I guess I’m biased, but in my opinion everyone planning a Vegas trip should consider one of the air tours offered on Grand Canyon helicopters. You can take an air-only tour or choose one that lands at the canyon, which is a much better idea. Here’s why:
The West Rim is only 120 miles east of Las Vegas. It takes around 45 minutes to fly there in a helicopter.
Las Vegas helicopters leave from the Strip or you can depart from an airfield in Boulder City, which is about a half hour away. The tours that leave from Boulder city cost less since they are not as convenient as those that leave from the Strip which is nearer your hotel. However, the Vegas departures come with free pickup and drop-off service in a limo.
The Canyon Floor
Tours on Las Vegas helicopters offer a variety of activities. One of the most popular ones lands on the bottom of the canyon. Taking a West Rim tour out of Vegas has the benefit of letting you choose to land on the canyon floor because choppers are not allowed to do that in other areas of the canyon. The helicopter ride to the canyon floor is very exciting and once there, you get to enjoy a Champagne brunch and then explore the area for about 30 minutes on foot. There is a lot to see, plus you will be on the shores of the Colorado River.
The sunset flights that soar over the Strip before touching down are also very popular air tours. You are treated to a magnificent view of the sun melting into the canyon as the lights spring to life in Vegas.
The Three-In-One Tour
Personally, though, I think the best of all the air tours is the one that I’ve heard people call the “three-in-one.” This tour lets you explore the top of the rim on foot for 2 1/2 hours and also flies you to the bottom of the canyon where you can take a boat ride on the Colorado River. But because it also comes with VIP access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, I call it the “four-in-one” tour. If you want the “full boat” canyon experience (pun intended), this is the one.
There are no additional costs for these landing tours since they are all-inclusive and come with lunch, park fees, taxes, tour guide and free limo service to the airfield on the Strip or free shuttle service to Boulder City.
Since you spend time on the ground on a landing tour, don’t forget to dress appropriately. The West Rim’s summers are hot. Wear good walking shoes, a light shirt with long sleeves, shorts, sunglasses and a hat for shade. Bring some water and your sunscreen too.
Summing Up
This article gives you some basic facts about the West Rim landing tours on Grand Canyon helicopters that fly out of Vegas. If you’ll be based in Sin City but you’d rather see the South Rim, you’ll need to take a bus or plane to get there and then get aboard a chopper. Tours departing from Boulder City cost less, but the ones that depart from the Strip include a fun limo ride. These tours offer beautiful scenery and fun adventures, so don’t miss out!
