To experience the Skywalk in Grand Canyon National Park one needs more than just passion for travel and adventure. Hanging high above the deep chasm, the Skywalk isn’t an activity for faint-hearted.
Last updated: September 20, 2023
Experience Grand Canyon’s Skywalk
4,000 feet above the bottom of the Grand Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge takes you to the realm of weightlessness. It makes you feel like an eagle spreading its strong wings and majestically soaring above one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
Like a visit to Grand Canyon National Park, the experience at the Skywalk is nothing short of the world’s wonder. Opened in 2007, the 10-foot-wide bridge extends 70 feet out over the edge of the Grand Canyon and is capable to hold the weight of seventy 747 passenger jets.
Bearing this in mind, you don’t need to worry about walking on the glass surface, towering over one of the deepest canyons in the world. But let’s be honest, you completely forget all these impressive facts as soon as you step on the bridge.
When you experience the Skywalk for the first time, fear and uneasiness fill your heart. Standing on the bridge, I couldn’t let go of its handrail until an Asian lady, not willing to move forward, forced me to walk to the opposite side. This was exactly what I needed to let go of the fear and experience the architectural marvel to the fullest.
How to Visit Skywalk
The thrilling Skywalk experience comes in a package. While you might enjoy the west side of the Grand Canyon by purchasing less expensive tours, the Skywalk has a separate price tag, starting at $26.
At the time of our visit, Legacy Gold Package was one of the best options. It included access to the glass bridge, admission to Hualapai tribal lands, and a ride on a hop-on-hop-off shuttle to 3 main viewpoints.
The package also ensured lunch at one of three small cafes at every viewpoint. The highlight of the tour, however, was the opportunity to walk across the glass bridge, hanging over the deep chasm.
How to Photograph the Bridge
To avoid any accidental drops of personal items in the Grand Canyon or on the glass surface, you are asked to leave all your personal belongings in locker rooms before entering the bridge. Unfortunately for both skilled photographers and amateurs, all cameras and camera gears go in those safety deposit boxes as well.
Any kind of photography on the Skywalk is strictly prohibited. This rule also applies to always handy iPhones and smart phones.
Despite the strict regulations, you won’t leave without any photos. Combining your preferences with their professional skills, a few professional photographers accommodate you with capturing your Skywalk experience.
Even if you are on a budget, take advantage of this opportunity and make sure to ask to take as many pictures of you as you only wish. Here’s why.
After taking a quick glance at your photos at a gift shop located near the exit of the bridge, you have two options. First, all visitors can purchase their printed pictures for approximately $16 a piece. Second, you can get a USB flash drive (the price is included in the total amount) with all your pictures together with a bonus pack of 20 pictures of the Skywalk for a little bit over $65. Not a big price for such a worthy experience!
Is Skywalk Experience Worth It?
Still fired up by the images of the deep abyss underneath my feet, I encourage you to experience the Skywalk at least once. Yet I must admit, with all its uniqueness and adrenaline rush, the Skywalk is not for everyone. If you’re one of those people who prefer to keep their feet on the solid ground, just stick to admiring the glass bridge from a distance.
What an exhilarating experience! The photos are awesome, so clear and sharp. Thanks for sharing this dear, wish I had a chance to see the Grand Canyon.
Author
Plan another trip to the USA, Mercy, and include the Grand Canyon on your itinerary 🙂
I’ve always wanted to do this! I think it looks like such a fun experience. I definitely get why they make you leave all of your stuff in the lockers, but that’s still a bummer that you can’t take your own photos. But still, I agree that this is a must do, at least once!
Author
Yeah, it could be so much better if you were able to take your own pictures. But hey, sometimes the things don’t go your way 🙂