Las Vegas Helicopters Make Flying to the Grand Canyon Fast and Easy

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 (also referred to as Grand Canyon West) is popular with Vegas visitors for three reasons: 1) It's a half day tour; 2) you can fly to the bottom; and 3) you can experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk. West Rim trips include pick up and drop off at your Las Vegas hotel, as well as a light snack, Champagne toast, or lunch. The best time to depart is in the morning so you'll be back in Las Vegas by late afternoon.

Mentioned earlier, Grand Canyon West is the only place where you can fly and land on the bottom of the Canyon's ancient floor. The descent is absolutely thrilling, and many tour operators offer you the chance to upgrade your package to include a rafting trip on the Colorado River. The world-famous Skywalk is found here, too. The "Glass Bridge" is a favorite with travelers because it extends 70 feet beyond the rim's edge and suspends you 4,000 feet above 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 features 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 $250 to $425 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

Las Vegas helicopters are a quick and satisfying way to visit the Grand Canyon. Flights take 45 minutes by heli to Grand Canyon West; the South Rim requires a 45-minute airplane flight before you transfer to your helicopter. Expect to spend a half-day on these trips. The aircraft used on these routes offer plenty of comfort: Helicopters are climate-controlled, and feature stadium-style seating and wraparound windows. The airplane on the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon portion of the South Rim trip is similarly equipped. Prices for West Rim and South Rim air tours are similar, but Papillon Helicopter's trips are the cheapest, especially if purchased on the company's website. The only thing left to consider when taking a Las Vegas helicopter ride is the sights and activities. Decide this and you are on your way to an incredible adventure.

Las Vegas Helicopters Make Flying to the Grand Canyon Fast and Easy

By: K Kravitz

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