I can't think of a more exciting way to celebrate the winter season than taking a flight in one of the Grand Canyon helicopters. A lot of people think winter is the wrong time of year to visit the Grand Canyon, but you'd be amazed by the way a layer of fresh snow adds a beautiful new dimension to a landscape that's already spectacular. Snow is more likely at the South Rim than at the West Rim, because the altitude there is over 6,000 feet above sea level.
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.
There are two types of helicopter rides at the South Rim: 50-minute tours and shorter, 30-minute flights. I strongly prefer the longer version - it's much more comprehensive, covering the South, North and East Rims. The 30-minute tour flies from the South Rim to the North Rim and back. 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
Las Vegas is the departure point for all West Rim helicopter rides. The West Rim is just a little east of Vegas, but the South Rim is outside the range of helicopters flying out of Sin City. There aren't any direct flights between the West and South Rims.
Canyon helicopter tours come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. Both types of tours fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the way to the Canyon.
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
Flights on Grand Canyon helicopters are limited and sell out fast, so I urge you to book yours in advance. By booking at least four days ahead, you'll greatly improve your chances of getting the tour and time 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.
There are two types of helicopter rides at the South Rim: 50-minute tours and shorter, 30-minute flights. I strongly prefer the longer version - it's much more comprehensive, covering the South, North and East Rims. The 30-minute tour flies from the South Rim to the North Rim and back. 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
Las Vegas is the departure point for all West Rim helicopter rides. The West Rim is just a little east of Vegas, but the South Rim is outside the range of helicopters flying out of Sin City. There aren't any direct flights between the West and South Rims.
Canyon helicopter tours come in two flavors: air-only and landing flights. Both types of tours fly over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the way to the Canyon.
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
Flights on Grand Canyon helicopters are limited and sell out fast, so I urge you to book yours in advance. By booking at least four days ahead, you'll greatly improve your chances of getting the tour and time 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 expert Jacky Archer recommends travelers check out these Canyon helicopter tours. She also recommends going here for coupons that make these flights cheaper: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.org/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-coupons.html
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