Easiest, Fastest Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
Article by Keith Kravitz
Savvy travelers know that the best way to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is by helicopter. Why? Speed, comfort, and price, of course.
Distance
The West Rim, known as Grand Canyon West, is only 120 miles due east of Las Vegas and requires a short 45-minute helicopter ride. The South Rim is 270 miles east and is too far for helicopters. To get there, take a 45-minute plane ride to Grand Canyon Airport before transferring to a South Rim helicopter.
West Rim
The West Rim is hugely popular with Las Vegas daytrippers for these reasons: 1) The tour only takes half a day; 2) flights go to the bottom of the Canyon; and 3) it’s home to the fabulous Grand Canyon Skywalk. Most West Rim tours include pick up and drop off at your Las Vegas resort hotel, plus a light snack, Champagne toast, or lunch. The best departure time is in the morning, which makes sure that you return to Vegas in the early afternoon. It’s also smart to leave early in case your flight needs to be rescheduled due to weather.
Grand Canyon West is the only place where you can fly to the bottom of the Canyon, and you can upgrade this package to add a rafting trip down the Colorado River. The other main attraction is the Skywalk. Known as the “Glass Bridge,” this horseshoe-shaped structure extends 70 feet beyond the rim, lifting you 4,000 feet the River.
South Rim
It pays to make the extra effort to reach the venerable South Rim. This is National Park’s crown jewel and features its most-prized views. Getting here from Las Vegas requires booking a 45-minute airplane tour that includes a South Rim helicopter flight. Helicopters are not allowed to land at the bottom of the Park. Instead, they fly an amazing route over the Kaibab Plateau and into the Dragoon Corridor until they reach the North Rim and return to the heliport. Most of these tours include a bus transfer that takes you to the rim where you can explore on foot such view points as Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Hermit’s Rest. Depending on the operator and the season, you might be able to include a river rafting trip.
Comfort
Las Vegas helicopter operators fly the EcoStar aircraft. These helis are built from the ground up for sightseeing. Cabin size is 25% larger than that of ordinary helicopters. Grand Canyon temperatures can be extreme, but are no match for the EcoStar’s climate-control system. Stadium seating, a configuration where seats are tiered and face forward, is standard. These aircraft incorporate the Fenestron tail rotor, which reduces noise by 50%. For South Rim travelers, fixed-wing aircraft handles the airplane segment of your trip. Papillon, for instance, flies the Vistaliner, a plane customized with over-sized windows and plush seats. Like helicopters, the Vistaliner is quiet, climate-controlled, and streamlined for a smooth ride.
Price
There is a multitude of helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon because the largest helicopter operators in the country – Papillon, Maverick, Sundance – operate here. Competition among these companies is fierce and means you’re sure to find some great deals. Papillon Helicopters is the biggest and offers the best deals and promotions. Their top West Rim helicopter tour is their bottom-landing Grand Celebration tour while their top South Rim tour is the Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. Maverick and Sundance helicopters are you more high-end, premium providers of tours and cost more, with Maverick a favorite for couples who want a helicopter wedding. Trip prices range from 0 to 5 plus depending on upgrades, which include river rafting, ATV trail rides, horseback riding, and more. To get the best price, book in advance using the company’s website.
Summary
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy the Grand Canyon Canyon, take a Las Vegas helicopter. It takes just 45 minutes to reach the West Rim and only 45 minutes by airplane to get to the South Rim before transferring to your helicopter. Trip duration is typically half a day, and done aboard aircraft (helicopters and airplanes) that are designed for sightseeing and comfort. Upgrades are available, including river rafting, bottom landing, and the Skywalk. The price is right, too, but to get the cheapest rates, reserve your flights online at the company’s website. Next time in Las Vegas, make day trip out of the Grand Canyon, and do it in style and comfort on a Las Vegas helicopter.
About the Author
Ready to fly the Grand Canyon Traveler writer Keith Kravitz reviews the best Las Vegas helicopter tours at http://www.GrandCanyonHelicopterTourReviews.com