From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Lewis B

United States
Group
Mar 2026
This is a great excursion. You get to see Hooverdam and the Grand Canyon. The views awe awesome, you can't see any other way

Allen E

United States
Couple
Feb 2026
My husband and I were in town for our 1 year anniversary ... we landed down by the river and had the champagne and it was the most beautiful scenery and sights we have seen. We had the best pilot, I'm thinking it was Mitch . He was so knowledgeable and had a great personality and even had great music. This was a really great tour and would highly recommend for a lifetime memory.

Ehv D

Netherlands
Couple
Feb 2026
It was an amaxing experience! It is God's wonder! Flying above the woods and then suddenly be part of this wonder Thanks to the Papillon helicopter crew!

Scott S

United States
Couple
Last week
Robert the bus driver and his amazing history as we traveled to Hoover Dam and back. The Dam site is spectacular and well worth the trip.

Eric R

United States
Couple
Apr 2026
Robert, our bus driver was amazing! His knowledge of the Hoover Dam, the history, the stories of the survivors and more. Extraordinary man. Great tips on what to do in Vegas and some ideas of where to eat. This was the highlight of our trip. Thank you, Robert! Wendy & Eric

Erica L

United States
Couple
Last week
Saw what we wanted to see. Learned a lot about the Hoover Dam. Good value for the money. Appreciated the pickup at our hotel.

Michelle W

United States
Group
Mar 2026
The plane ride was awesome. You get to see the canyon in a different light. The pilot was wonderful. The hummer tour was fun, our guide was very knowledgable, we learned a lot from both our guides. I would recommend this tour .

Dawn R

United States
Couple
Mar 2026
Seeing th North Rim in the recovery from the 2025 fire was encouraging. I didn't know there was a wild herd of beefalo. The stone structures with the river running through it are unforgettable.

Top things to do in Las Vegas

Why go on a Grand Canyon National Park helicopter tour

Red helicopter flying over the Grand Canyon.
Red Papillon helicopter flying over Lake Mead near the Grand Canyon.
Helicopter flying over Grand Canyon during 45-min tour.
Aerial view of Kaibab National Forest with dense trees and a winding river.
Grand Canyon panoramic view with layered rock formations under a clear sky.
Aerial view of Grand Canyon West with river and rock formations, 20 min airplane tour.
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Fly above the most iconic section of the Grand Canyon

Soar over the South Rim which is the most visited and photogenic part of Grand Canyon National Park. From this vantage point, you’ll see dramatic cliffs, hidden plateaus, and vast stretches of ancient rock formations that define the park’s timeless beauty.

Witness the Colorado River carving through the canyon

Few experiences match seeing the mighty Colorado River from above as it winds through the canyon’s heart. The aerial view reveals how the river has shaped the landscape over millions of years, creating the deep gorges and sharp ridges that make this park world-famous.

Admire the Dragon Corridor, the park’s widest and deepest point

Helicopter tours from the South Rim typically fly over the Dragon Corridor which is one of the most beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon. This area showcases the park’s immense scale, with multicolored rock layers and steep drops that stretch nearly a mile deep.

Bird’s-eye view of Kaibab National Forest and North Rim

Before and after crossing the canyon, you’ll glide over the lush Kaibab National Forest and catch distant views of the rugged North Rim. This contrast between dense forest and barren canyon is one of the highlights unique to Grand Canyon National Park flights.

Access remote areas far from crowded viewpoints

While most visitors only see the park from busy overlooks, a helicopter tour lets you reach untouched parts of the inner canyon and lesser-known rock formations. You’ll experience a quieter, more pristine side of Grand Canyon National Park that few get to witness.

Capture once-in-a-lifetime aerial photos

With wraparound windows and unparalleled visibility, you can photograph the Grand Canyon’s vastness from angles impossible to capture from the rim. From the Temple Buttes to the layers of Vishnu Schist, every frame tells a story of the park’s incredible geology and grandeur.

Your Grand Canyon National Park aerial tours explained

Airplane tours

  • Airplane tours offer a wide, high-altitude vantage point from where you can take in the grandeur of the Grand Canyon's vastness.
  • The multilingual audio guides on the tours enhance your experience by providing engaging insights about the canyon’s history, geology, and cultural significance.
  • These tours often include additional scenic locations such as the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and even routes extending to the North Rim.

Recommended tours:

  • 45-min Grand Canyon National Park Airplane Tour
  • From Las Vegas: North Grand Canyon Airplane & Ground Tour

Helicopter tours

  • Fly over iconic landmarks like the Colorado River, Kaibab National Forest, and the dramatic cliffs of the South Rim.
  • These tours are perfect for those who want a thrilling exploration of the canyon's depths and landmarks.
  • Helicopters can hover or fly closer to canyon walls, offering detailed views and photo opportunities.

