How to Choose a Grand Canyon Tour

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:

Must-Do Experience, Nature & Wildlife, Tip - General Travel, Tip - Transport, Monument - Natural, National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, so it's clearly an experience not to be missed. You have a few options, and it's not always easy sorting between them. If you're wondering where to go in the Grand Canyon and how to get there, keep on reading...

By Road

If you drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, your likely destination is the West Rim or South Rim (the North Rim is a long drive). Either way you're first stop should be the lookout point over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. From there travel through an ancient Joshua Tree forest to the West Rim, home of the Hualapai Indian Nation. The West Rim's blockbuster sites include views of the Colorado River at Guano Point, the Eagle Point Indian Village and the famous Grand Canyon Skywalk.

By Air

If you're short on time - or just interested in experiencing the Grand Canyon from a different angle - consider an air or helicopter tour. These typically depart from Las Vegas and make it easy to quickly, and safely, cover all three rims.

Best of all, you get some great views (both sunrise and sunset) from the air. Admire the ever-changing colors of the canyon walls at sunset on a helicopter flight to the West Rim, landing deep in the canyon for an unforgettable champagne picnic. Or explore Grand Canyon National Park along the South Rim with breathtaking views from Mather Point and Bright Angel Lodge Observatory. Or experience a real working ranch on the remote North Rim, with an airplane flight landing at a secluded airport deep in the canyon.

By Water

Raft down the mighty Colorado River in the adventure of a lifetime! Your native Hualapai guide will lead you through the rapids, stopping to discover hidden canyons and waterfalls. If rafting sounds a bit too exciting, you can also take a more leisurely pontoon-boat ride from the West and South rims.

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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 »