A new ’skywalk’, or 70 ft. extension of metal and glass cantilevered out over the rim of the Grand Canyon has opened on the Hualapai reservation. Its hard for me to imagine how this adds value to the experience of a visit to the canyon, but it certainly has drawn plenty of media attention. I mean, if Buzz Aldrin likes it who are we to question the wisdom of its construction?

Why is the public still excited about these 1950’s revival engineering projects? The Hualapai have sparked a controversy within the the tribe and among those who cherish the natural splendor of the grand canyon by partnering with Las Vegas developers David Jin and Lochsa Engineering to build the walkway. Unfortunately, the worst is still to come. Billed as Grand Canyon West, the Hualapai’s Grand Canyon Resort Corporation is preparing a massive development effort centered around the skywalk. In addition to the more than 80 tour and concession operators that already provide fee services within Grand Canyon West, the corporation plans to build a 9,000 acre development complete with a 6,000 sq. ft. visitor center and restaurant.

To add insult to injury, the Grand Canyon Resort Corporation also offers helicopter tours inside the canyon (banned by the Park Service after many long years public outcry), as well as ‘Hummer’ tours of the canyon. Plan on paying at least $60 per person for the opportunity to see just how foolish the Hualapai’s tribal ‘leaders’ have become.

 

Tags: Grand+Canyon+West, Skywalk, Hualapai, JP+Oliva

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