Grand Canyon Skywalk, also referred to as the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, is located at Grand Canyon West, situated on Hualapai tribal lands, consisting of just less than 1,000,000 acres. It is approximately 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nevada, and about 70 miles north of Kingman, Arizona. Access to the Glass Bridge is also available through the Grand Canyon West Airport. The Skwyalk is a horseshoe shaped steel frame with a glass floor and sides that overhangs 70 feet (21 m) from the Grand Canyon's rim looking through down 4,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon. The Skywalk is most easily accessed through Kingman or Las Vegas as opposed to the more commonly visited South Rim accessed through Williams or Tusayan, AZ. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is both owned and managed by the Hualapai Tribe, therefore specific rules must be followed in order to enjoy this attraction. The tribe itself has about 2,300 members with Peach Springs on Highway 66 being the location of the tribal headquarters. The Hualapai Tribe also operates a hotel, restaurant, and gift shop in Peach Springs. If you want to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk, staying at a hotel in Las Vegas,NV or Kingman, AZ will put you in striking distance of this attraction.
Visitors are not permitted to drive themselves to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. A "tour package" offering everything from basic transportation to the Skywalk including photos with tribe members, to adding a river rafting or helicopter ride when visiting the Skywalk must be purchased to get to this part of the Grand Canyon. A minimum tour package is $68-$71 per person to interact with this attraction. There are several packages available that include meals, helicopter rides, and river rafting opportunities.
We recommend purchasing your tour package through one of the tour companies below. Many of the recommended tour companies upgrade the quality of transportation, provide knowledgeable guides, lunch, and even include other perks and types of tours at a reasonable price.
Cameras are not permitted on the Skywalk itself; however, visitors can still be photographed on the Skywalk by someone not on the structure. Additionally, tour packages include a photo opportunity with genuine Hualapai Tribe members, with the option to purchase photos later.
The Skywalk construction was completed and opened to the public on March 28, 2007, following four years of meticulous engineering efforts. Using a combination of modern techniques and ancient methods, the engineers implemented the rod and plate method, reminiscent of the one used in the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, to extend the Skywalk out over the Grand Canyon's edge. This innovative approach allowed for an unobstructed view from the bridge, providing visitors with a breathtaking experience.
The foundation of the Skywalk was carefully constructed by anchoring support beams deep into the red limestone bedrock of the site, acting as counterweight rods. This strategic placement allows the Skywalk to delicately extend beyond the canyon's edge without requiring direct support from underneath. To ensure structural integrity, highly skilled craftsmen utilized 1.2 million pounds of steel and glass in the construction process. The bridge features specially designed glass units capable of accommodating up to 800 individuals simultaneously.
Moreover, the engineering prowess behind the Skywalk is evident in its robust design. The structure is engineered to withstand significant forces, including an 8.0 magnitude earthquake, wind speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, and the weight equivalent to seventy-one 747 airplanes. This remarkable engineering feat showcases the meticulous planning and attention to detail that went into creating the Skywalk, making it a remarkable modern marvel for visitors to behold.
The historical significance of Eagle Point and the Eagle Rock formation lies in the rich cultural traditions and legends of the Hualapai people. According to the Hualapai myth, a giant eagle played a pivotal role in saving the Hualapai tribe from a great flood that carved the Grand Canyon. This eagle is said to have turned into stone at Eagle Point and symbolizes the protection and guidance provided to the Hualapai people during times of peril.
The eagle rock formation at Eagle Point serves as a tangible connection to this mythological narrative, allowing visitors to witness and appreciate the integral role that the eagle plays in Indigenous cultures. Not only is the Eagle Rock formation a geological wonder, but it also represents the enduring spirit and resilience of the Hualapai people.
Visitors to Eagle Point can view the Eagle Rock formation from various vantage points, including the Skywalk and the Sky View Restaurant, where they can observe the awe-inspiring sight of the eagle preserved in stone. This iconic landmark serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between nature, mythology, and the cultural heritage of the Hualapai tribe.
Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Multi-Attraction Tours | Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Reserve Now Pay Later | Additional Tour Options Available | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Tusayan | Leaves from Phoenix/Scottsdale | Optional Ground Tour
Hotel Pickup | Breakfast Included | Professionally Guided | Leaves from Las Vegas
Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado Ri … More
Book the ultimate Grand Canyon getaway with this combo tour that begins with a helicopter flight from Las Vegas. Get a birds-eye-view of Hoover Dam and the Grapevine Mesa Joshua Trees en route to the West Rim. Then descend to the canyon floor for a pontoon boat cruise on the Colorado River. Finish with VIP access to the Skywalk, a glass-bottom deck that hovers above the sandstone walls. A souvenir photo and coach transfers are included. ** Please note: Effective for travel prior to April 1, 2024, the price displayed does not include a USD30 per person fuel fee. This fee is payable direct to the supplier on the day of your tour **
Leaves from Las Vegas | Multi-Attraction Tours
Visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon on this full-day tour from Las Vegas. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, passing by Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest on the way. At the Grand Canyon West Rim, enjoy four hours of free time to explore highlights like Eagle Point and Guano Point. On t … More
Visit the West Rim of the Grand Canyon on this full-day tour from Las Vegas. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, passing by Arizona’s Joshua Tree Forest on the way. At the Grand Canyon West Rim, enjoy four hours of free time to explore highlights like Eagle Point and Guano Point. On the way back, stop by the Hoover Dam bridge for photos.
Leaves from Flagstaff | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours
Private Tours Available | Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | Breakfast Included | Lunch Included | Leaves from Las Vegas | Family-Friendly
Leaves from Las Vegas | Breakfast Included | Lunch Included | Multi-Attraction Tours
Hotel Pickup | Lunch Included | Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas