Warning: Due to COVID 19 some information in this article (e.g. operating hours) may not be up-to-date. Show
Perhaps some of you may not know it, but among the many ways to visit the Grand Canyon there is one way that is very special and awe-inspiring, which allows you to admire this incredible natural gorge of Arizona from a unique position, where you will enjoy an amazing view that you will probably remember for the rest of your life. I’m not talking about helicopter tours or adventurous rafting on the river in the park, but an unusual suspended platform located on the west side of the canyon (West Rim), known as Grand Canyon Skywalk. What is the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
When the platform was built, inaugurated on March 20, 2007, purists and environmentalists (or in other words, lovers of nature as God made it) turned their noses up for fear that it would ruin the view of the landscape and many representatives of Native American tribes in the area (the territory belongs to Native Americans and is considered sacred), agreed with them. If you’re thinking of the usual unscrupulous capitalist businessmen who don’t think twice about pursuing their own interests by taking advantage of a Native American tribe… stop! It was the Hualapai Indian tribe that commissioned this venture, and they saw the opportunity to solve many of the problems that plagued its population. Even now, there are conflicting visions between the tribe’s own members and the Grand Canyon’s Skywalk continues to be a controversial architectural achievement. How Do You Get on the Platform?Whatever your point of view on this particular platform, no one can deny that the view is fantastic. There are essentially 2 ways to visit this attraction. Either you go by yourself or you go on a tour. Personally, for the sake of convenience and accessibility, I recommend the second option, in any case, below you will find information on both options. Buy Skywalk tickets online Visit the Skywalk on your ownWhere Is It?You can get there by paying the entrance fee (the National Parks Pass is not recognized) and the entrance allows you to enjoy various other attractions, excursions and viewpoints, as well as some traditional Native-American performances. Everything you can do at Grand Canyon West (including the Skywalk) is accessible via a shuttle service that runs approximately every 15 minutes. You will not be allowed to drive into Grand Canyon West (luckily there is a parking lot!) and you cannot take water or food with you (of course you will find many places to get food inside). Same policy applies to photographs on the platform: you can buy them but can’t take your own pictures. Skywalk Address and DirectionsThe Grand Canyon Skywalk address is Peach Springs, AZ 86434, (tel. +1 888-868-9378) but you won’t be needing it since you can’t drive past than the park entrance. The address you need to enter in your GPS to get to Grand Canyon West is as follows (but apparently they don’t work with all navigators):
The road to Grand Canyon West was not paved until recently and driving on it used to be problematic (many tour guides used to caution those intending to drive on this road with a rental car, since it was potentially not covered by the insurance issued by the companies). However, it seems that the construction has been finished and the road has been completely paved and therefore can be accessed without any cause for concern. Once you arrive you will have to park, take a shuttle bus and be taken to the fateful horseshoe walkway, but you must buy tickets of course! Skywalk ticketsTo access the West Rim you will have several options:
If you want to book tickets online you can go to the tickets section of the official website. Buy Skywalk tickets online Also, if you are particularly interested in helicopter flights and want to consider better alternatives to the Grandest Package, I recommend looking at the deals listed here. Instead, if you just want to experience the Colorado River Rafting, read all the information and book your ticket here. Tips for Your Overnight StayYou’ll have to decide whether to stay overnight in the area, within the park, or further away (such as Las Vegas), as part of a nice day trip to Grand Canyon West. You can find all the information about the areas and hotels to choose from in our article on where to stay at the Grand Canyon. The advantages of a Skywalk TourPhotos of ViatorAs you can see, the visit on its own is not that simple, for this reason, in many cases, it may be advisable to book a tour. These are one-day packages departing from Las Vegas, and include pick-up and drop-off at the hotel the same day. Here are the advantages of this choice:
There are essentially 4 packages available to enjoy the Skywalk: Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour Including the Hoover Dam along the WayScenic flight with views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, including VIP access to the Skywalk and pictures on the platform. See information about this tour Airplane Tours Plus SkywalkFlying over Grand Canyon West, a visit to the platform and time to explore the surroundings. See information about this tour Grand Canyon West Bus TourBus tour that gives you the opportunity to photograph breathtaking views along the way (e.g. Hoover Dam). The price includes admission to the Skywalk. See tour info Helicopter Tour + Cruise along the Bottom of the Grand CanyonThis is the tour for those who want to do it all. It includes VIP access to the Skywalk (with photos), a helicopter tour with views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon, landing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and a cruise on the Colorado River. About this tour Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.
