By Keith Kravitz

If you are visiting Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a must-see attraction. Tickets to the Glass Bridge average about $25 per person. However, based upon how you get to the Bridge, there are additional costs that you need to be aware of. Here are the most common:

PARKING COST

Las Vegas is just 120 east of the West Rim, making this a 2.5 hour trip by car. The last 15 miles are on dirt road, and can be rough and rocky. If you rent a car, it’s advised you select an SUV (sports utility vehicle) with high clearance. There’s a parking lot at the end of the road, and all-day parking will run you $20.

PARK ENTRANCE FEE

The Hualapai Indians own the land on which the Skywalk was built. To go in, you need to obtain a permit called a Legacy Pass:

Adults: $43.05

Kids (3-11 years): $35.03 Senior/Military: $39.85

Included in the Pass is unlimited use of the shuttle bus, which goes to the Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, and Hualapai Ranch.

GRAND CANYON SKYWALK ADMISSION PRICE

Currently, tickets to the Skywalk are:

Adults: $29.95

Kids (3-11 years): $22.46 Senior/Military: $39.85

Tickets provide unlimited one-day access to the Bridge.

PHOTOS

You are not allowed to bring any personal electronics onto the Skywalk, including digital cameras, cellular phones, and digital video recorders. Professional photographers are on the scene to snap photos of you. Cost per photo is $30. Quality? Professional.

LOCKERS

Secure lockers for your personal belongings are $3.

FUEL SURCHARGES

Fee was implemented by Las Vegas tour companies to cover the cost of fuel, which spiked in 2008. Most operators have discontinued the fee. Read the fine print of your tour before purchase.

THE TRUE COST

The minimum cost for an adult to experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk is:

Park Entrance Fee: $43.05

Skywalk Ticket: $29.95 Total: $73

If you decide to use a rental car, include these costs:

Rental Car (one day, Sport Utility Vehicle): $60

Gas (full tank): $50 Parking: $20 Total: $130

Most people opt to take a bus or helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Skywalk. Most bus tours run around $95 and include lunch and Park entrance fee; Skywalk tickets are additional. Helicopter tours, which take only 45 minutes to reach the West Rim, start at $350 and include VIP access to the Skywalk and the Park fee. Bus tours take a full day; helicopters require half a day. Both bus and helicopter tours feature plenty of upgrades, including helicopter rides to the bottom of the Canyon and pontoon river raft rides on the Colorado River.

Since its grand opening in 2007, the Glass Bridge has been experienced by more than a million people. The Bridge goes out 70 feet past the edge of the Rim and suspends travelers some 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. Maximum occupancy is 120 people at one time even though it was created to accommodate 800. Getting a ticket to see the Grand Canyon Skywalk is a straightforward affair. It’s how you get to the Skywalk that determines your overall costs. Using a rental car has its own set of unique costs (car rental, gas, parking, etc.). The same applies to Las Vegas bus and helicopter tours. Pick the one that fits your travel budget the best. Get that decided and it’s time to visit the Skywalk, Las Vegas’ best natural attraction.

About the Author: Read travel writer Keith Kravitz’ reviews on Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon Skywalk tours at GrandCanyon123.com

Source: isnare.com

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