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Grand Canyon Skywalk: $75 Per Person, Rip-Off?
How much would you be willing to pay to lurch out onto the newly-opened Grand Canyon Skywalk? Tyler Griffin Hicks-Wright (I hope I got that right) recently took his family to the Grand Canyon on the last leg of their trip to experience the Skywalk, and were shocked to learn that it would cost $75 per person to step foot on the $40-million project. Ouch!What's worse, Hicks-Wright says, is the cost isn't well advertised, and only after driving over harsh, unpaved roads and waiting in long lines do tourists find out the true cost of the Skywalk. (However, the Skywalk's official website -- while cluttered to the point of confusion -- does list the cost as $74.95 per person.)
"After 10 minutes of waiting, a 'Question Answerer' came by and made it clear why it was taking so long: the sales people had to explain the 'packages' and pricing to each and every person in the line. This was not because the package was that complex, but because each person in the line thought they were going to be paying $25 per person. In reality, the tribe was charging another $50 on top of the $25 for each person."
Hicks-Wright and his family decided to pay the high price anyway since they had driven so far out of their way specifically to visit the Skywalk, but he goes on to describe the entire experience as "quite disappointing," with photography not allowed.
Fred, a commenter on Wright's report, brings up a good point. "You can take a helicopter ride all around the Grand Canyon for about a hundred bucks - and you can take all the damn pictures you want."
The first result on Google for "Grand Canyon helicopter tour" was for Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters who charge $108 per adult and $88 per child if you book online in advance. Not bad. I'm sure with a bit of bargain hunting you can find it even cheaper.
Who needs a Skywalk?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Jul 5th 2009 2:35PM
We just got back from GC yesterday and let me tell you, THE SKYWALK IS A COMPLETE RIP OFF!!!
The fee is $75.00 and you can't even take a picture. The gift shop has "Native American" crafts with Made In China stickers. Honestly. Oh, "1/2 price" t-shirts are still $18.00. The road out there is absolutely horrible, if you use your own vehicle be prepared for rock damage. The dust from the drive covered our car.
The present day Native American have a full grasp of the entreprenurial system much like P.T. Barnum.
BTW, did I tell you there is a time limit on the skywalk? Lastly, if you drive out thinking you will see ANYTHING for free, forget it! You can't even get near the Canyon. And helicopter rides are more like $200.00 per person not $100.00.
We then went to the National Park and for a flat $25 fee for the car, we went to 5 different vantage points, clean restrooms and a nice general store. We saw 6 deer and 3 elk while driving through the Park. At the skywalk, there is no wildlife to be seen anywhere.
If you still decide to go to the Skywalk, good luck. For us, the additional 2 hour drive to the National Park was well worth it.
Mary 2730 Aug 18th 2009 7:58AM
We went to both the Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim) and what is being called Grand Canyon West - the Indian reservation with the Skywalk. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY going to the Skywalk. The cost is outragious. The drive there is horrendous. The facilities are no-where near ready for large scale visits by tourists. And the skywalk itself is simply not worth it.
The Grand Canyon National Park is spectacular and a true delight.
Bonnie Aug 31st 2009 10:05PM
Yes, it does cost $29.95 to enter Grand Canyon West. This fee is because private vehicles are not allowed to wander around the Rim in order to minimize human impact and preserve the natural environment which is the Hualapai heritage. This fee pays for an narrated tour in air conditioned shuttle. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they like at each drop off location, and simply hop the next shuttle as it comes around.
There is an $11.00 impact fee for visitors because the Hualapai have no electricity or running water/sewage system. All electricity must be generated through diesel engines, all water hauled in trucks, and all waste hauled out in trucks.
There is a 7% sales tax.
Private photography is not permitted on the Skywalk. It is permitted at all other locations on Grand Canyon West. Photo costs are:
1 photo in frame - $28.04 (before tax) $30.00 after tax
2 photos in frames - $50.47 (before tax) $54.00 after tax
3 photos in frames - $75.70 (before tax) $81.00 after tax
Ultimate (4 photos In frames + 6 on USB) - $100.00 (before tax) $107.00 after tax
Digital Pkg (6 on USB) - $73.83 (before tax) $79.00 after tax
Souvenir Photo - $10.00 (before tax) $10.70 after tax
Prices in General - Many Indian tribes generate tremendous revenue from gaming, but the Hualapai have chosen to support their people by opening up their reservation to the public in order to share the splendor of the Grand Canyon with the world. The revenues generated from Grand Canyon West pay for education, healthcare, police & fire services, etc., as well as provide employment for the Hualapai tribal members.
For info, reservations, or directions go to www.grandcanyonwest.com
Tom G. Apr 10th 2007 2:31PM
I flew over the Grand Canyon in a very small plane and it was as you might expect...awesome. The Skywalk sounds interesting but not for $75. Not $50. Not $25. My family and I will look from the edge and try to decide how to spend our $450.