Grand Canyon helicopters are one of the most exhilarating ways to see this magnificent natural wonder. Your helicopter will fly over many of the canyon’s highlights, but it can also take you below the level of the rim. It’s an amazing experience, but especially when you fly at the best time of day.

From Las Vegas

Grand Canyon air tours depart from Las Vegas and Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona. Helicopters flying out of Arizona go the South Rim, while flights originating in Vegas visit the West Rim. There aren’t any Grand Canyon helicopters that fly between the two rims, but travelers coming from Vegas can catch a 45-minute plane ride to the South Rim, then board Grand Canyon air tours on helicopters from there.

If you have a limited amount of time, a restricted budget, mobility issues, or you just want to get the flavor of the canyon, you can take one of the air-only Grand Canyon helicopters. These Grand Canyon air tours last about three hours from start to finish. But, if you can swing it, I recommend landing tours because you’ll see the canyon from the ground as well as from the air.

Mornings are the best times for Grand Canyon helicopter tours, and the earlier the better. I recommend booking a flight that takes off sometime between 7:00 am and noon. If you’ll be flying out of Vegas, you’ll need to check in at least 90 minutes before your flight takes off. If your tour starts at Grand Canyon Airport, make sure you arrive at least half an hour before your flight time.

Time of Day – Revealed

Morning helicopter tours are best for several reasons. First, you’ll have a smoother flight in the morning because the air isn’t as turbulent as it can be in the afternoon. Second, afternoon Grand Canyon air tours during the summer months are often canceled or postponed by the late-afternoon thunderstorms that roll into the area almost like clockwork. Visibility is also better in the morning, especially during summer because wildfires are frequent. Afternoon fires put out so much smoke that it’s more difficult to see clearly. Dust in the air compounds the issue by combining with the smoke and making the air even hazier. That same haze can, however, make sunset helicopter tours an awe-inspiring experience because the sun’s rays are accentuated on the cliffs and walls of the canyon.

If you’re considering West Rim helicopters that land on the canyon floor, try to avoid booking one that flies first thing in the morning. You won’t have much light at the bottom of the canyon early in the morning, especially during winter. Instead, try for a flight that starts around 8:00 am.

Make sure you dress appropriately for the climate. For summer tours I suggest wearing lightweight pants or shorts, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and running shoes or hiking boots. Adding a medium-weight jacket, gloves and a warm hat works well for winter tours, although you should wear pants instead of shorts. No matter when you take a Grand Canyon helicopter, bring water, salty snacks and sunblock.

RSVP

Morning flights on Grand Canyon helicopters are extremely popular, so I urge you to book yours in advance. You’ll have more tours and more morning flight times from which to choose if you book early, and you’ll also find some great deals if you book your tour online. You won’t save any money by leaving it to the last minute. But booking your tour in Vegas or at the canyon is the worst thing you could do because you’ll almost always pay more than necessary.

Keith Kravitz is a trusted travel writer specializing in Grand Canyon helicopter tours. He recommends visiting this website for great deals on chopper rides: http://www.grandcanyonhelicoptertourreviews.com/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-deals.html

Keith Kravitz is a trusted travel writer specializing in Grand Canyon helicopter tours. He recommends visiting this website for great deals on chopper rides: http://www.grandcanyonhelicoptertourreviews.com/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-deals.html

Author Bio: Keith Kravitz is a trusted travel writer specializing in Grand Canyon helicopter tours. He recommends visiting this website for great deals on chopper rides: http://www.grandcanyonhelicoptertourreviews.com/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-deals.html

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon helicopters, las vegas helicopters, helicopter tours, discounts, deals, grand canyon