| The most dramatic way to see the Grand Canyon is | | | | headsets are two-way, and let you communicate with |
| by helicopter. Unlike small aircraft, these maneuverable | | | | the pilot as well as other passengers. |
| machines can pop over peaks, descend into ancient | | | | Typical Grand Canyon flights that come out of Vegas |
| craters, and carve canyons. And, because they don't | | | | fly to the West Rim. En route, you'll see Hoover Dam, |
| require an airstrip, they can land on nearly any flat | | | | Lake Mead, the Colorado River, the Black Mountains |
| space on which only helicopters have access. | | | | (keep your eyes peeled for the ancient lava flows and |
| Most Grand Canyon helicopter tours originate from | | | | big horn sheep), Grape Vine Mesa, Grand Wash Cliffs, |
| Las Vegas, NV, which is approximately 1.5 hours from | | | | and then the rim of the Grand Canyon. |
| northwest of the Canyon. The key helicopter tour | | | | Make sure you've charged up your digital camera and |
| companies are Papillon, Grand Canyon, and Maverick. | | | | camcorder. The views of the Grand Canyon are |
| Total tour time clocks in around 2.5 hours. Add more | | | | stunning. You'll see an endless plateau cut nearly a mile |
| time if you disembark on the Canyon floor. Basic tours | | | | deep into the earth by the Colorado River. It's a once |
| start at $325 per person. However, if you shop the | | | | in a lifetime experience as leave the rim and descend, |
| Internet, you can expect to pay much less. | | | | following the river's path and turning randomly into |
| Expect to be picked up at your hotel room and | | | | hollow, sacred canyons. |
| whisked away by a comfortable motor coach to the | | | | If you upgraded your helicopter tour to one that lets |
| Las Vegas' heliport, located just south of McCarran | | | | you land on the bottom of the Canyon, you get a |
| International. Prior to your flight, you'll be given a safety | | | | chance to explore. A lunch is usually prepared for you. |
| briefing and an overview of the terrain. | | | | On the return flight, it's recommended that you include |
| Every seat on a helicopter is the best in the house. But | | | | a pass over the Valley of Fire, a unique Dali-esque |
| try to jockey for seating next to the pilot. In actuality, | | | | orange-red rock landscape Northeast of Las Vegas. |
| seating will be assigned based on weight distribution. It's | | | | The return to Las Vegas gives you a bird's eye view |
| all good, as most helicopters touring the Grand Canyon | | | | of the world famous Strip. It's always good fun to try |
| feature wrap-around windows front to back, plus | | | | to find your hotel and the room you're in. |
| windows above. In addition, new models include | | | | Back at the heliport, you'll be escorted to the motor |
| stadium style seating, thereby assuring you a perfect | | | | coach that will transport you to your hotel, just in time |
| view of the scenery. | | | | for a quick shower, a change of clothes, and a night |
| Each passenger (most helicopters can hold up to eight | | | | on the town. There's a good chance that a Grand |
| passengers, depending on total weight) will be given a | | | | Canyon helicopter tour will be the highlight of your trip |
| headset. This helps block out rotor noise and let's you | | | | to Las Vegas or Northern Arizona. If you get a |
| hear either a pre-recorded tour of the sights or the | | | | chance to fly over the Canyon, take it. It'll be the ride of |
| pilot as he points out the best landmarks. These | | | | your life. |