Mar05
Published by Asya in Adventure, Extreme, North America, Photos, Relaxing, United States of America, Walking
Located at
Grand Canyon West on the
Hualapai Indian Reservation, the
Grand Canyon Skywalk is owned and operated by the Hualapai tribe, which is hoping for an economic boost from the new landmark. An engineering marvel or a colossal eyesore, the horseshoe-shaped glass walkway is jut out 70 feet beyond the canyon’s edge. Buttressed by 1 million pounds of steel and supporting 90 tons of tempered glass, the see-through deck give visitors a breathtaking view of the canyon.
The structure, consisting of a U-shaped cantilevered glass bridge jutting of the Grand Canyon, was dreamt up by
Las Vegas businessman David Jin. The
Glass Bridge Construction of the Skywalk began March of 2004 and is estimated to be completed by summer 2006. Astronaut
Buzz Aldrin lead the first walkers on the Grand Canyon Glass Skywalk in a private ceremony on March 28th, 2007.
The open-air skywalk extends 70 feet out from the rim of the canyon, where it’s anchored deep in the rock landscape. It will be open from dawn to dusk, and the price of admission is $25 per person. As many as 120 people will be allowed on the bridge at any given time; each will have to wear special shoe covers to prevent slipping and scratching.
Along with the
Skyway, the Indians are constructing a new visitors center, restaurant, amphitheater, authentic tribal dwellings and an arts and crafts market. Some of these are already in operation, as is the Hualapai Ranch, a western “town” offering wild-west performances, cookouts, and horseback and wagon rides along the Grand Canyon rim.
Most people will go out onto the skywalk to look down. Here’s an unexpected view, looking up from below the glass platform. A piece of glass between you and the
Colorado River almost a mile below. Think about..
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