Grand Canyon Skywalk | Price, Tickets, and Hours

Home | Travel | North America | United States | Arizona | Grand Canyon | Grand Canyon Skywalk | Price, Tickets, and Hours

Thinking about stepping onto the Grand Canyon Skywalk? Before you get too excited, let me share my experience. I went in expecting an unforgettable adventure, a heart-pounding walk on a glass bridge 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. But, reality didn’t quite match the hype.

I don’t deny that visiting the Skywalk in the Grand Canyon is one of the most interesting things to do in the Grand Canyon. But let’s be honest; not everything is perfect here. So, allow me to walk you through my entire experience, sharing what I loved and what I found outright disappointing.

I’ll cover all you should know, from ticket prices to operating hours, directions, and more. I’ve also included some photos of the Grand Canyon Skywalk to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your bucket list. And don’t forget to refer to our guide on tips for visiting the Grand Canyon for more insights, especially if you’re planning to visit other areas of the canyon.

Guide to the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon West Rim

For reference, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is at Eagle Point Road in Peach Springs, AZ. Before you set off for the Skywalk, here’s a quick rundown of some facts you should know.

Guide to the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon West Rim

The bridge was completed in 2007 and was designed by the Hualapai Tribe, who own and operate the West Rim (that’s right—the Skywalk isn’t part of Grand Canyon National Park!). This glass horseshoe in the Grand Canyon was built to hold 71 million pounds and can withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake.

Keep in mind that visiting this sky bridge in Arizona also supports the Hualapai Tribe’s cultural and economic initiatives, which is why things here might feel a bit pricey. But don’t worry, I’ll dive into all the details. First, let me give you a quick overview of what to expect in this guide!

• What to expect from the Grand Canyon Skywalk and what the views look like
• Why can’t you take photos at the Grand Canyon Skywalk
• Grand Canyon Skywalk ticket price
• Grand Canyon Skywalk hours of operation
• How to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk
• My Skywalk review – Is the Skywalk worth it?

What to expect from the Grand Canyon Skywalk and what the views look like

If you’re planning a visit to the Skywalk, brace yourself for some disappointments. We visited with high hopes, thinking we’d get jaw-dropping views and a thrilling walk over the glass platform in the Grand Canyon. Instead, we were met with long lines, strict rules, and a surprisingly underwhelming experience.

What to expect from the Grand Canyon Skywalk and what the views look like

First things first, get ready for a lot of waiting. The line to even get to the Skywalk is long, and then there’s another line once you’re inside. And if you’re thinking of capturing some amazing shots with your phone or camera, think again. No personal photography is allowed on the Skywalk. You’ll have to store your belongings in a locker and rely on their photographers, who charge a hefty fee for photos. Talk about a buzzkill!

When we finally made it onto the Skywalk, it was… okay. Yes, the glass floor is clear, and it’s a bit nerve-wracking to look down and see the canyon below. But if you’re expecting those postcard-worthy, sweeping vistas of the Grand Canyon, you won’t find them here.

Why can’t you take photos at the Grand Canyon Skywalk

As I mentioned, you can’t take your own photos on the Grand Canyon Skywalk, and while they claim it’s for safety and to protect the glass bridge, it seems like more of a money-making tactic.

Why can’t you take photos at the Grand Canyon Skywalk

The ban on personal cameras and phones is supposedly to prevent accidental drops that could damage the glass, but it also conveniently funnels visitors into buying photos from their in-house photographers. You’ll find yourself paying $17 for each printed photo or $69 for a complete package of digital images. It’s a clever way to make extra cash off tourists who can’t capture their own memories of the experience.

We decided not to hire the photographer, thinking we’d save some money, but we ended up regretting it because, let’s be honest, we probably won’t be visiting the Skywalk again.

Grand Canyon Skywalk ticket price

Ticket prices for the Grand Canyon Skywalk vary depending on the package and any extra activities you choose. There are four different West Rim packages available, but only three include the Skywalk, and they range from $68 to $367.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• The Grand Package starts at $68 and includes General Admission and a Skywalk ticket.

• The Grander Package starts at $93 and adds a meal ticket to the General Admission and Skywalk access.

