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Why go on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour

✔️ Nearly 60 years of Grand Canyon experience: Founded in 1965, the operator is the world’s largest and longest-running air tour operator, flying more than 300,000 passengers each year.

✔️ Safety standards that exceed FAA requirements: All tours are certified by the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), which requires standards, training, and audits that go beyond FAA requirements.

✔️ Purpose-built sightseeing helicopters: Choose from a fleet of Airbus H130 Ecostar, Airbus A-Star, and Bell helicopters, with features such as forward-facing seating, climate control, and large windows for sightseeing.

✔️ Access to more of the Grand Canyon: Fly over the entire Grand Canyon with tours across the Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon West, including select flights that land on the canyon floor.

Red Papillon helicopter flying over Lake Powell's blue waters.

What to expect on your helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon

Helicopter flying over Lake Mead with mountains in the background during Las Vegas Strip and Hoover Dam tour.
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Fly over the Grand Canyon’s most iconic landscapes

Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon, with flights covering the South, North, or West Rim depending on your tour. Look down on deep gorges, layered rock formations, desert landscapes, and the Colorado River as you follow the canyon from above.

Combine aerial sightseeing with ground exploration

Go beyond a scenic flight with tours that pair helicopter or airplane rides with Hummer excursions, rim visits, or guided ground experiences. These options let you see the canyon from above before getting closer to its landscape on the ground.

Descend below the rim to the canyon floor

Choose a landing tour for a more immersive Grand Canyon experience. Helicopters descend thousands of feet below the rim to land near the Colorado River, where select tours include champagne, refreshments, or a boat ride through the canyon.

See the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas in one flight

Several tours combine the canyon with aerial views of Las Vegas, making it possible to see two of the region’s biggest attractions in one experience. Depending on the route, fly over the Las Vegas Strip before or after your Grand Canyon sightseeing flight.

Add more ways to experience the canyon

Upgrade your flight with experiences such as the Skywalk, Colorado River boat rides, Hummer tours, or champagne and picnic stops. With options ranging from short West Rim flights to longer multi-part excursions, you can choose how much of the canyon you want to see from the air, ground, and river.

Understanding your helicopter tour options

Grand Canyon West tours + tours from Las Vegas

These tours make Las Vegas the starting point for a Grand Canyon excursion, replacing a long road journey with an airplane or helicopter flight. Options cover the West Rim and North Rim and range from straightforward sightseeing flights to multi-part experiences with landings and river activities.

  • Highlights: Flights from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West or North Rim sightseeing, helicopter and airplane options, canyon-floor and rim landings, and river experiences.
  • Ideal for: Travelers staying in Las Vegas who want to visit the Grand Canyon without driving, particularly those looking for a combined flight-and-activity experience.

Recommended experiences:

  • From Las Vegas: 70+ min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour Plus Canyon Floor Landing with Champagne  
  • 15-min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour plus Canyon Floor Landing, Boat Ride with Optional Skywalk
  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane and Ground Tour
  • 70-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane/Helicopter Tour with Rim Landing
  • From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour & Black Canyon Raft with Champagne & Picnic
  • From Las Vegas: 70+ min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour with Optional Las Vegas Strip Views
  • Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Floor Landing & Flight Over LV Strip
  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Las Vegas Strip Views
  • 70-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour with Helicopter Canyon Floor Landing & Pontoon Boat Ride

Grand Canyon tours with floor landing

Floor-landing tours take your Grand Canyon experience beyond aerial sightseeing by descending below the rim and landing in the canyon. Depending on the experience, you can pair the landing with champagne, a Colorado River boat ride, rafting, or other activities.

  • Highlights: Canyon-floor landing, Colorado River access, champagne, boat rides, rafting, and optional Skywalk experiences.
  • Ideal for: Adventure seekers and visitors who want to get closer to the canyon rather than simply fly over it.

Recommended experiences:

  • From Las Vegas: 70+ min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour Plus Canyon Floor Landing with Champagne  
  • 15-min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour plus Canyon Floor Landing, Boat Ride with Optional Skywalk
  • From Las Vegas: Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour & Black Canyon Raft with Champagne & Picnic
  • Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Floor Landing & Flight Over LV Strip
  • 70-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane Tour with Helicopter Canyon Floor Landing & Pontoon Boat Ride

Grand Canyon National Park tours (South Rim)

South Rim tours explore the most visited section of Grand Canyon National Park, with flights offering aerial views of the canyon’s vast landscape and layered rock formations. Options range from short helicopter flights to longer airplane and Hummer combinations.

