Located in the beautiful southwest region of the United States, the Grand Canyon is one of the most treasured tourist destinations in the world. It’s estimated that over five million people visit the Grand Canyon every year to experience the magnitude of this natural wonder. One of the more popular attractions within the Grand Canyon is the Skywalk.
The Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped cantilevered bridge that allows tourists to essentially hover above the vast canyon below. Here are nine reasons why the Grand Canyon Skywalk is such a popular hot spot for tourists traveling to the area and why you might want to consider it for your next trip:
1. It’s the World’s Highest Man-Made Structure
While the Skywalk might not be the best option for those who have a fear of heights, it’s remarkable to know that you’d be standing on the highest man-made structure in the world. Just imagine yourself walking onto that bridge and experiencing the Grand Canyon in all of its glory towering high above it. However, photography is prohibited on the Skywalk to eliminate the chances of anything falling into the canyon.
2. The Floor is Made of Glass
The floor of the Skywalk is entirely made of glass. There are five layers of glass that make up the floor, measuring 2.5 inches thick. This allows visitors to look at the Grand Canyon below them as well as around them, an experience you can’t get anywhere else. Visitors are required to wear fabric shoe covers in order to protect the glass from scratches and scuffs that could impede visibility when looking through the Skywalk floor.
3. You’re 4,000 Feet Above the Grand Canyon
The Skywalk is an astonishing 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon floor! It is one of the easiest ways to view the Grand Canyon without having to look at it from an overhead cliff. Although this height might rattle your nerves a bit, the bridge is attached to both the edge of the canyon and the Skywalk visitor’s building, where you can take pictures while marveling at the canyon below. This type of aerial view makes the Skywalk a truly unique experience.
4. It’s Fantastic for Thrill Seekers
If you’re looking for a fun and thrilling way to view the Grand Canyon, there is nothing quite like the Skywalk. The Skywalk isn’t for the fainthearted as its glass floor can make you feel as if you’re not standing on anything at all! You may need to remind yourself that your mind can play tricks on you as you walk across the translucent Skywalk floor. Also, the clear glass walls make it easy to feel completely exposed as you look at the expansive canyon around you. For ultimate thrill-seekers, you can even walk up to the edge of the chasm without guard rails.
5. The Skywalk is Affordable
Considering its size and magnitude, as well as the memories you’ll be making, the Skywalk is an inexpensive addition to your Grand Canyon experience. There are a variety of packages and deals available to those who want to visit the Skywalk, and you can bundle the Skywalk with other Grand Canyon tours in some cases. Booking a tour in advance can help you to skip the lines and get right to the excitement of this glass-floored attraction.
6. The Structure is Sturdy and Safe
Built with over 90 tons of German-made glass, the Skywalk is a sturdy and safe tourist destination for your family. You might be curious as to how many people can safely stand on this bridge without it becoming a problem. The Skywalk was designed to hold a staggering 70 Boeing 747 passenger jets without any ill effects. The bridge is securely bolted into the rim of the canyon and is continually monitored and checked by engineers to ensure its safety and stability.
7. It’s a Family-Friendly Activity
Children over the age of three are allowed on the Skywalk, so it makes for a fun-filled family activity while at the Grand Canyon. Children must be able to walk on their own in order to enter the Skywalk, as holding a child is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. If you happen to be traveling to the Grand Canyon with kids, you’ll want to add this thrilling attraction to your list of things to do! Despite its height, kids of all ages love the experience of the Skywalk and gazing into the canyon depths from above.
8. The Area is Rich in History
The land surrounding the Skywalk is blessed ground for the Hualapai people, who manage and collect the admission fees of those who are entering the Skywalk. Along with experiencing the actual destination itself, there is a lot of rich history and culture-specific to the Hualapai Tribe both inside and outside the Skywalk visitor center. You’ll often see members of the tribe performing traditional songs and dances for the crowds and sharing the message of beauty and fragility of the area.
9. It’s a Great Day Trip Idea for Las Vegas Tourists
Some visitors don’t realize that the West Rim of the Grand Canyon is just over two hours away from Las Vegas! With the Grand Canyon Skywalk located at the West Rim, it makes for a perfect day trip if you happen to be staying in Las Vegas and want to get away from the city for a little while. If you don’t have a car, there are several Grand Canyon Skywalk tours you can book that will pick you up from your hotel and include other exciting options like a thrilling helicopter ride over the canyon and a relaxing boat ride down the Colorado River.
The Skywalk is a tourist destination that you won’t want to miss. The fact that it extends nearly 70 feet beyond the rim of the Grand Canyon and has a secured glass bottom is why hundreds of thousands of people visit this hot spot every single year. Many people have the Grand Canyon on their list of things they’d like to see, and there is no better way to experience the canyon than the Skywalk. To learn more about Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, contact Gray Line Las Vegas today!