Another Way To See Grand Canyon
Several years ago, I read about a new attraction that was scheduled to open at Grand Canyon: a glass-bottomed bridge called Skywalk that would jut 65 feet (20 meters) out, and 3800 feet (1158 meters) above, the canyon.
When I got to Grand Canyon South Rim (the section of Grand Canyon where most tourists go), I was a little disappointed to learn that, although it had opened as planned, the Skywalk was not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. It was actually over 250 miles away, at what is known as Grand Canyon West, and is operated by the Hualapai Indian tribe. That meant my National Park entrance fee wasn't any good there, and it meant an additional day's drive, which included almost an hour on an unpaved, bumpy road that was killer on my car. I decided to check it out anyway.
The Skywalk definitely offers a spectacular view; this must be what eagles see when they soar over the canyon. But it was smaller than I expected, and not all made of glass, as I had imagined. And, WAY overpriced. $20 parking fee + $30 entrance fee + $30 to stand on the Skywalk for 10 minutes -- that's a total of $80 bucks for a few minutes of enjoyment. They also don't allow cameras on the Skywalk itself (but are happy to take your picture and sell it to you for another 30 bucks). Things were also much more regimented and limited than at the Grand Canyon South Rim, where the parking and transportation were free and plentiful, and which had dozens of activity options to do at your own pace.
The Skywalk over Grand Canyon West: cool but overpriced
I'm glad I experienced it once, and if the Skywalk concept intrigues you, then Grand Canyon West is the place to go. But if you just want to experience the majestic Grand Canyon, skip the Skywalk and head for the old standby South Rim area. It's a much better deal.
I am surprised to learn that the entire walkway is not made of glass. But,
of the part that is--did you look down? How was that? Scary?
Dale: Yes, you can look down easily through the glass floor, and for
me it didn't feel scary at all. The floor WAS all glass, but it was
horseshoe shaped, so it was really only a narrow strip of glass, and the
side walls were not all glass (as can be seen in the picture). Somehow, I
had it in my head that the entire structure would be glass. It was more
interesting for me to look out over the edge, which was pretty cool and
better than looking down through the glass bottom. Also, the day I was
there, it had just rained that morning and the glass floor was very wet, so
they had to put down rubber mats for people to walk on, so you weren't
actually walking on the glass itself, just on the mats, which took away
some of the fun.
That is absolutely highway robery. It must be beautiful, but the experience
and pics you got on the other Blog are all you needed. That just is unfair
to charge that much for a view. Thanks for the warning.
Hi Bash - your photos are marvy, as usual. The Grand Canyon knocked me out
the first time I saw it at age ten, and it always takes my breath away.
Thanks for the views and the 411 on the "glass" bridge. xxxoooGAZ
HEY!! I just saw that you will be in my neck of the woods! Let me know when
you will be at Eva's or wherever you all are getting together. I would love
to see you. Plus, Christina LOVED my dog Dakota (don't know if you heard
she passed in February) and was very sad to hear she is gone. BUT I have a
new, adorable puppy that I know Christina would love to meet. So, clue me
in at least for Chrissy's sake, okay??
Seems by the time they get people there, you're already invested so much
time and expense, you're roped into going for it, rather than just turning
around and leaving. I wonder if people stop there first, they get so turned
off by the expense, they don't go to the other rim, which seems such a
better experience. Sharon