Take a Helicopter Tour of the Grand Canyon
photo credits: http2007
It is possible to tour the Grand Canyon in many ways, such as by bus, rental car, or airplane. The one at the top of everybody’s list, however, is the helicopter tour. These are fast, fun aircraft, and they provide an unparalleled sightseeing experience.
When it comes to helicopter tours, there are some things everyone should know:
- Helicopters travel lower than airplanes – between one and three thousand feet. This gives a better view.
- Helicopters are able to reach inaccessible places. As they need no runway to land, only a landing pad, they can land right at the base of the canyon.
- Wherever you sit, the view will be the best there is. EcoStar 130 helicopters are used, which have the kind of seats found in a stadium. Passengers face ahead and look through a windshield which has a 180 degree view.
- In half an hour, you’ll see what it would take several days to see if you stayed in contact with the Earth. This applies to the South Rim tour in particular, which goes to the remote North rim and then back.
- The upgrades available are nothing less than incredible. After the basic tour, you could add an ATV trail ride, a kayak cruise, a ride in a pontoon boat, or get tickets for the breathtaking SkyWalk.
Most of the tours head for the West Rim – Grand Canyon West. This is just over 100 miles in distance, which takes 45 minutes to travel and would be the perfect day trip. Alternatively, the South Rim, in excess of 270 miles away, requires a trip either by bus and helicopter or airplane and helicopter. I recommend the latter.
West Rim tours leave the area of Las Vegas all year round. To me, the trip is as amusing as if I were at the actual canyon. On the way, you’ll fly above Lake Mead, the United States’ biggest reservoir, and Hoover Dam, the second-biggest dam in the country. It will also be possible to view the amazing Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, which is otherwise known as the Hoover Dam Bypass. This is a twin-rib concrete affair which rises 900 feet over the Colorado River. The journey takes in some of the finest sections of Grand Cliffs Wash and the Mojave Desert prior to arriving at West Rim airspace.
There are three options at this juncture:
- You can fly above Grand Canyon West prior to heading back to Las Vegas. There are fantastic views of the canyon, the Colorado River, Eagle and Guano Points, and the glass Grand Canyon Skywalk, which glitters in the sunlight.
- You could make your landing at Grand Canyon West. Usually, you’ll exit the airplane before taking a tour of the Skywalk. This attraction you surely will not miss. It protrudes 70 feet beyond the rim and is 4,000 feet over the Colorado River. Many people say the experience defies gravity.
- You can land at the canyon bottom. This, by a wide margin, is the most highly-demanded West Rim helicopter trip. You will go 4,000 feet down to the bottom, alight from the aircraft, and then partake of a delightful Champagne picnic. The journey back up is equally exciting. If you chose the river raft option, your journey back along the river will be by pontoon boat.
The South Rim trip begins with a flight on a souped-up Vistaliner airplane. This airplane is not small. It can hold as many as 17 passengers while the flight is very smooth. The route goes east, following the Colorado River, and when you land at Grand Canyon Airport, you’ll have seen around half of the canyon.
At this point, you leave the airplane and board a helicopter. You should buckle up, as these speedy aircraft can attain speeds of 200 miles an hour when they dash past the Kaibab Plateau and fly into the Dragoon Corridor, the canyon’s broadest and deepest section. Then, the helicopter will continue to the beauteous North Rim before returning, where you will board a luxurious coach to take in a guided tour of the rim.
The West Rim tour is air-only and lasts for three hours, while a trip to the South Rim lasts for eight hours. Packages include a free shuttle service from your hotel and lunch (unless the tour is air-only). Prices start from $200 and depend on the upgrades you select and which rim you choose to see.
Even at retail prices, helicopter tours represent exceptional value. But why should you pay extra when you could make savings of as much as 35 percent simply by making the purchase directly from the operator? In my time, I’ve flown on nearly everything to hand at Las Vegas, after which my favorite three suppliers are, in descending order, Grand Canyon Helicopters, Maverick, and Papillon. Each can be found online.
