The Grand Canyon is a wonderful sight to behold anytime of the day. But if you really want to take your National Park experience to the next level, go on a sunset helicopter tour. Flights are available from Las Vegas and Tusayan, AZ, and because they are so popular they are prone to sell out weeks in advance.

Las Vegas

Vegas sunset tours can be had either as air-only or landing. Both types fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam before entering Canyon airspace. The air-only, however, will turn back after going over the Park whereas the landing tour will either go to the bottom or the top. The air-only is cheaper but frankly I prefer the landing option.

My preference for the landing is due in part to the kind of experience you get. This is especially true in the case of the flight that goes to the bottom for a Champagne picnic. I can’t think of anything more special than enjoying a glass of bubbly as the sun starts to set below the horizon. The moment is unique because sunset casts and incredibly amazing light on the Canyon’s walls.

Be aware that sunset tours are either basic or deluxe. The basic tours depart from Boulder City, which is a suburb of Las Vegas. On average, it takes a shuttle bus about 35 minutes to get from The Strip to Boulder. Deluxe flights, by contrast, leave from The Strip itself, which is super convenient because not only is the transfer done by stretch limousine but the trip takes about just 10 minutes from most hotels.

The deluxe is also distinguished by the fact that it features an extended flight over the world-famous Strip, which is awesome during the day. But if you happen to fly over it during dusk, you get to see it when all the lights are turned on. This segment of the flight typically starts from the Stratosphere Tower at the north end of the Strip and ends at the Luxor pyramid to the south.

One thing basic and deluxe tours share is the kind of helicopter used. It’s the superior EcoStar 130. This chopper is simply amazing. It boasts a 180-degree windshield and a cabin that’s 25 percent larger than the average helicopter. And because the EC 130 is larger, it comes equipped with stadium-style bucket seats that are the ultimate in comfort and personal space. Taken as a whole, this particular aircraft is the only aircraft to fly in my opinion.

South Rim

Tusayan, which is the small town that’s adjacent to the National Park’s main entrance gate, is the hub for all South Rim sunset helicopters. Flights are available as 30-minute or 50-minute tours. Take the last flight of the day for sunset. This particular departure time is in high-demand so if you want it then I recommend booking it at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time.

As for which tour, I strongly recommend the 50-minute flight. I say this because not only is it the best value, but also because you get to see up to 75 percent of the Park. This is an amazing feat, especially when you consider that the Canyon is comprised of more than 1-million acres and you’re able to experience much of it in under an hour.

So next time you’re in Las Vegas or Tusayan, take a sunset helicopter ride. You’ll be amazed at how beautiful the Canyon looks at this time of day and I can assure you it’s a trip you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Author Bio: The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon, las vegas, grand canyon helicopters, las vegas helicopters, grand canyon flights,