The Skywalk over the Grand Canyon

An artist's rendition of the skywalk and attached visitor center. For many months, this was all that existed of the project.

Pictured here is the multimillion-pound steel structure of the skywalk under construction in July 2006. It cost approximately $30 million to build over a couple of years, with much of the money being fronted by Las Vegas developer David Jin. It was designed by MRJ Architects, also of Las Vegas.

The open-air skywalk extends 70 feet out from the rim of the canyon, where it's anchored deep in the rock landscape. It will be open from dawn to dusk, and the price of admission is $25 per person. (No word on whether that price includes an airsick bag.) As many as 120 people will be allowed on the bridge at any given time; each will have to wear special shoe covers to prevent slipping and scratching.

The skywalk and Grand Canyon West are owned and operated by the Hualapai tribe, which is hoping for an economic boost from the new landmark. The site is in Arizona, about 70 miles northwest of Kingman, and about 120 miles east of Las Vegas. DuPont, which provided the 2-inch-thick glass floor in conjunction with manufacturer Saint Gobain, says the U-shaped structure is rated as safe even in the face of 100 mph winds.

Afraid of heights? You might tread carefully, then, if you visit Grand Canyon West, a tourist destination whose main attraction is The Skywalk. The cantilevered walkway, which is made its media debut Tuesday, is a mere 4,000 feet above the bottom of the canyon. It opens to the public on March 28.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, was one of the first to walk out onto the structure.