As the tourist rush of Memorial Day approaches we feel it is our webic duty to remind you that at current prices, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a rip off.
We have gone over price before, $25 to glide across the u-turn glass bridge in doctor slippers, and $50 to enter Grand Canyon West, the piece of the Hualapai Reservation where the skywalk lives. However, now we have irrefutable video evidence that shows us what you get for your money. To us, charging $75 is at least $70 too much for this tourist trap. No wonder Grand Canyon Skywalk tries to ban cameras.
Oh, that zany Grand Canyon Skywalk. Gadling picked up a tourist's report that says cameras aren't allowed out onto the walk. We'd be inclined to agree, seeing as how you'll probably have to hock your camera to pay the $75 admission. (We even called up to confirm that, no, cameras aren't allowed.)
But then a Jaunted tipster (Thanks!) dropped some photos taken from the Skywalk in our inbox. Sure looks like some cameras got out there. If they won't let you out on the monstrosity with your digicam, check out more snaps after the jump.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk: Could it be worse than you thought? Yes, most definitely. As if the $25 fee for a holy stroll across the glass bridge wasn't bad enough, it turns out there's another overpriced fee you'll have to hand over to get there. It costs $50 to enter Grand Canyon West, a piece of the Hualapai Reservation that's closer to Las Vegas than it is to other Canyon entrances. This makes so much more sense as a Vegas attraction, but it's still a rip. Though we wouldn't really push Zion National Park as an alternative day trip from Vegas, it'll only take you an additional hour to reach. If you're into the national park thing, Zion is way cooler. Entrance there will cost you a fair $25, and basic camping is an additional $16.
Buzz Aldrin, who got sloppy seconds on the Moon and cracked on during an episode of Da Ali G Show, will make more history this month. Says the New York Times, he'll be the first sucker tourist to walk across the new Grand Canyon Skywalk east of Grand Canyon National Park. You remember the Skywalk, right? It's the $30 million glass walkway cantilevered 70 feet out over the canyon, scheduled to open to the public on March 28.
Back in the day, we were looking forward to the project. But a closer look at the details is leaving us a little skeptical about how great this thing could possibly be. First off, it's 242 miles from the national park--quite a drive. Though the local Native American population will be administering Skywalk as well as some other gimmicky tourist attractions, is the trip really worth it? Before you say yes, realize that Buzz probably got his $25 admission ticket comped. You might not be so lucky.
A new glass-bottomed skywalk jutting 70 feet from the South Rim is being constructed that will give awe-seekers a view 4,000 feet down.
Scheduled to open in early 2006, it's been going through the requisite strength and structural tests and can already "withstand the weight of 71 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes (more that 71 million pounds)." Not too shabby. It can also handle winds in excess of 100 mph in eight directions. Pretty impressive. Check out the new image of the skywalk (right) too--
If you've been to the Grand Canyon already you might want to head back again in January. A new glass-bottomed skywalk jutting 70 feet from the South Rim is being constructed that will give awe-seekers a view 4,000 feet down.
The skywalk's a part of the Hualapai Tribe's $40 million efforts to turn 1,000 acres of its reservation land into a new resort called Grand Canyon West. It will also have the standard Indian village and Western themed town, along with a hotel, golf course and campground in the near future. We say go for the view.
At $25, the skywalk's not a bargain, but it should be amazing. With a glass bottom and sides, you'll feel suspended in air. We'll keep you posted as details emerge of course....
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by markj
