A Grand Canyon helicopter tour could take you even closer to the canyon than you'd ever imagined, especially if you choose one of the spectacular landing tours. These flights leave from Las Vegas and these are packages that will show you even more than just the Canyon itself.
Going into the Canyon
Las Vegas truly is the best place to depart on a Grand Canyon air tour, because it's the only departure point that has helicopters licensed to land within the Canyon itself.
The Vegas trips leave almost all day while the visibility is high, and you can choose tours leaving from The Strip, or nearby Boulder City and Henderson. The helicopter tours that leave directly from The Strip will cost you a little extra, but the convenience is well worth the extra dollars that you'll spend. You'll also take a flyover of the Las Vegas Strip and this is undoubtedly the best view you'll ever have of the Entertainment Capital of the World.
You'll see more than the canyon itself on your flight. Landing tours will take you past the impressive Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, and you'll also see much of the Mighty Colorado River. It takes about 45 minutes to get out to the Canyon from Vegas so there's plenty of time to absorb everything on the journey there and back.
Champagne Picnic
As if taking a flight below the rim wasn't enough, you can even enjoy a Champagne picnic after you land inside the Grand Canyon. It takes around 15 minutes to descend into the Canyon, allowing you plenty of time to marvel at one of the world's most breathtaking landmarks.
The Picnic consists of fresh fruits, an upscale cheese and cracker board, and of course the Champagne. You'll spend 30 minutes at the bottom giving you enough time to toast the occasion and explore the nearby area. If you're the adventurous type you can even book a boat tour along the Colorado. This is the perfect supplement to the landing tour, and if you upgrade your ticket it will be more than worth it.
Even if you opt to land at the top of the Canyon you won't be regretting your choice. It's only a short trip to the Grand Canyon Skywalk from where the helicopter lands at the airfield. The Skywalk is an experience like no other. You'll take a walk out on a reinforced, clear bottomed platform that suspends you 4,000 feet over the Grand Canyon and the river below. For safety reasons you can't take cameras on to the platform, but it hardly matters because you'll take memories away that will stay with you for your lifetime.
Dress for the Weather
Because you'll either be hopping out of the chopper at the bottom or top of the canyon, you should take care to dress appropriately for the weather. Check the Vegas weather forecast before you go and then you can expect the exact same conditions at the Canyon. Early mornings can be crisp, however in the summer it can reach up to 100 degrees in the day. This means that you'll need a hat, sunscreen, and a light windbreaker or sweater to protect you from the sun. Remember to drink water to prevent dehydration, and it's a good idea to bring some easy to carry snacks along with you.
Grand Canyon helicopters offer the best way to see the world's most famous natural wonder. You'll get the spectacular bird's eye views from the helicopter ride, and whether you're landing at the bottom or on the rim you'll experience unique attractions that only this part of the Canyon can offer. Get ready, because this is an adventure that you'll likely never top no matter where you go.
Martin Wynn