Recommended tours:

  • 25-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer Tour
  • 25/45-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter & Hummer Tour
  • 45-min Grand Canyon National Park Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer Tour
  • Grand Canyon Helicopter & Hummer Tour

Boarding points for your helicopter ride

  • From South Rim: 3568 Airport Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps
    Nearby landmark: Grand Canyon National Park Airport (8-minute walk)
  • From Las Vegas: Hotels in and around Las Vegas Strip | Find on Maps

*Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are available in designated areas listed on your tickets. If your ticket does not include transfers, please make sure to arrive at the pickup location specified in your voucher.

Your checklist for a hassle-free boarding experience

  • Arrive early: Make sure to be at the designated check-in location 45 minutes before departure. This time is needed for check-in, safety briefings, and security procedures. Late arrivals may result in cancellation without refunds. 
  • Bring valid ID: Carry a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, for verification during check-in.
  • Travel light: Most tours have strict baggage restrictions due to limited space. Only essentials like a phone, wallet, and camera are allowed. Large bags, backpacks, and purses must be left behind.
  • Follow safety protocols: Pay close attention to the safety briefing and instructions provided by the crew. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures.
  • Board in an orderly manner: Wait for ground crew instructions before boarding. Avoid rushing or creating unnecessary delays. Helicopter seating is assigned based on weight distribution for safety.
  • Secure belongings: Ensure cameras, phones, and other items are securely held or strapped during the flight to avoid accidents. The use of selfie sticks or extended camera poles is strictly prohibited.
  • Fuel surcharge and additional costs: Potential additional charges include a temporary fuel surcharge and fees for passengers over 300 pounds requiring an extra comfort seat.

Plan your trip

Grand Canyon West Rim helicopter tour with floor landing, aerial view from Las Vegas.

Operating hours: Helicopter tours at the Grand Canyon National Park are operational throughout the year between 8am and 4pm except on Christmas Day.

Tour duration: 25 minutes to 8 hours based on the type of tour you choose.

Flight duration: 5 to 45 minutes as per the tour you choose.

For tours with hotel transfers: Based on your tour, your total travel time can range from 2 to 4 hours.

Grand Canyon USA wheelchair-accessible path with scenic canyon views.
  • The 45-minute Grand Canyon National Park Airplane Tour is accessible with lifts and boarding ramps for those using collapsible wheelchairs.
  • If using a motorized wheelchair, please notify staff if it operates with a wet or dry battery at the time of booking the tour.
Helicopter flying over Grand Canyon with girl looking out window, Las Vegas tour.
  • Those below 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older at all times.
  • Expect a per-person fuel surcharge in case there is an increase in aviation fuel prices.
  • Passengers weighing 300 pounds (136 kg) or more may be charged more for an additional comfort seat. This charge is payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour.
  • Feel free to bring a bottle of water with you but don’t open the bottle within the aircraft.

Your aerial view of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon South Rim aerial view during 45-minute helicopter tour, Arizona.

Where the river carves eternity

A scenic flight from Las Vegas reveals the Grand Canyon in all its glory. See sunlit cliffs, shadowed valleys, and the winding Colorado River shaping one of the planet’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Grand Canyon South Rim at sunset, view from airplane tour.
Panoramic view of the Colorado River winding through the Grand Canyon, USA.
Grand Canyon West view at Eagle Point, showcasing layered red rock formations, USA.
South Kaibab Trail at sunrise in Grand Canyon National Park, showcasing red rock formations.

Things to do nearby

West Rim tours

Grand Canyon West Rim is a hub of adventure and spectacular viewpoints, from the famous Eagle Point to Guano Point. You can hike along scenic trails, take in panoramic vistas, or join a helicopter tour for a completely different perspective of this iconic landscape. Every step and view promises a new way to experience the canyon’s vast beauty.

Skywalk

Step onto the Skywalk, a glass bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon floor, for an unforgettable perspective of the Colorado River below. Whether you’re standing on the bridge or taking in the surrounding views, it’s an exhilarating experience that combines thrill with breathtaking scenery.

Hummer tours

Venture off the beaten path on a Hummer tour across rugged terrain and scenic overlooks at the South Rim. These guided adventures take you to remote viewpoints and hidden spots that few visitors see, offering both excitement and a deeper connection to the canyon’s dramatic landscape.

Frequently asked questions about Grand Canyon National Park helicopter tours

These tours take you above the South Rim and often over the deepest parts of the canyon like Dragon Corridor, experience views of the curling Colorado River far below, and see the forest‑covered North Rim and the multicoloured rock strata in full display.