If you're going to go sightseeing at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, then you absolutely have to check out the Skywalk. This platform is completely unique and offers unrivaled views, and getting there on a helicopter will make your experience unforgettable.
My #1 Tour Package
The most popular tour is also one of the most affordable, which makes it more accessible for visitors to Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It leaves from Boulder City, just outside of Vegas itself. There's a free shuttle service from your hotel, and it takes less than half an hour to get to the helipad.
Flying time to the Canyon is around 45 minutes, and you'll even get some awesome sightseeing before you arrive. This is because the helicopter will fly over Lake Mead and the huge Boulder Dam, and it's pretty spectacular to see the huge construction from the air.
You'll set down just 5 minutes from the Skywalk once you reach the Grand Canyon West Airport. This tour is so popular because it includes a VIP ticket to the Skywalk. This means that you can cut down waiting time in the regular line, and that gives you more time to experience the general area.
You can have as long as you want out on the Skywalk, but the average time spent on the platform is around 20 minutes. If you have time left over, you can also check out some of the other viewing platforms in the area. Of course, nothing compares to standing on a glass and steel platform that is more than 4000ft above the bottom of the Canyon, so I wouldn't blame you for wanting to spend as much time on the Skywalk as you can.
#2 Tour – Deluxe
There's another tour that includes everything that #1 does, except that it leaves from the Las Vegas Strip. Not only does this add some convenience for you if your hotel is in Vegas, but it also means that you can enjoy a flyover of the strip. It's pretty amazing to see all of the major casinos, hotels, and landmarks from the air, and this deluxe tour really adds to the whole experience. As an extra perk, deluxe includes a limousine shuttle service so that you can feel like a real VIP.
#3 Tour – The All-in-One Experience
This is the big one! Everything that you can do at the West Rim is included in one package. Not only does this tour include the Skywalk experience, but it also lands at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The 2500 ft. descent is something truly special, and you will even be able to enjoy a 20 minute Colorado River boat ride at the bottom. The West Rim is the only place where you can land at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, so if you can make this one work with your budget then I highly recommend it.
Book Online for the Best Deals
It goes without saying that these tours are incredibly popular, so I recommend doing two things to ensure that you get the best experience. First, make sure that you book online. Booking online means that your ticket prices will be locked in. Using your credit card ensures the best prices and you won't have to worry about losing out on your seats. Secondly, make sure that you book in advance. These tours regularly sell out, so I recommend at least two weeks in advance to avoid missing out. Another reason for booking in advance is that the ticket prices increase as it gets closer to the flight date. Booking early can means savings of up to 30% on the general ticket prices, so it is well worth being prepared.
Conclusion
I hope this has shed some light on the options you will have at the Canyon. The Skywalk is truly impressive, and there's really nothing else like it in the world. The fact that it is at one of the most impressive natural wonders on earth, means that the experience is made even better. If you want the most affordable option, go for #1, but if you can stretch your budget further then #2 and #3 are also hugely popular. Whichever tour you pick; I can guarantee that you'll have an awesome experience that can't be found at any other tourist destination.
Martin Wynn
