Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours - Five Reason Why You've Got To Do It

Planning to visit the Grand Canyon but not sure where to go or how to get there? Take a helicopter tour to the West Rim. Here are five tempting reasons why this trip is your best option:

#1. Helicopters are fast!

The helicopter ride to Grand Canyon West is 45 minutes (the bus ride is 2.5). These are not ordinary helicopters. Customized from nose to tail for sightseeing, they feature wraparound windows, stadium-style seating, and climate-controlled cabins. Papillon Helicopters' Golden Eagle tour flies over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and a good portion of the West Rim before returning to The Strip. Total tour time is 3.5 hours and includes pick up and drop off at your Las Vegas hotel.

#2. Helicopters fly to the bottom of the canyon.

The West Rim, which is just 120 miles east of Las Vegas, is the only place where you can ride a helicopter 4,000 feet to the bottom and land. The descent is nothing short of phenomenal: Steep cliffs, solitary buttes, and finger-like spires pan closely past your eyes. The best tour is Papillon's Grand Celebration, which lands at its own private staging area and includes a Champagne toast and ample time for exploration of the Canyon's ancient floor.

#3. Helicopters provide the best aerial views of the Grand Canyon Skywalk

More than a million people have experienced the world-famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. Located at Grand Canyon West, it's an engineering marvel. The $31-million "Glass Bridge" extends 70 feet over the edge and lifts you 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. It's a remarkable sight to see from the air, as it appears to hang precariously from the lip of the Rim. Two tours do this structure justice: Papillon's Golden Eagle Air tour, which flies above the Skywalk and its Golden Eagle Skywalk Express, which lands at the Grand Canyon West airstrip and includes VIP access the Skywalk.

#4. Helicopter tours deliver the most canyon.

Want the most complete Grand Canyon experience? Try Papillion's Grand Celebration Skywalk and Boat Tour. This helicopter trip starts with descent to the bottom where you walk a short way to your pontoon boat. It's a smooth-water rafting ride and all ages are welcome. Return to the West Rim by motor coach and explore the Canyon's edge before flying back to Las Vegas. This is the tour where you can really say you've seen it all.

#5 Helicopter tours are inexpensive.

For the money, you can't beat the value of a helicopter tour. Basic air-only tours start at $200 and work their way up based on upgrades such as bottom landings, river rafting, horseback riding, ATV trail rides and more. Making the pot sweeter is the fact that you get to fly over Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and Hoover Dam. In Las Vegas, Papillon is the low-price leader. To get their best prices, go online and book your tour.

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 free shuttle bus service to and from your hotel - ideal for travelers with limited time. 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.