There are various ways to view the Grand Canyon. Nothing, however, stacks up to going on a canyon air tour. Two types are offered: Chopper and plane. Both fly the West Rim and the National Park. Let\’s take a closer look at these excellent flights:

The West Rim

This is actually the rim you want to visit if you are visiting Las Vegas. It\’s a destination most noted for its activities and tourist attractions. Helicopter and airplane trips start with the basic air-only tour. Chopper bundles can be extended that include a 4,000-foot descent to the bottom of the canyon. In case you\’re feeling really adventurous, tack on a smooth-water float trip down the Colorado River. There\’s even a package that includes an 11-mile smooth-water float trip that gets under way at the bottom of the Hoover Dam. Plane rides can also be up-graded to include these side-trips.

Another big Grand Canyon West air tour includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Nicknamed the \”glass bridge,\” the Skywalk draws in over 200,000 tourists annually. This amazing example of modern engineering transports you 70 feet past the side of the rim. Down below you some 4,000 feet is the churning Colorado River. It\’s gravity defying excitement at its finest.

Grand Canyon National Park

All helicopter and airplane rides fly from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, the town directly outside of the Park\’s main entrance. The airspace over the National Park is strictly regulated and all air tours adhere to specific flight plans. Helicopter trips set off above Grand Canyon Village and enter the Dragoon Corridor, the broadest, deepest section of the canyon, before turning back at the beautiful North Rim.

Airplane rides have a different route. They start northeast and use the side of the South Rim as a guide. Sights as you go along include historic Desert Watchtower, the Little Colorado River, the Painted Desert, The Navajo Indian Reservation, and the North Rim. I guesstimate that what you see during this air tour is equivalent to several days on the ground.

If you\’re searching for an even more extensive South Rim journey, check out the 1-day smooth water float tour. Flights depart the South Rim and land at Glen Canyon Dam for the beginning of a marvelous 15-mile water-rafting trip (children four-years-of-age and older are welcome).

Finding the Best Price

The Online World has changed the way we buy travel. I encourage you to search online and shop these air trips. There are lots available. I\’ve seen some terrific offers on the market with some shaving off 35% of the list price! As you order online, avoid being tempted to call customer support to finish your purchase. The individual on the other end of the line is a commissioned sales person. It\’s there job to move you up to a higher priced package. If you must call, use it to get the questions you have resolved, then hang up and conclude your booking on their site. That will make sure you get the best possible price.

Time for Take-Off!

Experiencing and enjoying the Grand Canyon by air is the ultimate way to interact National Park. Heli and airplane tours can be reserved for the West Rim and the South Rim. I would recommend that Las Vegas travelers check out visiting the Grand Canyon West, as it\’s just 120 miles away and will take only 45 minutes to reach. If you want to see the South Rim from Sin City, you have to take an airplane tour (highly recommended!). There are no heli flights between the two rims. Retail prices for air tours are over-priced. Always reserve your seats via the internet. Grand Canyon air tours – your ticket to seeing the canyon in all its splendor.

Author Bio: Travel writer Keith Kravitz reports regularly on the Grand Canyon. Go here for his reviews of the Top 3 Grand Canyon Tour operators for airplane flights, helicopter rides and more. His unbiased rankings are based on quality, safety and price. If you want the best canyon experience, take a moment and read his reviews.

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