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.
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. However, the short tour is fun too because you get to fly over to the North Rim and back. You'll get a fantastic overview of the Park lands.
There's a new tour I've heard about that sounds pretty exciting. It upgrades the 30 minute flight with a 4x4 tour at sunset. This tour ends when your 4x4 drives you to scenic 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.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. It's best to get your tour locked in at least four days or more in advance so a tour will be available on the day and time you want to fly.
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.
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. However, the short tour is fun too because you get to fly over to the North Rim and back. You'll get a fantastic overview of the Park lands.
There's a new tour I've heard about that sounds pretty exciting. It upgrades the 30 minute flight with a 4x4 tour at sunset. This tour ends when your 4x4 drives you to scenic 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.
Book Early
These helicopter tours are very popular and they fill up fast, so you need to book early to secure your seats. It's best to get your tour locked in at least four days or more in advance so a tour will be available on the day and time you want to fly.
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 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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