If you're in Las Vegas, you'll find the opportunity to have plenty of fun, but maybe the best thing about Vegas, is that you can go straight from the bright city to one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world; the Grand Canyon!
Grand Canyon Airplanes are the least expensive of all the air tours operating in Nevada. Las Vegas itself is only 120 miles out from the West Rim, and in an airplane you'll make it out to the Canyon in just half an hour. You aren't limited to the West Rim though, because unlike helicopters, airplane tours can also take you directly to the South Rim in Arizona. It takes a bit longer with a full hour flight, but it's a lot faster than the half day journey by car.
Flights operate daily, and you will find operators at different airports throughout the city. Boulder City is just outside of the Las Vegas city limits, and this is where you will find the least expensive airplane tours.
Tour Options
Like all air tours, there are different packages to choose from. There are flyover tours, and even landing tours that combine other packages. The basic flyovers will give you spectacular views of the canyon, as well as a chance to see other landmarks from the air. These include Lake Mead and the Boulder Dam.
Other trips can allow you to land, and one of them at the West Rim will allow you to go inside the Grand Canyon, landing next to the Colorado River. You could even take a boat ride on the blue green waters. Another package will allow you to walk out across the Grand Canyon Skywalk. This impressive platform has a clear bottom and suspends you 4000ft above the river below. At the South Rim you could land and take the only 4×4 tour that operates in Grand Canyon National Park.
Recommended Tour
Personally, I would recommend the boat ride at the West Rim, or if you're going to the South Rim, make sure you choose the package with the 4×4 tour. Seeing the Grand Canyon from the ground can be just as exciting as viewing it from the air, and when you combine both, you're left with the full experience.
The most common airplane that flies to the Grand Canyon is the De Havilland Twin Otter. There is seating for 19, and this plane has been extensively modified to allow for the best sightseeing. Everything in the design from the wing placement, to the windows, has been done with the optimal viewing experience in mind.
The planes are air conditioned and feature comfortable seating. Also, you can listen to pre-recorded tour notes, and they're even available in other languages. All in all there are 11 languages, so if there are any non-English speakers in your group, they won't be left out.
Conclusion
Helicopter tours are the most widely advertised, but Grand Canyon airplane tours offer fantastic sightseeing too. You can choose from the West or South Rim, and you can even customize your tour with landing options. These air tours are extremely popular, so make sure you get in early. Book well in advance (at least two weeks) and book online for the best deals.
You won't regret an air tour at the Grand Canyon, and if you're travelling on a budget then an airplane tour is the best way to go!
Martin Wynn
