I can't think of a more exciting way to celebrate the winter season than taking a flight in one of the Grand Canyon helicopters. A lot of people think winter is the wrong time of year to visit the Grand Canyon, but you'd be amazed by the way a layer of fresh snow adds a beautiful new dimension to a landscape that's already spectacular. Snow is more likely at the South Rim than at the West Rim, because the altitude there is over 6,000 feet above sea level.
The Real Canyon
The South Rim is known as the "real" Canyon and it is situated west of Flagstaff, Arizona. So a South Rim tour is convenient if you're going to be in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, or Sedona. However, if you're staying in Vegas instead, you can take a bus or plane to the South Rim for your tour. Taking the plane is a better option since you'll get there in about an hour opposed to the 5 1/2 hours it takes to ride there on a bus.
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 upgrades the 30 minute flight with a 4x4 tour at sunset. This tour ends when your 4x4 drives you to scenic Hopi Point at dusk. Along the way you'll get to see one of the National Park's hidden, elevated fire towers.
Helicopter Tours From Vegas
Las Vegas is the departure point for all West Rim helicopter rides. The West Rim is just a little east of Vegas, but the South Rim is outside the range of helicopters flying out of Sin City. There aren't any direct flights between the West and South Rims.
Grand Canyon helicopters come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. They all fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on their way to the Park.
If it fits in with your time allotment and budget, you should really consider taking a landing tours. They give you a much broader experience at the National Park. You can do fun things like take a float trip along the Colorado River, walk out on the famous Skywalk, and even fly to the Canyon floor for a champagne picnic. However, if your time is limited or if you have a tight vacation budget, then an air-only tour is a fantastic way to see the amazing natural scenery at the Park.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. It's best to get your tour locked in at least four days or more in advance so a tour will be available on the day and time you want to fly.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. South Rim visitors during winter season should plan for the possibility of snow-wear a warm jacket, long pants, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The West Rim is warmer, but since it may still be chilly, dressing in layers you can shed or add is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
Whether you're spending the winter season in Vegas or central AZ, you owe it to yourself to consider a Grand Canyon helicopter ride. It's a terrific way to celebrate the season!
The Real Canyon
The South Rim is known as the "real" Canyon and it is situated west of Flagstaff, Arizona. So a South Rim tour is convenient if you're going to be in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, or Sedona. However, if you're staying in Vegas instead, you can take a bus or plane to the South Rim for your tour. Taking the plane is a better option since you'll get there in about an hour opposed to the 5 1/2 hours it takes to ride there on a bus.
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 upgrades the 30 minute flight with a 4x4 tour at sunset. This tour ends when your 4x4 drives you to scenic Hopi Point at dusk. Along the way you'll get to see one of the National Park's hidden, elevated fire towers.
Helicopter Tours From Vegas
Las Vegas is the departure point for all West Rim helicopter rides. The West Rim is just a little east of Vegas, but the South Rim is outside the range of helicopters flying out of Sin City. There aren't any direct flights between the West and South Rims.
Grand Canyon helicopters come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. They all fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on their way to the Park.
If it fits in with your time allotment and budget, you should really consider taking a landing tours. They give you a much broader experience at the National Park. You can do fun things like take a float trip along the Colorado River, walk out on the famous Skywalk, and even fly to the Canyon floor for a champagne picnic. However, if your time is limited or if you have a tight vacation budget, then an air-only tour is a fantastic way to see the amazing natural scenery at the Park.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. It's best to get your tour locked in at least four days or more in advance so a tour will be available on the day and time you want to fly.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. South Rim visitors during winter season should plan for the possibility of snow-wear a warm jacket, long pants, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The West Rim is warmer, but since it may still be chilly, dressing in layers you can shed or add is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
Whether you're spending the winter season in Vegas or central AZ, you owe it to yourself to consider a Grand Canyon helicopter ride. It's a terrific way to celebrate the season!
About the Author:
Grand Canyon National Park authority Jacky Archer recommends vacationers check out these Canyon helicopter tours. She also recommends going here for deals that make these rides cheaper: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.org/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-coupons.html
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