subject: Las Vegas Helicopters: The #1 Way To Sightsee Grand Canyon Skywalk [print this page] What tops seeing the Grand Canyon Skywalk? How you get there. And nothing comes close to the thrill of flying to the glass bridge aboard a sleek Las Vegas helicopter.
Flights leave Vegas daily and take just 45 minutes to reach Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk. En route, you will see spectacular Lake Mead, historic Hoover Dam, and the all-new Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
Before you realize it, there it is: The Grand Canyon Skywalk, glittering like a diamond under the bright desert sun.
The photo opportunities really kick in at this point as you start your descent. Out the window you'll see Eagle and Guano Points, the authentic Indian Village, the Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon's famous skyline before landing at Grand Canyon West, a 9,000-acre area owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe.
The Skywalk is a spectacular example of 21st Century engineering. The cantilevered walkway extends 70 feet past the edge and suspends guests 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The bridge epitomizes strength and can support up to 71 loaded jumbo jets. It can also withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8 on the Richter Scale. Created to support up to 800 people, the Skywalk's maximum occupancy is 120.
The deck is comprised of 46 glass panels that cost $250,000 each. This glass can scratch, which is why no personal electronics, including digital cameras and smart phones, are allowed. You are also required to put cloth booties over your shoes. Photographers are available to take your picture, and there are mounted cameras on the guardrails.
There are two types of Skywalk Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas. The air tour takes you to the Grand Canyon and over the bridge and back to Vegas. Total tour time is 3.5 hours. The other lands and includes VIP Skywalk tickets and lunch. This trip lasts 6.5 hours. Both trips include free hotel shuttle service to most major Las Vegas Strip hotels.
These helicopter flights are safe, comfortable, and fun. Most tour operators use the EcoStar 130, an amazing aircraft that features a cabin 25% larger than conventional helicopters. The additional room means these aircraft are outfitted with theater-style seats and huge wraparound windshields. They also come equipped with two-way digital communication systems and a pre-recorded narration translated into more than 10 languages.
If you do the research, helicopter tours can be quite a bargain. By far, the cheapest prices are on the Internet. I suggest purchasing direct from the tour operator. I strongly recommend purchasing your seats in advance. This means will have a flight the day you want it. Further, booking ahead saves money - if you buy a trip the day you want to go or when you arrive in Vegas, expect to pay a premium. These tours sell out. Always book in advance.
Going to the Grand Canyon Skywalk is an even in itself. If you want to do it right, you've got to take a Las Vegas helicopter tour. These helicopters fly at a lower altitude than airplanes, giving you the ultimate bird's eye view when you soar over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Skywalk. Plus, they're fast, reaching speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour. If it all sounds over the top, it is. Which is exactly how you should remember your Grand Canyon Skywalk experience.
by: Keith Kravitz
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