Grand Canyon Trips: 7 Things To Think About Before Buying An Airplane Tour
Taking a Grand Canyon airplane tour is the best way to see as much of the canyon as possible in a day
. They're also safe, fast, and cheap. If this sounds like the tour you've been looking for, here are seven things you should consider before you buy your seats:1. Where will start your flight?
There are several places where you can start an airplane tour. The most popular are Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona, AZ, and Flagstaff, AZ. Las Vegas is the most affordable. In Arizona, I recommend you rent a car; flights will be prohibitively expensive. All South Rim airplane trips start at Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, located just 10 minutes south of the Park's main entrance.
2. Which rim do you want to see?
Just two places exist where you are permitted to enter Grand Canyon airspace: The West Rim and the South Rim. The arid West Rim is a 25-minute flight from Las Vegas and is best known for its activities and attractions. A 45-minute flight from Las Vegas, the South Rim is known for its incredible natural beauty and beautifully preserved, early 20th Century amenities.
3. Do you want to see the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
The bridge is located at the heart of the West Rim, which is also referred to as Grand Canyon West. The "Glass Bridge" defies gravity by extending 70 feet past the edge and suspending guests 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. From above, it shines like a diamond under the bright Mojave Desert sun. Optionally, you can upgrade your air tour to include access to the Skywalk. And, if that's not enough, you can include a Las Vegas Strip flyover on the return!
4. Do you want to fly to the bottom of the canyon?
You can only do this at the West Rim. You will need to deplane and board a helicopter. The 4,000-foot descent is a journey through four geological eras of time (millions of years). Cliffs, spires and buttes fill the landscape. At the bottom, toast your incredible journey with Champagne, then explore the canyon's ancient floor.
5. Do you want to go river rafting?
Colorado River rafting is available at both rims. The West Rim requires a helicopter ride to the bottom; your choices include starting immediately upstream or being helicoptered to the base of Hoover Dam where you'll put in. It's a fantastic flight from the South Rim to Glen Canyon Dam, where you'll start your 15.5-mile smooth-water float trip that includes Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend before docking at historic Lee's Ferry.
6. Would you like to see as much of the canyon as you possibly can in a day?
This is almost a toss up. The flight from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Airport covers a lot of ground. If you want the most comprehensive Grand Canyon air tour out there, nothing beats Grand Canyon Airlines' Grand Discovery airplane trip. Why this package gets so little attention bewilders me. It includes the South Rim (Kaibab Plateau, Dragoon Corridor), the East Rim (Desert View Watchtower, Zuni Corridor, Navajo Reservation) and the North Rim (Imperial Point). It's 50 minutes of utter bliss.
7. If you want the best prices, book your tour online.
There is lots of competition among tour operators who operate Grand Canyon airplane tours. You are bound to see a lot of offers. Ignore them. The best deals are often found on the websites of tour operators. In my opinion, Grand Canyon Airlines offers high-quality West Rim and South Rim tours at the cheapest price. To get their rock-bottom price, book on their website. I myself have saved up to 35%.
Flying is one of the best Grand Canyon tours out there. Be it West Rim or South Rim, you'll see pretty much see it all. These airplane tours can be expanded to include helicopter flights, rafting trips, and Skywalk passes, and Las Vegas flyovers. They are also the fastest way to go from Las Vegas to the South Rim. These trips are economical, too, especially if you book them online, where you can get up to 35% off. So kick off your shoes, recline your seat, and prepare for departure. Getting to the Grand Canyon and seeing it in all its natural glory has never been easier.
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