Taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon is the only way to appreciate its vast wonders. Seeing the canyon from above allows you to take in the beautiful natural formations it would otherwise take you days to reach. Hands down, they’re a great way to see America’s only Natural Wonder of the World!
You can take deluxe Grand Canyon helicopter tours at either the South or the West Rim. The West Rim tours depart from Vegas and the ones to the South Rim begin in Tusayan, which is convenient to cities in Arizona such as Phoenix and Sedona. No flights connect the two rims, and no Grand Canyon helicopters fly from Vegas directly to the South Rim.
Chopper Tours To The South Rim
South Rim chopper tours are categorized by flight time and how much of the Park they cover. The longer one is best because it lasts nearly an hour, takes you over to the east edge of the Park and the North Rim, and includes a swoop through the deepest part of the canyon called the Dragoon Corridor. You also get to fly over Grand Canyon Village. Other scenic landmarks you see include the Painted Desert, Zuni Corridor, and Imperial Point.
West Rim Helicopters
The West Rim is about 120 miles from Las Vegas and you can get there in 45 minutes by helicopter. Along the way, you get to see the impressive Hoover Dam from the air along with scenic Lake Mead. Going to the West Rim has some unique benefits.
For one thing, it’s the only part of the Park where helicopters are permitted to land on the canyon bottom. The most popular West Rim chopper tours are always the ones that land on the bottom for a picnic – champagne included!
Another popular option is the tour that lands on the bottom and at the top. It includes a smooth-water float trip down the Colorado and VIP access to the fabulous Grand Canyon Skywalk. Some other high points you don’t want to miss include Eagle Point, Hualapai Ranch, Guano Point, and the Indian Cultural Center.
The Skywalk is something you don’t want to miss and it is very popular with tourists. And there is good reason. It happens to be the largest glass cantilevered bridge in the world and you can walk out on it 70 feet past the edge and stand 4000 feet above the bottom of the canyon! Because smart phones, digital cameras and other personal electronics aren’t permitted on the Skywalk, professional photographs are available to buy. The photos are amazing and they make great mementos of your trip.
Types of Helicopters
The choppers used on the deluxe air tours are simply amazing. Most of them use the EcoStar 130s. They’re ultra-modern and their passenger cabins are much larger than those of other helicopters. They also offer terrific climate control, wraparound windshields and stadium-style seating.
Is flying in an EcoStar 130 worth upgrading your tour? It certainly is! If you are going to tour the Grand Canyon, you might as well do it in comfort and style. Sure, upgrading will be more expensive, but doing several things can help you score a deluxe tour at a lower cost.
Book on the Web
You get the lowest price when you buy your seats on the tour operator’s website.
Enjoy your deluxe helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon! It’s natural beauty is unlike any other place on earth, it is well worth the price you have to pay to see it!
