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Grand Canyon Tours
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Maverick Helicopter Tours | An overview

  • Official name: Maverick Helicopters
  • Locations: Seven locations across Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and California
  • Las Vegas address: 6075 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States | Find on Maps 
  • Year founded: 1995
  • Founders: Greg Rochna (a former military helicopter pilot) and Brenda Rochna

Why choose Maverick Helicopter Tours

✔️ Winner of 14 consecutive “Diamond Awards” of Excellence from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

✔️ Holds the top safety record of any tourism-based aviation company in the world

✔️ Manages the world’s largest fleet of Airbus 130 helicopters

✔️ Operates with a crew of highly experienced pilots

Helicopter flying over Red Rock Canyon's vibrant rock formations near Las Vegas.

Understanding your tour options

TourDurationStarting pointSights coveredInclusionsHighlightsWhy choose thisUpgradesIdeal forTickets

12-min Las Vegas Strip Night Helicopter Tour

Approx. 12 min

Las Vegas Strip Terminal

Las Vegas Strip, major resorts and landmarks, Downtown Las Vegas

Helicopter flight

Nighttime aerial views of the illuminated Strip

A short helicopter experience without leaving Las Vegas

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First-time flyers, couples, nightlife-focused visitors, short itineraries

Book now

12-min Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Grand Canyon West

Approx. 30 min total: 12-min round-trip flight + 20-min landing

Grand Canyon West Airport

Grand Canyon West, canyon walls, Colorado River

Helicopter flight + private canyon-floor landing

Descend 3,500 ft below the rim and land about 300 ft above the Colorado River

Experience the canyon from both above and below the rim without a long Las Vegas transfer

Grand Canyon West admission required separately

Visitors already at Grand Canyon West, short-trip planners, first-time canyon visitors

Book now

90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West with West Rim Landing

Approx. 3 hr

Las Vegas Strip Terminal

Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon West, Eagle Point

Round-trip helicopter flight + West Rim landing; Skywalk option varies by ticket

Direct flight to the West Rim + time at Eagle Point

Combines aerial sightseeing with a West Rim visit

Skywalk entry or rim landing without Skywalk

Visitors who want the Skywalk and a Grand Canyon landing without a canyon-floor stop

Book now

60-min Las Vegas & Red Rock Canyon with Valley Landing

Approx. 1 hr

Las Vegas Strip Terminal

Las Vegas Strip, Red Rock Canyon, surrounding desert landscape

Helicopter flight + private valley/viewpoint landing

30-min landing at a viewpoint about 2,900 ft above Las Vegas

Adds a desert landing without committing most of a day to the Grand Canyon

Sunset option

Visitors short on time, couples, Vegas + nature itineraries

Book now

Grand Canyon South Rim Scenic Helicopter Tour

Approx. 25 min/45 min

Grand Canyon National Park Airport

Kaibab National Forest, South Rim, Dragon Corridor, Colorado River, North Rim

Scenic helicopter flight

Fly through the Dragon Corridor toward the North Rim, deeper sections of Grand Canyon National Park

A focused South Rim flight for visitors who want an aerial overview in less time

45-min option

Visitors staying near the South Rim, short sightseeing schedules

Book now

90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West with Canyon Landing & Champagne

Approx. 2.5 hr ; longer with West Rim exploration

Las Vegas Strip Terminal

Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon West, Colorado River

Round-trip helicopter flight + canyon-floor landing + champagne, depending on option

Land 3,500 ft below the rim, about 300 ft above the Colorado River

Adds an intimate canyon-floor experience rather than only viewing the canyon from the rim

Daytime floor landing, sunset floor landing, or floor landing + West Rim exploration

Visitors seeking a landing-focused Grand Canyon experience, special occasions, sunset flights

Book now

What to expect on your Maverick helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon

Helicopter flying over Grand Canyon West during Las Vegas tour with canyon landing.
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Diverse Grand Canyon sightseeing experiences

Choose from different Maverick helicopter tours designed around how you want to see the Grand Canyon, from aerial sightseeing flights over the canyon to experiences that combine the flight with ground exploration, landing stops, or Las Vegas sightseeing.

