The Grand Canyon is an extraordinary place to visit, and one of the top attractions in Arizona. Spanning a length of 277 miles, this landmark is considered a geological phenomenon. One of the best ways to take in its sheer beauty is by helicopter. Since most visitors are based in Las Vegas, a number of tours will fly you directly to the canyon. We’ll compare the prices of four helicopter companies so you can pick the best flight for your visit. Here are the best helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

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1. Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventures

Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventures is one of the cheaper options since they only offer a short 20-minute flight. At the start of the trip, you’ll be picked up from your Las Vegas Strip hotel. You’ll then be driven to their ranch where their helicopters are located. During the flight, the pilot will take you over Grand Canyon and descend below the rim. The views from above and inside the canyon will be stunning so have your cameras ready. Besides transportation to and from your hotel, the tour also includes a delicious lunch. Addons are available if you want to do more activities like ATV tours and horseback riding.

  • Prices: from $350
  • Opening Hours: Daily 8am-8pm
  • Address: 4670 Polaris Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103, United States

Official site


2. Papillon Helicopters

Papillon Helicopters is one of the world’s largest Grand Canyon helicopter companies. So, you can be assured of complete safety on their tours. Their helicopters are specially designed for optimum sightseeing, with oversized windows. For the best experience, check out the Grand Celebration tour. On this trip, you’ll have stunning views of both Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. The helicopter will soar over iconic sights such as Lake Mead, before landing on a private plateau on the Grand Canyon floor. Once you’ve landed, you can enjoy champagne and refreshments before exploring the bottom of the Grand Canyon. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this is the ideal tour for you!

  • Prices: from $379
  • Opening Hours: Daily 6am-11pm
  • Address: 5060 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States

Official site


3. 5 Star Las Vegas Helicopter Tours

See the Grand Canyon from a height with 5 Star Las Vegas Helicopter Tours. Choose from different options to suit you, such as an air-only tour and a landing tour. Select the air-only tour for the longest flight above the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. Listen to expert in-flight commentary from your pilot as you zoom through the sky. Enjoy unmissable photo opportunities and take in aerial views of the Mojave Desert. Luxury car transfers can be provided, and you can choose between morning and afternoon departures to suit your schedule.

  • Prices: from $429
  • Opening Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
  • Address: 4511 W Cheyenne Ave #101, North Las Vegas, NV 89032, United States

Official site


4. Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters offers a range of exciting helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon. Their most popular tour is Wind Dancer, which includes a return flight over Downtown Las Vegas. You’ll depart from the Las Vegas Strip with an extra flyover to see the Hoover Dam. As you head towards the Grand Canyon, you’ll have brilliant views of Temple Rock. You’ll eventually land on Hualapai Indian Territory, 3,500 feet below the rim. Once you’ve landed, you can tuck into tasty beverages and light snacks. During the return flight, you’ll view the fantastic Bowl of Fire red rock formations. While their tours are more expensive, you’ll see more sights on this journey from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon.

  • Prices: from $439
  • Opening Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
  • Address: 6075 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, United States

Official site


How To Prepare For Helicopter Tours

Before leaving Las Vegas, there are several things you can do to prepare for a helicopter tour of Grand Canyon. Bring along a light jacket in case you get cold, and remember to wear sturdy footwear instead of flip-flops. Make sure to leave behind any loose items, as these could get lost or damaged during the tour. While most helicopter flights are closed-doors, on land at the Grand Canyon can be windy at times. Also check what you can bring with you, such as cameras or binoculars. Ensure you’ve got a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated too.


Places To See On The Way To Grand Canyon

There are plenty of fascinating places to see on the way to the Grand Canyon. One of these is Lake Mead, which lies on the Colorado River and is surrounded by idyllic mountains. The Hoover Dam is another must-see location. This is a spectacular 700-foot dam that was completed in 1936. Most tours will stop or fly by these landmarks for guests to take photos.


Helicopter Landing In Grand Canyon

Most helicopter tours offer optional activities once you’ve landed at the canyon. The Skywalk is one of the more popular attractions to check out when you arrive. But there are plenty of other activities as well if you want a proper adventure. Some tours offer horseriding, ATV tours, river rafting, and kayaking. Just keep in mind, that these are all additional costs on top of the helicopter tours.

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Las Vegas Helicopter Tours Map


FAQs

Are helicopter tours from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon safe?


Helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon are incredibly safe.

The helicopters are regularly maintained and tour operators adhere to Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

Helicopters are piloted by professionals, making each journey safe and secure.

For most tours, it’s best to fly on calm days.

Each company monitors weather conditions and will advise accordingly if rescheduling is required.

How long does it take to fly from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?


A helicopter journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon can take between 30-60 minutes.

Flight times vary between tour operators as they fly over popular landmarks.

Some journeys take as little as 20 minutes.

When is the best time to fly from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?


The best time to fly from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is at sunset.

View the mesmerizing sunset over the Grand Canyon and spot famous landmarks such as the Hoover Dam.

As night falls, see the incredible lights of the Las Vegas Strip.

What’s the cheapest helicopter tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon?


If you don’t mind a pickup vehicle driving most of the way, then Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventures is the cheapest tour.

They’ll pick you up from your Las Vegas hotels and will drive to their ranch.

From there, you’ll hop onto a helicopter for a 20-minute flight over the canyon.

Prices start from $360 per person.

Papillon Helicopters also does something similar, taking you to their private airport in Boulder City.

So if you’re looking for a more direct flight, check out their Golden Eagle Helicopter Tour starting at $379.

Summary

Helicopter CompaniesPrices from
Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventures$350
Papillon Helicopters$379
5 Star Las Vegas Helicopter Tours$429
Maverick Helicopters$439
For all new cities, I go overboard on my itinerary, just to see every major attraction. Countries I've visited include New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Japan and Thailand. Mostly Asian countries. Next target - Europe!