If hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon isn’t your thing, take in the sights of the Grand Canyon from a glass-bottomed observatory instead.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk offers views of the western edge of the canyon from a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that stretches 70 feet over the canyon’s rim. The view overlooks the canyon floor at an altitude of 4,000 meters.
The Skywalk at Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in northwest Arizona offers a different experience than the Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to the glass bridge, Grand Canyon West offers activities such as ziplining, rafting, helicopter tours, and pontoon boat tours.
Here’s a complete tourist guide to the Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West.
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About the Grand Canyon Skywalk
The Grand Canyon Skywalk in Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation about 120 miles north of Kingman and 386 miles from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The glass bridge is accessed from the Eagle Point Road building directly facing the Skywalk. To get there, you have to take the free shuttle bus from the parking lot to the Skywalk entrance. The Hualapai Tribe does not allow private vehicles on the Skywalk.
What is the view like from the glass sidewalk?
From the platform, visitors can overlook the valley of Eagle Point, named for its resemblance to an eagle in flight.
Under the glass you can see part of the rocky canyon bottom.
Please note that you will be sharing the Skywalk with dozens of other visitors. The Grand Canyon West website touts the glass bridge as being strong enough to support the weight of 70 Boeing 747 jumbo jets at full capacity, but not for those with a fear of heights. The experience can be overwhelming.
How long does the Grand Canyon Skywalk take?
Allow at least 3 hours to experience the Grand Canyon West and Skywalk.
In addition to the Skywalk, Grand Canyon West offers canyon vistas, Hualapai Point and Guano Point hiking trails, rafting along the Colorado River, helicopter and pontoon boat tours, Native American cultural experiences, and ziplining.
Grand Canyon West has 4 places to shop. Skywalk main terminal gift shop, Hualapai Trading Post at Hualapai Point, Guano Point jewelry/gift shop and Native American Flea Market.
What are the restaurants at Grand Canyon West?
Grand Canyon West has 4 restaurants:
Skyview Restaurant: Overlooking the Skywalk, it serves dishes such as steaks, chicken bowls and chicken tenders. Vegetarian options are also available. Open daily from 9am to 4:15pm.
Skywalk Cafe: A restaurant where you can take out cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken tenders. Open daily from 9am to 4:15pm.
Guano Point Cafe: A takeaway restaurant serving a limited menu of barbecued dishes such as pulled pork and flame-broiled chicken thighs. Open daily from 9am to 4:15pm.
Gwe Majo: The restaurant serves dishes based on traditional Hualapai Indian recipes such as fried bread tacos and Hualapai Pinion Stew. Breakfast is available from Wednesday to Saturday. Open daily from 8am to 4:30pm.
Grand Canyon West does not allow outside food or beverages.
How much are Grand Canyon Skywalk tickets?
Grand Canyon West uses dynamic pricing. Ticket prices vary according to demand. Admission to Grand Canyon West and Skywalk are priced separately, starting at $49 and $26 per person respectively, for a total of $75 for both attractions.
The Grand Package includes Grand Canyon West general admission and access to the Skywalk, starting at $64 per person.
Additional fees apply for experiences such as ziplines and helicopter tours.
Tickets are available at grandcanyonwest.com/tickets.
Why can’t I take pictures on the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
For safety reasons, such as the protection of the glass bottom of the platform, visitors are not allowed to bring cameras, mobile phones or other personal items. You must store your belongings in a locker before entering.
The only way to take pictures on the Skywalk is with a professional photographer. The digital photo package is $69 and is on a USB stick. According to Grand Canyon West staff, printed photos are not available.
Is the Grand Canyon Skywalk the same as Grand Canyon National Park?
No, the Hualapai Nation’s Grand Canyon West is a separate attraction from the National Park Service’s Grand Canyon National Park and is located in the ancestral homeland of the 11 tribes.
Grand Canyon National Park consists of the North and South Rims of the canyon. The South Rim is a 386-mile drive from the Skywalk and the North Rim is a 693-mile drive from the Skywalk. Admission to the national park is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
The Grand Canyon West is not a National Park Service site, so the America The Beautiful Pass or any other national park pass is not accepted for admission.
How far is it from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
According to Google Maps, the Grand Canyon Skywalk runs from downtown Phoenix via Interstate 10, Loop 303, Route 60 (later Route 93), Interstate 40, and Stockton Hill Road. 420 miles away.
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How far is it from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a 130-mile drive from Las Vegas via Interstate 515, Route 93, and Pierce Ferry Road.
What hotels and places to stay near Grand Canyon Skywalk?
Grand Canyon West offers RV parking for $22 per night for up to 3 nights. No hookups or dumps. Three of his other properties are within a 32-mile radius of the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
The Cabins at Grand Canyon West: Located at Hualapai Point, this complex features rustic cabins that sleep up to six people. The Standard Cabin includes his two bedrooms with one queen bed and a pull-out futon. The Upper Cabin has 1 Queen and 1 Full Bed, and the Cabin Suite has 2 Queen Beds. Some cabins have refrigerators and microwaves and porches with sunrise or sunset views. Free general admission to Grand Canyon West is included with his one-time when you book the cabin. Rates start at $219 per night.
detail: https://grandcanyonwest.com/stay/cabins.
Grand Canyon Glamping Resort: About 13 miles from Grand Canyon West, the property offers three types of accommodation: tents, tipis, and covered wagons. All rooms have heating and air conditioning. In-room bathrooms are available in teepees and covered wagons, and showers are available in covered wagons. Near the tent is an area with a bathroom and shower. Tents, teepees and wagons from $250 per night. Toilets are shared, no showers. From $350 per night for a wagon with shower.
detail: https://grandcanyonglampingresort.com.
Grand Canyon Western Ranch: About 22 miles from Grand Canyon West, this glamping resort has cabins with tents and beds that sleep up to six people. Cabin amenities include fireplaces, air conditioning, and bathrooms with clawfoot tubs and showers. For those wanting to immerse themselves in cowboy culture, book a guided ride or carriage for the chance to see buffaloes in the wild. Rates start at $250 per night.
detail: https://grandcanyonwesternranch.com.
Further afield, Meadview, about 55 miles from the Skywalk, has several motels and campgrounds. TripAdvisor lists at least 29 hotels in Kingman about 120 miles away, including Hampton Inns, Holiday Inns, Best Westerns and SpringHill Suites.
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Here’s where to contact reporters: Michael Salerno@gannett.com. follow him on twitter @salerno_phx.
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