Tours That Let You See The Grand Canyon From The Air
What's the best way to see the Grand Canyon if you have just a day or two to do it
? Take an air tour. By getting airborne in a helicopter or plane, you give yourself the best chance to see as much of the Park as possible.
West Rim, South Rim
Air tours are currently restricted to just the West and South Rims. If you are coming from Vegas, the West Rim is your most likely destination. A 45 minute flight from Vegas will be required if you plan to visit the South Rim. For people traveling from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona, I recommend you self-drive to the South Rim to start your air tour.
The Trip by Helicopter
Unlike the other rims, you can actually ride a helicopter to the bottom of the West. These tours depart from Vegas. If you want to expand your experience, look into a river rafting trip. There's also an option to include tickets to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the glass bridge that lets you walk 70 feet past the edge of the rim.
South Rim helicopter tours leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. Only one type of flight exists. Before turning back at the North Rim, the flight will pass over the Kaibab Plateau and into the Dragon Corridor. Flights average 30 minutes. If you wish, you can increase the air time to fifty minutes.
By Airplane
Airplane tours for the West Rim depart from Las Vegas. Flight time to the rim is 20 minutes. You can of course expand your experience by adding a rafting trip, helicopter rides, or even Skywalk tickets.
Airplane trips to the South Rim depart from Tusayan, ten minutes from the National Park. These flights will last about one hour, and travel all three rims. One of the most popular items is the 1 day Grand Canyon Rafting tour, starting at Glen Canyon Dam , and finishing at Lee's Ferry.
Additionally there is a Las Vegas to South Rim plane tour. This flight will take less than one hour. Believe it or not, you will have witnessed half of the Grand Canyon upon landing. Upgrading to a helicopter tour is also popular.
Meet Your Ride
Your helicopter tour could be carried out on either the AStars or Ecostar 130s. The EcoStar is typically part of an upgrade package. This chopper has 25 percent more cabin space. The plane is outfitted with theater-style seats and features lots of leg room. I also like the 180-degree wraparound windshield and the Fenestron tail rotor, which delivers one of the smoothest rides in the sky.
Many people are under the impression that seeing the Grand Canyon from the air by airplane is done aboard a small aircraft. This could not be further from the truth. Tours are carried out on a Vistaliner. This plane can hold up to 19 passengers, has oversized windows, and even ceiling windows that allow you to get the best view. The aircraft is also equipped with the latest navigational equipment and is manned by two FAA-certified pilots.
Getting a Deal
Don't pay full retail price. Shop over the Internet. The best deals are consistently posted on the Web. It is not unusual to see air tours slashed by 35% in price. The other thing you can do is book in advance. Don't wait until the last minute or you will end up paying a premium.
The Time has Come to Take Flight!
Grand Canyon air tours are a life-changing experience. The aerial views are phenomenal. But if you want to take it to another level, add a side trip like bottom-landing, river rafting, Skywalk tickets, and more. This is a great place to explore. There's no better way to explore than with an air tour.
by: Luke Plunket
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