Today, visitors arrive by shuttle from the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center to enjoy wide‑open views, Native American craft stalls, and the casual Guano Point Café. A short but steep Highpoint Hike rewards adventurous guests with one of the West Rim’s best 360‑degree panoramas.
History
1930
Pilot spots guano cave 2,300 ft below rim.
1958
U.S. Guano Corp. leases site, builds 7,500‑ft tramway across the canyon.
1959
Mining begins; tower and cables dominate the skyline.
1960
U.S. Air Force jet severs cable; operation halts.
1964
Rights revert to Hualapai Tribe; mining deemed unprofitable.
1990s
Hualapai develop Grand Canyon West tourism complex.
2007
Skywalk opens; Guano Point becomes a key shuttle stop.
2023
Trail safety rails and new interpretive signs installed.
Features
Shuttle stop (included with admission)
Rimside and covered picnic seating
Highpoint Hike (0.4 mi round‑trip, 150 ft gain)
Getting There
Begin at the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center, park for free, then board the hop‑on/hop‑off shuttle (Stop #2) to Guano Point. Allow 60–90 minutes for photos, the Highpoint Hike, and a snack at the café.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
02Be prepared
Wear sturdy shoes; the Highpoint Hike is rocky and uneven.
03Local tip
Winds can be strong at the rim
secure hats and loose items.
04Save time
Cell service is spotty; download maps ahead of time.
05Stay connected
Summer temps top 100 °F
visit early or late in the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guano Point included in the Grand Canyon West ticket?
Yes, the All In One Pass include shuttle access to Guano Point.
How long should I plan to stay?
Most visitors spend 60–90 minutes; photographers often stay longer for changing light.
Can I walk from Eagle Point to Guano Point?
No. The two points are 3 mi apart; use the free shuttle.
Is the Highpoint Hike difficult?
It’s short (0.4 mi) but steep, with loose rocks. Good footwear is essential.
Are drones allowed?
Drones are prohibited on Hualapai Tribal lands without a special permit.
Is there food or water for sale?
Yes. Guano Point Café sells snacks, drinks, and hot items.
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are permitted on the shuttle and at viewpoints.
What remains of the old mine?
You’ll see the steel tram tower, cable drums, and interpretive signs.
Is Guano Point wheelchair‑accessible?
The shuttle drop‑off and rim area are paved; the Highpoint Hike is not accessible.
Do I need advance reservations?
Day passes rarely sell out, but booking online secures entry and saves time at check‑in.
