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

I have been writing about the Sky Walk for a long time, and I'll be the first to acknowledge that figuring out just how much it costs can be a bit of a mystery. I've just investigated prices and they've changed again! But in a good way.

Here's What It Cost

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

Hualapai Legacy

$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 the West Rim, you've got to do the Sky Walk. In all fairness, there are a lot of people who are content to stand at Grand Canyon West and enjoy the stunning views. Luckily, there's a package for all types of guests. Here's a quick breakdown:

Hualapai Legacy Package

This choice does not include the Glass Bridge. It does give you unlimited access to the Grand Canyon West, whereby you can use the hop-on-hop-off shuttle 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 gift shop coupon.

Legacy Gold

The best for last! Includes unrestricted access to the Sky Walk, as well as everything in the Silver Package,

Location is Everything

The Skywalk makes for a great tour from Vegas. It's just 120 away from Las Vegas. You can drive yourself there but realize that the last ten miles to the rim are on rough unpaved dirt road. Rent a SUV with four-wheel-drive. Or reserve a excursion and leave the driving to a professional guide (at the time of writing, there are accounts that GPS units are inaccurately delivering directions to the rim).

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge from Las Vegas

I've calculated the numbers on driving yourself to this destination and it's too high (Park fee, parking, SUV rental, insurance, gas, etc.). Trips from Vegas are by far the most inexpensive. There are plenty from which to choose:

Heli

It takes a helicopter less than an hour to reach Grand Canyon West. Packages range from just the Glass Walkway to flying 4,000 feet to the base and floating down the Colorado River (my personal favorite).

Airplane

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

Bus

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

Getting There is Half the Journey

The great thing about Las Vegas tours to the West Rim is the trip over. Best parts include Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the nation, historic Hoover Dam (stunning from the air; bus tours include a photo stop), the 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 bargains. You turn up at the Park and you pay fixed prices. Tours are a different story. The Glass Bridge is popular and tour operators in most cases are getting a high price. Don't be that person. Shop the Net. There are some incredible deals on the Web. I personally use a broker who saves me up to 35%. It's a fact that tour operators and brokers post their 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 experiencing this wonderful outdoor attraction. The only misstep here is to take the low-cost package (or self-drive). Tours from Vegas, for me, are the best 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 the West Rim, just make sure you skywalk the canyon before you leave Vegas. The experience is worth it.