The Grand Canyon is an impressive sight, whether you are exploring it from the Rim's many viewpoints or exploring it from its base, venturing down one of the gorge trails. But there is another incomparable way to see the Grand Canyon and it is from the Grand canyon skywalk, a suspended glass platform that offers incredible and unforgettable views.
What is the Skywalk?
Il Grand canyon skywalk it is a horseshoe-shaped platform that overlooks the west side of the gorge and allows you to see the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon from above.
It is a major attraction in Arizona and is located in the park Grand Canyon West, in the Hualapai Indian Reservation, outside the Grand Canyon National Park. In fact, the annual park card is not valid to access it. The closest and most important city is Kingman.
The attraction was opened to the public on March 20, 2007. It is an innovative structure, built of glass, which protrudes more than 22 meters from the edge of the canyon and is located about 350 meters above the Colorado River, with a void between the walkway and the underlying rock walls of 240 meters. The transparent floor and railings allow visitors to enjoy exceptional views of the canyon and Colorado River.
Although made of glass, the platform was designed to withstand gusts of wind of up to 100 miles per hour, as well as earthquakes of magnitude 8.0. It can support the weight of several hundred people (about 800 people), but only 120 people can access it at the same time. The platform weighs 500 tons and the glass of the walls and floor is more than 10 cm thick.
How to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
The visit is subject to charges and it is possible to do it by purchasing one of the packages at the park entrance, or online, saving on the normal package prices. You can also book one of the various tours available in advance that also provide transportation from Las Vegas to the Skywalk.
You have to leave your car in the parking lot and then take the shuttles that run every 15 minutes to access the various activities and places. In addition to Grand canyon skywalk, the site also consists of 2 famous viewpoints (Eagle Point e Guano Point) and an Indian village. All points can be reached easily with the park shuttle.
During the visit it is necessary to comply with the park regulation. Additionally, every visitor must wear special felt protection on their shoes while walking on the Grand Canyon Skywalk to avoid scratching the glass floor.
Some restrictions:
- Personal effects are not allowed on the deck. Cameras and cell phones, as well as bags and backpacks, must be stored in a locker.
- It is forbidden to take photographs on the Skywalk boardwalk. For a souvenir photo you will have to rely on the photographers in charge. A souvenir photo costs around $ 30!
- The duration of the visit is limited to 15-20 minutes.
Opening hours
Grand Canyon West is open every day, including all major holidays. The park opens at 7:00 in the morning, while it closes at 19:00 in the afternoon. The park can be accessed until 16:30 pm, after which the ticket office will be closed. It is important to remember that Arizona does not observe daylight saving time.
Package prices for the visit
To access the area you must pay the entrance ticket. L'Annual Pass or park card is not valid for access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Are available various packages to access the park.
Hualapai Legacy Skywalk - cost 88 dollars or 69 dollars if purchased online
The Hualapai Legacy Day Pass Package includes: Grand Canyon West park admission; access to all three extraordinary viewpoints: Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Ranch; shuttle transport and Skywalk ticket.
Hualapai Legacy Gold - cost 91 dollars or 81 dollars if purchased online
The Hualapai Legacy Gold package includes: Grand Canyon West park admission; access to all three extraordinary viewpoints: Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Ranch; shuttle transport; ticket to the Skywalk and a meal at one of the three viewpoints
Hualapai VIP - cost $ 281 online only
The Hualapai Legacy Gold package includes: Grand Canyon West park admission; access to all three extraordinary viewpoints: Eagle Point, Guano Point and Hualapai Ranch; shuttle transport; Skywalk ticket; a tour guide; a gift from Native Americans and a meal at one of three viewpoints
Book and purchase your Grand Canyon Skywalk ticket in advanceHow to reach us
Grand Canyon West is easily accessible by plane with the Grand Canyon West Airport terminal, by car o with various organized tours. Primary access to the site is along US93, between Kingman and Las Vegas.
The West Rim of the Grand Canyon is easily accessible by car from Las Vegas (2 hours) or from Phoenix (less than 4 and a half hours). From Grand Canyon West to the town of Peach Springs, located on historic Route 66, it takes less than two hours.
from las vegas you must take US-93, then turn left onto Pierce Ferry Road and proceed for 28 miles, also passing Dolan Springs. Then turn right onto Diamond Bar Road, heading towards Eagle Point Rd.
THEaddress of the Grand Canyon Skywalk, if you arrive by car and want to enter it on your smartphone or navigator, it is: Eagle Point Rd, Peach Springs, AZ 86434
Accomodation
The prices of hotels and hotels within the park are quite high. If you want to save on hotel accommodation it is advisable to book or a hotel to Las Vegas, from where organized tours also depart, or in the nearby Kingman city.
Organized tours
