It won't be long until it's Spring Break once again. Families and college kids will be flocking to vacation destinations during March and April to anticipate the arrival of spring and warmer weather. If you're looking for something fun and adventurous to do, then you should head to Vegas and take a tour of the Grand Canyon. Vegas is the perfect starting point for a helicopter tour, but since they are so popular, you have to book your tour in advance or it might sell out.
Helicopter Tours Out Of Vegas
The tour helicopters lifting off from Vegas all head for the West Rim. The West Rim is closest to Vegas, so that is where the tours head, and it only takes about 30 minutes to cover the 120 miles from Vegas to the Canyon by helicopter. You can also tour the South Rim from Vegas, but it is too far away for helicopters to make the trip, so you'll have to take an airplane there instead.
Helicopters fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on the way out to the Canyon, after which your adventure will begin. There are flyover tours, as well as landing tours at the West Rim. Flyover tours allow for some epic sightseeing, but the landing tours are where the true adventures can be found.
Landing tours are fantastic, because you can land at the top of the rim, or inside the Canyon next to the Colorado River. The bottom landing tour that I recommend is the one that includes a Champagne picnic. This will set you down right next to the river, where you can even take a boat tour.
Top Landing Tours
The top of the rim has several interesting hiking trails and it is also where the Skywalk is located. The Skywalk is a huge bridge that hangs about 4000 feet above the bottom of the Canyon. The floor is transparent, and it extends beyond the edge of the rim for 70 feet. The view from the Skywalk is astounding, and it is an exciting experience you don't want to miss. Although they aren't as spectacular, you don't want to miss the views from Eagle and Guano Point, which are located on the walking trails.
The Helicopters
When you book your helicopter tour, you have the option to upgrade to the deluxe version. The deluxe tours fly on superior EcoStar 130 aircraft. The EcoStar is designed for touring, so it has a smoother ride, extra room inside, and the seats are arranged stadium style. However, one of the best things about flying on one of these choppers is the panoramic views through the huge 180-degree windshield.
Deluxe tours also come with a limousine shuttle service, so you'll feel like a real VIP when you purchase tickets for these tours.
South Rim Tours
If you fly out to the South Rim, or if Arizona is more convenient than Las Vegas, you will have two different air-only tours to choose from. The first is a 30 minute tour that goes to the North Rim of the Canyon. The second tour, which is the most popular, is 50 minutes, and includes the eastern areas of the National Park. The longer tour allows you to see 75% of the scenery in the park.
You won't be able to take a landing tour at the South Rim, but you can add on a Jeep tour that takes you on a ride through the park so you can see the main landmarks up close and personal.
Final Thoughts
The Canyon is a fantastic destination for Spring Break. It is steeped in history, filled with natural beauty, and offers many exciting adventures. Taking a helicopter tour is the perfect way to appreciate the size and beauty of this natural landmark. Opt for a deluxe tour if possible. Whether you tour the West Rim or the South Rim, you can tour the Canyon by air and by land when you add on ground adventures.
Just remember to book soon so that you won't miss out. The earlier you book, the better the prices will be. Book online and confirm with your credit card, and you'll have your seats locked in for a tour that you will remember for life.
Helicopter Tours Out Of Vegas
The tour helicopters lifting off from Vegas all head for the West Rim. The West Rim is closest to Vegas, so that is where the tours head, and it only takes about 30 minutes to cover the 120 miles from Vegas to the Canyon by helicopter. You can also tour the South Rim from Vegas, but it is too far away for helicopters to make the trip, so you'll have to take an airplane there instead.
Helicopters fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on the way out to the Canyon, after which your adventure will begin. There are flyover tours, as well as landing tours at the West Rim. Flyover tours allow for some epic sightseeing, but the landing tours are where the true adventures can be found.
Landing tours are fantastic, because you can land at the top of the rim, or inside the Canyon next to the Colorado River. The bottom landing tour that I recommend is the one that includes a Champagne picnic. This will set you down right next to the river, where you can even take a boat tour.
Top Landing Tours
The top of the rim has several interesting hiking trails and it is also where the Skywalk is located. The Skywalk is a huge bridge that hangs about 4000 feet above the bottom of the Canyon. The floor is transparent, and it extends beyond the edge of the rim for 70 feet. The view from the Skywalk is astounding, and it is an exciting experience you don't want to miss. Although they aren't as spectacular, you don't want to miss the views from Eagle and Guano Point, which are located on the walking trails.
The Helicopters
When you book your helicopter tour, you have the option to upgrade to the deluxe version. The deluxe tours fly on superior EcoStar 130 aircraft. The EcoStar is designed for touring, so it has a smoother ride, extra room inside, and the seats are arranged stadium style. However, one of the best things about flying on one of these choppers is the panoramic views through the huge 180-degree windshield.
Deluxe tours also come with a limousine shuttle service, so you'll feel like a real VIP when you purchase tickets for these tours.
South Rim Tours
If you fly out to the South Rim, or if Arizona is more convenient than Las Vegas, you will have two different air-only tours to choose from. The first is a 30 minute tour that goes to the North Rim of the Canyon. The second tour, which is the most popular, is 50 minutes, and includes the eastern areas of the National Park. The longer tour allows you to see 75% of the scenery in the park.
You won't be able to take a landing tour at the South Rim, but you can add on a Jeep tour that takes you on a ride through the park so you can see the main landmarks up close and personal.
Final Thoughts
The Canyon is a fantastic destination for Spring Break. It is steeped in history, filled with natural beauty, and offers many exciting adventures. Taking a helicopter tour is the perfect way to appreciate the size and beauty of this natural landmark. Opt for a deluxe tour if possible. Whether you tour the West Rim or the South Rim, you can tour the Canyon by air and by land when you add on ground adventures.
Just remember to book soon so that you won't miss out. The earlier you book, the better the prices will be. Book online and confirm with your credit card, and you'll have your seats locked in for a tour that you will remember for life.
About the Author:
The writer is a professional on Grand Canyon National Park heli travels from Las Vegas and Arizona and advises these South Rim helicopters along with these flights that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/