Grand Canyon Skywalk's Real Cost Of Admission

Visiting Las Vegas and considering a side trip to the Grand Canyon Skywalk? Excellent choice. The Glass Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in the world. However, it can get "pricey" if you overlook some of the fees involved. To help you budget, I've broken out its costs. Here's my list:

Parking Fee

The Skywalk is just 120 miles away from Las Vegas. By car, that's a 2.5-hour drive. Many people consider renting a vehicle. If you go this route, understand that the final 15 miles of road is dirt and requires a high-clearance SUV. Parking is mandatory.

Cost: $20 for the day.

Grand Canyon West Park Pass

The bridge is located at Grand Canyon West (a.k.a. the West Rim). This part of the rim is owned and maintained by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. To enter the reservation, you've got to buy a Legacy Pass:

Adults: $43.05

Kids (3-11 years): $35.03

Senior/Military: $39.85

The Pass includes unlimited shuttle bus use, which stops at the Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch.

Grand Canyon Skywalk Tickets

You are required to purchase tickets to access the bridge. Here are current prices:

Adults: $29.95

Kids (3-11 years): $22.46

Senior/Military: $26.96

Photography

The Tribe has banned cameras from the Skywalk. The stated reason is that they are protecting the glass deck from damage, the panels of which cost $250,000 each. The ban also applies to personal electronics like cell phones and video recorders. If you want a photo, the Tribe has hired professional photographers. They've also added cameras to the bridge itself.

Cost per photo: $30

Lockers

Lockers are available for your personal belongings (e.g. personal electronics). I've used them on numerous occasions and can vouch that they are secure.

Cost: $3

Fuel Surcharges

This fee is the result of the energy crisis of 2008. You might encounter it if you take a Grand Canyon Skywalk tour. It's typically mentioned in your trip voucher.

Cost: $10 to $25 depending on type of tour (e.g. bus, helicopter, airplane)

So, considering these fees, what's the Skywalk experience really going to cost you? Let's start with the fees everyone has to pay:

Park Entrance Fee: $43.05

Skywalk Ticket: $29.95

Total: $73

If you rent a car, add the following:

Rental Car (one day, Sport Utility Vehicle): $60

Gas (full tank): $50

Parking: $20

Total: $130

The popular alternative to renting a vehicle is to take an all-inclusive bus, helicopter, or airplane tour. Bus tours start at $95, helicopter tours at $375, and airplane tours at $200. Each can be upgraded to include a descent to the bottom or a boat ride down the Colorado River. Include free hotel pick up and drop off and lunch. Trip duration can take a full day depending on upgrades.

About the Skywalk

Here's some great bridge trivia that will enhance your visit:

1. More than 200,000 people visit it a year

2. It can support up to 800 people at one time

3. Maximum occupancy is 120 people

4. Can handle a magnitude 8 earthquak 5. Can withstand 100 mile-per-hour winds from eight directions

5. Extends 70 feet past the edge of the rim

6. Rises 4,000 vertical feet above the Colorado River

Open to the public in 2007, the Grand Canyon Skywalk has quickly become Las Vegas' top sightseeing excursion. Deservedly so, too, as there is no other attraction in Las Vegas that can equal it's uniqueness. Ticket prices are reasonable. However, the overall cost can add up fast if you don't weigh all of your travel options. I suggest doing your homework. Then be prepared to see the Grand Canyon in ways you never thought possible.