The Ultimate Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: A Bucket List Experience

Imagine soaring above one of the most awesome natural wonders on Earth, the Grand Canyon. A Grand Canyon helicopter tour offers a unique and thrilling experience of the canyon’s stunning landscapes, deep gorges, and rock formations. In this article, you will uncover the various types of Grand Canyon helicopter tours, including their amazing features, cost, and various packages available for you to choose from.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

A Grand Canyon helicopter tour is a thrilling and unique way to experience the awe-inspiring views and stunning beauty of the Grand Canyon. A Grand Canyon helicopter tour is a scenic air excursion that offers passengers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Grand Canyon from the vantage point of a helicopter. These tours involve flying over and into the Grand Canyon, providing panoramic views of its stunning landscapes, deep gorges, and majestic rock formations.

Types of Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Grand Canyon helicopter tours offer various unique experiences, with various types available for visitors to choose from.

#1. Scenic Air Tours

Scenic air tours provide breathtaking aerial views of the Grand Canyon and its surrounding areas. These tours allow you to see the vastness and beauty of the canyon from a bird’s-eye perspective.

#2. Landing Tours

Landing tours offer the opportunity to touch down at specific locations within the Grand Canyon. These tours allow you to explore the canyon up close, take in the stunning views, and even enjoy activities like hiking or picnicking.

#3. Sunset Tours

Sunset tours provide a unique and romantic experience as you witness the colors of the Grand Canyon transform during the golden hour. These tours depart in the late afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the stunning sunset views over the canyon.

#4. Combination Tours

Combination tours combine helicopter rides with other activities to create a comprehensive and immersive experience. These tours may include additional elements like ATV rides, jeep excursions, or visits to other nearby attractions.

#5. South Rim Tours

South Rim helicopter tours depart from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, AZ. These tours provide a different perspective of the canyon, flying at a lower altitude compared to airplane tours.

#6. Skywalk Tours

Skywalk tours are specifically designed to take you to the Grand Canyon West Rim, where you can experience the famous Skywalk. The Skywalk is a glass-bottomed horseshoe-shaped bridge that extends out over the edge of the canyon, providing an exhilarating and unique perspective.

#7. Whitewater Rafting Tours

For those seeking an adventurous and immersive experience, whitewater rafting tours combine a helicopter ride with a thrilling rafting journey through the Grand Canyon. These tours take you to the river level, where you’ll board a raft and navigate through the rapids, allowing you to witness the canyon’s beauty from a completely different angle.

#8. Photography Tours

Photography tours cater to photography enthusiasts who want to capture the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon. These tours provide ample time for photographers to capture the perfect shots and often include expert guidance on composition, lighting, and settings.

#9. Private Tours

Private helicopter tours offer a personalized experience, allowing you to customize the tour according to your preferences. These tours are ideal for special occasions, intimate gatherings, or for those who simply prefer a more exclusive and private experience. You can work with the tour operator to design a tour that suits your needs.

#10. Extended Tours

Extended helicopter tours provide a more extensive exploration of the Grand Canyon and its surrounding areas. These tours often include longer flight times, additional stops, and visits to less-visited areas of the canyon. They offer a more comprehensive and in-depth experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of the Grand Canyon.

Vegas-to-Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

A Vegas-to-Grand Canyon helicopter tour is a popular and thrilling way to experience the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. These tours involve a helicopter flight from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, allowing you to enjoy stunning aerial views of the canyon’s majestic landscapes and geological formations. There are various types of helicopter tours available, each offering a unique experience.
The features of a Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter tour

#1. Aerial Views

One of the main highlights of a helicopter tour is the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Grand Canyon and its surrounding landscapes. From the comfort of a helicopter, you can witness the vastness and natural beauty of the canyon from a unique perspective.

#2. Panoramic Windows

Helicopters used for these tours often feature panoramic windows that provide unrestricted views from all forward-facing seats. This allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the stunning scenery and capture memorable photos.

#3. Luxury Helicopters

Some tour operators offer tours in luxury helicopters equipped with features like leather theater-style seating and wrap-around glass for enhanced visibility. These helicopters provide a comfortable and stylish experience for passengers.

#4. Departure from the Las Vegas Strip

Many helicopter tours depart from the Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for visitors staying in Las Vegas to embark on the tour. This allows for easy access and minimizes travel time to the Grand Canyon.

#5. Flexible Tour Options

There are various tour options available, allowing you to choose the duration and specific areas of the Grand Canyon you want to explore. Some tours focus on the South Rim, West Rim, or North Rim, while others may combine the Grand Canyon with other attractions like the Hoover Dam or the Las Vegas Strip.

