A Bird’s Eye View - Grand Canyon Skywalk

For years visitors have stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon, peering out over the vast ravine. The fearless ones have even gone as far as to creep up to the very drop-off, their toes practically hanging over the edge. Countless millions have stood there and watched as eagles soared freely throughout the Canyon, unafraid to hurl themselves over the side and take to flight. Many have pondered the flight of the great eagle; just what does he see out there? They long to experience the Grand Canyon as freely as an eagle. It was with this thought that the Hualapai Tribe decided to build the Skywalk.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is truly an architectural feat. It protrudes a distance of 65 feet beyond the edge of the canyon. The floor and walls are built completely of glass that is 4 inches thick. This allows visitors to explore all angles of the Canyon from atop the Skywalk. Capacity is limited to 120 persons, although it is capable of holding 70 tons of weight. There is currently no time restriction as to how long visitors may stay on the Skywalk. The glass is tinted along the side, and is designated as a “safe zone” for scared visitors. At a height of 400 feet about the Canyon floor, scared visitors are a pretty common occurrence. Looking down through the glass floors or off the roofs of the world’s tallest skyscrapers pales in comparison to standing over 50 feet away from the Canyon’s edge, drinking in one of the seven greatest natural wonders of the world. Although it is not situated over the main canyon, Granite Gorge, it is in close proximity, so you can see the main canyon from the Skywalk.

For many the journey starts at the Grand Canyon West Airport, where the Hualapai tribe provides visitors with a bus service to the Skywalk. After the short drive, visitors may decide to only peruse around the area, or they may purchase a ticket to enter the Skywalk. Although many decide to travel from the airport by bus, it is also possible to drive to the reservation and park your car there for a small fee.

In addition the Skywalk, the Hualapai tribe has worked to help visitors have a variety of vacation options enabling them to learn more about the Native Americans who have inhabited the area for centuries. One such adventure is the exploration of Indian Village, where visitors receive a tour of a typical Indian Village, and are served traditional Indian food. A trip to Guano Point involves a long hike up to high ground, rewarded by an incredible view of the Canyon. At the Hualapai Ranch there is plenty to do for the whole family with cowboy games, wagon and horseback rides, and a corral. This area has so much to offer in the way of natural beauty, history, and fun. It is sure to be a vacation enjoyed by the entire family.