There is no need to stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon for a thrilling view! The greatest attraction located directly on the rim of the canyon is the viewing platform called the Grand Canyon Skywalk! At 4,000 feet high, the glass-bottom viewing balcony, with its unparalleled view over the world’s primer natural beauty, is something you need to see to believe. Read on as we step onto this must-see glass bridge with the family.
Gazing at the Grand Canyon Skywalk from Eagle Point lookout
Grand Canyon West
Grand Canyon West and the Grand Canyon Skywalk are owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe, and are located on their reservation on the Western Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is important to note that Grand Canyon West is NOT part of the Grand Canyon National Park, and that both are separate entities, (and require separate visiting fees).
Above: View from Guano Point, Below: the fun Western Hualapai Ranch, the magical views from the bus, and the cafe at Guano Point
Grand Canyon West is a large attraction, and offers many experiences – such as several view points of the Grand Canyon, the Skywalk, a canyon view restaurant, a ranch with horse rides, and even overnight cabins. Upon arrival at the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center, you will need to park your car and then use a (very nice and convenient) bus system to access the property, and attractions. There are several packages, however the Legacy Gold Package is the Tour that includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Grand Canyon West is the closest, most accessible portion of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, Nevada. The Glass platform known as the Skywalk, has become the main attraction at Grand Canyon West, and it experiences over 1 million visitors annually.
The Grand Canon Skywalk
Under the (Glass) Bridge
The Skywalk is a see-through platform that is 10 feet wide, made of 3 inch glass, and jets 22 meters over the edge of the Grand Canyon. At the farthest point – guests stand 4,000 feet over the Grand Canyon void – offering a staggering, stomach turning view of Grand Canyon from soaring heights.
Looking down at the Grand Canyon Skywalk
The engineering marvel took over 3 years to complete and opened to the public in 2007. It is designed in part by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who also was the first person to ever walk on the Skywalk (of course!). Fun facts – The Skywalk cost over 30 million dollars to build, and weighs over 1,000,000 pounds.
The view from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. There was snow forecasted on the day we visited (thus the mats were placed partially on the glass below our feet for safety reasons).
Safety First
Nervous about walking on glass almost a mile above the Grand Canyon? Have no fear; the Skywalk is strong enough to bear the weight of seventy 747 passenger jets. It was designed to withstand winds of up to 100 mph, and earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8 on the Richter scale. There is a limit of 120 people on the Skywalk at a given time, for crowd safety reasons.
There is a railing as well as a glass wall that surrounds the Skywalk. It felt safe and comfortable during our visit, especially since the height of the glass wall came well past the height of our son – at 4 1/2″ feet high.
The day we visited they had
On the Edge – Grand Canyon Skywalk
This is NOT for the faint of heart. The view is staggering, and gravity altering. Looking across the canyon was amazing, but the sensation that you are floating above the 4,000 foot elevation was surreal. Our 5 year-old son handled the height and glass bottom view without any reservation – and loved looking down at the ground floor of the canyon below him. I on the other hand was scared to pieces. I have a crippling fear of heights and I could not even think of looking down (and was scared I wouldn’t even make it onto the walk at all!). I really wanted to be part of this with the family – so one forced, very slow, step in front of the other I made it to the other side…. barely. I did NOT look down (not even once!) and left happy with my accomplishment of just having walked out at all.
View from Above
The view is incredible. Feeling as if you are engulfed from the canyon is a sensation that cannot be described. My husband and son thought it was absolutely incredible and my son said he felt like he was a superhero walking on air.
Before you Go
- Children are welcome on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, but must be old enough to walk on their own. Children may not be carried on the Skywalk for safety reasons.
- Grand Canyon West offers a variety of tours and packages. The Legacy Gold Package starts at $82 and includes The Skywalk, Hop-on, Hop-off bus that tours the property (and the amazing Guano Point viewpoint area). The Gold package also includes a meal.
- Reservations are not necessary, and you can easily walk in to the attraction with little or no wait.
- ALL personal items – including bags, cameras and cell phones, are strictly prohibited on the Skywalk for safety reasons. There are free lockers to place all of your belongings before entering the attraction.
- Fabric booties must be worn to cover your shoes while on the Skywalk (to protect the glass). The booties are one-size-fits-all, and fit our young son’s shoes fine.
- Photographers are stationed on the Skywalk for photos. Photo packages are available, and range from singular printed photos from $15 to all photos on a USB drive for $60.
- There are numerous snack and meal options throughout the property. For a memorable meal – eat at Sa’ Nyu Wa, which resides on the second level of the main building – overlooking the Skywalk, and Grand Canyon with floor to ceiling, jaw dropping windows.
- Bathrooms are available at all three of the experiences.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
- Eagle, Peach Springs, AZ86434
- (888) 868-9378
- Website for more information HERE