Here are some tips you should know prior to booking a tour:
- Be sure to read the small print regarding cancellations.
- Check your reservation with the operator upon arriving in Vegas.
- Choose a flight early in the morning, if you can. This will give you superior visibility as well as a smoother flight. An afternoon flight will suit you better if you would like to encounter the Strip.
- Don’t forget to charge your camera or camcorder beforehand. If you’d like someone else to do the work, the video cameras fitted to the helicopters will make a recording of your tour which can be purchased on DVD.
Tours of the Grand Canyon by helicopter will be a wonderful day trip. The first step is to choose the rim that you wish to see. The West Rim is nearer to Las Vegas and boasts more amenities. The South Rim necessitates a ride by airplane and includes the most famed views. Allow yourself to spend a minimum of $200 per person, and more if you desire upgrades. Then just book your helicopter tour online, and get prepared to enjoy the flight of a lifetime!
Deluxe Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour With Optional Private Helicopter Landing
Here is an email that we have received from one of our customers:
My visit to the Grand Canyon West Rim was one experience that I will never forget. It is one of the best destinations that I have ever been to. The visit to the Grand Canyon was not planned at all but I’m really glad that I went on the tour. I was invited by an old friend to her wedding in Las Vegas and I had a few extra days before I needed to go back home. I took the opportunity to partake in the Deluxe Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour with Optional Private Helicopter Landing. Since I had time to kill during my stay in Las Vegas, it didn’t bother me at all that the Grand Canyon Helicopter tour would last 7 hours.
I opted for the earlier departure time so that I could still have time to tour Las Vegas when I got back. I got picked up from the hotel and I was brought to a hangar. I was taken to a helicopter that I would be riding to the Grand Canyon. The helicopter ride was breathtaking. I got to see aerial views of Lake Mead, Temple Rock, Fortification Hill and the Hoover Dam. I had only seen those places in pictures so I was excited all throughout the ride. The pilot was also friendly and informative during the trip. After more or less an hour, we arrived at the Grand Canyon West Rim.
photo by K. Oliver
We were given a few hours to roam around on our own and take in the wonderful scenery. The rock formations, plants and flowers in the area really fascinated me. One of the things that I had heard so much about was the West Rim Skywalk. I have some friends who have been telling me about their Skywalk experience so I didn’t pass up the opportunity to try it myself. I was lucky that there were only a few people there so I didn’t have too wait long to go on the Skywalk. The view from the West Rim Skywalk was amazing! I was a bit hesitant to step on the transparent flooring of the Skywalk at first but after a while, I managed to walk further along the Skywalk. The feeling of being suspended 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon is something unexplainable. The view of the Canyon from that height was exceptional.
The next stop of the Grand Canyon helicopter tour is Guano Point and the Hualapai Ranch. At Guano Point, I got to see panoramic views of the Grand Canyon, as well as the Colorado River. Hualapai Ranch was a good place to visit too. There are many activities tourists can do there, such as horseback riding, wagon rides and roping demonstrations. I wasn’t able to partake in those activities, but I had fun watching the people.
I was glad that I upgraded the Grand Canyon helicopter tour package and went for the optional private helicopter landing. This was probably the most memorable part of the tour for me, next to the West Rim Skywalk. I boarded a private helicopter and we went down to a private area located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This is one of the perks of upgrading since I got to spend some time at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and take some beautiful pictures from a different view. The view from the bottom of the Canyon was just 300 feet above the Colorado River.
Overall, my Grand Canyon helicopter tour was an amazing experience. Every dollar spent was worth the experience. Now I know why my friends kept on urging me to visit the Grand Canyon when I go to Las Vegas. Now that I have experienced it, I will also recommend this tour to my friends who haven’t been there.
Want a Great Adventure? Try a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
Visiting the Grand Canyon is anything but boring, but visiting this historic landmark on a helicopter is one way to guarantee that your trip will be one to remember. It’s sure to be one of those spectacular adventures you’ll be telling your grandchildren about years from now. Imagine the looks on their faces as you explain to them how you boarded a helicopter and flew all the way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, landed in the canyon and rode a horse wagon while enjoying some of the most delicious foods you’ve ever tasted…all in the same day!
