Spring break is the time of year when you should really do something special. If you've been looking for the perfect getaway, you won't find any place better than the Grand Canyon. Airplane tours operate from Las Vegas and run every day of the Spring Break holiday season. Find out what's available, and plan the tour of a lifetime.
Vegas Airplane Tours
The airplanes that depart from Vegas follow a flight path that goes over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on the way to the Canyon. There are flyover and landing tours available, with the air-only option being the most affordable. Even so, I recommend a landing tour, because it will allow you to get the most out of your visit.
You can upgrade your airplane tour with different adventures, such as a helicopter descent to the Canyon floor. That particular tour is exciting, so it is very popular. A picnic awaits you at the bottom of the Canyon, and you can even add on a fun boat ride along the Colorado River if you want.
Skywalk at the West Rim
The Skywalk is located on top of the West Rim. This is an impressive glass platform that extends out from the Canyon's edge. You'll be able to peer 4000 feet below you to the Canyon floor and see some amazing scenic views. There are no cameras allowed on the platform, for safety reasons, but there are professional photographers on site who can capture your moment forever.
South Rim Tours
You may want to take an airplane tour of the South Rim instead. They fly from Vegas to Tusayan, Arizona near the South Rim. These tours take an epic 50 minute route over the National Park, covering the South Rim, North Rim, and eastern boundary. While you can't land at the South Rim, you can add a ground tour onto your package if you want.
One of the ground tours you can take is a bus ride through the park that lasts about 2 1/2 hours and takes you by all the main sights. If you crave even more adventure, there's also a 4x4 Jeep ride that takes you to locations that aren't easily accessible from a touring bus.
Why Airplane Tours Are Best
Airplanes are the prime choice for budget conscious travelers, because they're more affordable than helicopters. Another advantage of taking an airplane tour is that you can travel in a large group. Airplane tours can seat 19 passengers, and there is commentary available for all passengers, in up to 10 different languages. Request any special commentary before your flight, to make sure that it is available on the day.
You'll be happy to learn that the planes used on these sightseeing tours have been customized for tours. For instance, each aircraft is equipped with over-size windows while the wings are attached to the top of the body so you get great views.
Grand Canyon Climate
The West Rim is close to Vegas, and the weather mirrors what's happening in the city. So if you're dressed appropriately for the weather in Vegas, you should be fine at the West Rim. If you're traveling to the South Rim, and you will be departing the airplane, make sure that you bring a warm sweater, with some lighter clothing on underneath. The temperatures can be chilly at the South Rim in the spring, so you want to make sure you'll be warm on your Jeep or bus tour.
Wrapping Up
You want to book your airplane tour in advance, before it sells out. Spring Break is a busy time at the Canyon and tours fill up fast, so try to book yours about two weeks before you go. You can book even earlier to be safe, and the most convenient way to buy your tour is to do it online with your credit card so you lock in your seats and get the best price.
You'll find lots of packages to suit your needs and budget. If you are starting from Vegas, you can visit both rims. If you are doing this from Tusayan, AZ, South Rim, you're go to flight is the 50-minute trip that lets you see up to 75 percent of the Park. So I hope you go for it as these are flights you'll remember for a lifetime.
Vegas Airplane Tours
The airplanes that depart from Vegas follow a flight path that goes over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on the way to the Canyon. There are flyover and landing tours available, with the air-only option being the most affordable. Even so, I recommend a landing tour, because it will allow you to get the most out of your visit.
You can upgrade your airplane tour with different adventures, such as a helicopter descent to the Canyon floor. That particular tour is exciting, so it is very popular. A picnic awaits you at the bottom of the Canyon, and you can even add on a fun boat ride along the Colorado River if you want.
Skywalk at the West Rim
The Skywalk is located on top of the West Rim. This is an impressive glass platform that extends out from the Canyon's edge. You'll be able to peer 4000 feet below you to the Canyon floor and see some amazing scenic views. There are no cameras allowed on the platform, for safety reasons, but there are professional photographers on site who can capture your moment forever.
South Rim Tours
You may want to take an airplane tour of the South Rim instead. They fly from Vegas to Tusayan, Arizona near the South Rim. These tours take an epic 50 minute route over the National Park, covering the South Rim, North Rim, and eastern boundary. While you can't land at the South Rim, you can add a ground tour onto your package if you want.
One of the ground tours you can take is a bus ride through the park that lasts about 2 1/2 hours and takes you by all the main sights. If you crave even more adventure, there's also a 4x4 Jeep ride that takes you to locations that aren't easily accessible from a touring bus.
Why Airplane Tours Are Best
Airplanes are the prime choice for budget conscious travelers, because they're more affordable than helicopters. Another advantage of taking an airplane tour is that you can travel in a large group. Airplane tours can seat 19 passengers, and there is commentary available for all passengers, in up to 10 different languages. Request any special commentary before your flight, to make sure that it is available on the day.
You'll be happy to learn that the planes used on these sightseeing tours have been customized for tours. For instance, each aircraft is equipped with over-size windows while the wings are attached to the top of the body so you get great views.
Grand Canyon Climate
The West Rim is close to Vegas, and the weather mirrors what's happening in the city. So if you're dressed appropriately for the weather in Vegas, you should be fine at the West Rim. If you're traveling to the South Rim, and you will be departing the airplane, make sure that you bring a warm sweater, with some lighter clothing on underneath. The temperatures can be chilly at the South Rim in the spring, so you want to make sure you'll be warm on your Jeep or bus tour.
Wrapping Up
You want to book your airplane tour in advance, before it sells out. Spring Break is a busy time at the Canyon and tours fill up fast, so try to book yours about two weeks before you go. You can book even earlier to be safe, and the most convenient way to buy your tour is to do it online with your credit card so you lock in your seats and get the best price.
You'll find lots of packages to suit your needs and budget. If you are starting from Vegas, you can visit both rims. If you are doing this from Tusayan, AZ, South Rim, you're go to flight is the 50-minute trip that lets you see up to 75 percent of the Park. So I hope you go for it as these are flights you'll remember for a lifetime.
About the Author:
Expert writer Ione Mahler suggests readers click here for a list of all Grand Canyon tours and here for the top Canyon plane voyages at low Internet bargain rates: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/best-airplane-tours/