Hoover Dam Helicopter Flights

Written by Viator, November 2010

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Just outside of Las Vegas is the man-made marvel of Hoover Dam, one of the great civil projects of the Depression, and one that continues to provide power for the neon lights of the Strip. Perched on the Nevada/Arizona border, it sits 725 feet (220 meters) high with a roadway straddling its rim, a dramatic spot which has long been a favorite movie backdrop, from Hitchcock’s Saboteur to the first of the modern Superman movies.

If you’re in Vegas, you could always head out by car to see this scenic feat of engineering, but the best way to appreciate its scale is to see it from the air. There are numerous options. One of the most memorable will have you setting off at dusk, just as the lights of the Strip are asserting themselves against the darkening desert sky and the last of the day’s rays light up the dam and Lake Mead.

A longer trip will take you to the area’s great natural wonder, the Grand Canyon, in a breathtaking 45 minute flight passing over the dam and landing in the canyon itself where you’ll enjoy a champagne picnic before heading back for a night of Vegas thrills. Recorded commentary points out interesting features along the way.

If you want to get more out of your desert adventure, head out in the afternoon for a helicopter flight which gives you great views of Hoover Dam before arriving at the Grand Canyon. “At”? I meant “in”. Yes, you’ll descend 1,500 feet (450 meters) down to the canyon floor. After a taste of cowboy life in a real ranch house, your road trip back to Vegas will include a look at the floodlit dam.

Get even closer with a day trip which combines a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon with a rafting trip from the base of Hoover Dam along the Colorado River, through the dramatic sheer walls of Black Canyon. It’s a dam fine day out!

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Reply by Anonymous, May 2012

Doing what: Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour

Best. Birthday. Ever. The views, the excitement of being in a helicopter…it was all so much to take in. I had never been inside of a helicopter (so much less scary than I’d imagined!) and I’d never been to the Grand Canyon (so much bigger than I’d imagined!), so this was a trip full of firsts. Our pilot was very nice, knew what she was doing, and made sure everyone was safe and comfortable. On the way there, we saw lots of Lake Mead, and our pilot even did a circle around the Hoover Dam so everyone got a chance for great pictures. The music in the helicopter was a great playlist, and I was also really surprised at how tasty the lunch was. When I read “champagne picnic”, I wasn’t expecting the delicious deli sandwiches that came with it! It was so neat to see the strip on the way back too. I was totally pleased with the entire experience. My husband’s set his bar REALLY high for next year’s birthday! Continue Reading »

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Reply by Thraine, May 2012

Doing what: Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour

The All American was everything I’d hoped for and honestly, more. The staff is wonderfully professional, and you really got the sense that safety was key. Because of that, when we first took off from the heliport, I could focus more on the exhilaration and less on the fear of flying! The trip to the Grand Canyon was accompanied by nonstop tunes (some of them witty to the timing of the landscape) and live commentary from our pilot. We all had microphones as well if we ever wanted to ask anything. Every seat had great views, and on the way back we were rotated so everyone got the chance to see something new. I’ll be honest, I almost preferred the windows in the rear of the helicopter! The stop inside of the canyon was a gorgeous view, and we enjoyed a surprisingly delicious lunch, accompanied with champagne, soft drinks, and lots of time for photos and questions. Then, on the flight back, we got some fantastic views over the strip, catching a once in a lifetime view of our hotel from above. I was sad to get out but I had SUCH a great time. It was a birthday present for my wife, but I’d say I made out pretty well too. Continue Reading »

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Reply by Angharad S, May 2012

Doing what: Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour

This trip was absolutely incredible! The pilot was really funny and kept us entertained throughout without detracting from teh most incredible views i have ever witnessed. At first it might appear expensive, but i would have happily paid more!