Grand Canyon helicopter tours provide the best ways to see the Grand Canyon. There are both air-only and landing tours available, each offering a unique experience. If you're unsure on which one is right for you, this guide will break down the differences in both.
Air tours depart from Las Vegas to the canyon's West Rim, as well as from Arizona near the canyon's South Rim. You don't have to start from Arizona to view the south rim, as there are also direct plane flights available from Vegas. These flights can be upgraded to include a helicopter flyover before heading back to Vegas.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas
The helicopters departing from Las Vegas offer both air-only and landing tours. Both of these tours will take you over impressive sights on your way to the canyon, offering bird's eye views of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
Once your flight reaches the Grand Canyon you will be treated to the main attraction. Air-only tours circle the canyon for unobstructed views of the national park, while landing flights allow you to explore the natural wonder close-up.
One landing flight that I always recommend is the bottom landing tour with champagne picnic. With this package you will fly in to the canyon, landing adjacent to the Colorado River, in addition to the picnic you can upgrade your tour with a riverboat ride, taking you along the blue-green waters as you marvel at the rock face around you.
Landing tours that set you down on the rim will enable you to explore the nearby trails, as well as the renowned Grand Canyon skywalk. This reinforced platform allows you to literally step out over the canyon, as you gaze through the transparent floor to the river 4000 feet below.
South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
The South Rim offers impressive vistas, although helicopters are not permitted to land at this part of the canyon. Don't be put off by this fact, because the air tours at this part of the Grand Canyon are in a class of their own.
The standard 30 minute tour will take you from the South Rim, up to the remote North Rim, and back again. This allows for some fantastic viewing, but there's still one more option!
The best tour from the South Rim is the 50 minute package. On this tour you can see everything covered on the 30 minute tour, but you'll also head out to the easternmost borders of the National Park. This air tour allows you to see almost three quarters of the Grand Canyon National Park, which is something that most people will never get to experience.
Helicopters used at the Grand Canyon
Basic packages will have you boarding a Bell Ranger or Astar helicopter. These allow for basic comfort and fantastic views.
Deluxe tours use the newer EcoStar 130. This helicopter was designed specifically for commercial sightseeing, and the 180-degree windscreen is testament to this fact. The panoramic windscreen and specially designed seating configuration allow for unobstructed views, no matter where you are in the cabin.
If you can afford the difference for a deluxe ticket, it is well worth it. For a little extra you will enjoy a luxury flight with unparalleled viewing.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both the basic and deluxe Grand Canyon helicopter tours will provide the experience of a lifetime. Whether you choose air-only or landing, West or South Rim, the views from a helicopter will allow you to see the canyon at its most majestic.
Martin Wynn
