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. 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
The South Rim is known as the "real" Canyon and it is situated west of Flagstaff, Arizona. So a South Rim tour is convenient if you're going to be in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, or Sedona. However, if you're staying in Vegas instead, you can take a bus or plane to the South Rim for your tour. Taking the plane is a better option since you'll get there in about an hour opposed to the 5 1/2 hours it takes to ride there on a bus.
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.
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
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.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. Since there may be snow at the South Rim, you'll want to wear warm pants, a jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes. It won't be as cold at the West Rim, but it can still be chilly, so dressing in layers is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
If you'll be in Arizona or Vegas over the holiday season, then consider treating yourself to a fun helicopter ride over the Canyon. It'll be a holiday celebration you won't forget!
The Real Canyon
The South Rim is known as the "real" Canyon and it is situated west of Flagstaff, Arizona. So a South Rim tour is convenient if you're going to be in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, or Sedona. However, if you're staying in Vegas instead, you can take a bus or plane to the South Rim for your tour. Taking the plane is a better option since you'll get there in about an hour opposed to the 5 1/2 hours it takes to ride there on a bus.
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.
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
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.
Remember, you'll need to dress for the winter weather. Since there may be snow at the South Rim, you'll want to wear warm pants, a jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes. It won't be as cold at the West Rim, but it can still be chilly, so dressing in layers is a good idea. Sun protection is necessary at both rims, so bring sunglasses, lip balm, and extra water too.
If you'll be in Arizona or Vegas over the holiday season, then consider treating yourself to a fun helicopter ride over the Canyon. It'll be a holiday celebration you won't forget!
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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