Grand Canyon Skywalk - The Reason Cameras Are Banned

The Grand Canyon Skywalk can stand up to pretty much anything Mother Nature throws at it. Magnitude 8 earthquakes. Winds in excess of 100 MPH. But show it a digital camera and the Skywalk tucks tail and quivers. These gadgets, you see, can scratch its surface and are thus prohibited from entering the attraction.

Granted, this is not ordinary glass. The deck, which is comprised of 46 glass panels costing $250,000 each, is made up of highly engineered Saint-Gobain Diamant low-iron glass imported from Germany. The guard-panels are made up of this material, too. Despite its high-tech upbringing, the glass is not scratch-proof, resulting in all guests putting their cameras and personal electronics inside a locker. You'll also be asked to put cloth covers over your shoes.

So how do you get a picture of you and your friends and family on the Skywalk? Two ways: 1) Cameras affixed to the bridge; and 2) authorized photographers. These digital photos are available for purchase in the souvenir shop.

Tip: The Skywalk extends easterly so it's a great spot for sunrise photos. I recommend that you get your picture snapped on the right side of the Skywalk as it shows off more of the canyon. Popular poses include lying down, leaping up, or forming a human pyramid. It's not uncommon to see people getting married here.

COSTS

You can purchase tickets to the Skywalk on site or have them included in your tour package. Current admission prices are:

Adult - $29.95 Child - 3-11 years: $22.46 Senior & Military - $26.96

You can stay on the Bridge as long as you want.

PACKAGE TOURS

Most Las Vegas-based tour operators are able to include tickets to the Skywalk in your tour package. This specifically applies to West Rim bus tours and helicopter flights. Discounts might be available if you purchase online.

GETTING THERE

The Skywalk is located in Grand Canyon West, also known as Grand Canyon West, which is located 120 miles east of Las Vegas. Drive time takes 2.5 hours. Typical routes follow Highway 93 South, passing Lake Mead, the nation's largest man-made lake, and Hoover Dam, before detouring down a 10-mile dirt road to the Canyon's edge.

BACKGROUND

Grand Canyon Skywalk, elevation 4,770, is owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe and opened in 2007. The horseshoe-shaped glass walkway stands 3,600 feet above the Canyon's floor - a height taller than the planet's highest buildings. The Skywalk extends over a side canyon that offers unparalleled views of Granite Gorge, the main canyon that contains the Colorado River.

The Skywalk can support 100 pounds per square foot, as well as seismic shocks and strong winds. The walkway could carry 822 people that weigh 200 pounds each without over-stressing the structure. However, maximum occupancy at one time of 120 people.

CONCLUSION

Grand Canyon Skywalk is a unique attraction. If you are visiting Las Vegas, I strongly recommend you see it. The panoramas are breathtaking and there's no limit of things to do. Like most people, I'm not pleased with the no-camera policy. However, I understand why the rule is in place, and, because it enhances and protects the experience, I'm all for it. See it for yourself: Take a Grand Canyon helicopter, tour to the Bridge, or drive yourself. One thing's for certain: This attraction is here to stay. It's simply waiting for you to enjoy it.