The Grand Canyon helicopter tour will allow you to see the great Lake Mead and Hoover Dam from an angle much different than what you’re used to. After that once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’ll be time for yet another as you head down to the canyon’s rim – over 450 meters deep. Take some photos, experience nature, and enjoy the exhilarating experience before climbing up the rim to the Grand Canyon Ranch.
The Grand Canyon helicopter tour is not just going to give you a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon; also included in the tour is a horse-drawn wagon ride to the ranch house where you will be feasting on western meals and special drinks served especially for you. Cowboys will be there as well, entertaining you with songs and stories. You can even go and dance the cowboy dance if you’re up for it. Horseback riding is also available for those who want to feel like a true cowboy.
Celebrate Your Special Day with Grand Canyon Guided Tours
One of the greatest places on Earth, and one of the world’s natural wonders is undoubtedly the Grand Canyon. Tens of thousands of people visit the canyon every year to experience for themselves the power of mother nature, and show she has carved this beautiful landscape over many millions of years. When people visit, one of the most popular ways to see the canyon is from the air with a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
Grand Canyon helicopter tours are a fantastic way for you to see one of the marvels of the natural world, and what better way to celebrate a special event in your life, such as an important anniversary or birthday. Grand Canyon guided tours are also available for any other special event you can think of, or if you just fancy doing something a bit different. Flying to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is an exciting and exhilarating thing to do, and is becoming more popular with people visiting Nevada, and those celebrating special events. Read more
Try an SUV Grand Canyon Tour – One of the Cheapest Grand Canyon Tours
There are many different types of Grand Canyon tours available, and whilst you may think they are all expensive once in a lifetime trips, you may actually be mistaken. Some of the cheapest Grand Canyon tours ever are now available, and all of them take in the magic and beauty of the Grand Canyon and the surrounding areas of Nevada.
Many Grand Canyon tours are based around helicopter and airplane tours, but if your budget doesn’t run to that, you can also experience the Grand Canyon on an SUV tour. An SUV tour may be one of the cheapest Grand Canyon tours, but doesn’t lack any of the excitement. In fact, many people have said they enjoyed the SUV tour just as much as a helicopter tour because it is slightly less action packed and more laid back.
Valley of Fire Wedding by Private Limousine
photo by ilovebutter
There is no doubt that the most popular city in Nevada is Las Vegas. It has gained popularity among locals and tourists thanks to the entertainment, fine dining and shopping. It has also gained popularity because of the number of weddings that take place here. An estimated 100,000 couples tie the knot in this city each year. Weddings in Vegas come in all shapes and sizes. Couples can choose to go for something quick and simple or something big and luxurious. Of course, for couples who want to make the most out of their wedding, a Valley of fire wedding can be a good choice. What else could make a wedding better than taking a tour on their special day?
Only the best can be expected with a wedding like this.
Las Vegas: Red Rock Canyon Tours
There is no doubting that Las Vegas is famous for its party style atmosphere. Many people come to Las Vegas each year to take advantage of the casinos and nightclub life. However, during the day before all of the excitement begins, many people like to take in some of the other attractions that Las Vegas has to offer. One of these attractions is the Red Rock Canyon Tours offered by Viator. The Red Rock Canyons in Las Vegas are a spectacular site and the tour offers a 4 ½ hour trek through the beautiful canyons.
About the Tour
The Red Rock Canyon views are absolutely breathtaking. They have, for many years, been used as the background for many commercials and films. You will be able to see all of these views up close in their glory. While on the tour you will see plenty of sights some of which may include:
• Wilson Cliffs
• Fossilized sand dunes
• Desert Tortoise habitat
• Wildflowers
• Native Indian Pictographs
Wilson Cliffs are a beautiful part of the Red Rock Canyon Tours. The cliffs are part of the Keystone Thrust which is over 65 million years old. In addition the Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas tour includes an off-road adventure. This adventure will take you up Rocky Gap Road to see sights that are not visible on the trek itself.
