If you're trying to come up with a fun way to celebrate winter season, then you should consider taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. You may think winter isn't a good time to go to the Canyon, but actually, a layer of light snow only adds to its spectacular beauty. If you hope to see snow, you should go to the South Rim rather than the West Rim since the South Rim has an elevation over 6000 feet and it has colder temperatures.
The Real Canyon
Known as the "real" Grand Canyon, the South Rim is just west of Flagstaff, in central AZ. That makes it the perfect place to visit if you're in Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff or Scottsdale. However, if you're staying in Vegas instead, you can take a bus or plane to the South Rim for your tour. Going by airplane is best since the flight takes about an hour and if you go by bus, you're looking at a 5 1/2 hour ride each way.
You can take a 50-minute or 30-minute helicopter tour of the South Rim. The longer tour lets you see so much more, in fact, you'll get to see the North and South Rims as well as the eastern edge of the National Park. The shorter tour is very scenic too and you get to see both the North and South Rims. It's a terrific way to get the flavor of the National Park.
There's a new tour I've heard about that sounds pretty exciting. It combines one of the 30-minute helicopter rides with a sunset 4x4 tour. The ground portion ends at Hopi Point at dusk. Along the way you'll get to see one of the National Park's hidden, elevated fire towers.
Vegas Tours
All of the West Rim helicopter tours depart from Vegas. The West Rim is closer to Vegas, while the South Rim is so far away, it is out of the flight range of Vegas helicopters. There are no tours that fly between the West and the South Rims.
Canyon helicopter tours come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. Both types of tours fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the way to the Canyon.
If it fits in with your time allotment and budget, you should really consider taking a landing tours. Landing tours are a terrific way to experience the National Park in all its glory. Float trips down the Colorado River and VIP passes to the Skywalk are popular add-ons, but the most popular option of all is the chopper flight to the Canyon floor followed by a champagne picnic. The air-only version is a terrific choice for people who are short on time or have a limited budget.
Book Early
Flights on Grand Canyon helicopters are limited and sell out fast, so I urge you to book yours in advance. By booking at least four days ahead, you'll greatly improve your chances of getting the tour and time you want.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. Since there may be snow at the South Rim, you'll want to wear warm pants, a jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes. It won't be as cold at the West Rim, but it can still be chilly, so dressing in layers is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
If you have plans to spend your holiday vacation in Vegas or in Arizona, then don't miss the opportunity to take a helicopter tour of the Canyon. There is no better way to celebrate the season.
The Real Canyon
Known as the "real" Grand Canyon, the South Rim is just west of Flagstaff, in central AZ. That makes it the perfect place to visit if you're in Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff or Scottsdale. However, if you're staying in Vegas instead, you can take a bus or plane to the South Rim for your tour. Going by airplane is best since the flight takes about an hour and if you go by bus, you're looking at a 5 1/2 hour ride each way.
You can take a 50-minute or 30-minute helicopter tour of the South Rim. The longer tour lets you see so much more, in fact, you'll get to see the North and South Rims as well as the eastern edge of the National Park. The shorter tour is very scenic too and you get to see both the North and South Rims. It's a terrific way to get the flavor of the National Park.
There's a new tour I've heard about that sounds pretty exciting. It combines one of the 30-minute helicopter rides with a sunset 4x4 tour. The ground portion ends at Hopi Point at dusk. Along the way you'll get to see one of the National Park's hidden, elevated fire towers.
Vegas Tours
All of the West Rim helicopter tours depart from Vegas. The West Rim is closer to Vegas, while the South Rim is so far away, it is out of the flight range of Vegas helicopters. There are no tours that fly between the West and the South Rims.
Canyon helicopter tours come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. Both types of tours fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the way to the Canyon.
If it fits in with your time allotment and budget, you should really consider taking a landing tours. Landing tours are a terrific way to experience the National Park in all its glory. Float trips down the Colorado River and VIP passes to the Skywalk are popular add-ons, but the most popular option of all is the chopper flight to the Canyon floor followed by a champagne picnic. The air-only version is a terrific choice for people who are short on time or have a limited budget.
Book Early
Flights on Grand Canyon helicopters are limited and sell out fast, so I urge you to book yours in advance. By booking at least four days ahead, you'll greatly improve your chances of getting the tour and time you want.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. Since there may be snow at the South Rim, you'll want to wear warm pants, a jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes. It won't be as cold at the West Rim, but it can still be chilly, so dressing in layers is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
If you have plans to spend your holiday vacation in Vegas or in Arizona, then don't miss the opportunity to take a helicopter tour of the Canyon. There is no better way to celebrate the season.
About the Author:
Grand Canyon expert Jacky Archer recommends travelers check out these Canyon helicopter tours. She also recommends going here for coupons that make these flights cheaper: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.org/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-coupons.html