  • Highlights: Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim scenery, helicopter and airplane flights, and optional Hummer exploration.
  • Ideal for: Visitors who specifically want to see the National Park’s South Rim from above or combine a flight with a guided ground tour.

Recommended experiences:

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

Las Vegas sightseeing tours

Las Vegas-based aerial tours let you see the city from above, with options ranging from a short nighttime Strip flight to longer experiences that combine Las Vegas sightseeing with the Grand Canyon. They work well for travelers staying in Las Vegas who want an aerial experience without committing to a full-day road trip.

  • Highlights: Las Vegas Strip, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, High Roller, city lights, and optional Grand Canyon sightseeing.
  • Ideal for: Las Vegas visitors, first-time city visitors, couples, and travelers looking for a memorable aerial view of the Strip.

Recommended experiences:

  • 12-min Las Vegas Strip Highlights Night Helicopter Tour
  • From Las Vegas: 70+ min Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour with Optional Las Vegas Strip Views
  • Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Floor Landing & Flight Over LV Strip
  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Las Vegas Strip Views

Grand Canyon National Park tours (North Rim)

North Rim tours offer a different perspective of Grand Canyon National Park, with fewer visitors and a more remote landscape than the South Rim. The North Rim experience in this collection combines aerial sightseeing from Las Vegas with time to explore on the ground.

  • Highlights: Flight toward the North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park scenery, and ground exploration.
  • Ideal for: Travelers looking for a less conventional Grand Canyon route and visitors who want to see the North Rim without committing to a long road journey.

Recommended experiences:

  • 90-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North Rim Airplane and Ground Tour

Grand Canyon tours with rim landing

Rim-landing tours let you combine an aerial journey with time at or around the canyon rim. These experiences are a good middle ground between a scenic flight and a canyon-floor adventure, with selected options adding Skywalk access or West Rim exploration.

  • Highlights: Grand Canyon West, aerial sightseeing, rim landing, West Rim exploration, and optional Skywalk access.
  • Ideal for: Travelers who want to step out of the aircraft and experience the canyon from the rim without descending to the canyon floor.

Recommended experiences:

  • 70-min Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West Airplane/Helicopter Tour with Rim Landing

Things to know before booking your Grand Canyon helicopter tours

  • Choose your departure point and sightseeing area first: These tours cover the South Rim, West Rim, North Rim, and Las Vegas, so the route and departure location can vary significantly.
    • Keep in mind: Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon West are different areas, so check the rim and departure point carefully before booking.
  • Decide how much time you want to spend in the air: Flight lengths range from a quick 12-minute Las Vegas sightseeing flight to multi-part experiences lasting 70–90 minutes.
    • Compare the overall itinerary, not just the advertised flight duration, when choosing between tours.
  • Choose between helicopter, airplane, or a combination: The tours offer several ways to see the canyon from above.
    • Helicopter tours offer lower-altitude sightseeing and, on selected options, canyon-floor or rim landings.
    • Airplane tours provide a longer-range aerial view and are available for the South Rim, West Rim, and North Rim.
  • Decide whether you want to land inside the canyon: Landing tours offer a more immersive experience than a sightseeing flight, with time to explore below the rim and champagne and refreshments, or a rim landing, with on-ground exploration around the rim.
    • Check whether your ticket lands on the canyon floor or at the rim, as these are very different experiences.
  • Compare the South Rim and West Rim experiences carefully: They offer different sightseeing styles.
    • South Rim tours focus on Grand Canyon National Park and include helicopter, airplane, and Hummer combinations.
    • West Rim tours offer more activity-based experiences, including canyon-floor landings, rim landings, Skywalk access, and river activities.
    • If your priority is seeing the classic national park landscape from above, a South Rim flight may be the better fit; choose West Rim for more landing and adventure options.
  • Check passenger requirements, luggage rules, and weather policies before booking: Helicopter and airplane tours have operational restrictions that can affect your trip.
    • Passenger weight limits, age requirements, identification requirements, and luggage restrictions can vary by operator and tour.
    • Weather and visibility can affect flight operations, particularly for canyon-floor landings and other aerial activities.
    • Check the specific ticket's cancellation, rescheduling, check-in, and weather policies before booking, especially if you have other Las Vegas or Grand Canyon activities scheduled the same day.
  • Consider the season when choosing your flight: The Grand Canyon looks different throughout the year, and weather can affect flight conditions, visibility, temperatures, and the availability of certain experiences.
    • Spring and fall offer generally comfortable conditions for combining an aerial tour with Hummer rides, rim exploration, or other outdoor activities.
    • Summer brings longer daylight hours but hotter conditions at the West Rim and canyon floor, so choose early flights or tours with shorter outdoor stops if you prefer to avoid peak heat.
    • Winter can bring cooler temperatures and occasional snow around the higher South Rim, creating a different view of the canyon. Check operating conditions and dress for colder temperatures if your tour includes time outdoors.
    • For sunrise, sunset, or night flights, check seasonal departure times carefully, as daylight hours change throughout the year.

