What are your plans for St. Patrick's Day? If you're looking for excitement and adventure, then you won't find much better than the Grand Canyon. Helicopter tours are available on and around St. Patrick's Day, but you will have to get in quick to secure your seats and make sure you get the best prices.
What sounds better to you, the West Rim, or the South Rim? From Las Vegas, you can choose either one. The West Rim is a short 45 minute helicopter ride from Vegas, while the South Rim is just a one hour plane ride away. Once there, you can begin your helicopter tour.
West Rim Tours
Helicopter tours will take you over the Boulder Dam and Lake Mead for some pre-sightseeing on your way to the Canyon. You can choose from landing and air-only tours, with the air-only tour providing a scenic route over the Canyon, before heading back to Vegas.
I recommend the landing tour, because you will get so much more from your tour package. You can choose to either land at the top of the Canyon, at the bottom, or even choose to do both. At the bottom you can enjoy a champagne picnic and even a boat ride on the Colorado River. At the top of the Canyon, there's the Grand Canyon skywalk, a thrilling glass platform that is 4000 ft. above the bottom. There are also plenty of walking tracks at the top of the rim, with plenty of vantage points and great photo opportunities.
South Rim Tours
If you start your tour from Arizona, or even if you fly out there from Las Vegas, you will be able to take one of two air-only helicopter tours. The first option takes you to the North Rim, and back to the South Rim again. The longer tour, which is 50 minutes in total, will also take you to the eastern areas of the park. The longer tour is the better option, because you will get to see up to 75% of the entire National Park. For the slight increase in ticket price, you get to experience one of the most comprehensive tours on offer. The South Rim is home to the Dragoon Corridor, the deepest and widest trench of the entire Canyon.
Deluxe Tours for the Best Experience
You will be able to choose from either basic or deluxe helicopters. Basic tours include a standard shuttle service, and will have you in a Bell Ranger helicopter. Deluxe tours use the newer EcoStar 130 helicopter, which is bigger inside, quieter, has more comfortable seating, and features a huge front facing window that wraps right around the cockpit. The deluxe tour also includes a limousine shuttle service, for the ultimate VIP experience. I recommend going for deluxe if you can work it into your St Patrick's Day budget, because the sightseeing is seriously improved by the newer helicopter.
Conclusion
This coming St Patrick's Day could be just like any other year, OR, it could include one of the best sightseeing adventures that America has to offer. Try to make your budget stretch for the best possible tickets. The landing tour at the West Rim is especially memorable, or if you're at the South Rim, the 50 minute helicopter is the way to go. Don't forget to book in advance, and pay for your tickets online using your credit card. You will get the best rates and you'll be able to ensure that your seats are confirmed for your Canyon adventure.
Martin Wynn
