Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Hualapai people invite you to visit the Grand Canyon's western rim for an unforgettable experience. Their new Skywalk, opening in January 2007, literally takes you over the edge and back. From its U-shaped glass walkway, visitors step 70 feet out from the rim's edge for an unobstructed view of the vertical walls of the canyon and the Colorado River 4,000 feet below.

The Skywalk structure is cantilevered, or supported only on one end. The glass walkway measures ten feet wide and is flanked by five-foot high glass rails to protect viewers. This uniquely-designed platform is composed of special translucent glass panels which are several inches thick and bonded together by special connectors. Should the surface become marred by foot trafic, the top layer of tempered glass is replaceable. In order to prevent slipping and to help prevent damage to the walkway surface, special shoe covers are provided. Guests are given the footwear as a souvenir of their canyon adventure. The skywalk is designed to withstand winds up to 100 mph and an 8.0 earthquake. It is strong enough to support the weight of 72 jumbo jetliners.

Adjacent to the skywalk will be a new 6,000 square foot visitor's center to be opened later in the year. The three-story center will be home to a museum, cinema, VIP lounge, gift shop and several restaurants. One of the eateries has an outdoor patio with rooftop seating on the canyon edge,. Access to the skywalk is on the second level, and a trolley is located on the lower level.

In addition to the Skywalk, Grand Canyon West offers tours of authentic dwellings of Southwestern and Plains Indians, horseback rides or Hummer tours along the rim, Colorado River rafting, and helicopter rides. The Skywalk is located at Eagle Point, 72 miles north of Kingman. Grand Canyon West covers one million acres and is owned by the Hualapai Indian tribe. For tour information and prices, call 877-716-9378 or visit www.destinationgrandcanyon.com.