Your helicopter tour routes explained

Helicopter flying over the Grand Canyon.
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Las Vegas to Grand Canyon West

  • Take off from Las Vegas and fly over the Mojave Desert toward Grand Canyon West, with views of the canyon’s rugged West Rim and surrounding desert landscape.
  • Depending on the tour, you can combine the flight with a rim landing, canyon-floor landing, Colorado River boat ride, or champagne stop.
  • The 70+ minute helicopter options offer longer aerial sightseeing, while the 15-minute West Rim flight focuses on the canyon-floor landing and river experience.
  • Some routes also include Las Vegas Strip views, either as part of the main flight or as an optional addition.

South Rim

  • The South Rim helicopter and airplane experiences depart from Grand Canyon National Park Airport.
  • These flights take you directly over the South Rim and into the interior of Grand Canyon National Park, with views of the Colorado River, canyon formations, and surrounding Kaibab National Forest.
  • Choose between shorter 25-minute and longer 45-minute aerial experiences, with optional Hummer tours available on selected products.

Las Vegas to North Rim

  • Fly from Las Vegas toward the more remote North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on an airplane-and-ground experience.
  • The route combines aerial views of the canyon with time to explore on the ground, giving you a different perspective from the more frequently visited South and West Rim.
  • The experience is designed for visitors who want to see the North Rim without making the long drive from Las Vegas.

Las Vegas

  • Take off from the Las Vegas Strip for an aerial view of the city's illuminated resorts, landmarks, and surrounding desert.
  • The flights focus on the Strip, with options for longer Grand Canyon tours that combine Las Vegas sightseeing with flights toward Grand Canyon West.
  • Depending on the tour, you may see the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, High Roller, Wynn, and other major Strip landmarks before continuing toward the Grand Canyon.

Safety information

  • Weight limits and additional seats: All helicopter and airplane passengers are weighed at check-in to meet aircraft weight-and-balance requirements. Passengers weighing 300 lb (136 kg) or more are charged for an additional comfort seat. 
    • Provide an accurate weight when booking to avoid delays at check-in.
    • Weight restrictions may require groups to be divided between aircraft for operational and safety reasons. 
  • Pregnancy and medical considerations: Check with your healthcare provider before booking if you are pregnant or have a medical condition that could be affected by helicopter or airplane travel, extended ground activity, heat, or boat/rafting excursions.
    • This is particularly relevant for tours combining flights with canyon-floor landings, rafting, or longer ground excursions.
  • Weather-related delays and itinerary changes: Flight routes and times may change because of weather, visibility, operational conditions, or passenger demand.
    • This applies to sightseeing flights as well as tours with canyon-floor landings, rim landings, Hummer excursions, and river activities.
    • Keep some flexibility in your itinerary, particularly when combining the tour with other same-day activities.
  • Aircraft seating and group arrangements: Seating and aircraft assignment are determined according to aircraft capacity and weight-and-balance requirements.
  • Canyon-floor landing precautions: West Rim helicopter tours that descend to the canyon floor involve outdoor activity in a desert environment. West Rim landing tours can descend approximately 3,500 feet below the rim toward the Colorado River. 
    • Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and dress for the conditions on the day of your tour.
    • The canyon floor can be significantly hotter than the rim, particularly in summer, so carry water and protect yourself from the sun.
    • The canyon floor is accessible by helicopter only at the West Rim; helicopters cannot land on the floor of the South Rim.
  • Boat and rafting safety: Tours that continue from the canyon floor to the Colorado River involve additional outdoor and water-based activities.
    • Follow crew instructions throughout the pontoon boat or rafting portion of your experience.
    • Wear suitable clothing and footwear for getting on and off the boat and for walking between the helicopter landing area and the river.
    • If you have mobility limitations or medical concerns, confirm that you can safely participate in the water activity before booking.
  • Hummer tour safety: Tours that include a Hummer excursion have additional vehicle-safety requirements.
    • Children must use the appropriate car seat or booster when required under Arizona law; Buck Wild Hummer Tours provides these at no additional charge. 
    • Follow your driver's instructions at viewpoints and during stops, particularly around canyon edges and uneven terrain.

