See the Grand Canyon Helicopter or Airplane
Article by Jenny Ducate
Copyright (c) 2012 Grand CanyonTours of Las Vegas
How can you best see the Grand Canyon if you only have a few days free? Answer: See it by air. You will see much, much more of the park overall if you just take a helicopter, or even a plane.
The Canyon Rims
Right now, the only tours available will be at the West Rim, and South rim. If you are coming from Vegas, the West Rim is your most likely destination. A 45 minute flight from Vegas will be required if you plan to visit the South Rim. Those traveling from Scottsdale, Sedona, or Phoenix are urged to visit the South Rim for their Grand Canyon experience.
By Helicopter
You are free to ride a helicopter all the way to the bottom of the canyon’s West Rim, which is unique. The tours take off from Las Vegas. Bottom-landings can be extended to include a river rafting trip. If you have ever been so inclined to walk past the edge of the canyon, the Grand Canyon Skywalk allows you to do just that via the glass bridge.
South Rim helicopter tours leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. There’s only one type of flight. This flight will go over the Kaibab Plateau, and directly into the Dragoon Corridor. This flight will last for about thirty minutes. If you wish, you can increase the air time to fifty minutes.
By Airplane
Airplane tours for the West Rim depart from Las Vegas. The flight time to the rim is a full twenty minutes. You can of course expand your experience by adding a rafting trip, helicopter rides, or even Skywalk tickets.
Airplane trips to the South Rim depart from Tusayan, ten minutes from the National Park. Traveling over all three rims, the flights will last for about an hour. One of the most popular items is the 1 day Grand Canyon Rafting tour, starting at Glen Canyon Dam, and finishing at Lee’s Ferry.
You could also take advantage o the Las Vegas to South Rim tour by Airplane. The flight takes less than an hour and follows the Colorado River. Believe it or not, you will have witnessed half of the Grand Canyon upon landing. A popular upgrade is the helicopter tour.
Meet the Aircraft
Helicopter tours are conducted aboard AStars or EcoStar 130s. In the vast majority of cases, the EcoStar is considered an upgrade. The upgraded chopper features 25 percent more space. It’s outfitted with theater-style seats (everyone faces forward) and comes with plenty of leg room. I also like the 180-degree wraparound windshield and the Fenestron tail rotor, which delivers one of the smoothest rides in the sky.
There are some people who believe only small aircraft view the Grand Canyon. This could not be further from the truth. These tours are conducted aboard a Vistaliner. It can accommodate up to 19 passengers and features over-sized windows, big seats, and winds fixed to the top of the aircraft so you get great views. Two FAA pilots control this plane with the best navigational equipment in the industry. The Best Deal
Never pay retail price. Shop Online. The best deals are usually online. An air tour price slashed 35% is not terribly unusual. You could also book in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute or you will end up paying a premium.
It’s Time to Take Off!
A tour of the Grand Canyon can be a life changing experience. Views from the air are outstanding! To make it even better however, you could add one of the extras we mentioned. The Grand Canyon provides the opportunity for exploration. An air tour provides you that opportunity.
About the Author
Travel blogger Jenny Ducate reports on Grand Canyon air tours. If you want to fly the canyon, she recommends these helicopter trips and these airplane flights.
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