Land on the Grand Canyon floor and enjoy refreshments

Take your Grand Canyon experience beyond an aerial flight with landing tours that descend into the canyon for a closer look at its dramatic landscape. Depending on your tour, you can step out at a floor landing site and enjoy refreshments such as complimentary Champagne while taking in the surroundings.

Combine Las Vegas sightseeing with the Grand Canyon

Make the most of your day by pairing Grand Canyon views with aerial sightseeing over Las Vegas. These tours let you see major Vegas landmarks from above before heading toward the Canyon, combining two distinct landscapes in one helicopter experience.

Fly in comfort aboard an Airbus 130 helicopter

Travel in an Airbus 130 helicopter designed for comfort and luxury for your sightseeing experience, with large windows that give you clear views of the landscape below. The aircraft offers a comfortable way to take in the changing scenery as you fly between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Enjoy a more intimate way to see the Canyon

See the Grand Canyon from a perspective that is difficult to experience on a road trip, with aerial views and close-up views of the canyon’s formations. These small-group and intimate helicopter tours also allow you to cover more of the landscape in less time while enjoying a top-rated sightseeing experience.

Things to know before booking your Maverick Grand Canyon helicopter tours

  • Choose your departure point and sightseeing area first: Maverick’s Grand Canyon flights cover different areas, so check the route before booking. 
    • You can fly over the Las Vegas Strip at night, take a short sightseeing flight from Grand Canyon West, or travel from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West on longer tours that include a canyon landing. 
    • South Rim tours depart separately from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport and are a better fit if the South Rim is your main destination.
  • Decide between a short flight and an extended Grand Canyon experience: The flight duration varies significantly across these experiences. 
    • The 12-minute flights are designed for a quick aerial introduction, while the 25- and 45-minute South Rim flights offer more time over the canyon. 
    • The 90-minute Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West tours combine longer aerial sightseeing with a landing, so compare the total experience rather than flight time alone.
  • Pick the type of landing experience you want: Landing options are one of the biggest differences between Maverick’s Grand Canyon tours. 
    • The 90-minute West Rim options let you choose between a rim landing with Skywalk entry or a rim landing without Skywalk entry, while other tour options include a canyon floor landing with champagne . 
    • Check whether your ticket includes Skywalk admission or simply lands at the rim before booking.
  • Choose daytime, sunset, or night sightseeing: Not every Maverick tour operates at the same time of day. 
    • The 12-minute Las Vegas Strip tour is a night flight, while the Grand Canyon options include daytime experiences.
    • Select tours also offer the choice between daytime or sunset flights with a floor landing. 
    • If you specifically want sunset or nighttime views, check the available departure times for your date rather than assuming they are offered on every tour.
  • Look at the Las Vegas add-ons and alternative routes:
    • If you're staying in Las Vegas and don't want to travel all the way to the Grand Canyon, the 60-minute Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon tour with Valley Landing combines city and desert scenery in one flight. 
    • It includes a landing experience without committing to a full Grand Canyon excursion, making the route an important factor when comparing tickets.
  • Check Skywalk, West Rim exploration, and champagne inclusions: The longer West Rim tours differ mainly in what happens after landing. 
    • Some experiences include Skywalk entry , offered as an upgrade, while others let you explore the West Rim without Skywalk admission. 
    • The canyon-landing packages can instead include champagne and a floor landing, with some options adding West Rim exploration, so compare the inclusions rather than choosing solely by duration.
  • Check where your tour departs and whether transportation is included:
    • Tours starting at Grand Canyon West require you to reach the West Rim independently.
    • Tours from Las Vegas depart from the Las Vegas Strip Terminal. 
    • South Rim tours depart from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Grand Canyon Village (located in the South Rim itself).
    • Keep in mind: The South Rim and West Rim are about 4 hours apart by road, so confirm your departure location before booking your tour.
  • Check passenger restrictions before booking: Helicopter operators apply passenger requirements that can affect eligibility, including restrictions related to age, pregnancy, mobility, and passenger weight. 
    • Lap policy: Children under 2 years are required to have proof of age to be considered a lap child.
    • Weight policy: Passengers will be weighed during check-in. The weight limit is 300 lbs (136 kilos) per seat, and passengers weighing more will need to prebook an additional ticket in advance.
    • Review the restrictions for your specific Maverick tour before paying, particularly if you're booking for children, pregnant travelers, or passengers with mobility considerations.
  • Check cancellation and weather policies:
    • Helicopter flights can be affected by weather, visibility, operational conditions, or other safety considerations. 
    • Before booking, review the cancellation, rescheduling, and weather-related terms attached to your specific ticket, particularly if you're planning a tightly scheduled Las Vegas or Grand Canyon itinerary.

