Why are Las Vegas helicopters the preferred way to visit the Grand Canyon? Simple. Speed, comfort, and price.
Distance
Many people don't realize that Las Vegas is 120 miles from the West Rim and that it takes a helicopter only 45 minutes to reach it. The South Rim is a different story. It's 270 miles from The Strip and requires a 45-minute airplane flight to Grand Canyon Airport, whereupon you transfer to your helicopter.
West Rim
The West Rim (also known as Grand Canyon West) is popular with Vegas visitors for three reasons: 1) It's a half day tour; 2) you can fly to the bottom; and 3) you can experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk. West Rim trips include pick up and drop off at your Las Vegas hotel, as well as a light snack, Champaign toast, or lunch. The best time to depart is in the morning so you'll be back in Las Vegas by late afternoon.
Grand Canyon West is the only place where you can fly to the bottom of the Canyon, and you can upgrade this package to include a rafting trip down the Colorado River. The other main attraction is the Skywalk. Known as the "Glass Bridge," this horseshoe-shaped structure extends 70 feet beyond the rim, lifting you 4,000 feet the River.
South Rim
The South Rim trip, which includes hotel pick up and drop off, is worth the extra effort because it's home to the Park's world-famous views. The flight from Las Vegas lands at Grand Canyon Airport, where you'll transfer to your to your helicopter. There are no bottom-landing heli tours here. Instead, you'll get fantastic aerial views of Hermit's Rest, Mather Point, Dragoon Corridor, the North Rim and more. Upgrades include an airplane flight to Glen Canyon Dam for a day of incredible river rafting.
Comfort
Las Vegas helicopter operators fly the EcoStar aircraft. These helis are built from the ground up for sightseeing. Cabin size is 25% larger than that of ordinary helicopters. Grand Canyon temperatures can be extreme, but are no match for the EcoStar's climate-control system. Stadium seating, a configuration where seats are tiered and face forward, is standard. These aircraft incorporate the Fenestron tail rotor, which reduces noise by 50%. For South Rim travelers, fixed-wing aircraft handles the airplane segment of your trip. Papillon, for instance, flies the Vistaliner, a plane customized with over-sized windows and plush seats. Like helicopters, the Vistaliner is quiet, climate-controlled, and streamlined for a smooth ride.
Price
The largest helicopter companies in the U.S. operate in Las Vegas, including Papillon, Maverick, and Sundance. This means there are plenty of tours to the Grand Canyon West and the South Rim from which to choose. The market is competitive, too, and you are bound to find some great deals. Because it's the largest operator, Papillon Helicopters offers the best prices and promotions. Their best West Rim tour is the Grand Celebration and their top South Rim one is the Grand Canyon Deluxe with Helicopter. Maverick and Sundance have positioned themselves as high-end providers of tours and their prices are higher than Papillon's. That said, Maverick offers the most custom trips and wedding packages. Tour prices for Grand Canyon West and the South Rim are similar, and range from $250 to $425-plus per person. Upgrades, such as river rafting, horseback riding, and ATV trail riding, increase your price per person and are best booked ahead of time as adding these upgrades during the tour will be sold at a premium. To get rock-bottom price on these tours, book online.
