Helicopter Flights to the Grand Canyon

Numerous Grand Canyon Helicopter tour providers provide a number of diverse packages that allow guests to fly above the breathtaking scenery the Canyon has to offer or land on the West Rim and explore the surroundings up close. Travelers coming to Las Vegas have a plethora of entertainment possibilities to pick from but one can grow tired of the non-stop partying. Helicopter tours offered by local operators are popular with those who desire a break from the bright lights and non-stop tempo of the Vegas Strip.

Flight tour companies manage fleets consisting of dependable helicopters equipped with air conditioning and other amenities to ensure a comfortable flight. The aircrafts, manned by the best and most qualified pilots, are frequently inspected and perfectly maintained to guarantee the safety of all travelers during the excursions.

These licensed pilots, who have got hundreds of flying hours under their belts, are recruited specifically for their familiarity with this exacting landscape. Some pilots also double as tour guides and provide commentary during the entire trip via an in-flight communication system. They are taught to cater to the needs of their passengers and deliver an all around positive experience.

The picturesque journey between Las Vegas and the canyon takes about 45 minutes generally, although, depending on the tour destination, guests can choose from other activities that take 4 hours to some which last for as long as 12 hours. Several tour operators offer flights out of the McCarran International Airport while others use an airfield in nearby Boulder City. Visitors may arrange to be picked up at almost any local casino or hotel on the Las Vegas Strip to be transferred to the correct airfield.

Quite a few half-day tours land within a gorge and allow guests to exit out of the chopper and enjoy a relaxing picnic. Visitors can select from morning and afternoon flights and they are provided with audio headphones so that they can listen to recorded commentary about the sites they're flying above. Most trips can accommodate as many as 6 travelers.

Visitors can also choose another fascinating half-day tour option which delivers guests to the Grand Canyon Ranch at the West Rim's edge. Horse-drawn wagons transport them to the ranch house along a beautiful trail surrounded by Joshua trees. Genuine cowboys entertain the crowds with songs, stories and other tall tales during a western meal that is included with the package.

Guests also can select a tour package featuring a sunset flight over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. The helicopter lands on the West Rim so that passengers can enjoy a picnic while experiencing the spectacular scene of a sunset over the gorges.

Day trips are also offered and typically depart early in the morning and come back to the city right before dark. These 12-hour outings include a stop in the Hualapai Indian Nation for a tour of the Sky Walk. This glass observation bridge stretches out over the West Rim and features unique views of the Colorado River which rushes along 4,000 feet beneath the deck.

Most Grand Canyon Helicopter tours are designed to suit diverse interests, itineraries and budgets. Reservations typically fill up fast, so guests really should book flights as far in advance as you possibly can to block the desired dates and to receive the best deals. When it’s time to take a break from the slot machines and neon lights, a thrilling adventure awaits you.

Mr. Plunket is a travel writer who reports on all things Grand Canyon. He recommends that readers click Grand Canyon Helicopter tours for more information about how to book these flights cheaply.