Fast, Easy Helicopter Tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas
Savvy travelers know that the best way to visit the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas is by helicopter. Why? Speed, comfort, and price, of course.
Mileage
The West Rim, known as Grand Canyon West, is only 120 miles due east of Las Vegas and requires a short 45-minute helicopter ride. The South Rim is 270 miles east and is too far for helicopters. To get there, take a 45-minute plane ride to Grand Canyon Airport before transferring to a South Rim helicopter.
West Rim
The West Rim (also known as Grand Canyon West) is popular with Vegas visitors for three reasons: 1) It’s a half day tour; 2) you can fly to the bottom; and 3) you can experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk. West Rim trips include pick up and drop off at your Las Vegas hotel, as well as a light snack, Champagne toast, or lunch. The best time to depart is in the morning so you’ll be back in Las Vegas by late afternoon.
Grand Canyon West is the only place where you can fly to the bottom of the Canyon, and you can upgrade this package to include a rafting trip down the Colorado River. The other main attraction is the Skywalk. Known as the “Glass Bridge,” this horseshoe-shaped structure extends 70 feet beyond the rim, lifting you 4,000 feet the River.
South Rim
The South Rim trip, which includes hotel pick up and drop off, is worth the extra effort because it’s home to the Park’s world-famous views. The flight from Las Vegas lands at Grand Canyon Airport, where you’ll transfer to your to your helicopter. There are no bottom-landing heli tours here. Instead, you’ll get fantastic aerial views of Hermit’s Rest, Mather Point, Dragoon Corridor, the North Rim and more. Upgrades include an airplane flight to Glen Canyon Dam for a day of incredible river rafting.
Comfort
Most Las Vegas tour companies are now flying EcoStar helicopters, an aircraft built from the ground up for sightseeing. To begin with, cabin size is 25 percent larger than a standard helicopter’s. This extra space allows these helis to be designed with stadium-style seats and 180-degree wraparound windows that guarantee every seat is the best in the house. Temperatures at both rims can be extreme but are no match for the EcoStar’s climate-control system. Further, these helicopters are quiet due to being equipped with a Fenestron tail rotor that has proven to reduce noise by up to 50 percent. The fixed-wing Vistaliner airplane, which travelers from Las Vegas must fly to reach the South Rim, are also modified for sightseeing, featuring over-sized windows, plush seats, and select aerodynamics that deliver a smooth, silent flight.
Price
There is a multitude of helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon because the largest helicopter operators in the country – Papillon, Maverick, Sundance – operate here. Competition among these companies is fierce and means you’re sure to find some great deals. Papillon Helicopters is the biggest and offers the best deals and promotions. Their top West Rim helicopter tour is their bottom-landing Grand Celebration tour while their top South Rim tour is the Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. Maverick and Sundance helicopters are you more high-end, premium providers of tours and cost more, with Maverick a favorite for couples who want a helicopter wedding. Trip prices range from $250 to $425 plus depending on upgrades, which include river rafting, ATV trail rides, horseback riding, and more. To get the best price, book in advance using the company’s website.
Summary
Las Vegas helicopters are a quick and satisfying way to visit the Grand Canyon. Flights take 45 minutes by heli to Grand Canyon West; the South Rim requires a 45-minute airplane flight before you transfer to your helicopter. Expect to spend a half-day on these trips. The aircraft used on these routes offer plenty of comfort: Helicopters are climate-controlled, and feature stadium-style seating and wraparound windows. The airplane on the Las Vegas to Grand Canyon portion of the South Rim trip is similarly equipped. Prices for West Rim and South Rim air tours are similar, but Papillon Helicopter’s trips are the cheapest, especially if purchased on the company’s website. The only thing left to consider when taking a Las Vegas helicopter ride is the sights and activities. Decide this and you are on your way to an incredible adventure.
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