Grand Canyon Skywalk: Tickets, prices and how to get there from Las Vegas and Phoenix
It's true: You can't bring your camera or phone on the Skywalk
If you’re planning a summer trip to the Grand Canyon Skywalk at Grand Canyon's West Rim, take this advice: Get there early.
Whether you’re venturing out on the U-shaped Skywalk, the famous glass bridge perched thousands of feet above the canyon floor, riding the ziplines or exploring the overlooks, it’s best to arrive soon after Grand Canyon West opens at 7 a.m.
Early birds not only will see the cliffs in the warm morning light, but will also enjoy roomy shuttle buses and uncrowded attractions.
Interested in an air tour? Reserve your spots in advance. Early mornings offer a better chance of scoring seats before business picks up at 11 a.m., when tourist buses start arriving from Las Vegas.
These tips will help you plan your visit. Or check out our complete guide to Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Best time to visit
Summer days are busiest and hottest (typically over 100 degrees from June through August). Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on summer days, it’s not unusual to wait more than an hour in the ticket line. You can buy tickets online in advance to save some time.
How much the Skywalk costs
Grand Canyon West admission can be confusing. These prices include tax and are rounded to the nearest dollar.
Everyone must purchase a $50 Legacy Pass. It's good for admission to the grounds and shuttle buses. It does not include the Skywalk or zipline. The cheapest ticket that includes the Skywalk is $72.
These activities can be added to your Legacy Pass purchase:
- Skywalk: $22.
- Zipline: $43.
- Horseback rides: $10.85 for 10 minutes (arena ride); trail rides cost $37.98 for 30 minutes, $59.68 for 60 minutes, $81.38 for 90 minutes.
- Stagecoach ride: $16.28.
- Mechanical bull: $5.50.
The Legacy Gold pass costs $82 and includes admission, the Skywalk and a meal.
Best bang for your buck: A Legacy Pass plus admission to the Skywalk and zipline costs $115.
For a splurge: The Hualapai VIP tour for $333 includes a tour guide and private transportation, the Skywalk, a meal and a Native American gift.
Helicopter tours range from $145 (a 15-minute flight above the rim) to $263 (flights to and from the Colorado River with a 90-minute boat ride in between).
Air and water tour: The popular Helicopter/Pontoon tour costs $202. Take a 10-minute flight into the canyon, board a pontoon boat for a 15-minute ride on the river, then a 10-minute flight back to the airstrip.
Want to stay the night? A room in a cabin at Hualapai Ranch is $141.90. Be sure you reserve a cabin and not a room at Hualapai Lodge, two hours away in Peach Springs.
Buying tickets
Your best bet is to buy tickets online in advance. You'll have plenty of time to decide which add-ons or packages best fit your needs.
When you arrive at Grand Canyon West, everyone must pass through the Welcome Center. If you paid online, just show your credit card to receive your tickets. If you didn't buy in advance, you'll have to peruse the menu and purchase tickets at the Welcome Center. This adds to the time everyone must stand in line.
No cameras allowed
You're not allowed to carry anything onto the Skywalk, and that includes your phone or a camera. You must stow all your belongings in a locker. The ban on cameras has drawn many complaints on travel review sites from people upset at having to buy photos taken by official Skywalk photographers. Photo packages start at $16.
Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Skywalk
Grand Canyon West is about 170 miles from Las Vegas.
From the Strip, head south on Interstate 15 to I-215, which transitions to U.S. 93 as you approach Boulder City. Continue on U.S. 93 as it crosses the Colorado River. (Many tour buses stop at Hoover Dam as part of daylong trips to Grand Canyon West.)
Once in Mohave County, Ariz., turn left (east) on Pierce Ferry Road. Follow that for 30 miles to Diamond Bar Road, turn right and in less than 20 miles you'll see the white dome of the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center.
Mind your speed, especially when you reach the Hualapai Reservation. Tribal officers often are parked in unmarked pickup trucks. As you approach the Welcome Center, the speed limit is 35 mph. A radar-enabled sign outside Hualapai police helps you keep to that.
Phoenix to Grand Canyon Skywalk
Grand Canyon West is about 270 miles from central Phoenix.
Take Interstate 17 north to State Route 74 (Lake Pleasant Road), then U.S. 60 west to Wickenburg, where you go north on U.S. 93. When you reach Interstate 40, go west to Kingman. Get off at Stockton Hill Road (Exit 51) and head north for 41 miles to Pierce Ferry Road. Turn right and go 7 miles to Diamond Bar Road. In less than 20 miles you’ll see the white dome of the Grand Canyon West Welcome Center.
Once you’re on Stockton Hill Road, drive carefully. It’s a two-lane country road from Kingman to Grand Canyon West and the signs warning of cows on the road aren’t lying. You may well pass a carcass or two.
MORE GRAND CANYON
- Driving from Phoenix to Grand Canyon: Here's how long it takes
- Grand Canyon South Rim: How to spend the perfect day
- Grand Canyon North Rim: Hikes, scenic drives and where to stay
- The best of Grand Canyon: Highlights on the South and North rims