Hualapai seal logo The Hualapai Tribe

The Hualapai Tribe Information

The Hualapai Tribe is a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in northwestern Arizona. Hualapai (pronounced Wal-lah-pie) means “People of the Tall Pines.” In 1883, an executive order established the Hualapai reservation.

The reservation encompasses about one million acres along 108 miles of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River. Occupying part of three northern Arizona counties - Coconino, Yavapai, and Mohave - the reservation’s topography varies from rolling grassland to thick forests to rugged canyons. Elevations range from 1,500 feet at the Colorado River to over 7,300 feet at the highest point of the Aubrey Cliffs.

The total population of the Hualapai Reservation is more than 1,600. According to the 2000 census, 1,353 of these residents are tribal members. Total tribal membership, including members not residing on the reservation, is approximately 2,300. Most people who reside on the reservation live in Peach Springs, which owns its name to the peach trees that historically grew at nearby springs. The closest full-service community is Kingman, Arizona located 55 miles west of Peach Springs on historic Route 66.

Peach Springs was the inspiration for the fictional “Radiator Springs” in the animated Pixar movie “Cars.”

There is no casino gaming on the Hualapai Reservation. Tribal administration, public schools, and state/federal government provide the bulk of current full-time employment. The principal economic activities are tourism, cattle ranching, and arts and crafts.

An outdoorsman’s paradise, the reservation is rich in hunting, fishing, and river rafting opportunities. The tribe sells guided big-game hunting permits for desert bighorn sheep, trophy elk, antelope, and mountain lion. The Hualapai River Runners, the only Indian-owned and operated river rafting company on the Colorado River, offers one and two-day trips.

Another tribal enterprise is Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai reservation at the west rim of the Grand Canyon. Offering an alternative to the Grand Canyon National Park, the enterprise offers tour packages that can include spectacular views from the Skywalk (a glass bridge that enables visitors to walk beyond the rim of the Grand Canyon at 4,000 feet above the Colorado River), helicopter and boat tours, and other excursions on the reservation.

As a sovereign Indian nation, the Tribe is governed by an executive and judicial branch. The executive branch is composed of a nine-member Tribal Council, which includes a chairperson and vice-chairperson. Council members are elected to office by Tribal members and serve 4-year terms. The Council oversees twelve administrative departments. The judicial branch of government consists of a Tribal Court and a Court of Appeals. Judges are appointed by the Tribal Council for two-year terms. The Courts have jurisdiction over all cases and controversies within the jurisdiction of the Tribe by virtue of the Tribe’s inherent sovereignty or which may be vested in tribal courts by federal law.

The Hualapai Tribe

Travel Info

  • Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time

The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is easily accessible from Las Vegas (a two-hour drive) or the Phoenix-Mesa area (less than four-and-a-half hours’ drive). From Grand Canyon West to our Peach Springs location on historic Route 66 (or the other way around), it’s less than two hours. You can find step-by-step instructions below or contact us for assistance at 888-868-WEST or 928-769-2636. We look forward to seeing you.

Latitude: 36d0’43.55″N, Longitude: 113d48’40.50″W For accurate directions, visit our Directions page.

Notes to Visitors

  • Pets are not permitted on tours or allowed to be left in parked cars. Pet accommodations are available at the Hualapai Ranch (fee applies). Service animals are permitted on tours.
  • We recommend that you arrive in time to spend at least four hours to fully experience Grand Canyon West. If you are in a hurry, it can be done in three.
  • The weather is very similar to the weather in Las Vegas. It is approximately 10 degrees warmer in the spring and summer and 10 degrees cooler in the fall and winter.
  • Bringing outside food and beverages to Grand Canyon West is not permitted. Grand Canyon West offers a variety of meal options.
  • Every visitor to Grand Canyon West is required to purchase the Hualapai Legacy Package. Optional activities, such as Skywalk, helicopter/boat tours, Hummer tours, and horseback riding, can be purchased at an additional cost.

Other Resources

The Hualapai Tribe Experiences

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American Indians & Route 66

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Featured Accommodations & Attractions
Listing City Phone Web
Hualapai Lodge Peach Springs, Arizona (928) 769-2230 grandcanyonwest.com
Hualapai River Runners Peach Springs, Arizona 1-888-868-9378 grandcanyonwest.com
Grand Canyon West Peach Springs, Arizona 888-868-9378 grandcanyonwest.com
Grand Canyon Skywalk Grand Canyon West, Arizona 888-868-WEST grandcanyonwest.com

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