New Year's Eve is going to be a big one this year. Why not take your celebrations to the next level, with Grand Canyon helicopter rides from the city of Las Vegas?
Las Vegas Helicopters
Vegas is super close to the National Park, and it will only take about 45 minutes to cover the 120 miles out to the Canyon. On the way, you will even get to see breathtaking landmarks like the colossal Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead.
When you select your tickets, you will have the option to choose an air-only tour, one that lands at the top of the Canyon, or one that goes right inside to land at the bottom. There are even packages with combinations of the three. Landing tours are the best, and by far the most popular. The bottom landing tour that includes a Champagne picnic, and a Colorado River boat ride, is my absolute favorite.
The top of the Grand Canyon features numerous walking routes and observation areas, and of course there is the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The special platform has a completely transparent bottom and will allow you to walk 70ft over the edge of the Canyon, while looking at 4000ft of air between you and the bottom. It's definitely an experience for thrill seekers, and it is the perfect photo opportunity.
The Deluxe Experience
Basic tours are flown from slightly older Bell Ranger helicopters, and include a minibus shuttle service from your hotel to the helipad. These fly from just outside Las Vegas, in Boulder City.
If you choose a Deluxe tour, and this is what I recommend, then you will fly in a state of the art helicopter and receive the full VIP treatment. A limousine will pick you up from your hotel, and the tour will leave directly from the Las Vegas Strip. You will even do a flyover of Vegas at the end of your tour.
The Deluxe tours use EcoStar 130 helicopters. Just as safe as the Bell Ranger, they have the added advantages of being quieter inside, they provide a smoother flight, the seats are oversized and in a stadium layout, and they feature a huge windshield that covers 180 degrees. The panoramic view is the best you will find in any commercially operating helicopter.
For New Year's Eve or any time around the celebration, I recommend morning and afternoon flights. This is because there's a lot less traffic around Las Vegas, and there will also be fewer people out at the Canyon.
My personal recommendation is to take a flight on New Year's Day. The first day of January is relatively quiet when compared to the lead up to New Year's Eve.
Conclusion
Because New Year's Eve is right around the corner, you will need to book fast. By that, I mean almost as soon as you finish reading this. Tours are in high demand, so you will need to book online to ensure your tickets are secured. Booking with your credit card means there will be no problem on the day, and you will also be able to take advantage of special rates and online discounts.
With so many options to choose from, you will find a helicopter tour that suits your budget and your sense of adventure. You will remember a Grand Canyon tour for life, as it's one of the most beautiful, and breathtaking places on earth. Don't miss the chance to see it while you're in Las Vegas.
Martin Wynn
