Nearly everyone who tours the Grand Canyon by helicopter says it is the best way to enjoy this spectacular wonder of nature. Getting a bird\’s eye view of the canyon from a chopper is an entirely different experience than viewing the canyon by ground. You might be surprised to learn how affordable a helicopter tour is, especially if you use a promotional deal or discount.

It has taken the Colorado River billions of years to carve out this immense gouge in the Earth\’s surface. Once, the region was a mountain range much like the Himalayas are today. Over eons, the mountains eroded and the area became a vast plain. Then geological forces many miles beneath the surface once again forced the land upward. The Colorado River wound itself through the land, carving rock as it flowed through.

Today, the Grand Canyon has become one of the country\’s most popular National Parks. However, thousands of years ago, indigenous people made their lives in the region. Around 500 B.C. the Pueblo Indians came to the Grand Canyon and stayed until around 1150 A.D. when they departed and left what are today their ancient ruins. It would be 400 years until the Europeans arrived in 1540 A.D.

A Spanish conquistador known as Francisco Coronado explored the American southwest nearly eighty years prior to the Pilgrims\’ landing at Plymouth Rock. The Hopi Indians told Coronado about a great river located there and in seeking it, the Spaniards became the first European people to see the Grand Canyon. They turned back after three days in the area, failing to find a passage across the great chasm.

John Wesley Powell led the next major expedition to the Grand Canyon, but it didn\’t happen until almost 300 years after Coronado\’s attempt. Powell attempted to map out the area as he followed the Colorado River. After losing three men and three boats, the expedition arrived at the current location of Lake Mead (this man-made lake didn\’t exist at the time). After Powell published his findings, many others traveled to the region for further scientific study.

Shortly thereafter, people started becoming aware of the area\’s tremendous geological and historical value. Flagstaff, Arizona developed into a bustling city since it became a way station for travelers on the way to the canyon by train. In 1919, Congress designated the Grand Canyon as a National Park. Today it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

It\’s possible to explore the National Park on foot, but many sightseers now prefer taking one of the Grand Canyon helicopters that fly from Grand Canyon National Park Airport or Las Vegas. Modern sightseeing helicopters are used in tours of the South Rim and these offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience. The windows on many of these choppers are large enough to provide panoramic views of the scenic beauty passing below.

Although you may think it will cost a lot to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you can reduce the price quite a bit through special offers and helicopter discount deals. You\’ll get the best deals online though if you book and pay for your helicopter tour on the operator\’s website. That seems reasonable to me, and you can use your savings on hotel rooms, gas and dining out.

The author is an expert in Grand Canyon tours. If you are looking for incredible canyon helicopter tours at the lowest rates, she recommends visiting here now: http://www.grandcanyoncheap.com/helicopter-tours.html

The author is an expert on tours to the Grand Canyon. If you are looking specifically for helicopter rides, she recommends going here now: http://www.grandcanyoncheap.com/helicopter-tours.html

Author Bio: The author is an expert in Grand Canyon tours. If you are looking for incredible canyon helicopter tours at the lowest rates, she recommends visiting here now: http://www.grandcanyoncheap.com/helicopter-tours.html

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