On the far western edge of the Grand Canyon is Grand Canyon West. The Hualapai Indian tribe owns this portion of the national park, and the main attraction here is the Sky Walk. The West Rim is arguably the most scenic of all parts of the canyon that is accessible to the general public. The Skywalk in particular helps bring it all into perspective in a very unique way, and the success of this attraction has exceeded everyone's expectations.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Skywalk (a.k.a. the glass walkway) is an engineering feat and an architectural marvel that came with a price tag of $31 million. It was designed to hold 100 pounds per square foot and is anchored 46 feet deep in the canyon's rock wall. In the name of public safety, the glass bridge is engineered to withstand an 8.0 earthquake and 100 mile-per-hour, multi-directional windstorms.

Both safely engineered and beautifully designed in the shape of a horseshoe, the Skywalk is a must-see when visiting Grand Canyon West. In the very near future it will become the cornerstone of a 100-mile development that is slated to include a museum, a VIP lounge, restaurants, hotel-resorts, a championship golf course and a movie theater. Many have complained that this will spoil the area's natural beauty. I disagree. The tribe is making every effort possible to integrate these facilities into the landscape and I believe they'll succeed based on the plans and models I've seen.

West Rim Cable Car?

To be included in this 9,000-acre development is a cable car that will transport visitors 4,000 feet from the top of the West Rim to the Colorado River. This may sound far-fetched, but so was the Skywalk when it was first proposed. Helicopters are currently the only way to get to the bottom of the canyon.

The land of Grand Canyon West has been home to the Hualapai Indian Tribe for untold generations. The tribe, its "capital" in Peach Springs, AZ, considers much of this area sacred. This designation has led to some division among the group, with more traditional members upset that tourism infringes on this special place. The majority, however, welcome tourism because it creates a much-needed economy where one didn't exist.

To get a better understanding of the Tribe, visit the Indian Cultural Center. It's right behind the Skywalk complex and features tee-pees and larger, fixed dwellings. There's also an outdoor amphitheater for performances like dancing and singing. You can see a native dancing in the picnic area, too.

Grand Canyon West Directions

If you are going to Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas or from Kingman, AZ, you will be taking Highway 93 to CR 7, which is also know as the Meadview turnoff. The last 10 or so miles of the road is dirt and very rough. I don't advise self-driving. If you do, rent a 4x4 SUV. It's also more expensive if you do it yourself. Frankly, tours, including West Rim airplane flights, are a more enjoyable, cheaper way to get there. Here's a short list of trips based on quality, safety and price (click link for more info).

West Rim Airplane West Rim Airplane Skywalk West Rim Bus West Rim Helicopter Bottom Landing Tour West Rim 1-Day Smooth-Water Rafting w/ Helicopter

The Grand Canyon is the only member of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World that's in the U.S. To truly interact with the canyon, however, you've got to go to Grand Canyon West. It's the only place with a Skywalk. And nowhere else can you helicopter to the bottom and enjoy a boat ride on the Colorado River. Now that's the kind of stuff that belongs on everyone's list of things to do!

Have a GRAND day,