Finest Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours From Las Vegas
Article by Luke Plunket
There is a huge variety of Grand Canyon chopper flights from Vegas. From air-only flights to rafting-combo packages, Las Vegas has every thing. To help you get shopping in the right direction, I’ve come up with this informative article spotlighting the most popular flights. I’m positive that your canyon experience will be off the charts if you book any one of them.
Las Vegas choppers only fly to Grand Canyon West, which is also referred to as the West Rim. This part of the canyon is just 125 miles from Las Vegas. Flight time is 45 minutes. Those looking for a South Rim helicopter trip will have to bundle that with a tour bus or airplane ride.
Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which borders the Grand Canyon National Park. This rim is known for numerous things, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the glass bridge that allows you to walk 70 feet past the edge. It is also the only place in the whole Park where one can fly to the base.
There are two kinds of chopper trips: Air tours and bottom-landing tours. Here’s details:
1. Air Only. Fly out of Las Vegas. Goes over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Turns back over the West Rim, where you’ll see the celebrated Colorado River, Guano Point, Eagle Point, Grand Cliffs Wash, the Skywalk and much more. Total tour time is approximately 4 hours and comes with complimentary hotel shuttle service.
2. Landing Trips. These trips stick to the same route as the air tours but land in the Reservation. Specifically:
A. Bottom Landing. Descends 4,000 feet to the base of the canyon. Get off, enjoy Champagne brunch, breakfast or toast. Check out the bottom and riverbank. Trip duration is five hours and comes with complimentary shuttle service.
B. Bottom Landing with Boat & Grand Canyon Skywalk. This tour expands the one above with a Colorado River boat ride and VIP passes to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Lasts about 6 hours and includes no-cost transportation back and forth from all Las Vegas resort-hotels.
C. Grand Canyon Skywalk tour. Lands at Grand Canyon West Airport. Shuttle to the glass observation deck. Unlimited access on the observation deck, plus about 2 hours to explore the rim. Sights include Guano Point, the Indian Cultural Center and Eagle Point
These are the best selling tours from Vegas to the Grand Canyon West and they sell out very quickly. My advice is that you book your seats a minimum of one week before you go. Attempting to book last-minute flights is a crapshoot and typically only encouraged if you’re a solo traveler.
Get your trip while in Las Vegas and you’ll be overcharged. If you want to get the best deal, adhere to these three easy steps:
1. Book in advance (further out the better!)
2. Purchase your tour online
3. Complete the entire transaction on the net.
I’m very specific about #3. If for whatever reason you let an agent complete your online booking, you will in all likelihood be charged more. Today’s travel websites are safe and secure. This is actually the only way I order travel nowadays and I’ve never had an issue.
Vegas is a great location from whence to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. There’s a lot of selection and rates are competitive. Additionally, the West Rim is less than one hour away. It’s also the only place in the National Park where you can fly to the bottom. So, as you plan your holiday to Las Vegas, by all means add a canyon helicopter ride. It will be the time of your life.
About the Author
Mr. Plunket is a travel journalist who reports on all things Grand Canyon. He recommends going here for cheap prices on Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Vegas.