By Kathy Kindred
Canyon Skywalk Information
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, Arizona, is a horseshoe-shaped, glass-bottomed walkway and observation deck that jets out of a wall on a remote western edge of the Grand Canyon.
Construction
Anchored deep in limestone, the skywalk reaches out 60 feet beyond the canyon wall and is 4,000 feet above the canyon floor. According to Grand Canyon officials, it can support several hundred people and will withstand 100-mph winds.
Funding
The Hualapai Indians wanted to build the skywalk to generate tourism dollars, but they couldn't afford the $30 million price tag. Las Vegas businessman David stepped in and financed the project. The skywalk was given to the tribe in exchange for a portion of the profits.
Opening
Construction on the Grand Canyon skywalk began in 2005. It was opened to the public March 28, 2007. As of August 2009, about 200,000 people have visited the structure.
Cost
The cost to visit the skywalk on your own (not part of a tour) is $29.95 per person, plus 7 percent tribal tax, $3 fuel surcharge and an $8 impact fee.
Tours
The Haualapai Indian Tribe offers several tours of the skywalk and other area features. Land tours and helicopter tours offer the sights and sounds of traditional Indian cultural customs, such as tribal members dressed in traditional costumes. Visitors are allowed to take picture posing with Indian tribe members. Costs vary, depending on the tour.
Resources
About the Author:
Kathy Kindred began her professional editing career in 1995 at the "Kansas City Kansan." Other publications for which she has worked include "The Independence (Mo.) Examiner" and the "Kansas City Star." Kindred has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Kansas.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy of Canyon West
