Grand Canyon-visitors not allowed!
 

On a trip my sister took in 2004 on her way to Las Vegas, she decided to stop and see the Grand Canyon. At the time, she didnt know that the usual I-40 exit for the Grand Canyon is located in Williams, AZ. She proceeded further westbound on I-40 until she saw another exit for what stated was the "west rim of the grand canyon" and exited off near the town of Seligman,AZ (this exit is old route 66) and continued until she came upon the town of Peach Springs, AZ. On the map, it appeared as though a road ran from Peach Springs to the western rim of the Grand Canyon. However, once there, she was not permitted to travel upon this road, as a government sign indicated it was "native american soil and that only authorized personnel had permission to trespass". I was inquiring if anyone else has traveled along this route, or if anyone of Native American ancestry has been beyong these gates to the Western Rim.

We've gone from Peach Springs on a highway to the Hualapai Hilltop, where we parked our car. From there was an 8 mile hike down to the village of Suapai on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Perhaps your sister saw a different road, on Indian land.

Grand Canyon NP has tourist access to the South Rim and the North Rim.

From what I'm reading, the "West Rim" area is usually accessed from further NW than Peach Springs. Yes, there's a road from Peach Springs, but from what I understand it's a long 20+ miles gravel road over some mountains.

The proper way is to continue on 66 west another 15 miles or so to Anteras Road (past Hackberry). Go north there to Pierce Ferry Road, make a right; and then onto Diamond Bar Ave to the West Rim Center.

I guess there's a lesson to be learned from this: know where you're going. It's hard to imagine somebody passing by the usual GC exit because they think there will be another one down the road. This ain't the big city where there are numerous exits for the same town.

Yes, Peach Springs is the "trail head" on the west rim to the Havasupai area and yes, it is NA land. I was going to do this trip (and still will) so did some research on it. You actually need to contact them to get a permit to hike down and stay there.

The moral of this story is "Know where you are going or don't go". If one looks at a map, it clearly shows Peach Springs and the surrounding area on the reservation and not in Grand Canyon National Park. A permit from the tribe is required to hike down to Supai. It is a rigorous but really great hike. I did it back in the olden days of my youth.
((D))8-)

What you say merits consideration, Jamaltay. But just because a road runs on indian soil, doesnt mean its automatically barred from travel for the outside public.
A prime example would be I-40. Once you enter Arizona from New Mexico, you are driving right in Najavo Nation.
Even in New Mexico, I-40 runs right through another indian reservation about 30 miles west from Albuquerque.

sonorandreams,

The road to Peach Springs and beyond is open to the public. What I was attempting to get across in my post was that if the OP's sister had looked at a map she should have known that to see the Grand Canyon she should go through Flagstaff or Williams. Peach Springs is not the desired way to go to see the Grand Canyon, being that it is a secondary road, on the reservation and not even in Grand Canyon National Park.

When reaching the end of the road only people(outsiders/tourists) with a tribal issued permit are allowed to continue on down into the canyon (on foot or mule) to Supai (8 miles).
((D))8-)

http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/south-rim/index.htm

Scroll down to the Havasupai Indian Reservation & Hualapai Indian Reservation.

Utahtea