Highlights of your Grand Canyon experience with Maverick Helicopter Tours

Helicopter flying over the Grand Canyon West during a tour.

Grand Canyon West

Grand Canyon West is known for its dramatic canyon walls and viewpoints along the West Rim, including Eagle Point and Guano Point. Helicopter tours offer an aerial perspective of the deeply carved landscape, with some flights landing at or below the rim.

Grand Canyon South Rim aerial view with layered rock formations.
Helicopter flying over the illuminated Las Vegas Strip at night.
Grand Canyon West view with wildflowers and river, seen from helicopter landing site.
Aerial view of Las Vegas Strip at night with illuminated fountains and hotels.

Safety information

  • Weight limits and additional seats: The maximum individual weight is 300 lbs (136 kg) for all helicopter tours except for the South Rim Scenic Tours departing from Grand Canyon National Park, where the limit is 275 lbs (125 kg). 
  • Weather-related delays and cancellations: Poor visibility or high winds can delay or cancel a flight for safety reasons. 
    • This applies to scenic flights as well as tours with a Grand Canyon West rim landing, canyon-floor landing, or Red Rock Canyon valley landing. 
    • Keep some flexibility in your itinerary in case your departure needs to be rescheduled.
  • Motion sickness and comfort: Weather conditions can affect how much the helicopter moves, and passengers may experience motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider this before choosing a longer flight or excursion.
  • Landing-specific precautions: For tours that land on the Grand Canyon floor, wear closed-toe shoes and prepare for outdoor conditions; temperatures at the bottom can exceed 100°F (38°C) in summer. 

Your helicopter tour routes explained

Helicopter flying near Mandalay Bay and Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas during Red Rock Canyon tour.
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Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West

  • Fly from the Las Vegas Strip across the Mojave Desert, with aerial views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and rugged desert terrain before reaching Grand Canyon West. 
  • Depending on your ticket, continue with a rim landing and optional Skywalk entry, or descend to a private canyon-floor landing for time at the bottom with champagne. 
  • Some options also include time to explore the West Rim before returning to Las Vegas.

West Rim

  • Explore Grand Canyon West from the air on a short helicopter flight departing from Grand Canyon West Airport. 
  • See the canyon’s layered rock formations, deep ravines, and rugged landscape from above. 
  • Longer itineraries departing from Las Vegas may add time at the rim, where Eagle Point, Guano Point, and the Skywalk (optional) offer different ways to experience the canyon. 

South Rim

  • Depart from Grand Canyon National Park Airport and fly over the South Rim into the vast interior of Grand Canyon National Park. 
  • Depending on the flight duration, views can include the Kaibab National Forest, the Colorado River, the Dragon Corridor, and the canyon’s North Rim. 
  • The 25-minute and 45-minute options offer different lengths of aerial sightseeing, with the longer route covering more of the canyon. 