Highlights of your Grand Canyon helicopter tours

Sunset view of the Grand Canyon's layered cliffs and expansive landscape.

Grand Canyon National Park

South Rim flights take you over the deepest and widest sections of Grand Canyon National Park, revealing its layered rock walls and dramatic inner gorges. Longer flights can extend across more of the park, with views toward the North Rim and major geological formations.

Grand Canyon West Rim with Colorado River view on a sunny day, Arizona, USA.
Colorado River winding through the rocky cliffs at the start of the Grand Canyon.
Aerial view of Kaibab National Forest with dense trees and a winding river.
Grand Canyon view from South Rim, Arizona with Colorado River visible below.

Papillon Helicopter Tours to the Grand Canyon | A historical context

  • 1965: Founder Elling Halvorson establishes Grand Canyon Helicopters after using helicopters to help construct a 13.5-mile water pipeline across the canyon. 
  • Late 1960s–1970s: Papillon establishes itself as an early Grand Canyon air-tour operator. Its flights give visitors access to canyon landscapes that are difficult or impossible to reach on foot, helping establish helicopter sightseeing as a way to explore the region. 
  • 1980s–1990s: The company expands its aerial-tourism operations and develops a broader network of Grand Canyon and Southwest sightseeing experiences, and grows beyond helicopter flights to include additional aircraft and ground-based experiences.
  • 1997: They open their Las Vegas terminal near what is now Harry Reid International Airport. The facility becomes a base for Las Vegas Strip sightseeing flights as well as Grand Canyon tours departing from the city. 
  • 2000s: Expansion of Grand Canyon experiences beyond scenic flights, adding combinations with ground excursions and other ways to explore the canyon. 
  • 2010s: They continue to expand, adding experiences combining helicopter flights with canyon-floor landings, Hummer excursions, river activities, and other ground adventures. The company also develops its sightseeing-focused aircraft with features such as oversized windows and enhanced passenger comfort. 
  • Today: They operate as a family-owned Grand Canyon air-tour company with a fleet of helicopters, airplanes, and Hummers. Its current Grand Canyon collection includes scenic flights, West Rim and canyon-floor landing experiences, South Rim aerial tours, Las Vegas departures, and combination tours that pair flights with ground or river activities. 

Know before you go

  • Grand Canyon West tours

    • Duration: West Rim experiences range from approximately 15 minutes of flight time for short helicopter tours to 70+ minutes for longer aerial tours. Canyon-floor landings, boat rides, Skywalk access, and rim exploration add ground time, with combination experiences typically taking 2–4 hours or more overall.
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability.
  • South Rim tours
    • Duration: 25–45 minutes for scenic flights. Hummer tour combinations add 2 hours to the tour, with the full experience typically taking several hours.
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability.
  • Las Vegas to North Rim tours
    • Duration: Approximately 90 minutes by airplane, plus ground exploration time at the North Rim.
    • Frequency: Summer months, subject to availability.
  • Las Vegas tours
    • Duration: Approximately 12 minutes for the dedicated Strip night flight. 
    • Frequency: Daily, subject to availability.
  • For fewer crowds: Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when conditions are generally more comfortable, and visitor numbers can be lower than during the busy summer period. For the South Rim, early-morning departures can also help you avoid the busiest periods at the airport and viewpoints.
  • For sightseeing and photography: Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and better contrast across the canyon walls. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly rewarding for aerial photography, while clear winter days can offer good visibility over the South Rim.
  • Visiting with family: Spring and fall are good choices for families combining flights with Hummer tours or other outdoor activities, as temperatures are generally easier to manage. For younger children, consider a shorter flight or a straightforward aerial tour rather than an itinerary with lengthy ground activities.
  • For adventure tours: Choose spring or fall for a more comfortable experience on tours that include canyon-floor landings, Hummer excursions, boat rides, or rafting. Summer offers longer daylight hours but can bring intense heat, particularly below the rim, so plan outdoor activities earlier in the day where possible.

