If you're going to be in Las Vegas this Memorial Day holiday, make sure that you make the most of it by visiting the Grand Canyon. There are tours at the West Rim and the South Rim, and you can find some excellent deals on airplane tours. Just remember, this is going to be one of the busiest times of year, so you'll have to get in soon because tickets are selling out fast.
West or South Rim? Two Fantastic Options
Las Vegas is closest to the West Rim, but you can also tour the South Rim from the town of Tusayan in Arizona. From Tusayan you can take the flight directly, or if you're in Las Vegas, you can choose to fly to the West or South.
If you fly from Vegas, you'll get some extra sightseeing on the way to the Canyon. Flights pass over the Hoover Dam and the reservoir of Lake Mead, so your adventure begins even before you get to the main attraction. If you are going to the West Rim, you'll be able to choose from landing and air only tours. Air Only tours will follow the scenic route, before heading back to Vegas. If you choose a landing tour, then there is plenty more adventure to be had.
Landing at the West Rim
The West Rim gives you access to some fantastic hiking trails for people of all levels, and there is even the world famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. If you haven't heard of the Skywalk, it's a modern marvel of engineering made from glass and steel. It will allow you to step out onto a transparent viewing platform that is 70ft out from the edge, and 4000ft above the bottom of the Canyon.
If you want even more from the West Rim, then I recommend adding on a helicopter that takes you to the bottom of the Canyon. This is a favorite trip of many Canyon regulars, and it really adds to the adventure and excitement. At the bottom you can enjoy a Champagne picnic, and you can even add on a boat ride that will allow you to explore some of the Colorado River. Being right inside the Canyon gives you a true impression of just how large and breathtaking it is, which is why so many people choose to add on this extra tour to their experience.
South Rim Airplane Tours
Whether you take the one hour flight from Las Vegas, or start your journey in Arizona, the South Rim has plenty of impressive sights to see. The plane tour from Tusayan is almost an hour long, and covers around 70% of the entire National Park. There's no other tour that will show you quite as much in one package. On this tour you will get to see the remote North Rim, as well as some of the deepest and widest areas of the Canyon. The South Rim is more remote than the West, and it receives less visitors. If you want to see true untouched natural beauty, then the South Rim tours might be the best option for you.
Dress for Summer Weather
It can get extremely hot at the Canyon at this time of year, so if you're going for a landing tour at the West Rim, make sure you are prepared. Wear some thin and light clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and bring plenty of sunblock with you. You'll also need some snacks like trail mix or energy bars, and don't forget your bottled water.
Conclusion
Hopefully you now know a little bit more about what's on offer at the Grand Canyon. I do have some final advice, which is to book early and book online with your credit card. Confirming with your credit card means your seats will be secure, and you will also get the best available rate. Book at least two weeks in advance because ticket prices will increase as you get closer to the day you want to fly. Choose the best package for your budget, and be prepared for some of the world's best scenery. The Grand Canyon is like no other place on earth, and Memorial Day is one of the best times of year to get out there and see it.
Martin Wynn
