Glass Walkway Over Grand Canyon
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 09. 3.05
Indian leaders and former astronauts stepped gingerly beyond the Grand Canyon's rim Tuesday, staring through the glass floor and into the 4,000-foot chasm below during the opening ceremony for a new observation deck. A few members of the Hualapai Indian Tribe, which allowed the Grand Canyon Skywalk to be built, hopped up and down on the horseshoe-shaped structure. At its edge - 70 feet beyond the rim - the group peeked over the glass wall.
"I can hear the glass cracking!" Hualapai Chairman Charlie Vaughn said playfully.
The deck is anchored deep into a limestone cliff. As people walk across it, the glass layers creak and the deck wobbles almost imperceptibly. To one side, the Colorado river appears as a slim, pea-green ribbon. To the other is a triangular dip in the canyon's ridge, known as "Eagle Point" because it looks like a bird with outstretched wings. When the wind blows, only the most daring visitors resist grabbing the steel rail to steady their knees. Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who was invited to join the tribe along with former astronaut John Herrington, declared it a "magnificent first walk."
"It felt wonderful; not exactly like floating on air," Aldrin said after stepping off the deck.
The Hualapai, whose reservation is about 90 miles west of Grand Canyon National Park, allowed Las Vegas developer David Jin to build the $30 million Skywalk in hopes of creating a unique attraction on their section of the canyon.
That is awesome.
How many people at a time?
Time limit on the platform?
Other questions....but I guess more updates will reveal it.
That looks really cool, and I like how it will help benefit the Hualapai Indians. Though I'm not sure I'd like to stand on a platform that juts out on a cliff with several hundred feet between me and the ground...
What if a terrorist sneaks a hammer on it?
terrifying.
disreguarding possible natural disasters, terrorism, structural flaws, i'm sure it'll go off without a hitch.
To the commenters above, can't the same be said of pretty much any human structure?
If it's built up to spec, I don't see how it would be more unsafe than a plane, a tall building or a bridge.
Lets not get paranoid.
hi
That looks really cool. I can't wait to go back to Arizona to check it out. I hope there is limit of fat people who can go on it. HA HA
I have to say that I am very excited to hear about this walkway. I have been to the Grand Canyon and this would be an AWESOME sight to behold! I look forward to be able to go and see this new sight, when will we be able to go visit?
My husband and I spent our honeymoon at the Grand Canyon 50+ years ago. I am Native American and would like the Canyon to stay the way God made it. I wonder how many Hualipai people will try this. You'd have to PAY ME to walk on it.
I had to laugh at the comment from John Diggler about the fat people! As a fat person, I share your fear!!! When I was in California, crossing a suspension bridge to see a lighthouse, a sign said "Limit 5 people" Well I have a family of 5 but I'm the size of 1 1/2 so I waiting and crossed alone! LOL
I can't wait to go on it. I want to walk out right in the middle and jump up and down as hard as I can...maybe even do a few cannonballs....to test the sturdiness.
I'm appalled. I'm from England and I'm blessed to have visited the Canyon four times. The idea of turning it into a theme park by stunts like this makes me genuinely sad.
If I'm fortunate enough to come to Arizona again, I'll get my kicks and inspiration on the Bright Angel Trail.
Tourism gone crazy!