Grand Canyon Skywalk

Control of pedestrian-induced movement on an extraordinary bridge

The Grand Canyon Skywalk offers a unique vantage point overlooking one of North America’s largest and most well-known natural wonders. Situated on the west rim of the canyon, the horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge extends 70 feet out from Eagle Point and provides visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding canyon as well as the Colorado River, some 4,000 feet below. From the outset, it was apparent that the structural engineering design of the Skywalk would not be straightforward. One challenge was ensuring the structure’s dynamic characteristics would not be prone to excessive, and even potentially catastrophic, vibration caused by wind and pedestrians.