Grand Canyon Sky Bridge, a Leap of Faith?

The Grand Canyon sky bridge reminds me of a scene in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. One of the clues asked the seeker to step into what seemed like a deep chasm. In reality, there was a nearly invisible bridge that crossed the void. Indiana referred to this as a test of faith (he passed).

The Grand Canyon sky bridge is being constructed on land owned by the Hualapai Nation at Grand Canyon West. The glass and steel, horseshoe-shaped skywalk will jut out 70 feet from the Canyon rim. Visitors (the ones who actually can be coaxed to walk out on the thing) will look through glass walls and floor to the Colorado River far below.

It's engineered to be able to hold 71 loaded 747's, withstand 100mph winds and nearby large earthquakes. So though it sounds scary, it's designed to be very safe (just don't tell your thrill-seeking companions).

Opening day is being eagerly anticipated, but it might be awhile. The Grand Canyon sky bridge won't be completed by June '06. The Hualapai Tribe have announced a delay due to added features. The skywalk should be open near the end of 2006. Eyewitnesses report that two big holes in the ground are all that can be seen in fall/winter 2005.

UPDATE: It's open! Opening day was marked with Native American ceremony and lots of national press coverage. Even Good Morning America sent someone over the edge. Go to Grand Canyon Sky Bridge to learn more and reserve your walk.

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