The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and at sunset is one of the best times to visit Grand Canyon West.
As a world-famous natural wonder, the Grand Canyon has seen tourism steadily increase since it became accessible by rail in 1901. Today, millions visit the Grand Canyon each year.
If a trip to the Grand Canyon is on your travel wish list, learning about what’s included in a Sunset Pass and why sunset is the best time of day to visit Grand Canyon West will help you plan the perfect visit.
Learn more about Grand Canyon West.
Is Sunset a Good Time To Visit Grand Canyon West?
As the sun sinks, its rays pass through a thicker part of the atmosphere, causing blue light to scatter. With less blue light in the sky, the horizon is filled with shades of red, orange, and yellow, which is why the sunset delivers beautiful, unique color patterns you don’t typically see at other times of day. As a result, you can capture incredible sunset photos anywhere.
However, when you take in the sunset at the Grand Canyon, you combine incredible sky colors with the majestic views of this natural wonder, making it the best time to visit Grand Canyon West.
What Does the Sunset Pass Include?
Grand Canyon West offers the Sunset Pass for visitors after 3 p.m. The Sunset Pass includes the following:
- Access to Highpoint Hike at Guano Point
- Access to Hualapai Tribe Exhibits
- Access to Guano Point Cafe
- Access to Native American Market
- Access to Skywalk Cafe
- Access to Skyview Restaurant
- Entry to Grand Canyon Skywalk
- Entry to Eagle Point
- Entry to Guano Point
- Free parking
- Self-guided tour of a Native American Village
- Shopping at Skywalk Main Terminal
The Sunset Pass also includes shuttle transportation throughout Grand Canyon West. You can get on and off as much as you like, depending on which sites you plan to visit.
Can You Visit the Skywalk With the Sunset Pass?
The Grand Canyon West Sunset Pass highlights the unforgettable sunset views visitors enjoy when they visit between 3 p.m. and sunset. As the colors in the sky shift to shades of crimson, orange, magenta, and gold, the light shimmers off the canyon’s walls, creating a spectacular display of this natural wonder.
Although named for its spectacular sunsets, the Sunset Pass also lets you enjoy some of Grand Canyon West’s most popular features. With the pass, you can visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge 4,000 feet above the canyon floor that offers unobstructed views all the way to the bottom of the canyon.
The Sunset Pass also gives you access to Eagle Point. Since Eagle Point is located on the Hualapai Tribe’s reservation land, you can take in the Hualapai Tribe exhibits. Depending on the schedule and your arrival time, you may also be able to enjoy Hualapai Experiences.
With a Sunset Pass, you can also visit Guano Point for stunning 360-degree views of the canyon.
Where Is the Best Place To Watch the Sunset at Grand Canyon West?
Every vantage point in Grand Canyon West delivers breathtaking sunset views of the Grand Canyon. While Guano Point delivers epic panoramic sunset views, Eagle Point gets its name from the visible rock formation that looks like an eagle. Visiting Eagle Point at sunset gives you a chance to photograph the eagle as the sky changes before the last rays dip below the horizon.
Also, experiencing the Grand Canyon skywalk at sunset offers more than just incredible sunset views. The skyway stretches out from the upper edge of the canyon, taking you 70 feet from the rim and immersing you in the sunset over the canyon. You can watch the sky darken below you as the colors turn bold and beautiful, until the day’s last light fades.
Is the Sunset Pass Worth It?
The Sunset Pass offers access to multiple sites within Grand Canyon West, making it an excellent value for visitors. Since the park closes at dusk, you’ll get the maximum value from the pass if you arrive right at 3 p.m.
With a Sunset Pass, you can enjoy Grand Canyon West and multiple sites during a shorter visiting window at a lower price point. You also get to experience the best sites in Grand Canyon West, plus a sunset at the Grand Canyon.
Plan Your Grand Canyon West Trip Today
Seeing the Grand Canyon is a lifelong dream for many people. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., welcoming over 4.4 million visitors in 2025. Any chance to see the Grand Canyon lets you soak in sweeping panoramic views and visit historic and natural sites.
With a Sunset Pass, you can enjoy Grand Canyon West while savoring — and capturing on camera — an impressive sunset view of the canyon.
Learn more about Grand Canyon West.
Sources:
Carter, J. (2026). The Science Behind Stunning Sunset Colors.
Grand Canyon. (2025).
Park Statistics. (2025).
