Want to do something truly special for the upcoming 4th of July holiday? If you're going to be in Las Vegas, then you absolutely have to take a tour of the Grand Canyon. The best way to see the area is from a helicopter, and there are plenty of options when it comes to tour packages. Just make sure that you book soon, because tickets are selling out fast and this is going to be one of the busiest seasons of 2016.
Taking Your Tour From Las Vegas
Vegas helicopters fly directly to the West Rim, which means that you'll fly over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on your way out there. This is a great addition to the flyover that you will enjoy at the canyon, and there's still much more adventure for those that are willing.
One of the biggest benefits of taking a West Rim flight is that you can land at the Grand Canyon. You can choose to land at the top of the rim, the bottom, or even both.
At the top there's plenty to do, including walking trails, some great lookout points, and of course there is also the Skywalk. The Skywalk has become famous around the world, as it's the only transparent glass platform at the Grand Canyon. Stepping out onto the platform, you will be 4000ft above the bottom, and 70ft out from the edge of the rim. It's a truly breathtaking experience and a great photo opportunity.
The bottom is perhaps even more exciting, and the bottom landing package is my own personal favorite. After your helicopter makes the descent into the canyon, you can make a toast with a Champagne picnic, and you can even include a Colorado River boat ride on your ticket. An air tour on its own is special enough, but landing inside the canyon makes it even better. The fact that you can also take a riverboat ride, makes this one of the best adventure tours in the United States.
Deluxe Helicopters
When you make your booking, you will find that you can choose from either basic or deluxe helicopter packages. While basic is a great option for those on a budget, I do still recommend deluxe, for a number of reasons. The first is that deluxe tours include a limousine shuttle service. This adds an extra element of luxury and excitement to your trip. Also, basic tours leave from Boulder City, whereas deluxe tours fly directly from The Strip in Las Vegas. The final, and most important reason for choosing deluxe, is that you will fly in a newer helicopter!
All deluxe tours are given in EcoStar 130 helicopters. These choppers are around 25% bigger than the older Bell Ranger helicopters, and they're also quieter, and offer a smoother ride. Most importantly, the EcoStar model includes a huge panoramic windshield that wraps right around the front of the helicopter, and there are stadium style seats that allow all passengers to have the best viewing experience. If you can, always go for the deluxe tour. The value of the upgrade is far in excess of the actual ticket price.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, it's time to go and book your own adventure. Book early, and complete your booking on the internet. This will give you access to the best rates, as long as you remember to confirm your purchase with your credit card. With the 4th of July less than a month away, I advise that you book within the next two weeks. Booking too late can mean that you will pay a ticket premium, and you wouldn't want to miss out on your chance to take a helicopter to one of the most impressive natural wonders on earth!
Martin Wynn
