The Grand Canyon alone is an incredible site to see, but visitors to the Grand Canyon Skywalk know it is more than just a simple bridge. Founded by David Jin, the Grand Canyon Skywalk gives visitors to the area an astounding opportunity to not only visit the canyon, but to experience its magnitude and depth at the same time.

The Construction of the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Construction of the Grand Canyon Skywalk officially began in early 2004. Just over a year later, in May of 2005, the glass bridge passed its final durability test. The skywalk currently features over one million pounds of steel and can hold over 71 million pounds on its platform.

The bridge itself is a glass platform that hangs 4,000 feet above the base of the Grand Canyon. Visitors can view not only the surrounding area, but look down beneath their own feet to watch the Colorado River running below. The platform is so high above the river, in fact, that if the Empire State Building or CN Tower were below you’d be able to comfortably view the tops of those buildings as well.

Controversy Surrounding the Grand Canyon Skywalk

There was, as with most projects, a considerable amount of controversy surrounding the construction of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Within the Hualapai tribe there was dissent because some members felt that the project would disturb grounds that were considered to be on sacred land. On the other hand, the project gave the tribe the opportunity to raise money to enhance the quality of living on the reservation.

Environmentalists have had cause for concern as well. Some feel as though the construction of the skywalk defaced the natural beauty of an area that is considered to be a national treasure, claiming that the Hualapi tribe has exploited its position. The tribe believes that the area is already overburdened by visitors and that the skywalk only serves to accommodate their needs while boosting their struggling economy.

The Grand Opening of the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Following the construction of the skywalk was the visitor’s building, featuring a number of restaurants and stores where visitors can relax and browse before or after crossing the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The skywalk was officially opened to the public in March of 2007.

Since its opening the skywalk has received over 3,000 visitors per day. The skywalk’s convenient location in the western part of the Grand Canyon makes it easily accessible from a number of tourist attractions in both Nevada and Arizona. Because of it’s location within the Grand Canyon West, the Skywalk does not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

There are a number of incredible tourist attractions in Grand Canyon West, which is currently owned by the Haulapai Tribe. Not only can visitors stroll the walkway, but they can also tour the canyon by helicopter, airplane, and boat, amongst other things. Nothing compares, however, to standing 4,000 feet above the roaring Colorado River and gazing down at the incredible canyon floor.

Visiting the Grand Canyon Skywalk

A stroll across the Grand Canyon Skywalk is an experience you won’t want to miss if you’re ever in the area. Reservations are not required for those wishing to merely visit the walk way, and your time on the platform is currently unlimited. It is recommended that you make a reservation and purchase your tickets in advance, especially if you are traveling from afar, in order to reduce or eliminate your wait time before entrance. If you’re purchasing an overnight package at a local hotel, you may purchase your tickets through your travel agent or the hotel itself.

As mentioned earlier, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is currently owned by the Haulapai Tribe, so tickets to enter the area must be purchased through the tribe itself either via permit or tour. Visiting the skywalk will not be inexpensive. A permit to tour the area, including access to the shuttle to take you from point to point, costs $29.95 per person. You’ll also have to pay $20 to park your car and an additional $29.95 per person at the actual skywalk site. The shuttle also takes visitors to Guano Point and Haulapai Ranch.

Oddly enough, cameras are not permitted on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The tribe claims that this is to protect the glass from the skywalk from being scratched, but a good pair of heels or old boots could cause simple scratching. We suspect, rather, that the tribe merely wants to increase the revenue value of the skywalk by selling pictures, photo albums, and postcards.

Regardless of the price and limitations, we consider a trip to the Grand Canyon Skywalk to be a once in a lifetime opportunity that you should seriously consider taking advantage of. There isn’t any other place in the national park where you’ll be able to walk out on a platform suspended above the river, experiencing what it’s like to truly be within the canyon itself. Being encompassed by the Grand Canyon is a sensation you’ll never forget!

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