Is Grand Canyon West Skywalk worth a visit?

Question

Hello,

I am in the early stages of planning a 10-day trip in late December to Las Vegas (as a base), to visit Death Valley, Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon and Gold Butte. From there, i was thinking of either heading to Page for Upper Antelope Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs, or visiting Grand Canyon West and spending more time in Death Valley and the state parks near Las Vegas.

Note: We love Arizona, and have traveled throughout the state extensively, spending time in Sedona (7 days), Grand Canyon (4 days), Monument Valley, Lower Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Sunset Crater, Wupatki Monument, Montezuma Castle, Petrified Forest, Saguaro, Catalina State Park and I may be forgetting some.. So on this trip i am only budgeting 3 days in Arizona.

My questions:

(1) Having hiked in the Grand Canyon South Rim and seen those views, is Grand Canyon West Skywalk worth a visit?

(2) Is a December visit to Vermillion Cliffs a good idea? If so, how would you spend a day there? We are avid hikers in very good shape, and love rock formations, and nature in general.

Thank you in advance for any input you can provide.

Answer

Regarding Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk, it depends largely on what you are seeking from the experience. Since you’ve already explored the South Rim extensively, including hikes and viewpoints, the Skywalk offers a very different experience but is primarily a commercialized attraction rather than a natural or hiking experience.

Key points about the Skywalk:

It is a glass-bottomed walkway extending over the canyon edge, providing a unique perspective and photo opportunities.
It is located on Hualapai Tribal land, roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas, making it a full-day excursion if you drive there yourself.
Access requires a paid admission, and additional fees apply for the Skywalk itself, meals, and parking.
The viewpoints at Grand Canyon West are not as expansive or dramatic as the South Rim, and some visitors feel that the area is more commercial than scenic.

In your case, having already seen the South Rim and done extensive hikes, the Skywalk might be “novel” but not essential. It is more about the thrill and novelty of walking on glass over the canyon than seeing new natural beauty.

Regarding Vermillion Cliffs in December:

December can be an excellent time for visiting due to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but be prepared for potentially cold mornings and short daylight hours.
The area is remote, so you’ll need a sturdy vehicle (preferably 4WD for some unpaved roads) and a well-planned itinerary.
Day activities could include:

Hiking to see unique rock formations such as The Wave (permit required), White Pocket, or Coyote Buttes.
Photography of the dramatic cliffs and canyons in the soft winter light.
Short hikes and exploration along accessible trails for stunning desert landscapes.

December weather can be variable, so check road conditions, sunrise/sunset times, and plan for minimal facilities in the area.

Summary recommendation:

If your focus is nature, hiking, and photography, Vermillion Cliffs is likely a more rewarding use of your limited time than Grand Canyon West Skywalk.
The Skywalk is fun as a novelty or for first-time visitors, but since you’ve already experienced South Rim hikes and views, it may not add much for you personally.
Logistics favor staying closer to Page or the Arizona desert for a day trip to the cliffs, rather than dedicating the time for the West Rim Skywalk.

Is Grand Canyon West Skywalk worth a visit?

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