• The Grandest Package starts at $367 and goes all out with General Admission, a Skywalk ticket, a helicopter flight, and a pontoon ride.

• The Grandiose Package starts at $429 and includes guided whitewater rafting along the Colorado River, a hike to Travertine Falls, and lunch on the banks of the river. The Skywalk experience is not included in this package.

If you’re just interested in the Skywalk itself, tickets start at $28. However, when you add the Grand Canyon entrance fee or “General Admission” to the West Rim (which is required for all visitors), the total comes to $68 per person, which is basically the Grand Package. So, for a family of four, you’re looking at about $272, plus another $23.12 in taxes! At these prices, you might need pockets as deep as the canyon itself just to cover the cost of a quick visit.

And remember, this is only the base price! Ticket prices can vary depending on when you’re visiting and how far in advance you book your tickets. If you’re planning a summer trip, expect it to be more expensive.

Grand Canyon Skywalk hours of operation

Grand Canyon West is open every day of the year, including all major holidays, so you can visit anytime. The Grand Canyon Skywalk hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.

Just a heads-up: the last tickets are sold at 5:00 p.m. from March to November, with some adjustments as daylight hours change throughout the year.

And don’t forget to check the Grand Canyon hours if you’re planning to visit other parts of the Grand Canyon, like the South or North Rims.

How long does it take to visit the Skywalk?

When you visit the Skywalk in the Grand Canyon, plan for the whole experience to take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the crowds. Start by parking your car and heading into the “Transportation Center” to buy tickets for the West Rim. The line here can be long, so save yourself the hassle and purchase tickets online in advance.

How long does it take to visit the Skywalk?

Next, you’ll wait around 20-30 minutes to catch a shuttle bus to the Skywalk, with the ride itself taking about 15-20 minutes. Once you arrive, be ready for another wait—typically at least 30 minutes, but this can easily stretch to 1 or 2 hours—before you get your turn on the Skywalk. Once you’re on the bridge, most people spend about 10-20 minutes, as it’s a bit small, but feel free to take your time and enjoy the scenery if you like!

This is the usual scenario for most of the year, but during peak tourist seasons, be prepared for anything—shuttles running late, longer-than-usual lines, and even fewer shuttles available. By the time you’re ready to move on from the Skywalk to the next stop, you might be pretty exhausted. So, I don’t recommend going in the summer.

How to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona

The West Rim is a relatively popular destination because it’s only about a 2.5-hour drive and around 130 miles from Las Vegas. That’s a big reason why many people choose this part of the canyon, operated by the Hualapai Tribe, over visiting the Grand Canyon National Park (South, North, and East Rims).

How to get from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona

Besides, the road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is a straightforward and scenic drive! Start by heading south on US-93. Continue for about 85 miles until you hit the turnoff for Pierce Ferry Road, which will take you toward Dolan Springs. After about 30 miles, take a right onto Diamond Bar Road. This will guide you directly to the Grand Canyon Skywalk location.

And if you have some extra time, I definitely recommend a quick detour to check out Hoover Dam and Lake Mead along the way. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans nearly 1.5 million acres with plenty of trails to explore. Even if it’s just a brief stop to stretch your legs, it’s well worth it!

Best Grand Canyon Skywalk tours

You can explore the glass bridge over the Grand Canyon on your own, but you can also choose one of the organized Grand Canyon tours to the West Rim.

Best Grand Canyon Skywalk tours

Here are three popular Grand Canyon Skywalk tours:

• This bus tour departing from Las Vegas is one of the best excursions to the West Rim. It includes visiting Eagle Point and Guano Point, with the option to upgrade for a Skywalk experience and even a helicopter ride.

• We took this helicopter tour and it was pretty amazing. It’s one of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas, perfect for those who want to see the Skywalk from above without dealing with long lines.

• If you’re already at the West Rim and looking for a more affordable chopper ride, book this helicopter tour. As one of the best Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tours, it gives you a fantastic aerial view of the Sky Bridge at the Grand Canyon.

Best hotels near the Grand Canyon Skywalk

By now, you might be wondering where you should stay after visiting the Glass Skywalk at the Grand Canyon. Good news! You can easily make it a day trip from Las Vegas, so there’s no need to spend the night at the West Rim. There are plenty of fantastic hotels in Las Vegas you can choose from.

