There are plenty of ways to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Bus, airplane, rental car. But the one that tops everyone’s list are helicopter tours. These aircraft are fun, fast, and deliver a sightseeing experience like no other.
First, some key facts about helicopter tours:
1. Helicopters fly at a lower altitude than airplanes. The range is between 1,000 to 3,000 feet, which translates into better views.
2. Helicopters can go to hard-to-reach places. Helicopters don’t need runways to land, just landing pads, which allows them to fly and land at the bottom of the canyon.
3. Every seat is the best in the house. Tours are conducted aboard EcoStar 130 helicopters, which feature stadium-style seats wherein all passengers face forward for views through a 180-degree windshield.
4. You will see in 30 minutes what would take days on the ground. This is especially true of the South Rim helicopter tour, which flies to the isolated North Rim and back.
5. The upgrade options are incredible. From the basic air tour, you can add Grand Canyon Skywalk tickets, a pontoon boat ride, horseback riding, a kayak cruise, or an ATV trail ride.
The majority of Las Vegas helicopter tours go to the West Rim (Grand Canyon West). This area is 120 miles away and requires a 45-minute flight, making it the ideal day trip. The South Rim, which is more than 270 miles away, requires that you take either a bus/helicopter trip or a airplane/helicopter package (I recommend you take the 45-minute plane flight).
West Rim tours depart year round from the Las Vegas area. I find the trip over as interesting as being at the canyon itself. En route, you’ll go over Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the U.S., and Hoover Dam, the second largest dam in the country. You’ll also see the incredible Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (a.k.a. the Hoover Dam Bypass), a twin-rib concrete structure that soars 900 feet above the Colorado River. The flight continues over some of finest parts of the Mojave Desert and Grand Cliffs Wash before entering West Rim airspace.
Three options happen at this point:
1. You fly over Grand Canyon West and return to Las Vegas. This is the air-only tour. Great views of Guano and Eagle Points, the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which, made of glass, sparkles under the western sun.
2. You land at Grand Canyon West. In most cases, you’ll deplane and take a tour of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. This is a “must-see” attraction. It extends 70 feet past the lip of the rim and raises you 4,000 vertical feet above the Colorado River. Many describe it as a “gravity defying” moment.
3. You’ll land at the bottom of the canyon. This is by far the most popular West Rim helicopter trip. You descend 4,000 feet to the base, deplane, and enjoy a Champagne picnic. The ascent is just as thrilling. Or, if you optioned to river raft, you’ll board a pontoon boat for a float trip down the river.
The South Rim journey starts with an airplane flight aboard a customized Vistaliner aircraft. This is not a “little” plane. These aircraft can hold up to 17 passengers and deliver an incredibly smooth flight. The flight route follows the Colorado River east, and, by the time you touch down at Grand Canyon Airport, you’ve see about 50 % of the canyon.
From here, you’ll deplane and board your helicopter. Buckle up: These aircraft are fast and reach speeds up to 200 miles per hour as they zip past the Kaibab Plateau and enter the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest section of the canyon. The helicopter continues on to the beautiful North Rim before making the flight back, where you’ll board a luxury motor coach for a guided tour of the rim from the ground.
Tour duration ranges from three hours for an air-only West Rim flight to eight hours for the South Rim trip. Packages include free hotel shuttle service and lunch (except the air-only tour). Prices start at $200 and go up depending on upgrades and the rim you decide to visit.
Helicopter tours are an exceptional value. Even at the retail rate. But why pay more when you can save up to 35 percent by buying direct from the tour operator? I’ve flown pretty much everything that leaves Vegas and my Top 3 suppliers in order are Papillon, Maverick, and Grand Canyon Helicopters. Each is on the Web.
Here are a few tips you need to know before you book:
1. Read the fine print of the cancellation contract.
2. Confirm your reservation when you arrive in Las Vegas.
3. Book an early morning flight. Best visibility. Smoother flying. If you want to see The Strip, take a later afternoon flight.
4. Make sure your camcorder or camera is fully charged. Helicopters are also equipped with video cameras and record your tour, which you can purchase on DVD.
Las Vegas helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon make for a fantastic day trip. First, choose which rim you want to visit. The West Rim is closer to Vegas and has more activities and attractions. The South Rim requires a plane ride and is home to the most famous views. Budget at least $200 per person for a helicopter tour, which will go up from there based on your upgrades. Next, book it online, then kick back and get ready for the flight of a lifetime!
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