Built in 2007, the Skywalk gives you the feeling you are walking on air. In fact, you’ll see some tourists anxiously grab the handrails with their eyes shut. Don’t miss the exhibits on Hualapai history inside the Skywalk building. Visiting Grand Canyon West, which is not part of Grand Canyon National Park, requires the purchase of a tour package for entry. A tour package must be purchased first in order to add any options such as the Skywalk, helicopter and boat rides, horseback rides and more. Where is the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge?The Grand Canyon Skywalk is NOT located near the South or North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Rather it is located at Grand Canyon West, on reservation land owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. The Skywalk is about 120 miles east of Las Vegas, NV, and 70 miles north of Kingman, AZ. It can also be accessed via the Grand Canyon West Airport. How to Get to the Grand Canyon SkywalkIt can be an adventure to get there, and it’s not cheap. Still, it’s a one-of-a-kind way to experience the country’s most famous natural wonder. By personal car or rental car, go to Kingman in northwestern Arizona, which can be accessed by Interstate 40 or Highway 93. At Kingman, follow Highway 93/E Andy Devine Ave/B-40/Historic 66 for three or four miles, then continue on W Beale St/US-93 for a little more than 29 miles. Turn right at W Pierce Ferry Road and travel seven miles to Dolan Springs, where the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center is located. From there, it’s 14 miles to the Skywalk. Visitors can take a “Park and Ride” shuttle/coach from the Welcome Center. Reservations are required, though, by calling 877-716-WEST, or email . Packages are available that include Park and Ride Shuttle reservations and Skywalk fees. One popular one is the Sky Package which includes roundtrip Park and Ride Shuttle, plus a walk out on the Skywalk. Other more advanced packages include horseback rides, river trips or helicopter tours. Entrance Fees to the Grand Canyon SkywalkA Hualapai Legacy Day Pass to Grand Canyon West includes an official Hualapai visitation certificate, photo opportunities with Hualapai tribal members and hop-on hop-off shuttle to all viewpoints, including Hualapai Ranch, Eagle Point, and Guano Point. It does not include a walk on the Skywalk. To walk across the Skywalk, you will need to pay for the Legacy Gold package that includes a meal. Order tickets online at grandcanyonwest.com Waiting in LinesEspecially during peak season (summer), visitors should be prepared to wait in line for their turn to experience the Skywalk. This is a popular attraction that is becoming only more popular. Cameras on the SkywalkNo cameras are allowed out on the Skywalk, but visitors can be photographed while on the Skywalk from a group member that is not on the Skywalk. In addition, a photo opportunity is available with authentic Hualapai Tribe members is included with every tour package, and photos can be purchased afterward. Operation Hours of the SkywalkAlthough Grand Canyon West is open and accessible year-round, and the Skywalk is open from dawn until dusk, hours of operation for Skywalk vary depending on time of year. During Winter (mid-October to mid-April), the Skywalk is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. During Summer (May 1 to mid-October), the Skywalk is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. History of the Skywalk BridgeThe Grand Canyon Skywalk cost $30 million to construct and was funded by Hualapai Indian tribe in partnership with Chinese-American businessman David Jin. Built to withstand 100 mph winds, the Skywalk’s frame was constructed with 100 million pounds of steel. Founder Jin describes his vision for the Skywalk this way: “Just like an eagle can fly into the Grand Canyon, my vision was to enable visitors to walk the path of the eagle, and become surrounded by the Grand Canyon while standing at the edge of the Glass Bridge. “The Bridge gives us a chance to share the wonder of the Canyon that the Hualapai Tribe has graciously offered. My dream was to find a balance between form, function and nature.” For more information: |
How long does it take to do the Skywalk at Grand Canyon?
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