Grand Canyon Skywalk

The 28th March sees the opening of the Grand Canyon's Skywalk. An true engineering achievement.

Rising 4,000ft (1,220m) from the canyon's floor and 70ft (20m) beyond its rim this is some structure. In keeping with the UK's building programs, this was not a quick or cheap venture. The Skywalk was started in March 2004 and cost a staggering £20m.

The floor is made of 5 layers of glass, and able to withstand both earthquakes and gale force winds.

The cost to go for a stroll over the skywalk will be £13. For the numerically minded out there we have put together a few figures to work out the payback period.

Fixed:

Build Cost = £20m

Entrance fee £13

Maximum Capacity 120 people

Assume:

Skywalk is open for 8 hours a day.

People stay for a max 30mins.

Therefore:

The skwalk can attract £24,960 per day

The payback period is therefore just over two years.

Although the Skywalk has received mixed blessings from the owners of the site, The Hualapai Indians the financial return will soften the blow.