Most In-Demand Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours From Vegas

There's a vast number of Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Vegas. From air-only trips to rafting-combo bundles, Vegas has it all. To get you shopping in the right direction, I've put together this informative article spotlighting the most popular flights. I'm positive that your canyon adventure will be off the charts if you reserve any one of them.

Las Vegas choppers exclusively fly to Grand Canyon West, which is also referred to as the West Rim. This section of the canyon is only 125 miles from Las Vegas. Flight time is 45 minutes. Those wanting a South Rim chopper trip will need to bundle that with a coach or airplane trip.

Grand Canyon West is situated on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which borders the Grand Canyon National Park. This rim is known for a number of things, such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the glass walkway that allows you to walk 70 feet beyond the edge. It is also the sole place in the whole Park where one can fly to the base.

There are two types of helicopter trips: Air trips and bottom-landing tours. Here's particulars:

1. Air Only. Fly from Vegas. Heads over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Switches back over the West Rim, where you will see the renowned Colorado River, the Sky Walk, Grand Cliffs Wash, Eagle Point, Guano Point and more. Total tour time is around four hours and includes complimentary hotel shuttle service.

2. Landing Trips. These excursions stick to the exact same course as the air tours but land in the Reservation. Specifically:

A. Bottom Landing. Descends 4,000 feet to the base of the canyon. Get off, enjoy Champagne toast, brunch, or breakfast. Explore the floor and riverbank. Trip duration is five hours and comes with free shuttle service.

B. Bottom Landing with Boat & Glass Bridge. This tour expands the one above with a river boat ride and VIP tickets to the Glass Walkway. Usually lasts about six hours and comes with no-cost transport back and forth from all Las Vegas resort-hotels.

C. Skywalk tour. Arrives at Grand Canyon West Airport. Shuttle to the Glass Bridge. Unlimited access on the observation deck, plus about two hours to look around the rim. Points of interest include Eagle and Guano Points and the Indian Cultural Center.

These are the most sought-after tours from Las Vegas to the canyon and they sell out quickly. My recommendation is that you book your tours at least one week before you go. Trying to book last-minute tours is a gamble and typically only recommended if you're a solo traveler.

Get your tour while in Las Vegas and you will be overcharged. If you wish to receive the best deal, follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Book ahead of time (further out the better!)

2. Purchase your tour on the web

3. Complete your entire transaction online.

I'm very specific about #3. If for whatever reason you let an agent complete your online booking, you'll in all likelihood be charged more. Today's vacation web sites are safe and secure. This is actually the only way I purchase travel nowadays and I've never had a problem.

Las Vegas is a superb place from whence to take a Grand Canyon chopper excursion. There's a lot of selection and prices are competitive. Additionally, the West Rim is less than 1 hour away. It's also the only place in the National Park where you can fly to the bottom. So, as you plan your vacation to Sin City, make sure you include a canyon helicopter ride. It'll be the time of your life.

Mr. Plunket is a travel journalist who reports on all things Grand Canyon. He recommends going here for cheap prices on Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Vegas.