Elevate Your Spring Break: Helicopter Tours Over the Grand Canyon in 2014

Choosing Your Grand Canyon Adventure

Departure Points and Tour Options

Grand Canyon helicopter tours are available from two primary locations:

• South Rim: Flights depart from Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, Arizona. These tours focus exclusively on the South Rim due to the considerable distance from the West Rim.
• West Rim: Tours originate from various airfields in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, catering to those staying in Vegas who wish to explore the Grand Canyon.

It's important to note that helicopters do not travel between the South and West Rims, and each location offers distinct tour experiences.

South Rim Tours: Scenic and Serene

For those visiting the South Rim, the FAA's stringent regulations prohibit landings within the park. However, air-only tours provide a spectacular overview of the area's highlights. Options include:

• 30-minute flight: Covers the South to North Rim and back, featuring views of the Dragoon Corridor, the deepest and widest part of the canyon.
• 50-minute flight: Extends the journey to include the East Rim, offering additional sights such as the Painted Desert and Imperial Point.

West Rim Tours: Exciting and Extensive

The West Rim tours provide options for both air-only and landing experiences:

• Air-only tours: A cost-effective way to view the West Rim's major attractions from the sky.
• Landing tours: These tours allow you to descend into the canyon, combining aerial views with ground-level exploration for a comprehensive canyon experience.

Enhancing Your Tour: The Landing Experience

Opting for a landing tour elevates the adventure, allowing you to experience the Grand Canyon from both air and ground. These tours often include:

• Professional guide services
• Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off on the Strip
• A meal and all park fees
• Optional additions like a Colorado River rafting trip, passes to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, or a helicopter descent to the canyon floor for a picnic.

Booking Tips and Benefits

To secure the best date and flight time, it's advisable to book your tour at least one to two weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings can be significantly more expensive, and availability is limited. For the best deals, book directly through the tour company's website. Direct bookings can offer savings of up to 30%, bypassing the higher rates often found on third-party travel sites.

Conclusion

A helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories from an extraordinary perspective. Whether you choose the serene beauty of the South Rim or the adventurous spirit of the West Rim, ensure your Spring Break 2014 is truly spectacular by booking your tour today. Remember, the best deals and experiences come from planning ahead and booking directly with tour providers.

For more information on booking and tour options, visit the official Grand Canyon National Park website or check out direct booking options at reputable tour operators like Papillon Helicopters.