However, if you’d rather stay closer to the action, there are some decent hotels near the Grand Canyon Skywalk as well. Here are two of the top hotels in the West Rim:

• The Cabins at Grand Canyon West can accommodate 6 to 8 people and come with a patio, private bathroom, and modern amenities. Moreover, each booking includes two complimentary general admission tickets to the West Rim, putting them among the best cabins in the Grand Canyon.

• Grand Canyon Western Ranch is another excellent choice. Its cabins, perfect for 2 to 5 guests, are close to the parking lot and are next to a restaurant, a beer saloon, and plenty of cowboy entertainment. It’s also one of the best hotels in the Grand Canyon.

Best restaurants near the Grand Canyon Skywalk

After the adventure, you can head to one of the restaurants near the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The top spots are the Hualapai Ranch Dining Hall and the Sky View Restaurant, two of the best places to eat in the Grand Canyon.

Best restaurants near the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Hualapai Ranch Dining Hall offers a quick, satisfying meal, though its vegetarian options are limited. If you’re looking for a more special experience, head to the Sky View Restaurant, where you can enjoy your meal with a view of the Skywalk. Just remember, neither of these places offers an extensive menu or gourmet dishes, but they’re great for grabbing a quick bite.

Other tips for visiting the Grand Canyon glass balcony in the West Rim

Before you finalize your plans for the West Rim Skywalk, here are a few handy tips to make your visit smooth.

Grand Canyon Skywalk parking

You can’t drive directly to the Skywalk. Instead, you need to use the large parking lot right at the West Rim entrance. Parking fees are covered in your admission package, so no worries there. After parking, head to the transportation center, where you’ll find a gift shop, ticket sales, and the main shuttle stop.

Grand Canyon West Rim shuttle to the Skywalk

Shuttles are the only way to get to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. They make three stops: Eagle Point (where the Skywalk is located), Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch.

A bit of a hassle, if you ask me! Even if you’re not interested in visiting Guano Point or Hualapai Ranch, you’ll still have to ride the shuttle there before you can return to the Visitor Center.

Grand Canyon West Rim shuttle to the Skywalk

There are no additional costs for visiting Guano Point and Eagle Point, except for the entrance fee. Hualapai Ranch also doesn’t charge for entry, but activities like ziplining and horseback riding do come with additional costs.

What to wear when visiting the Grand Canyon Sky Bridge

Check the weather before heading out. In warmer months, opt for lightweight clothes like shorts, a T-shirt, and a hat. For cooler weather, especially in the mornings or evenings, bring a jacket or sweater.

Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must, especially if you plan to explore trails or viewpoints after your Skywalk adventure. And don’t forget to include some extra layers in your Grand Canyon packing list, just in case the weather changes!

Also, be mindful of GCW’s dress code: avoid clothing with offensive graphics, excessive tearing, or items that are overly revealing. Shirts and shoes are a must at all times, and swimsuits should be paired with appropriate cover-ups. While on the Skywalk, you’ll be required to wear fabric shoe covers to keep the glass bridge clean.

Places to visit near the Grand Canyon Skywalk

There are a couple of places you can explore while you’re near the Grand Canyon Skywalk in the West Rim.

• Eagle Point: Right next to the Skywalk, Eagle Point offers one of the most beautiful views of the Grand Canyon. The viewpoint is named for its resemblance to an eagle in flight, so it’s a must-see.

• Guano Point: Just a short distance from the Skywalk, you’ll find Guano Point. It’s a great free viewpoint (after you’ve paid the West Rim entrance fee, of course) with amazing views of the Colorado River and the canyon walls. Honestly, I enjoyed the scenery here much more than on the Skywalk! Plus, you can spot some old mining equipment from here.

• Hualapai Ranch: Also known as Hualapai Reserve, this is more of a tourist spot than an authentic western town. You’ll find a variety of interesting spots and activities here, from a ranch-themed restaurant and shops to staged gunfights, wagon rides, and horseback riding—all for an extra fee. The zipline is a fun option if you’re up for some excitement, but just keep in mind it might be closed if the weather isn’t cooperating.