The fossilized sand dunes are literally trapped in time and will show you the effects that the passing time has had on the lands surrounding the dunes. There are also many different types of wildflowers and plants that you will see on your excursion – plants that you have likely never seen before. Your trekker will be sure to answer all questions you may have about the surrounding elements.
A gift shop is available at the end of the tour to purchase souvenirs. Be sure to bring your camera along to catch some of the spectacular sites on the Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas tour. This is one trip where you will not want to leave your camera at home.
What Your Tour Includes
The tour includes pickup and drop off at your local hotel. You will also have the benefit of traveling in a small group that is led by a professional trekker. Bottled water is provided as well, to keep you hydrated throughout the trek. You will need to bring your own food along or other drinks if you desire more than water. Gratuities are not included and are optional.
Considerations
• Your tour may be canceled if there are not enough packages sold and if the tour is canceled you will receive a refund or an alternative offer.
• Children under 18 months are not recommended for this tour due to the longevity.
• If you are in a wheelchair, you are more than welcome to take the tour. However, you will need a friend or family member to assist you in handling your wheelchair upon boarding and unloading.
The Red Rock Canyon Tours are offered at two different times of day. You can choose to go on the morning excursion which departs at 7:45 am or you can also choose the Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas tour that leaves at 12:45pm. Each trip lasts approximately 4 ½ hours so be sure to plan accordingly. Depending on the time of day your excursion takes place, you may want to bring a sweater for the trip in case you get cold. Afternoon temperatures in Las Vegas tend to get high, especially in the desert so dress appropriately. More than anything though, enjoy your excursion and learn about the magnificent Red Rock Canyons of Las Vegas.
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Choose a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour for the Best Grand Canyon Views
There are many ways you can see the Grand Canyon. You can take a ride down the Colorado River on a boat and marvel at the Canyon’s majestic rock faces from below, or you can take to the air to see the Canyon from a bird’s eye view. With a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you get the best of both worlds, as many tours include a pontoon boat trip on the river.
Grand Canyon helicopter tours typically start from a location in Las Vegas. The distance to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is about 45 minutes flying time by helicopter, and on the way you’ll see sights such as the magnificent Hoover Dam, which has been an important part of American power generation for half a century. You’ll also fly over Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States, created by the water impounded by the Hoover Dam.
See the Grand Canyon from the Skies with a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
The Grand Canyon truly is one of the wonders of the world. It’s been around for over 40 million years as the mighty Colorado River cut its way deep into the rock, leaving it as it is today. Over two hundred miles long, and up to eighteen miles wide at some points, the canyon is also over a mile deep. The canyon is of major importance to geologists from all over the world, as millions of years of erosion has resulted in one of the most complete records of geological evolution on the planet.
If you’re planning on visiting, or maybe even taking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon, you may wish to know that in the height of summer the temperatures at the Grand Canyon north rim can reach well over 100 degrees in the summer. The Grand Canyon south rim can be even hotter due to the higher elevation. This is stark contrast to the winter months where the temperature can drop to sub-zero.
Enjoy a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour, Whether You’re Young Or Old
No matter what your walk of life, or whether you’re rich, poor, young or old, you’re always going to enjoy a Las Vegas Grand Canyon Helicopter tour. Simply put, it’s not something you do every day, so it’s a treat and something to look forward to. There are many Grand Canyon helicopter tours to try, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. You’ll never be sorry you went, because it’s an experience you’ll not forget in a hurry, and something you can talk about to friends and family for years to come. Even a helicopter ride is something magical to do, but to combine it with a trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, where you’ll swoop over lakes, and through the canyon itself, it’s a special experience.
You can go on a Las Vegas Grand Canyon tour either on your own, with a loved one or partner, with friends, or even with work colleagues. Whomever you decide to share this unique experience with, you’re bound to have a great time! Read more