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 upgrades the 30 minute flight with a 4x4 tour at sunset. This tour ends when your 4x4 drives you to scenic 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
All of the West Rim helicopter tours depart from Vegas. 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 are no tours that fly between the West and the 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 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.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. It's best to get your tour locked in at least four days or more in advance so a tour will be available on the day and time you want to fly.
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.
If you have plans to spend your holiday vacation in Vegas or in Arizona, then don't miss the opportunity to take a helicopter tour of the Canyon. There is no better 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 upgrades the 30 minute flight with a 4x4 tour at sunset. This tour ends when your 4x4 drives you to scenic 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
All of the West Rim helicopter tours depart from Vegas. 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 are no tours that fly between the West and the 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 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.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. It's best to get your tour locked in at least four days or more in advance so a tour will be available on the day and time you want to fly.
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.
If you have plans to spend your holiday vacation in Vegas or in Arizona, then don't miss the opportunity to take a helicopter tour of the Canyon. There is no better 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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