• Colorado River: For an extra thrill, I recommend river rafting on the Colorado River. You can take this helicopter tour, which takes you to the bottom of the canyon and includes a cruise along the river.

Best time to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk

I’d suggest visiting the West Rim Skywalk early in the morning or later in the afternoon—just keep in mind it’s only open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Around these times, the views are incredible, and it’s cooler during those hot summer months. Plus, you’ll probably deal with fewer crowds, meaning less time waiting in line!

Best time to visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk

Best time of year to visit Grand Canyon West & the Skywalk

Spring and fall are often considered the best times of year to visit the Grand Canyon. These seasons are generally less crowded than summer, so you can enjoy the Skywalk and other attractions without long lines, and the daytime temperatures are much cooler. If you’re visiting the Grand Canyon in winter, the Skywalk is usually open, but be prepared for possible closures due to weather conditions.

My Skywalk review – Is the Skywalk worth it?

To be honest—the Grand Canyon Skywalk wasn’t quite the adrenaline rush we thought it would be. We set off bright and early from Las Vegas in late August, hitting the road around 7:00 a.m., ready for an adventure. We even made a quick stop at Lake Mead to soak in some morning views.

With the sun shining and the weather pleasant (around 77°F), everything seemed perfect. But as we rolled into the parking area around 12:00 p.m., things started to take a turn for the worse.

First off, the lines were long—really long. We had to wait in line to get tickets (do yourself a favor and buy them online in advance if you’re planning to visit), then another line to board the shuttle to the Skywalk, and yet another line to actually step onto the Skywalk itself. We spent nearly 1.5 hours just waiting around!

The shuttle service was a particular pain point; three shuttles filled up completely before we could get on one. We waited about 30 minutes without seeing a single shuttle! When we did catch one, we had to stand for the ride because there weren’t enough seats available.

My Skywalk review – Is the Skywalk worth it?

Now, let’s talk about the Skywalk itself. The idea of walking on a glass bridge over the Grand Canyon sounds thrilling, right? But here’s the reality: you’re not hovering 4,000 feet above the canyon floor like the ads suggest. In fact, you’re only about 700 feet above a small plateau. Sure, it’s still high, but it’s not nearly as dramatic as you’d expect.

The Skywalk itself is smaller than we imagined, and with so many people crowded on it, it felt a bit like we were herded onto a tiny platform. Not exactly the peaceful, awe-inspiring moment I was hoping for.

We thought we’d be looking straight down into the vastness of the canyon, but it felt more like we were standing on a balcony looking over a ledge. To be honest, the view from the Skywalk doesn’t quite compare to what you get at the South Rim viewpoints.

And then there’s the cost. Visiting the West Rim isn’t cheap. You’ve got to pay about $50 just to enter—much more than the rims at Grand Canyon National Park. And you’ve got to pay separately for the Skywalk. Add in the average-at-best but still pricey food at the local restaurants, and printed photos, and the costs just keep piling up.

The view from the Skywalk doesn’t quite compare to the South Rim viewpoints

We didn’t stay overnight at the Hualapai Ranch cabins, though I’ve read in reviews that they’re clean and comfortable. The thing is, there’s just not much to do at the West Rim once you’ve walked the Skywalk and visited Eagle Point and Guano Point.

And then, of course, there’s the whole “no personal cameras” rule on the Skywalk. It felt like a bit of a cash grab, honestly. We skipped the photo part, thinking we wouldn’t need them, but now I somehow regret it. It would have been nice to have some memory of our visit, especially since I doubt we’ll be back anytime soon. So, if you’re going to do it, maybe just bite the bullet and get the photos.

The experience might be worth it if you’re short on time or just looking for a quick trip from Las Vegas, but if you’re looking for a more immersive Grand Canyon experience, I’d recommend skipping the Skywalk and visiting the South Rim instead. When you compare the West Rim vs. South Rim, the South Rim has so much more to explore—longer trails, more viewpoints, and it feels more like a true adventure rather than a tourist trap!

FAQs  – Grand Canyon Skywalk

Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions about the Grand Canyon West Skywalk:

And that wraps up our guide on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. I hope this has given you a clear idea of what to expect at the West Rim. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, just drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.

Enjoy your trip!