#6. Landing Opportunities

Depending on the tour, you may have the opportunity to land at the bottom of the canyon and explore the area on foot. This allows for a more immersive experience and the chance to appreciate the canyon’s beauty up close.

#7. Audio Narration

Many helicopter tours provide pre-recorded audio narration that plays through headsets during the flight. This narration offers interesting facts, and historical information, and highlights specific landmarks, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the Grand Canyon.

#8. Photo Opportunities

Helicopter tours often provide ample opportunities for photography. The unique vantage point and stunning scenery allow for capturing incredible aerial shots of the Grand Canyon. Some tours even offer special photo packages or allow you to purchase photos taken during the flight.

#9. Transportation Services

Some tour packages may include transportation to and from your hotel in Las Vegas to the helicopter departure point. This adds convenience and eliminates the need for arranging separate transportation.

#10. Flexible Scheduling

Helicopter tours from Vegas often offer flexible scheduling options, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your itinerary. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial if you have a tight schedule or specific time preferences.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Cost

The cost of a Grand Canyon helicopter tour can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the flight, the departure point, the type of aircraft, and any additional activities included in the tour. Here are some price ranges for different types of tours

#1. Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

25–30 minutes: $169.00+ per person.
40–50 minutes: $349.00+ per person.
3.5–4 hours (including ground transport and extra activities): $379.00+ per person.

#2. Maverick Helicopters

Discovery helicopter ride: $219.00 per person.
Canyon Spirit helicopter ride: $299.00 per person.
Wind Dancer helicopter ride: $469.00+ per person.

#3. 5-Star Helicopter Tours

Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire Helicopter Champagne Landing Tour: $399.00+ per person
Grand Canyon Helicopter Eagle Point Rim Landing Tour: $$399.00 per person.

#4. South Rim Airplane Tour (budget-friendly option)

25–30 minutes: $229.00+ per person.
40–50 minutes: $339.00+ per person.

#5. Papillon Helicopters: Grand Celebration: Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour

40–50 minutes: $974.50+ per person.

#6. Papillon Helicopters: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour:

Price range: $400.00–$750.00 (including ground transport, entrance fees, and extra activities).

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Packages

There are various Grand Canyon helicopter tour packages available, offering different experiences and options. They include

#1. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas

Many tour operators offer helicopter tours departing from Las Vegas, providing a convenient option for visitors staying in the city. These tours include round-trip transportation from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, allowing you to enjoy the stunning aerial views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape.

#2. Helicopter and Pontoon Tours

Another popular option is a combination tour that includes both a helicopter ride and a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River. These tours provide a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon from the air and the water, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the canyon.

#3. Grand Canyon Skywalk Helicopter Tours

The Skywalk is a famous glass bridge that extends over the edge of the Grand Canyon, offering breathtaking views. Some helicopter tour packages include a scenic flight to the Skywalk, where you can marvel at the canyon from above and then explore the bridge itself.

#4. Grand Canyon Picnic Helicopter Tours

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you can opt for a picnic helicopter tour. These packages include a helicopter ride to a beautiful location within the Grand Canyon where you can take in the surrounding natural beauty while eating a delectable picnic lunch.

#5. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours with Champagne Toast

For a touch of luxury and celebration, you can choose a helicopter tour package that includes a champagne toast. These tours often fly over iconic landmarks in the Grand Canyon, providing stunning views while you enjoy a glass of champagne.

#6. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours with Landing

If you want to explore the Grand Canyon up close, you can select a helicopter tour package that includes a landing. These tours allow you to touch down within the canyon, allowing you to take photos, explore the surroundings, and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of the area.

#7. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours with Hiking

For adventure enthusiasts, there are helicopter tour packages that combine a scenic flight with a hiking experience. These tours typically include a landing within the canyon, where a guided hiking tour allows you to discover hidden gems and learn about the geological wonders of the Grand Canyon.

#8. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours with Rafting

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, you can opt for a helicopter tour package that includes a thrilling rafting adventure. These tours often combine a helicopter ride with a rafting trip along the Colorado River, providing a unique perspective of the canyon from both the air and the water.

#9. Grand Canyon Hotel and Tour Packages

If you’re looking for a comprehensive experience, you can consider booking a hotel and tour package. These packages often include accommodations at a hotel near the Grand Canyon, along with a helicopter tour and other activities.

#10. Customizable Tours

Some tour operators offer customizable helicopter tour packages, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. These packages may include options such as private tours, extended flight times, or additional activities like hiking or biking along the South Rim.

Best Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

The best Grand Canyon helicopter tours offer breathtaking views, knowledgeable pilots, and a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets.

