Grand Canyon Glass Bridge's Price of Admission

No visit to Vegas is complete without a trip to the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. When compared to the cost of other Vegas attractions, the bridge is a consummate bargain. But only if you purchase the right package.

I have been covering the Glass Bridge for years, and I will be the first to admit that figuring out how much it costs can be a bit of a mystery. I've just researched prices and they've changed again! But in a good way.

Here are the Latest Prices

The last price update simplified costs. It was an unfathomable mish-mash before. Here's where things stand now:

Hualapai Legacy Package

$43.05 per person

Legacy Silver

$55.83 per person

Legacy Gold

$86.81 per person

These prices include all taxes and fees.

The Packages

My opinion is that if you make it out to Grand Canyon West, you've got to do the Glass Bridge. In all fairness, there are many people who are happy to stand at the West Rim and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Fortunately, there's a package for all kinds of visitors. Here's a quick explanation:

Hualapai Legacy

This option does not include the Glass Walkway. It does give you unlimited admittance to the Grand Canyon West, wherein you can use the free shuttle bus to see Guano Point, Eagle Point, the Hualapai Ranch, and the Native American Village.

Legacy Silver Package

Same as the Hualapai Legacy option but includes a BBQ lunch and a $5 souvenir shop coupon.

Legacy Gold

The very best for last! Comes with unlimited access to the glass walkway, as well as everything in the Silver Package,

Location is Everything

The Grand Canyon Skywalk makes for a great outing from Vegas. It's just 120 away from Sin City. You can self-drive there but understand that the last 10 miles to the Grand Canyon West are on rough unpaved dirt road. Rent a SUV with four-wheel-drive. Or purchase a trip and leave the driving to a professional guide (at the time of writing, there are reports that GPS units are inaccurately providing directions to the Grand Canyon West).

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge from Las Vegas

I've run the numbers on driving yourself to this attraction and it's prohibitive (Park fee, parking, SUV rental, insurance, gas, etc.). Tours from Vegas are by far the most affordable. There are lots from which to choose:

Helicopter

It takes a chopper less than an hour to reach the rim. Packages range from just the Sky Walk to flying 4,000 feet to the base and boating down the Colorado River (my favorite).

Airplane

Planes take about 30 minutes and are the fastest way to get there. Includes same side-trips that are available with chopper tours.

Bus

Great for budget travelers. Takes 2.5 hours to get to the rim. Be prepared to spend half a day or more on this tour (it's worth it!). Same add-ons that come with helicopter rides.

Getting There is Half the Fun

The great thing about Las Vegas trips to Grand Canyon West is the journey over. Best parts include Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the country, historic Hoover Dam (spectacular from the air; bus trips include a photo stop), the brand-new Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, the Colorado River, Black Canyon, and an ancient stand of Joshua Tree forest.

Best Prices? Use the web!

If you self-drive, there are no deals. You turn up at the Park and you pay fixed prices. Trips are a different story. The Skywalk is very popular and travel agents in most cases are getting full price. Don't be that person. Shop the Net. There are some incredible offers on the Web. I personally use a broker who saves me up to 35 percent It's a simple fact that tour operators and brokers submit their very best prices online. Make sure to apprise yourself of them.

Ready to Walk the Sky?

Don't let Grand Canyon Skywalk's price hold you back from enjoying this amazing outdoor attraction. The only misstep here is to take the cheap package (or self-drive). Tours from Las Vegas, in my opinion, are the ideal way to do this excursion. They come with everything and you don't have to deal with that dirt road. No matter how you get to Grand Canyon West, just make sure you skywalk the Grand Canyon before you leave Vegas. The experience is worth it.

Mr. Kravitz is a travel writer specializing in Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his selection of the best Grand Canyon Skywalk deals. Kravitz handpicks these offers based on quality, safety and price. Check out this page and see how much you can save!