Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Grand Canyon is a sight that everyone should see if they get the opportunity. Although there are many ways to experience the canyon, one of the best is to head out on a helicopter tour during the sunset. You can depart from either Tusayan in Arizona, or Las Vegas in Nevada, but be warned, sunset flights are some of the most popular air tours so it's essential that you book in advance.
Las Vegas Departing Tours
You can choose between air and air/landing tours if you're departing from Las Vegas. Either of these tours show you more than just the canyon, and you'll pass by Lake Mead and the monumental Hoover Dam on your flight path. If you opt for a landing tour you'll get to set down at the bottom of the canyon, whereas air only tours will head straight back to Vegas after you've taken in the sights.
Of course I recommend landing tours. Why? Because they offer something entirely unique. There's a landing tour available where you can enjoy a champagne picnic after you reach the bottom of the Canyon, and I can't think of a better way to toast what is truly the experience of a lifetime. Sunset is a special time to be at the bottom of the canyon as shadows dance around the canyon's bare rock walls.
You can choose from either basic or deluxe Grand Canyon helicopters. Deluxe tours all depart from The Strip, whereas the basic air tours fly from nearby Boulder City. An added bonus of choosing deluxe is the free limousine shuttle service, and you'll also get to fly over the city of Las Vegas.
Because you'll be at the Grand Canyon for sunset you'll see Vegas at dusk when you come back. When the lights are on and you're in the sky it's truly an awesome sight. The Vegas Strip tour will have you head past landmarks like the Stratosphere Tower, and the Luxor Pyramid at the other end of The Strip.
If you're on a deluxe sunset tour you'll also fly in a state of the art EcoStar 130 helicopter. A 180 degree wrap around windshield makes this the best helicopter for sightseeing. It also features a large cabin and bucket seats that are arranged in a way that everyone gets a 'front row' view. In my opinion, you'd be doing yourself a disservice to fly to the Grand Canyon in any other helicopter.
South Rim Tours from Arizona
Right outside the gates of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is the town of Tusayan. This is where the Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter tours depart from. You can choose either a half-hour, or extended 50 minute flight when you depart from Arizona. If you book the last flight of the day you'll be flying at the perfect time to witness the sunset. As I mentioned earlier, these tours are extremely popular and it's absolutely essential that you book at least two weeks prior to when you want to fly.
If you're deciding between the two South Rim tours, go for the 50 minute one if you've got a little extra in your budget. For just a slight increase in ticket price you'll be able to see almost 75% of the Grand Canyon National Park. Considering that the park is over a million acres in size, this is an opportunity that you won't want to pass up.
Try a Sunset Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
The canyon is fantastic at any time of the day, but during sunset the landscape is particularly beautiful. The colors of the Grand Canyon are especially impressive during the day's last light.
You won't ever forget your Grand Canyon helicopter tour. It's likely that you won't see anything quite as beautiful or awe inspiring, no matter where you travel in life.
Martin Wynn
