Grand Canyon Skywalk Glass Bridge

Towering 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon is the $30-million Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway. Built in 2007, the Skywalk gives you the feeling you are walking on air. In fact, you’ll see some tourists anxiously grab the handrails with their eyes shut. Don’t miss the exhibits on Hualapai history inside the Skywalk building. 

Visiting Grand Canyon West, which is not part of Grand Canyon National Park, requires the purchase of a tour package for entry. A tour package must be purchased first in order to add any options such as the Skywalk, helicopter and boat rides, horseback rides and more.

Where is the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge?

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is NOT located near the South or North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Rather it is located at Grand Canyon West, on reservation land owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe.

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.

How to Get to the Grand Canyon Skywalk

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 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 to the Skywalk.

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@grandcanyonresort.com. 

Packages are available that include Park and Ride Shuttle reservations and Skywalk fees. One popular one is the Sky Package which includes roundtrip Park and Ride Shuttle, plus a walk out on the Skywalk. Other more advanced packages include horseback rides, river trips or helicopter tours.

Entrance Fees to the Grand Canyon Skywalk

A Hualapai Legacy Day Pass to Grand Canyon West includes an official Hualapai visitation certificate, photo opportunities with Hualapai tribal members and hop-on hop-off shuttle to all viewpoints, including Hualapai Ranch, Eagle Point, and Guano Point. It does not include a walk on the Skywalk. To walk across the Skywalk, you will need to pay for the Legacy Gold package that includes a meal. Order tickets online at grandcanyonwest.com

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 on the Skywalk

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.

Operation Hours of the Skywalk

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-April), 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 a.m. to 8 p.m.

History of the Skywalk Bridge

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.”

Enjoy your stay at the Grand Canyon!