Amazing Las Vegas Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means that it's time to start planning an unforgettable vacation. Around this time of year, the Grand Canyon will be looking awesome, and if you want to get out there, you can take helicopter tours from the nearby city of Las Vegas. Helicopters operate every day from dawn until dusk, and you'll just need to know what's on offer, and all the small tricks to help make sure you don't miss out on a booking.

Making Your Booking

Booking online is the most convenient way to arrange your tour, and also make sure that you use your credit card to confirm your flights. This will get you the best ticket price while also ensuring that your seats are fully confirmed. You'll just need to bring a photo ID on the day, and check in 30 minutes early for your flight.

Vegas Tours

The Vegas tour to the West Rim will fly you over the Boulder Dam and Lake Mead, before reaching the Grand Canyon for a scenic flyover. There are landing flights available, and these are the ones that I recommend so that you can get the most out of your tour.

Landing flights can either go to the top or the bottom of the Canyon. At the top, there are plenty of walking tracks, as well as the famous Skywalk transparent platform. Buying tickets to the platform will allow you to stand 4000ft above the bottom, and it's an experience that you won't forget.

Bottom landing tours are just as exciting, and many people prefer them. You can purchase a ticket that sets you down next to the Colorado River, where you can enjoy a champagne picnic, and even add a Colorado boat trip onto your adventure.

If you've got plenty of time and your budget will allow for it, you can choose to check out the top and bottom of the Canyon.

South Rim Tours

Helicopters don't fly directly to the South Rim, but you can take a one hour plane journey from Las Vegas to the town of Tusayan in Arizona, which is right outside of the National Park gates. From there, you can choose from two helicopter tours. The shorter tour is one that goes to the North Rim, and back to the South. The longer tour costs only a little extra, and is highly recommended. It covers the same route but also adds in some extra flying time to the eastern areas of the park. The longer tour is 50 minutes in total and covers around 75% of the entire National Park. If you love sightseeing, then the longer tour is for you.

Basic vs Deluxe Tours

Basic tours typically fly in Bell Ranger helicopters, and include a van shuttle service to the helipad. These tours operate from Boulder City which is just outside of Las Vegas. Deluxe tours fly directly from the strip if you're going to the West Rim, and they include a limousine shuttle service for a true VIP experience. The best thing about deluxe is the helicopter you will fly in. It's a late model EcoStar 130, which features a massive viewing window, oversized stadium seats, and a spacious cabin. Although you'll pay a little extra for deluxe, the upgrade in sightseeing from the newer helicopter is worth the price.

Because this is one of the hottest times of the year, especially at the West Rim, you'll need to come prepared with light clothing, sun block, some snacks, and plenty of bottled water. Because these tours are hugely popular, you'll also need to book early. I recommend doing this at least two weeks before the date you intend to fly.

Conclusion

Now that you know a little more about what's on offer at the Grand Canyon, you'll be able to pick the best adventure that suits your needs and your budget. Remember to book online, and book early so that you won't miss out on tickets. If you leave it too close to the day you intend to fly, you will end up paying a premium for your tickets.

Remember to prepare with everything that you need for a day trip, and you'll be ready for a scenic adventure like nothing else in the United States.