No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Compared to the price of other Vegas attractions, the bridge is a consummate bargain. But only if you purchase the right package.
I’ve been writing about the Glass
Here’s what it cost
The last price update simplified costs. It was an unfathomable mish-mash before. Here’s where things stand now:
Hualapai Legacy Package
$43.05 per person
Legacy Silver Package
$55.83 per person
Legacy Gold Package
$86.81 per person
These prices include all taxes and fees.
The Packages
My opinion is that if you make it out to Grand Canyon West, you’ve got to do the Skywalk. In fairness, there are many people who are content to stand at the West Rim and enjoy the majestic views. Fortunately, there’s a package for all types of visitors. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Hualapai Legacy Package
This option does not include the Skywalk. It does give you unlimited access to the Park, wherein you can use the hop-on-hop-off shuttle to see Guano Point, Eagle Point, the Hualapai Ranch, and the Native American Village.
Legacy Silver Package
Same as the Hualapai Legacy Package but includes a BBQ lunch and a $5 gift shop voucher.
Legacy Gold Package
The best for last! Includes unrestricted access to the glass
Location is Everything
The Grand Canyon Skywalk makes for a great day trip from Las Vegas. It’s just 120 away from Sin City. You can self-drive there but understand that the last 10 miles to the rim are on rough unpaved dirt road. Rent a sport utility vehicle with four-wheel-drive. Or book a tour and hand over the logistics to a professional guide (at the time of writing, there are reports that GPS units are inaccurately providing directions to the West Rim).
Glass
I’ve run the numbers on self-driving to this attraction and it’s prohibitive (gas, insurance, SUV rental, parking, Park fee, etc.). Tours from Las Vegas are by far the most economical. There are plenty from which to choose:
Helicopter
It takes a helicopter 45 minutes to reach the rim. Packages range from just the Skywalk to flying 4,000 feet to the bottom and rafting the Colorado River (my favorite).
Airplane
Planes take just 25 minutes and are the quickest way to get there. Includes same side-trips that come with helicopter tours.
Bus
Great for budget travelers. Takes 2.5 hours to get to the rim. Expect to spend half a day or more on this tour (it’s worth it!). Same add-ons that come with helicopter rides.
Getting There is Half the Journey
The great thing about Las Vegas tours to Grand Canyon West is the trip over. Highlights include Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the nation, historic Hoover Dam (stunning from the air; bus trips include a photo stop), the new Hoover Dam Bypass
The Best Deals? Book Online
If you drive yourself, there are no deals. You arrive at the Park and you pay fixed prices. Tours are a different story. The Skywalk is popular and travel agents in most cases are getting full price. Don’t be that person. Shop the Internet. There are some amazing deals on the Web. I personally use a broker who saves me up to 35%. It’s a fact that tour operators and brokers post their best prices online. Make sure to apprise yourself of them.
Ready to Walk the Sky?
Don’t let Grand Canyon Skywalk’s price hold you back from experiencing this fantastic outdoor attraction. The only misstep here is to take the cheap package (or self-drive). Tours from Las Vegas, in my opinion, are the best way to do this trip. They’re all-inclusive and you don’t have to deal with that dirt road. No matter how you get to the West Rim, just make sure you skywalk the Grand Canyon before you leave Vegas. The experience is worth it.