  • Boulder City Terminal: 1265 Airport Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005, United States | Find on Maps  

    • Departure point for most Las Vegas-to-Grand Canyon West helicopter and airplane tours, including canyon-floor landing, rim landing, boat, Skywalk, and Las Vegas Strip combination experiences.

  • Grand Canyon National Park Airport: 1542 Liberator Dr, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, United States | Find on Maps  

    • Departure point for South Rim helicopter and airplane tours, including the 25- and 45-minute flights and Hummer combinations.

  • Las Vegas VIP Terminal: 5060 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States | Find on Maps 

    • For the 12-minute Las Vegas Strip night helicopter tour and select Las Vegas sightseeing flights.

Please note: For Las Vegas departures, hotel pickup may be included or available depending on the product, so the meeting point shown on the booking confirmation should take precedence over the terminal address. The Boulder City terminal provides pickup from several Las Vegas Strip and Downtown locations.

  • Helicopter wheelchair restrictions: Wheelchairs, including motorized and collapsible models, cannot be carried onboard helicopters. Passengers must be able to sit in the aircraft seat for the duration of the flight.
  • Airplane mobility access: Airplanes have limited baggage-compartment space for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment. Collapsible mobility devices are recommended where possible.
  • Boarding assistance: Passengers who need help boarding or disembarking should travel with a companion who can provide assistance, as staff generally cannot provide physical boarding assistance except in an emergency.
  • Seating requirements: Passengers must be able to transfer to and remain in the aircraft seat during the flight. Check your specific tour's requirements in advance if you have limited mobility.
  • Medical conditions: Consult your healthcare provider before booking if you have a medical condition that could be affected by air travel, vibration, altitude changes, heat, or extended outdoor activity.
  • Pregnancy considerations: If you are pregnant, check with your healthcare provider before travelling, particularly for tours involving helicopter or airplane flights, canyon-floor landings, boat rides, rafting, or extended ground activities.
  • Canyon-floor accessibility: Tours that land below the canyon rim can involve uneven desert terrain, heat, and walking on unpaved surfaces. Consider your mobility needs when selecting a landing or ground-exploration option.
  • Combined-tour requirements: If your experience includes a Hummer, boat, rafting, or other ground activity, check the accessibility requirements for each part of the tour rather than only the flight.
  • Valid identification: Bring the identification required for your specific tour and booking. International visitors should carry their passport or other accepted ID, where applicable.
  • Booking details: Keep your booking confirmation and tour details readily available at check-in, whether departing from Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon.
  • Comfortable footwear: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking, especially on tours with canyon-floor landings or ground excursions.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: Dress in layers and check the forecast before your tour, as temperatures can vary significantly between the rim, canyon floor, and Las Vegas.
  • Sun protection: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for outdoor portions of your experience, particularly during canyon-floor stops.
  • Water: Carry drinking water for tours with outdoor activities or time spent on the ground, unless refreshments are included with your specific experience.
  • Minimal belongings: Pack light, as aircraft storage is limited and some tours may have restrictions on the size or type of items you can bring onboard.
  • Age and supervision: Passengers under 18 should travel with a responsible adult. Passengers over 16 may also be required to present valid government-issued identification before boarding.
  • Child safety seats: Hummer excursions follow Arizona child-restraint requirements. Children under 8 or shorter than 4 ft 9 in (57 in) must use an appropriate car seat or booster.
  • Passenger weighing: All helicopter and airplane passengers are weighed at check-in to meet aircraft weight-and-balance requirements.
  • Additional comfort seat: Passengers weighing 300 lb (136 kg) or more are charged for an additional comfort seat where required by the aircraft's seating and weight limits.
  • West Rim security: Grand Canyon West has security screening at the park entrance, including metal detectors and possible bag inspections.
  • Skywalk baggage limits: Large bags and backpacks may not be permitted on the Skywalk and may need to be stored. Small items such as purses, diaper bags, medical bags, and fanny packs are generally allowed.
  • Cameras and phones: Cameras and cellphones are permitted on the Skywalk, subject to current security requirements.
  • Alcohol and drugs: Outside alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted at Grand Canyon destinations or aboard the aircraft.
  • Weapons and hazardous items: Weapons and hazardous materials are prohibited. Aviation rules also restrict items such as explosives, compressed gases, flammable materials, and certain batteries and chemicals.
  • Smoking and vaping: Smoking and vaping are prohibited aboard aircraft and at Grand Canyon destinations.
  • Drone restrictions: Recreational drone use is prohibited at the Grand Canyon.

