I WAS PRIVILEGED to be invited to celebrate the first walk at Grand Canyon West's SKYWALK. Buzz Aldrin and the HUALAPAI Tribe Elders did the first walk and a ceremonial event followed. There were VIP and media from all over the world. Media was given purple umbrellas with SKYWALK writing in yellow that we held open as a helicopter flew overhead taking pictures of us for television. That was a sight to see!

Prior to the initial walk on the SKYWALK we were provided with catered delicious food along with stew and Indian Fry bread that the HUALAPAI women were cooking. I had heard about Fry Bread, but never experienced it. Very good! I'd like to try it again. At the Indian Village that is part of Eagle Point where the SKYWALK is built, there were Ice Sculptures of an Eagle and the HUALAPAI Tribal Seal and Native American dancing by colorful Indian Dancers. Many of us took in the sights of Grand Canyon West by venturing close to the edge of the canyon, which overlooks the sheer cliffs of the deep canyon. There are no barriers and the view is unbelievable

Prior to the first walk, a HUALAPAI Elder, Emmit Bender, who had been with Patton during WW2, chanted a blessing and had the audience get up and chant along. Then colorfully dressed Native American Dancers of all ages danced.

Excitement started with the initial walk that included two groups, with each group starting on each side of the U-shaped walk. One group was led by Buzz Aldrin, his wife, and dignitaries that included David Jin, who founded the idea of the SKYWALK and financed the $30 million steel and glass project. The other group was led by Native American Astronaut John Herrington and the HUALAPAI Tribal leaders; Each group walked to the center of the U where they joined together waving and saluting in the middle of the SKYWALK which juts out 70 feet from the rim. One person even jumped up and down, which seemed scary to watch before I went on my walk.

After the initial walk a panel answered questions from the media. Buzz Aldrin was asked how the SKYWALK compared to space walking. He said that while it was different and didn't compare to floating in space, the experience of the SKYWALK was wonderful. He said it is a wonderful vision—a vision of hope for the future of the HUALAPAI's impoverished tribe.

Afterwards media was given booties and allowed to walk on this U-shaped cantilevered, amazing structure that juts out over a 4000-foot deep canyon. As you walk through the SKYWALK you can look straight down and around and also view what appears to be a wide ribbon that is the COLORADO RIVER. Although the day was cloudy and windy, our spirits were not dampened. However, on a personal note, after staying the night before at the HUALAPAI Lodge, which is 57 miles away and the only way to get to the Grand Canyon West, we struggled through an unpaved rock-ridden road with cliff hanging along the way. Unfortunately, because of the rocks on the road we had a flat tire. It took some time and effort, but we were on a way again, undaunted.

 
When I was walking on the walk, it was fast and furious as there were about 1,000 VIP and media from all parts of the world and we were rushed through. Even so, the experience was great. I did not have any fear during the walk and the views are spectacular. I want to revisit the SKYWALK again so I can have more time to explore and experience the magnificence sights that come into view as one walks through the entire cantilevered SKYWALK. Previously, I had erroneously thought the entire U shape was glass enclosed, however it is just the U walkway, but that in itself is quite thrilling and spectacular.

After the SKYWALK experience, we ventured down to the other points of interest at Grand Canyon West, Guano Point (where we ate again and saw the best view of the COLORADO RIVER). Then on to the HUALAPAI RANCH, a true Western experience and we had a great time. (You can read more about this in my column in VCO's February archives). While it may be expensive to do it all, you can just do the SKYWALK [see editor's note at bottom], and that will be an experience you won't soon forget. We took many pictures, but pictures cannot really convey the extraordinary experience of actually being there.

Although the SKYWALK has opened, it is still in the beginning stages as there is still much to be done. A museum is being built at the rim that will be the area leading to the SKYWALK.

The trip directly from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West is much easier than the one we experienced. While there is still a 14-mile washboard type, difficult ride, this will soon be taken care of as the person who owned the land has relinquished his objection to fixing the road, and it will be paved in May. There is also a park and ride offering from Dolan Springs. Go and experience what may be the 8th wonder of the world.

Enjoy many more Grand Canyon West's Skywalk photos taken by James Dice HERE.
Images are full size and may take a few minutes to download.