STAND ON BRIDGE 4,000 FEET ABOVE CANYON

(Photo provided by Francis FoNgEtZ/Flickr)

One only has to see a photo or video clip of this attraction to be inspired and awe-struck, to experience an adrenaline rush and become speechless.

We're talking about the Grand Canyon Skywalk. It's such a unique attraction that it has inspired many to travel to Grand Canyon in recent years if for no other reason than to experience the natural wonder via this famous Glass Bridge.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is not located near the South or North Rim. Rather it is located at Grand Canyon West, an area owned by the Hualapai Tribe.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped walkway that extends almost 70 feet out into the Grand Canyon. Visitors on the Skywalk, which has a clear, 4-inch-thick glass bottom, peer over the railing, or down through their stance to see the Canyon and all of its 4,000 feet of vertical abyss. Although its weight capacity is stated to be 70 tons, permitted capacity is limited to just 120 people at a time. Visitors must wear special "booties" over their shoes so as not to damage or scuff the glass bottom.

The official website for the Skywalk is here.

The website describes the Skywalk: "The Glass Bridge at Grand Canyon West," and this is an apt description. Visitors seem as if they're tippy-toeing when venturing out on the Skywalk over the great abyss, an effect that is undoubtedly caused by being suspended some 4,000 feet over the Grand Canyon.

The Skywalk is owned and operated by the Hualapai Indian Tribe, and opened in March of 2007. Located along the Grand Canyon's west end, the Skywalk is about 120 miles east of Las Vegas, NV, and 70 miles north of Kingman, AZ. It can also be accessed via the Grand Canyon West Airport.

Entrance to Grand Canyon West is $25 per private vehicle. (Please note this is a 7-day pass and is the same pass offered at the South Rim and North Rim, so as long as your visit is within 7 days of when you purchased a pass for one of the aforementioned entrances, you will not be charged again)

Although Grand Canyon West is open and accessible year-round, and the Skywalk is open from dawn until dusk, hours of operation for Skywalk vary depending on time of year. During Winter (mid-October to mid to April 30), the Skywalk is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. During Summer (May 1 to mid-October), the Skywalk is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

It can be an adventure to get there, and it's not cheap. Still, it's a one-of-a-kind way to experience the country's most famous natural wonder.

By personal car or rental car, go to Kingman, AZ, in northwestern Arizona, which can be accessed by Interstate 40 or Highway 93. At Kingman, follow Highway 93/E Andy Devine Ave/B-40/Historic 66 for three or four miles, then continue on W Beale St/US-93 for a little more than 29 miles. Turn right at W Pierce Ferry Road and travel seven miles to Dolan Springs, where the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center is located. From there, it's 14 miles of unpaved, bumpy traveling to the Skywalk. As a result, visitors may choose to not continue with their own vehicle. (Low clearance and RVs should not proceed beyond this point). Visitors can take a "Park and Ride" shuttle/coach from the Welcome Center. Reservations are required, though, by calling 877-716-WEST, or email reservations@destinationgrandcanyong.com. Cost is $10 per person, per one way. Packages are available that include Park and Ride Shuttle reservations and Skywalk fees. One popular one is the Sky Package. For approximately $75.00-82.00 per adult, this package includes roundtrip Park and Ride Shuttle, plus a walk out on the Skywalk. A Kids version of this package runs about $57.00-$62.00 per child. Other more advanced packages include horseback rides, river trips or helicopter tours.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk cost $30 million to construct and was funded by Hualapai Indian tribe in partnership with Chinese-American businessman David Jin. Built to withstand 100 mph winds, the Skywalk's frame was constructed with 100 million pounds of steel.

Founder Jin describes his vision for the Skywalk this way: "Just like an eagle can fly into the Grand Canyon, my vision was to enable visitors to walk the path of the eagle, and become surrounded by the Grand Canyon while standing at the edge of the Glass Bridge.

"The Bridge gives us a chance to share the wonder of the Canyon that the Hualapai Tribe has graciously offered. My dream was to find a balance between form, function and nature…"

THINGS TO KNOW:
–WAITING IN LINES: Especially during peak season (Summer), visitors should be prepared to wait in line for their turn to experience the Skywalk. This is a popular attraction that is becoming only more popular.
–CAMERAS: No cameras are allowed out on the Skywalk, but visitors can be photographed while on the Skywalk from a group member that is not on the Skywalk. In addition, a photo opportunity is available with authentic Hualapai Tribe members is included with every tour package, and photos can be purchased afterward.
–NOT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE at this time.
–THERE IS NO TIME LIMIT for visitors on the Skywalk.