Tag: Grand Canyon

Some people don’t love the experience at the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The folks at travelonthedollar go so far as to call it a sham. They have a list of reasons why it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Here are a couple:

2. Parking at The Skywalk is provided but access to the Skywalk is only permitted by supplied coach buses. The cost of the coach ride $30, which will take you the Skywalk and two other viewing areas. There is also an additional fee of $45 for being on Hualapai land making the total cost $75 per person.

3. No personal equipment is allowed on the Skywalk and lockers are provided. No photographs may be taken by visitors on the Skywalk! However, up to three photography stations are installed. Photographs taken may be purchased in the gift shop at $29 each.

No photos is a deal breaker for me.

(previously)

Coming to a Grand Canyon near you — January 2006. Yes it’s true.

Grand Canyon Skywalk
Scheduled to open January 1, 2006
Hualapai Indian Reservation

• Juts out about 70 feet into the canyon, 4000 ft above the Colorado River
• Built with more than a million pounds of steel beams and includes dampeners that minimize the structure’s vibration
• Designed to hold 72 million pounds, withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake 50 miles away, and withstand winds in excess of 100 mph
• Has a glass bottom and sides…four inches thick
• Will accommodate 120 people comfortably (How comfortable would YOU be?)

(via Snopes)

Update: Here is another image of the Grand Canyon walkway, apparently from M.R.J Architects.

Update: Here is a photo of the finished skywalk: