It\’s summer time at the Canyon and conditions are ideal for a helicopter tour. However, some flight times are better than others, especially if you follow a few of the tips I include in this article.

First, it\’s hot at the Canyon, so I typically recommend you book a tour in the morning when it\’s cooler. Personally, I stay away from the \”early bird\” flights because the sun can get in your face. Thus optimal flight times are from 8 a. M. To 12 p. M.

Clear Skies

In addition to cooler weather, morning flights tend to have better visibility. That\’s because there\’s less dust and smoke in the atmosphere. That said, such particles are desired when you take a sunset flight because they enhance the light.

The other thing I like about morning flights is it\’s the time when the air is smoothest. Heat rises and it creates minor turbulents. So if you\’re not a fan of bumps, mornings are the time to fly.

Of course, the kind of helicopter you fly in also determines the smoothness of the ride. There are basic and deluxe helicopter tours, with basic trips using the simpler Astar and Bell Ranger aircraft. Deluxe tours use the vastly superior EcoStar 130.

EC-130 Benefits

The EcoStar is typically 25 percent larger than standard aircraft. This size difference allows it to be configured with stadium-style bucket seats and an awesome 180-degree windshield. Further, the EC 130 comes with a very stout climate-control system, which is imperative during summer.

Of course, you\’ll pay more for a deluxe tour but I think the perks are worth it. For example, if you go from Las Vegas, you leave from the Vegas Strip, which is super convenient because not only is it close but you get picked up in a stretch limousine.

Deluxe tours also come with an extended flight over the famous Vegas Strip, starting from the Stratosphere Tower all the way down to the end by the Luxor Pyramid. It\’s quite a sight to see during anytime of the day but especially at dusk when the neon lights start to light up.

South Rim

I also need to point out that there are no helicopter rides from Las Vegas to the South Rim, which is too far away. If you want to go there from Vegas, you need to take a direct airplane flight, which takes about 60 minutes. Further, you can add options to the plane ride like helicopter rides, bus tours and Jeep trips.

At South Rim, you get to choose from air-only tours and helicopter/jeep packages. The air only tours are 30 or 50 minutes. The shorter one goes from the South Rim to the North Rim and back, while the longer one does that, too, plus everything up to the eastern border.

The heli/Jeep trip includes the 30-minute helicopter flight plus a 2-hour Jeep 4×4 tour. The Jeep is an excellent way to efficiently get around the National Park\’s busy roads and stops at all key sights and lookouts. Jeeps can hold up to 9 people so there\’s plenty of room for couples and families.

Conclusion

I hope this article about the best time to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour proved helpful. The best flights are in the morning and at sunset. However, they are very popular so to make sure you get yours by booking early and purchasing it over the Internet. Have a great adventure!

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