If you're trying to come up with a fun way to celebrate winter season, then you should consider taking a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon. You may think winter isn't a good time to go to the Canyon, but actually, a layer of light snow only adds to its spectacular beauty. If you hope to see snow, you should go to the South Rim rather than the West Rim since the South Rim has an elevation over 6000 feet and it has colder temperatures.
The Real Canyon
Known as the "real" Grand Canyon, the South Rim is just west of Flagstaff, in central AZ. That makes it the perfect place to visit if you're in Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff or Scottsdale. Of course, people also travel to the South Rim from Las Vegas, usually arriving by plane or bus. I always recommend the plane ride because it only takes an hour, as opposed to the 5 hour bus trip.
You can take a 50-minute or 30-minute helicopter tour of the South Rim. The longer tour lets you see so much more, in fact, you'll get to see the North and South Rims as well as the eastern edge of the National Park. However, the short tour is fun too because you get to fly over to the North Rim and back. You'll get a fantastic overview of the Park lands.
There's a new tour I've heard about that sounds pretty exciting. It combines one of the 30-minute helicopter rides with a sunset 4x4 tour. The ground portion ends at Hopi Point at dusk. Along the way you'll get to see one of the National Park's hidden, elevated fire towers.
Helicopter Tours From Vegas
Las Vegas is the departure point for all West Rim helicopter rides. The West Rim is closer to Vegas, while the South Rim is so far away, it is out of the flight range of Vegas helicopters. There aren't any connecting flights between the West and South Rims.
Grand Canyon helicopters come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. They all fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on their way to the Park.
If it fits in with your time allotment and budget, you should really consider taking a landing tours. They give you a much broader experience at the National Park. You can do fun things like take a float trip along the Colorado River, walk out on the famous Skywalk, and even fly to the Canyon floor for a champagne picnic. However, if your time is limited or if you have a tight vacation budget, then an air-only tour is a fantastic way to see the amazing natural scenery at the Park.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. Try to get your seats at least four days in advance so you can get the time and date you want.
You'll also want to dress appropriately for the climate. South Rim visitors during the winter season should plan for the possibility of snow - wear a warm jacket, long pants, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. And even though it's warmer at the West Rim, dress warmly because it still gets chilly. Bring lip balm, sunglasses and water no matter which rim you're visiting.
Whether you're spending the winter season in Vegas or central AZ, you owe it to yourself to consider a Grand Canyon helicopter ride. It's a terrific way to celebrate the season!
The Real Canyon
Known as the "real" Grand Canyon, the South Rim is just west of Flagstaff, in central AZ. That makes it the perfect place to visit if you're in Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff or Scottsdale. Of course, people also travel to the South Rim from Las Vegas, usually arriving by plane or bus. I always recommend the plane ride because it only takes an hour, as opposed to the 5 hour bus trip.
You can take a 50-minute or 30-minute helicopter tour of the South Rim. The longer tour lets you see so much more, in fact, you'll get to see the North and South Rims as well as the eastern edge of the National Park. However, the short tour is fun too because you get to fly over to the North Rim and back. You'll get a fantastic overview of the Park lands.
There's a new tour I've heard about that sounds pretty exciting. It combines one of the 30-minute helicopter rides with a sunset 4x4 tour. The ground portion ends at Hopi Point at dusk. Along the way you'll get to see one of the National Park's hidden, elevated fire towers.
Helicopter Tours From Vegas
Las Vegas is the departure point for all West Rim helicopter rides. The West Rim is closer to Vegas, while the South Rim is so far away, it is out of the flight range of Vegas helicopters. There aren't any connecting flights between the West and South Rims.
Grand Canyon helicopters come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. They all fly over Lake Mead and Hoover Dam on their way to the Park.
If it fits in with your time allotment and budget, you should really consider taking a landing tours. They give you a much broader experience at the National Park. You can do fun things like take a float trip along the Colorado River, walk out on the famous Skywalk, and even fly to the Canyon floor for a champagne picnic. However, if your time is limited or if you have a tight vacation budget, then an air-only tour is a fantastic way to see the amazing natural scenery at the Park.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. Try to get your seats at least four days in advance so you can get the time and date you want.
You'll also want to dress appropriately for the climate. South Rim visitors during the winter season should plan for the possibility of snow - wear a warm jacket, long pants, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. And even though it's warmer at the West Rim, dress warmly because it still gets chilly. Bring lip balm, sunglasses and water no matter which rim you're visiting.
Whether you're spending the winter season in Vegas or central AZ, you owe it to yourself to consider a Grand Canyon helicopter ride. It's a terrific way to celebrate the season!
About the Author:
Grand Canyon authority Jacky Archer recommends tourists look into these Canyon helicopter tours. She also recommends going here for bargains that make these rides much less expensive: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.org/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-coupons.html
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