Grand Canyon glass Skywalk opens

BBC ^ | Tuesday, March 20, 2007

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

The project has caused divisions within the Hualapai tribe

The Grand Canyon's Skywalk has been inaugurated with hundreds of invited guests getting stunning views over the canyon through its glass walkway.

Rising 4,000ft (1,220m) from the canyon's floor and 70ft (20m) beyond its rim, the Skywalk is being described as an engineering first.

The Hualapai Indians, who own the site, are hoping to attract visitors to a high unemployment area.

But some tribal members say this is a desecration of sacred ground.

Former astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin was among the first to go onto the walkway to join Hualapai leaders for a brief ceremony.

How the Skywalk measures up to other constructions

Construction of the Skywalk began in March 2004 - and will open to the public on 28 March with 120 people allowed on the platform at any one time.

The bridge will be able to sustain winds in excess of 100mph (161km/h), as well as an 8.0-magnitude earthquake within 50 miles (80.5km).

Aerial views

Las Vegas businessman David Jin raised the money to build the Skywalk which will be given to the Hualapai in exchange for a percentage of the profits.

"When we have so much poverty and so much unemployment, we have to do something," Sheri Yellowhawk, told the Associated Press news agency.

"It sounded like a good idea."

The BBC's Andy Gallacher says that, for the majority, this is an investment that will bring much needed cash.

But some members of the Hualapai tribe have voiced concerns that the project will disturb sacred lands.

"When that Skywalk came about it hit me like I was being stabbed," said Dolores Honga, a tribal elder.

[TexasCajun]

Base Jumpers are making plans.

But will they get past security?

[patj]

Is it true that it will cost $75 to go for a walk?

[rabidralph]

I heard on the news that it's $50 to get into the park and $20 to go out on the walkway.

[pax_et_bonum]

Does this look like fun?

:-)

[tsowellfan]

Looks fun. I'll pass though. Scary :)

[JRios1968]

Make sure you wear skirts

[mtbopfuyn]

Is it true that it will cost $75 to go for a walk?

That's what was on the news last night and I thought I'd heard the $75 figure wrong. I did a search and found out it's $25 plus other fees (whatever the other fees are). No thanks, I'll keep my feet on solid ground.

[Right Wing Assault]

$50 to get into the park and $20 to go out on the walkway

Funny if no one went. But of course they will just to say they did it.

[Hi Heels]

$8 per person, $25 per vehicle. Just went in August. I don't know nothin' about the sky walk, though.

[Jane Austen]

A fantastic place to visit.

[martin_fierro]

Entrance and Exits are through the Gift Shoppe.

[pax_et_bonum]

lol!

:-P

[baclava]

I can't wait to go out on the end of it and start jumping up and down.

[Integrityrocks]

Oh, I'm dissappointed. I thought it was going to be a glass bridge "across" the canyon. Bummer.

[pax_et_bonum]

Please let me know when you plan your trip so that I can go ANY OTHER TIME!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Allegra, please see post #14.)

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

That would be very interesting, but would also probably be an engineering feat.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

If that's the case, then it's a bit expensive. It can be inferred from the article, though, that there is some fee (the developer giving it to the Amerindian tribe in return for a percentage of the profits).

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Too expensive. The Grand Canyon is sort of pretty, but $70 for what almost should be free.....

P.S. Personally not much of a nature type, so that can have an effect on opinion.

[rabidralph]

"When that Skywalk came about it hit me like I was being stabbed," said Dolores Honga, a tribal elder.

Hyperbole, thy name is "Dolores!"--A thousand points to me for mixing two references in one statement.