Unveiling the Grand Canyon Skywalk: What to know for an unforgettable experience

If a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon isn't your thing, try seeing it from a glass-bottom overlook instead.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk offers the chance to see the canyon's western end from a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the canyon's rim. The view looks out over the canyon bottom 4,000 below.

The Skywalk, at Grand Canyon West on the Hualapai Indian Reservation in northwestern Arizona, is a different experience from Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to the glass bridge, activities at Grand Canyon West include zip lining, rafting, helicopter tours and pontoon boat tours.

Here's a complete visitor guide to the Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West.

Where is Grand Canyon Skywalk?

Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon West is on the Hualapai Indian Reservation about 75 miles north of Kingman and 236 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim.

The glass bridge is accessible via a building on Eagle Point Road that directly faces the Skywalk. Getting there requires taking a complimentary shuttle bus from the parking lot to the Skywalk entrance; the Hualapai Tribe does not allow private vehicles to drive to the Skywalk.

What does the view from the glass walk look like?

From the platform, visitors have an elevated view of the canyons of Eagle Point, named because it appears to resemble an eagle in flight.

Below the glass, they'll see a portion of the rocky canyon bottom.

Be aware you'll share the Skywalk with dozens of other visitors. Grand Canyon West's website touts the glass bridge as strong enough to support the weight of 70 Boeing 747 jumbo jets at full capacity, but the experience may be overwhelming for those afraid of heights.

How long does it take to do the Grand Canyon Skywalk?

Allow at least three hours to experience Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk.

Besides the Skywalk, Grand Canyon West has canyon overlooks, hiking trails at Hualapai Point and Guano Point, rafting along the Colorado River, helicopter and pontoon boat tours, Native American cultural experiences and a zipline.

Grand Canyon West has four places where you can shop: a gift shop at the Skywalk's main terminal, Walapai Trading Post at Hualapai Point, and a jewelry/gift shop and a Native American flea market at Guano Point.

What are the restaurants at Grand Canyon West?

Grand Canyon West has four restaurants:

Sky View Restaurant: It overlooks the Skywalk and offers dishes such as steak and chicken bowls and chicken tenders. Vegetarian options are available. Open 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. daily.

Skywalk Cafe: Grab-and-go restaurant with cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches and chicken tenders. Open 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. daily.

Guano Point Cafe: Grab-and-go restaurant with a limited menu of barbecue specialties like pulled pork and fire-braised chicken thighs. Open 9 a.m.-4:15 p.m. daily.

Gwe Ma'jo: This restaurant serves food based on traditional Hualapai Tribe recipes, such as fry bread tacos and Hualapai pinion stew. Breakfast is available Wednesdays-Saturdays. Open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted at Grand Canyon West.

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How much are Grand Canyon Skywalk tickets?

Grand Canyon West uses dynamic pricing: The ticket cost depends on demand. Admission for Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk are priced separately, starting at $49 and $26 per person, respectively, or a total of $75 for both attractions.

The Grand Package, which includes Grand Canyon West general admission and Skywalk access, starts at $64 per person.

Experiences such as zip lining and helicopter tours cost extra.

Tickets are available at grandcanyonwest.com/tickets.

Why can’t you take pictures on the Grand Canyon Skywalk?

Visitors aren't allowed to bring cameras, cellphones or any other personal items for safety reasons, including protecting the glass bottom of the platform. They must store their belongings in a locker before entering.

The only way to have your picture taken at the Skywalk is by a professional photographer. Digital photo packages are $69 and come on a USB thumb drive. Printed photos are not available, according to Grand Canyon West staff.

Is Grand Canyon Skywalk the same as Grand Canyon National Park?

No. Grand Canyon West, which is operated by the Hualapai Tribe, is a separate attraction from Grand Canyon National Park, operated by the National Park Service and located on 11 tribes’ ancestral homelands.

Grand Canyon National Park consists of the canyon's North Rim and South Rim. The South Rim is a 236-mile drive from the Skywalk, while the North Rim is a 393-mile drive from the Skywalk. Admission to the national park is $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.

Because Grand Canyon West is not a National Park Service site, it does not accept the America the Beautiful pass and other national park passes for entry.

How far is the Grand Canyon Skywalk from Phoenix?

Grand Canyon Skywalk is 262 miles from central Phoenix, according to Google Maps, via Interstate 10, Loop 303, U.S. 60 (which becomes U.S. 93), I-40 and Stockton Hill Road.

How far is the Grand Canyon Skywalk from Las Vegas?

Grand Canyon Skywalk is a 130-mile drive from Las Vegas via Interstate 515, U.S. 93 and Pierce Ferry Road.

What hotels and lodging are near Grand Canyon Skywalk?

Grand Canyon West offers RV parking for up to three nights for $22 per night; there are no hookups or dump stations. There are three other lodging options within a 20-mile radius of the Grand Canyon Skywalk:

The Cabins at Grand Canyon West: This complex on Hualapai Point offers rustic cabins that can sleep up to six people. Standard cabins include two bedrooms with a queen bed and a pull-out futon in each one. Upper cabins have one queen bed and one full bed, and cabin suites have two queen beds. Some cabins have refrigerators and microwaves and offer porches for sunrise and sunset viewing. Booking a cabin includes one free general admission to Grand Canyon West. Rates start at $219 per night.

Details: https://grandcanyonwest.com/stay/cabins.

Grand Canyon Glamping Resort: This property about 8 miles from Grand Canyon West offers three types of accommodations: tents, tipis and covered wagons. All have heat and air conditioning. In-room bathrooms are available in tipis and covered wagons, and showers are available in covered wagons. An area with bathrooms and showers is available near the tents. From $250 per night for tents, tipis and wagons with shared restrooms and no shower; from $350 per night for wagons with showers.

Details: https://grandcanyonglampingresort.com.

Grand Canyon Western Ranch: This glamping resort about 14 miles from Grand Canyon West has tents and cabins with beds that can sleep up to six people. Cabin amenities include fireplaces, air conditioning and bathrooms with claw foot tubs and showers. Those who wish to fully immerse themselves in cowboy culture can book guided horseback rides and wagon rides, where people have a chance to see wild buffalo. Rates start at $250 per night.

Details: https://grandcanyonwesternranch.com.

Farther away, Meadview, about 35 miles from the Skywalk, has a handful of motels and campgrounds. Tripadvisor lists at least 29 hotels in Kingman, about 75 miles away, including Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Best Western and Springhill Suites.

Reach the reporter at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @salerno_phx.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Grand Canyon Skywalk guide: Photos, tickets, how to get there, more