Las Vegas

  • Take off from the Las Vegas Strip Terminal for a city-focused flight over the Strip’s illuminated resorts, famous landmarks, and surrounding cityscape. 
  • The 12-minute night tour highlights the neon skyline after dark, while the 60-minute Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon tour extends beyond the city to showcase desert scenery and red sandstone formations, with a valley landing included.

Maverick Helicopter Tours to the Grand Canyon | A historical context

  • 1995: The company is founded. Maverick Helicopters is established by an entrepreneurial couple, beginning with one helicopter and a focus on personalized service and aerial tourism.
  • 1996: Flight operations begin in Las Vegas. The company's flight operations officially launch in Las Vegas, establishing its presence in the city's sightseeing market.
  • 2000s: Expansion into Grand Canyon sightseeing. Maverick develops tours connecting Las Vegas with the Grand Canyon, giving visitors an aerial route across the desert landscape, with views of landmarks such as Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
  • 2010s: The tour options expand beyond aerial sightseeing to include Grand Canyon West Rim visits and canyon-floor landings, allowing visitors to experience the landscape from different elevations.
  • 2020 onward: Maverick adds experiences departing from Grand Canyon West and Grand Canyon National Park Airport, offering visitors different ways to explore the West Rim and South Rim.
  • Today: Their current Grand Canyon collection includes scenic flights, tours with optional Skywalk admission, canyon-floor landing experiences, and sunset departures from Las Vegas. 

Know before you go

  • 12-min Las Vegas Strip Night Helicopter Tour
    • Duration: Approximately 10–12 minutes of flight time.
    • Frequency: Daily, except Christmas Day; departures are subject to availability. 
  • 12-min Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour from Grand Canyon West
    • Duration: Approximately 30 minutes total, including about 12 minutes of round-trip airtime and a 20-minute canyon-floor landing.
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability. 
  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with West Rim Landing
    • Duration: The flight time is 90 minutes (45 minutes each way), while West Rim landing itineraries can take 3-4 hours overall once ground time and transfers are included.
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability. 
  • 60-min Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon Helicopter Tour with Valley Landing
    • Duration: Approximately 1 hour, including a 12–15-minute flight each way and a 30-minute landing.
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability. 
  • Grand Canyon South Rim Scenic Helicopter Tour 
    • Duration: 25/45 minutes.
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability. 
  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Canyon Landing and Champagne
    • Duration: The flight time is 90 minutes (45 minutes each way), but the total itinerary is between 2 and 2.5 hours.
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability. Sunset departures are particularly popular and tend to sell out first.
  • For fewer crowds: November to February offers the lowest visitor numbers at the South Rim. Winter weather can bring snow, icy roads, and temporary closures, so this period is better suited to visitors who don't mind colder conditions and want a quieter experience. 
  • For sightseeing and photography: April–May and September–October offer a useful balance of milder temperatures and generally drier conditions than summer. For helicopter photography specifically, early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and warmer colors.
  • Visiting with family: April–May or September–October are practical choices for families looking to avoid the hottest summer conditions while still having good access to the South Rim. If you're planning a canyon-floor landing, remember that temperatures can be considerably warmer below the rim, particularly in summer.
  • Las Vegas departures: Las Vegas Terminal, 6075 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States | Find on Maps 
  • West Rim departures: Grand Canyon West Airport, Grand Canyon West, Peach Springs, AZ 86434, United States | Find on Maps 
  • South Rim departures: Grand Canyon National Park Airport, 1542 Liberator Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps 
  • Children and infant seating: Children aged 2 years and older must have their own purchased seat. Children under 2 may travel on an adult's lap with a valid passport or birth certificate as proof of age. Passengers aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  • Pregnancy considerations: Pregnant passengers can fly with Maverick Helicopters, but the operator recommends consulting a doctor before booking. 
  • Wheelchair access and mobility assistance: Guests who use wheelchairs can take Grand Canyon helicopter flights, but anyone requiring wheelchair assistance must travel with another passenger who can help them enter and exit the helicopter. 
  • Restrooms: There are no restrooms at the canyon-floor landing site, so plan accordingly. Rim-landing tours at Grand Canyon West have restroom facilities available.
  • Bring your physical ID: Every passenger aged 18 or older needs a valid physical ID or passport at check-in. Digital or printed copies are not accepted, so don't leave your original identification at your hotel.
  • Prepare differently for a canyon-floor landing: The canyon floor can be substantially hotter than the rim in summer. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a hair tie; Maverick recommends these specifically for summer Grand Canyon trips. There are no restrooms at the bottom, so use the facilities before boarding. 
  • Don't overpack for photography: Cameras and GoPros are allowed onboard, but flash photography is prohibited. For Skywalk visits, most personal belongings must be stored in a locker, so a phone is more practical than carrying a full camera bag.
  • Check-in and identification: All passengers aged 18 and over must present a valid physical ID or passport; digital and printed copies are not accepted. Late arrival may result in cancellation without reimbursement.
  • Seating and weight distribution: Seats are assigned according to the helicopter's weight-and-balance requirements. You may not be seated beside your companions or in the same row, even if you book together.
  • Weight limit: Guests exceeding the applicable limit must purchase an additional seat. All passengers are weighed at check-in, and inaccurate weight declarations may result in denied boarding without a refund.
  • Grand Canyon West bag restrictions: For Grand Canyon West experiences, including tours with Skywalk entry or rim exploration, backpacks are not permitted. Small bags, such as purses, diaper bags, medical bags, and fanny packs, are allowed.
  • Flight and onboard rules: Helicopter doors remain closed throughout the flight. Smoking is prohibited onboard, on the boarding ramp, and at landing sites. Flash photography is also prohibited, although regular photos and videos are permitted.

