subject: Riding A Grand Canyon Helicopter Is The Thrill Of A Lifetime [print this page] The most obvious reason people visit Las Vegas, Nevada, is because they like to be entertained. The sights and sounds of the neon-lit city are certainly alluring from the anticipation of a big gambling win to the excitement of big name stage shows. If this is all you do while in this vacation oasis, you are missing out on the biggest thrill of all: a Grand Canyon helicopter ride.
With over a quarter million visitors each year, more and more of them are taking advantage of the close proximity between Vegas and the Grand Canyon. When touring companies got on board and began offering these excursions, they were met with the long-awaited expectation of an added thrill. As you can imagine, being associated with Vegas, the best Grand Canyon helicopters are quite fancy machines. The cabins offer comfortable climate control and other technological features that permit you to travel in the utmost comfort. To make it easy to go on one of these excursions, a tour guide will pick you up from your hotel, so transportation to and from the helicopter is included.
A few important rules are in place during your air tour. Food and drink are not allowed on board and only up to six passengers can take the tour at one time. You'll find several different helicopter tours you can choose from according to the type of adventure you want to take.
Many people opt for the simple aerial tour of the Grand Canyon. From lofty heights you will be able to view spectacular sights such as the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Cliffs Wash. The best Grand Canyon helicopters will take you over plenty of breathtaking scenery, so you'll want to take a camera along. You could always make the long three hour trek to the Grand Canyon by car, but you will miss so many beautiful sights that can only be experienced from the air.
Want to get up close and personal with the canyon? Some helicopters actually land on the bottom of the canyon so you can hike it for a bit. The descent is nearly a mile and you'll see some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet. Some of the best Grand Canyon helicopters offer champagne picnics or boat rides down the Colorado River (these are piloted by Hualapai Indian guides who are very experienced at navigating the river).
You could also choose a tour that lands at the top of the canyon on the West Rim. The view is guaranteed to be breathtaking if you have the fortitude to adventure out on the infamous Skywalk. This glass bottom walkway is suspended out over the canyon for more than 70 feet. This allows you to peer straight down to the canyon floor some 4000 feet below your feet. Although it is perfectly safe, those afraid of heights may find it a bit more than they bargained for.
There are several fun things to do on the West Rim. For example, there is the Indian Cultural Center that takes you into the world of the Hualapai Indian tribe who are the owners of Grand Canyon West. There? s also an amphitheater for authentic Native American performances as well as an Old West town where gunfighters roam the streets and perform shoot-outs.
The flight back to Vegas provides more opportunities to take in spectacular views and will allow you to reflect on the day's exciting experiences you are sure to always remember. Reserve your seat on the best Grand Canyon helicopter ride you can ever hope to take.
