Grand Canyon Walkway

[DougPaul]

I'd pay fifty bucks to push my brother's wheelchair out onto the skywalk (and back) so that he could appreciate the beauties of nature as I do when I hike.

There are a number of places on the rim where your brother could get a good view into the canyon without the skywalk.

Doug

 

[sierra]

I guess Im not a fan, to me it really clashes with the landscape. Another point, IM no economist, heck I stink at math, but I believe this thing cost 30 mil, its 14 miles ( close to that) of rough dirt roads to get to it and cost 25 bucks? thats alot of walkers to make a buck no? As far as the treatment of native americans, it is quite awfull, but Im not sure at this point in time who is really to blame. I mean, its 2007, anyone can go anywhere in the country and do whatever they want for work and school, why do people in this day and age still blame others for thier predicament. This might be to political but I thought it was on point, I really dont like politics and or the disscission of them. Personaaly I think casinos are more profitable then this thing, I would not use it even for free, its to unnatural for me.

 

[dvbl]

I think this sky-walk is as ugly and incongruous to its surroundings as the summit buildings on Mt Washington, which I use every time I'm up there to fill my water bottles, use the men's room, grab a snack, and get out of the weather. In other words I will hate this sky-walk and decry its placement in such a pristine environment....right up until the point I visit the Grand Canyon area again, and then I'll pay my $25 and walk out onto it and love it.

 

[roadtripper]

The walkway is now open!

I'm a little shocked at the price tag, though...

$75 smacks!

That's apparently the minimum you have to pay before you get to actually walk on the thing. It does look pretty cool though, certainly a lot more complex than I originally thought. The structure that supports the walk looks like it was designed to blend in well with the canyon from a few pictures I looked at as well.

Still not sure it's something I would be interested in, though.

 

[giggy]

no opinion - to each their own. This, the cog, buildings on summits, etc.. it don't bother me.

 

[bubba]

Yeowwwwww... $75 is on the top end for sure!! Given the opportunities for hiking other places in the park, I'd probably be in the other places!

OTOH... I really hate heights, but like to play around with those emotions! I don't know that I could make it out on the deck without crawling!! I'd test it for $25 but back away for $75.

Lastly, the environmental issues at hand heighten my appreciation for our state leaders who continue to preserve the ADKs and honor the intuitive concept of "wild forever". Other places could be, but they're not.

 

[blacklab2020]

I am with giggy and MADMAN on this ... to each his own. I think its kind of cool, if it makes me naseous I'm all for it!!

Live on the edge a little... or in this case beyond

 

[blacklab2020]

Lastly, the environmental issues at hand heighten my appreciation for our state leaders who continue to preserve the ADKs and honor the intuitive concept of "wild forever". Other places could be, but they're not.

Not to be too cynical here, but is it any more wild that we chose to build lodges and leantos in the adirondacks and huts all over the white mountains...

someone recently said on the "fav. places in the USA/national parks" forumn that the crowded places are crowded for a good reason. As far as I am concerned I think an overlook is just fine as long as it doesnt interfere with the climate itself. These people are not being drawn down into the fragile environment within the canyon, but to its edge.

America is known for our national parks, and why should we feel ashamed to embrace that.

 

[Puma concolor]

Not to be too cynical here, but is it any more wild that we chose to build lodges and leantos in the adirondacks and huts all over the white mountains...

Yes, but they are hidden by the forest (for the most part) and therefore less objectionable.

Seriously, I don't really like the idea of the Grand Canyon walkway. Can't really improve on nature, but I figure fat, lazy Cheeto-eatin' tourons need to have their needs attended to. You can't really expect them to go hiking.

And while we're talking about ugliness, how about that God-awful George Jetson launch pad on Clingman's Dome, TN. Ugggggly ... but you get a good view from it, so I guess it's okay.

 

[Garry G.]

I just got back from visiting the Southwest and did some hiking in the Grand Canyon. The first day the Skywalk was open to the public they had a long waiting line and over 1000 people paid to go in. The next few days saw only a few people the way I heard it. When I drove through Peach Springs there was no one around and no signs that would point you in the right direction.
The charge is 50.00 per car plus 25.00 per person plus "fees". I never did get clarification on fees. You have to sign up at the Hualapai Tribal Headquarters in Peach Springs and then take a 50 mile ride on their bus into the skywalk. I guess if the road is in good enough shape they might let you drive yourself, either way they still charge you for the car.

 

[dvbl]

...Seriously, I don't really like the idea of the Grand Canyon walkway. Can't really improve on nature, but I figure fat, lazy Cheeto-eatin' tourons need to have their needs attended to. You can't really expect them to go hiking...

Just curious: Do you also have a problem with fat, Cheeto-eatin' hikers? Or is it just the lazy fat people that you look down your nose at?

 

[Puma concolor]

Just curious: Do you also have a problem with fat, Cheeto-eatin' hikers? Or is it just the lazy fat people that you look down your nose at?

You've changed my words on me!! I would never insult hikers of any stripe ... I was picking on tourists, particularly lazy ones. As singular traits, I have no issues with fatness or cheeto-eating. Thanks for asking.

Seriously though, I see you've broken out a wheelchair quote and another poster has mentioned his brother. My stepson is basically a quad so these issues are always interesting to me. I kind of doubt they are letting wheelchairs out there given that the news reported they weren't allowing cell phones or cameras at this point because they were worried about the possibility of chipped glass. My son's wheelchair is all metal with lots of hard edges so I can't imagine they would allow it even if he was interested.