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. The shorter tour is very scenic too and you get to see both the North and South Rims. It's a terrific way to get the flavor of the National Park.
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.
Vegas Tours
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.
You can take an air only helicopter tour out of Vegas, or you can book one that lands at the Canyon. The both follow the same route to the Canyon and fly over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead along the way.
If you have enough time and your budget permits, I strongly recommend taking one of the helicopter rides that lands at the canyon. Landing tours are a terrific way to experience the National Park in all its glory. Float trips down the Colorado River and VIP passes to the Grand Canyon Skywalk are popular add-ons, but the most popular option of all is the chopper flight to the canyon floor followed by a champagne picnic. The air-only version is a terrific choice for people who are short on time or have a limited budget.
Sell Outs
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.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. South Rim visitors during winter season should plan for the possibility of snow-wear a warm jacket, long pants, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The West Rim is warmer, but since it may still be chilly, dressing in layers you can shed or add is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
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. The shorter tour is very scenic too and you get to see both the North and South Rims. It's a terrific way to get the flavor of the National Park.
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.
Vegas Tours
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.
You can take an air only helicopter tour out of Vegas, or you can book one that lands at the Canyon. The both follow the same route to the Canyon and fly over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead along the way.
If you have enough time and your budget permits, I strongly recommend taking one of the helicopter rides that lands at the canyon. Landing tours are a terrific way to experience the National Park in all its glory. Float trips down the Colorado River and VIP passes to the Grand Canyon Skywalk are popular add-ons, but the most popular option of all is the chopper flight to the canyon floor followed by a champagne picnic. The air-only version is a terrific choice for people who are short on time or have a limited budget.
Sell Outs
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.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. South Rim visitors during winter season should plan for the possibility of snow-wear a warm jacket, long pants, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The West Rim is warmer, but since it may still be chilly, dressing in layers you can shed or add is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
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 National Park authority Jacky Archer recommends vacationers check out these Canyon helicopter tours. She also recommends going here for deals that make these rides cheaper: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.org/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-coupons.html
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