5 Reasons For Taking A Helicopter Tour To The Grand Canyon’s West Rim

By Keith Kravitz

Need a great day trip idea while in Las Vegas? Do the Grand Canyon. Most people start by considering a bus tour because it’s cheap. Tempting as that might be, give the bus a pass, unless you prefer spending a lot of your quality time driving. Rather, take a helicopter tour. Here are five excellent reasons why it’s the smart choice.

#1. Helicopters are fast!

It takes a helicopter 45 minutes to reach Grand Canyon West, otherwise known as the West Rim (it takes a bus 2.5 hours). The helicopter you’ll be flying is not your average aircraft. It’s been fully customized for sightseeing and sports 180-degree wraparound windows, climate-controlled cabins, and stadium-style seating. Papillon Helicopters, for example, offers a great tour called the Golden Eagle, which takes you over the West Rim and the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. This trip also includes Lake Mead and Hoover Dam flyovers. Total tour time, including pick up and drop off from you Las Vegas hotel, is 3.5 hours.

#2. Helicopters fly to the bottom

The Grand Canyon is huge, but it’s only at the West Rim, located 120 miles east of Las Vegas, where you can land on the bottom. The 4,000-foot descent is nothing short of incredible as the Canyon’s steep walls, fantastical rock formations, and deep crevasses pass before your very eyes. The most popular trip is Papillon’s Grand Celebration, which lands on the Canyon floor and includes a Champagne toast and lots of time for exploration.

#3. Helicopters offer the best view of the Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Grand Canyon Skywalk has been experienced by more than a million people since its opening in 2007. Known as the Glass Bridge, it’s become Las Vegas’ hottest outdoor attraction. The Bridge lets you walk 70 feet over the edge of the West Rim while suspending you 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The two most popular helicopter tours are Papillon’s Golden Eagle, which does a Skywalk flyover, and its Golden Eagle Skywalk Express, which lands at Grand Canyon West and includes VIP Skywalk access.

#4 Helicopters let you see more of the Canyon.

Ready to explore the Canyon from top to bottom? Take Papillon’s Grand Celebration Skywalk and Boat tour. First, helicopter down to the bottom of the West Rim. Next, board a pontoon boat for a float ride down the Colorado River (suitable for all ages). From here, take the helicopter back to the top and get Vip access to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. There’s also time to hope aboard one of the free shuttle buses and further explore the Rim before flying back to Vegas. If there’s a tour out there where you can say you’ve done it all, it’s this one.

#5 Helicopter trips are inexpensive

Helicopter tours let you see more Canyon in less time. Moreover, you get to free aerial views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Air-only trips start at $200 and go up as you upgrade them to include such things as raft rides and Skywalk tickets. By far, Papillon Helicopters is the cheapest without having to sacrifice quality and service. To get their best rates, buy direct online.

Summary

Las Vegas helicopters can get you to Grand Canyon West in 45 minutes. Total air-only tour time is 3.5 hours and includes hotel pick up and drop off – perfect for visitors on a schedule. However, if you’ve come this far, why not go to the bottom? The descent is incredible and the trip includes a Champagne toast. For the most complete Canyon experience, add a smooth-water rafting trip. Papillon helicopters is the low-price leader, and, to get their absolute best deal, book on their website. Ready for some real adventure on your next trip to Las Vegas? Take a helicopter tour. There’s no reason not to.

About the Author: Before taking a Grand Canyon Helicopter tour, read travel writer Keith Kravitz’ reviews at GrandCanyonHelicopterTourReviews.com

Source: isnare.com

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