Visitor tips

  • Book at least two weeks ahead: Book in advance if you want a specific date and departure time, particularly for popular Grand Canyon departures and limited landing options. 
  • Keep your arrival day flexible: If you’re flying from Las Vegas, avoid scheduling your helicopter tour on the same day as an arriving flight.
  • Pick the rim based on your sightseeing priorities: Choose Grand Canyon West if you want the Skywalk, Eagle Point, Guano Point, or a canyon-floor landing. Choose the South Rim if your priority is a longer aerial flight over Grand Canyon National Park, including sections of both rims and the Dragon Corridor.
  • Decide whether you actually want a landing: A scenic flight gives you more time viewing the canyon from the air, while West Rim landing tours add time on the ground. Canyon-floor options take you about 3,500 feet below the rim and are particularly useful if you want to experience the canyon at ground level rather than only photograph it from above. 
  • Build in extra check-in time: Las Vegas departures to the Grand Canyon require check-in at least 20-45 minutes before departure. The check-in process includes passenger weighing and seating configuration, so arriving just before the deadline is risky. 
  • Declare your weight accurately when booking: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon West flights have a 300 lb/136 kg individual limit, while flights departing from Grand Canyon National Park have a 275 lb/124 kg limit. You are weighed at arrival, and inaccurate information can cause delays or cancellation without a refund. 
  • Keep weather flexibility for the best chance of flying: Flight routes can change because of weather or other circumstances. If the Grand Canyon flight is a major part of your trip, placing it earlier rather than on your final day leaves more room to accommodate a change in schedule. 
  • For sunset options, choose the timing for the return flight: The sunset West Rim options are designed so the return journey coincides with changing evening light and the Las Vegas skyline. If your priority is daytime canyon exploration, choose a daytime departure instead; if you want the sunset/Las Vegas-night combination, allow flexibility around the longer evening schedule. 

Other Grand Canyon tours nearby

Frequently asked questions about Maverick helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon

Choose the 12-minute Grand Canyon West tour for a short scenic flight, the 90-minute Las Vegas tours for a rim or canyon-floor landing, or the 25- or 45-minute South Rim tour for aerial views of Grand Canyon National Park. The Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon tour focuses on desert scenery, while the 12-minute night flight showcases the illuminated Las Vegas Strip.

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