Visitor tips

  • Choose the landing type before you book: A rim landing, canyon-floor landing, and flight-only tour offer very different experiences. If getting below the rim is your priority, choose a tour that explicitly includes a floor landing rather than assuming every helicopter tour lands.
  • Check the departure point carefully: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West, and Grand Canyon National Park departures are not interchangeable. Confirm your exact terminal or airport before booking, particularly if you are arranging your own transport.
  • Compare helicopter and airplane views: Helicopters generally offer a closer, lower-level sightseeing experience, while airplanes are useful for covering more distance. If the aircraft itself is part of the appeal, compare the route and viewing setup rather than choosing by duration alone.
  • Pick the right season for outdoor stops: Canyon-floor and rim experiences can feel much hotter than the aircraft. If you are sensitive to heat, consider cooler months or earlier departures and check the weather before leaving.
  • Keep your day flexible: Weather, aircraft operations, and conditions at the canyon can affect departure times or itineraries. Avoid scheduling a non-refundable activity immediately after your helicopter or airplane tour.
  • Pack for the ground, not just the flight: Closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light layer are more useful than dressing solely for the aircraft cabin, especially for tours with floor landings or outdoor exploration.
  • Choose your photography setup carefully: Large cameras or bags may be inconvenient on tours with strict storage limits. A phone or compact camera is easier to carry, while window reflections can be reduced by keeping the lens close to the aircraft window without touching it.
  • Check what your ticket actually includes: Features such as Skywalk admission, champagne, meals, Hummer rides, boat trips, and ground transfers vary by product. Compare inclusions before paying extra for an experience that may already be bundled into another option.
  • Keep identification accessible: Have the required ID and booking confirmation ready at check-in instead of packed away with your luggage. This is particularly useful when multiple travellers are checking in together.
  • Treat the canyon floor differently from the rim: Temperatures, terrain, and walking conditions can change significantly below the rim. If your tour includes a landing, use the available ground time for the included experience rather than assuming you can comfortably cover long distances on foot.
  • Leave room for the experience after the flight: If your tour includes a champagne stop, picnic, boat ride, Skywalk, or Hummer excursion, don't rush straight back to Las Vegas or your next attraction. These included stops are part of the tour, not just add-ons to the flight.

Other Grand Canyon tours nearby

Skywalk

The Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge at Grand Canyon West that extends about 70 feet beyond the canyon rim, with the canyon floor roughly 4,000 feet below. It gives you a different perspective from a flight or viewpoint: you can look directly through the glass beneath your feet while standing over the canyon, making it a good choice if you want an up-close, walkable experience rather than just an aerial view.

Boat tours

Colorado River boat tours at Grand Canyon West take you below the rim and between the canyon walls, offering views from the river level that you cannot get from the rim or from aircraft. You first descend by helicopter to the canyon floor, walk to the river, then take a smooth-water pontoon ride before flying back to the rim.

Floor landing tours

Floor landing tours let you go beyond aerial sightseeing by descending by helicopter to the bottom of Grand Canyon West, around 3,500 feet below the rim and near the Colorado River. The experience gives you time to step out among the canyon walls, take photographs, and experience the scale of the rock formations from below, only available at the West Rim because it is on Hualapai tribal land.

Hummer tours

Hummer tours add a ground-based exploration component to your Grand Canyon experience, taking you beyond the aircraft and into the landscape in a rugged vehicle. They are particularly useful if you want more time exploring the canyon's viewpoints and surrounding terrain rather than making the experience entirely flight-focused, and they can be combined with aerial sightseeing on select tours.

Frequently asked questions about Grand Canyon helicopter tours

Grand Canyon West offers experiences such as canyon-floor landings, the Skywalk, and Colorado River boat rides. Grand Canyon National Park tours focus more on aerial sightseeing over the South Rim and, on select tours, the North Rim, with options to include on-ground Hummer excursions.

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