#1. Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters offers a range of helicopter tour experiences catered to different departure points, price ranges, and tour durations. They are known for their high-quality service and knowledgeable pilots.

#2. Papillon

Papillon is another reputable tour operator that offers popular and highly rated helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas and the National Park. They provide various tour options, including bus, helicopter, and airplane combinations.

#3. Grand Canyon Helicopters

Grand Canyon Helicopters is a popular choice for helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon. They offer tours from the South Rim, providing breathtaking aerial views of the canyon. Travelers laud and highly recommend their tours, which provide an unforgettable experience.

#4. Scenic Airlines

Scenic Airlines is a well-established operator that offers airplane and helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon. They provide a range of tour options, including flights from Las Vegas and the South Rim. Scenic Airlines is known for its professional service and knowledgeable pilots.

#5. Prestige Helicopters

Prestige Helicopters offers helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. They provide a range of tour options, including flights over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River, before reaching the Grand Canyon.

#6. Sundance Helicopters

Sundance Helicopters is a renowned helicopter tour operator that offers tours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. They offer a range of tour options, including flights that land at the bottom of the canyon, where passengers can enjoy a champagne picnic.

#7. Pinnacle Helicopters

Pinnacle Helicopters specializes in private and customized helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon. They offer exclusive experiences, allowing passengers to tailor their tours to their preferences and desired destinations.

#8. 5 Star Helicopter Tours

5 Star Helicopter Tours is a popular operator that offers helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. They provide a range of tour options, including flights over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, as well as landing tours at the Grand Canyon.

#9. Mustang Helicopters

Mustang Helicopters is an operator based at Boulder City Airport, offering helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon. They provide a range of tour options, including flights over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon. Mustang Helicopters is known for its affordable tour packages, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

#10. Golden Eagle Helicopter Tour

Considered one of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas, offering a comprehensive and breathtaking experience for visitors

How Much Does It Cost To Ride A Helicopter In The Grand Canyon?

Several elements, including tour length, point of departure, and particular operator, might affect how much it costs to take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. Prices can range from around $169 to $750 per person, with some tours starting at $195 per person. It’s important to check with individual operators for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Other factors to consider include the reputation of the operator and customer reviews.

Is It Worth Doing A Helicopter Tour Of The Grand Canyon?

The worthiness of a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some find the unique experience and stunning views from the air to be worth the cost, while others prefer experiencing the canyon from the ground. Factors such as convenience, budget, and the desire for a unique perspective should be considered when deciding whether to take a helicopter tour.

How Long Are Helicopter Tours Of The Grand Canyon?

The duration of helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon depends on the specific tour and operator. However, helicopter tours usually range from around 15 minutes to a few hours. Some tours offer shorter flights that provide an overview of the canyon, while others offer longer flights that may include additional sites or activities.

How Much Does A Tour Of The Grand Canyon Cost?

The cost of touring the Grand Canyon depends on the type of tour, duration, and specific operator. Entrance fees to Grand Canyon National Park range from $20 to $35 for a private non-commercial vehicle and its passengers. The cost of a driving tour can be around $14.99. Entrance fees to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are approximately $30 per vehicle. Helicopter tours at the South Rim start at around $199 per person and mule rides are priced at approximately $170.28 per person.

Which Part of the Grand Canyon Is Best By Helicopter?

The best part of the Grand Canyon for a helicopter tour is the South Rim. It offers stunning views, iconic landmarks like Mather Point and Yavapai Point, and the option of EcoStar helicopter tours with panoramic windows. The West Rim is also an option, but it offers different views compared to the South Rim. Ultimately, the choice of the best part for a helicopter tour depends on individual preferences and the specific experiences and views one is seeking.

Which Part of the Grand Canyon Is Best To Visit?

The best part of the Grand Canyon to visit can vary depending on individual preferences and factors such as accessibility and desired experiences. However, the South Rim is an ideal destination for first-time visitors. It offers numerous viewpoints, visitor services, and hotels, and is part of the Grand Canyon National Park. The South Rim provides breathtaking views and a range of activities. The West Rim is closer and more accessible from Las Vegas and features attractions like the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Conclusion

A Vegas to Grand Canyon helicopter tour offers stunning aerial views, panoramic windows, luxury helicopters, convenient departure from the Las Vegas Strip, and flexible tour options. These tours provide a unique perspective on the canyon’s landscapes and geological formations, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery. The cost of a Grand Canyon helicopter tour varies based on flight duration, departure point, aircraft type, and additional activities. The Grand Canyon helicopter tours offer stunning views, knowledgeable pilots, and various options for different budgets.