Need a break from the Las Vegas Strip? Take a Grand Canyon Skywalk tour. The "glass bridge" is only 120 miles away and offers you the chance to go 70 feet past the edge and be 4,000 feet above the churning Colorado River.
How to Get There
The most popular ways to get to the Skywalk include bus, helicopter, airplane, and rental car. The most economical option is the bus, which is a 2.5-hour trip. The quickest way is the 25-minute airplane flight. Helicopters take 45 minutes. The most expensive choice is rental car, the fees for which add up quick because you are required to use a sport utility vehicle (high fuel and insurance costs).
The route to the glass bridge includes Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the U.S.; Hoover Dam bypass bridge, officially known as the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge; and the Grand Cliffs wash. Bus tours include a Hoover Dam photo stop. The last 10 miles to Grand Canyon West is over rough dirt road. I suggest that self-drivers rent a vehicle with GPS.
Why the Glass Bridge is Unique
The Skywalk is an engineering and technological marvel. The glass-bottomed cantilever structure extends 70 feet into the canyon's chasm. Four-thousand feet below, the Colorado River roils. The bridge has been designed to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes and support 71 fully loaded 747 airplanes. Even though the bridge was built to hold 800 people, the maximum occupancy is 120. The glass walkway consists of 46 panels that cost $250,000 each. Cell phones and cameras are banned from the Skywalk in order to prevent chipping and scrapping. You must wear cloth booties as well. On site are professional photographers who will take your photo.
How Much Does It Cost?
Compared to other Las Vegas attractions, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a deal. There are three packages. You want the one called Legacy Gold. It includes Skywalk tickets plus unlimited access to Hualapai Ranch, Eagle and Guano Points, hiking trails, and the shuttle bus system. I've seen a lot of offers on the Internet that sell just Skywalk tickets. Don't be duped. You've got to get the pass, too.
I mentioned earlier that renting a car and self-driving to the Skywalk is the most expensive option. The least expensive and the most enjoyable is to take a tour. Trips include hotel shuttle service, all associated park fees, and tickets to the Skywalk. Grand Canyon West is also the ONLY place where you can ride a helicopter to the bottom of the canyon. This particular trip can also be upgraded to include a float trip down the Colorado River. Air tours take half a day. Bus and extended helicopter and airplane tours require a full day.
Summary
The Grand Canyon Skywalk is Las Vegas' greatest outdoor attraction. Located 120 miles away from Sin City, the glass bridge makes the perfect day trip. Grand Canyon views like this are few and far between. You get to walk 70 feet past the edge and immerse yourself in one of nature's greatest panoramas. Visiting the bridge is as simple as taking a helicopter, airplane, or bus tour. Then be prepared to be amazed.
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