Grand Canyon Skywalk – Why You Can’t Bring Your Camera
One of the most common questions visitors ask about Grand Canyon Skywalk is why they can’t bring their camera. The answer is simple: Glass.
The Skywalk’s 10-foot deck is made up of six layers of Saint-Gobain Diamant low iron glass and DuPont SentryGlas. Dropping your camera will damage the glass. The rule also extends to camcorder and cell phones.
travelers enjoy the thrill of walking on the grand canyon skywalk
Additionally, you will be asked to wear fabric shoe covers prior to stepping onto the Skywalk, which makes sense considering the surrounding terrain is dirt and rock.
Grand Canyon Skywalk shoe booties
This is not ordinary glass. The 46-glass floor panels are reported to have a production cost reaching $250,000 each, and can be scratched or damaged by falling metal objects. This glass is also used for the Bridge’s 5-foot, 2-inch wind-resistant glass railings.
So how do you get a picture of you on the Skywalk? Two ways: 1) Cameras affixed to the bridge; and 2) authorized photographers. Pictures taken by the stationary cameras can be purchased and picked up in the gift shop.
COSTS
You can purchase tickets to the Skywalk on site or have them included in your tour package. Current admission prices are:
Adult – $29.95
Child – 3-11 years: $22.46
Senior & Military – $26.96
You can stay on the Bridge as long as you want.
Looking at the West Rim from the Grand Canyon Skywalk
BACKGROUND
Grand Canyon Skywalk, elevation 4,770, is owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe and opened in 2007. The horseshoe-shaped glass walkway stands 3,600 feet above the Canyon’s floor – a height that exceeds that of the world’s highest skyscrapers. The Skywalk extends over a side canyon that offers unparalleled views of Granite Gorge, the main canyon that contains the Colorado River.
The Skywalk can support 100 pounds per square foot, as well as seismic shocks and strong winds. The walkway could carry 822 people that weigh 200 pounds each without overstressing the structure. However, maximum occupancy at one time of 120 people.
WRAP UP…
Grand Canyon Skywalk is a unique attraction. If you are visiting Las Vegas, I strongly recommend you see it. The views are incredible and the number of things to do is huge. Like most people, I’m not pleased with the no-camera policy. However, I understand why the rule is in place, and, becauase it enhances and protects the experience, I’m all for it. See it for yourself: Take a Grand Canyon bus tour to the Bridge, or drive yourself. One thing’s for certain: This attraction is here to stay. It’s simply waiting for you to enjoy it.
Filed under: Las Vegas Tours and Attractions
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The skywalk would be cool, but I plan to hike down the canyon, camp, then hike back up on my trip next year.
Thanks so much for answering this question. Many people, as you aptly point out, don’t realize that this structure is made of GLASS – that’s what makes it so cool! OK, so the Hualapai Tribe makes a few bucks off the souvenir photos they sell, but I don’t hold that against them what the poverty and unemployment they’ve had to content with. Also: a lot of Las Vegas Grand Canyon tours will include a complimentary souvenir photo with your package, so be sure to check on that when booking a tour.