Skywalk: The incredible glass platform that dominates the Grand Canyon
The Skywalk (literally "walk in the sky") is a glass and steel platform that soar
s into the void from the top of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Visiting the Grand Canyon Skywalk will therefore offer you an exceptional panoramic view. In this post, I will introduce you in detail to this spectacular attraction that you can discover during your stay in the American West.
On the agenda of this article
- An observatory more than 1,200 meters above the Grand Canyon
- The other viewpoints near the Skywalk
- How to get to the Skywalk?
- Skywalk timetables and prices
- Where to sleep near the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
- Useful information :
An observatory more than 1,200 meters above the Grand Canyon
The Skywalk is a large structure that takes the form of a horseshoe, and which extends for about twenty meters overhanging the void at 1219 meters above the Grand Canyon. The floor and part of the walls of the Skywalk are made of glass, and since no support is apparent, the view downwards is totally unobstructed, which really gives the impression of standing freely above the void. The glass of the structure is coated with an ocher color to blend as well as possible with the landscape of the Grand Canyon.
To visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk you will need to select the Skywalk option when booking your visit. So count about 96 $ per person all options included (standard entrance + Skywalk access + meal)
It was in 2004 that the construction of this unique attraction in the world was launched by the entrepreneur David Jin, who for the occasion invested more than 30 million dollars. The construction of this structure in the heart of a region that is considered sacred by the Indians has created a lively controversy. An agreement was finally made with the members of the Indian tribe of the Hualapai, planning to donate 50% of the site's revenue to them for 25 years, a very important source of income for this tribe, which lives mainly on income from tourism. After more than 4 years of work, the Grand Canyon Skywalk opened its doors in 2007.
Today, the Skywalk is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado. This family activity is accessible to all and allows you to appreciate the vastness of this site in a unique and new way.
Please note that there is no single ticket to access the panoramic platform, and this activity can only be done during a visit to the Hualapai Indian Reservation, sometimes also combined with other activities.
The other viewpoints near the Skywalk
Visiting the Grand Canyon Skywalk is the most popular and spectacular activity on this site, but other attractions are also accessible:
Guano Point, which is about 3 km north of Skywalk and offers an even more impressive view of the landscape than Eagle Point.
Native American Village, which allows you to discover a traditional habitat of the Hualapai Indians.
Hualapai Ranch, a reconstruction of a Wild West village which is a real small amusement park with games, street performances, shops, restaurants... The most popular attraction of this site is the Zip Line which soars above a secondary canyon more than 150 meters above the ground.
Eagle Point, a famous viewpoint of the Grand Canyon, located right next to the platform.
Hualapai Ranch, a reconstruction of a Wild West village which is a real small amusement park with games, street performances, shops, restaurants... The most popular attraction of this site is the Zip Line which soars above a secondary canyon more than 150 meters above the ground.
Eagle Point, a famous viewpoint of the Grand Canyon, located right next to the platform.
Hualapai Ranch, a reconstruction of a Wild West village which is a real small amusement park with games, street performances, shops, restaurants... The most popular attraction of this site is the Zip Line which soars above a secondary canyon more than 150 meters above the ground.
Eagle Point, a famous viewpoint of the Grand Canyon, located right next to the platform.
How to get to the Skywalk?
Visiting the Grand Canyon Skywalk will mark a milestone on a road trip through the American West. The platform is not located directly in Grand Canyon Park above the main canyon, but at the top of one of the secondary canyons of Grand Canyon West (West Rim). The Skywalk is located at Eagle Point on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, an area that spans over 400,000 acres from the Supai Reservation to the western end of the Grand Canyon.
The entrance to Grand Canyon West is located between Las Vegas and Kingman on US93. It takes about 2 hours to drive to the Skywalk platform from either of these two cities.
From Grand Canyon Village, which is located about 150 km away, there is no direct road connecting it, and the trip takes about 4 hours.
On site, access to the Skywalk is from Peach Springs. Visitors must leave their vehicles there in a parking lot located at the entrance to the reserve, then reach the platform, other viewpoints such as Guano Point, or the Hualapai Ranch using shuttles.
It is also possible to go on excursions from Las Vegas, to reach the Skywalk and discover Grand Canyon West by bus or helicopter in particular.
Skywalk timetables and prices
The Grand Canyon Skywalk platform is accessible every day of the year:
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. between April and September
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. between October and March
From Las Vegas, choose the Grand Canyon West Bus Tour with Skywalk Access. The advantage of this excursion is that you do not have to be on a road trip. Count approximately around 120 $per person.
Where to sleep near the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
If you are wondering where to sleep at the Grand Canyon, know that the accommodations closest to the observation platform are located in the heart of the reserve, right next to Grand Canyon West Airport:
Cabins at Grand Canyon West, the ranch hotel, has several dozen well-equipped cabins where you can spend a comfortable night in a 100% western atmosphere.
Hualapai Lodge is a very charming hotel located on Route 66 in Peach Spring, about thirty kilometers from the Grand Canyon. Equipped with a swimming pool, a restaurant and a gym, it offers large and very comfortable rooms.
Outside of the reserve, the town of Peach Spring, which is just under a two-hour drive from the Skywalk, is where you can find the closest accommodations to Grand Canyon West. If you are more attracted to big American cities, find out where to sleep in Las Vegas with us
Useful information :
Even if this site is extremely touristy, its access is limited to 120 people at a time. This is why even if the wait can be a bit long, during your visit you will be sure to be able to make the most of the view.
The structure is 3 meters wide and is made up of a total of fifty glass plates. It was designed to withstand earthquakes and winds that can be quite violent at this altitude, but also to support a load of more than 70 tons.
Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photos on the platform. You will need to leave your smartphone and camera without a secure locker before entering the Skywalk. Photos of the site are sold on site.
To avoid leaving scratches on the glass floor of the platform, overshoes are provided.
The visit lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
