Has it been a long while since you've done something truly breathtaking? New Year's Eve is coming up fast, and if you want to celebrate in unique style, you won't find anything better than a Grand Canyon helicopter tour.
Helicopter flights run all year round, barring Christmas Day, so you won't have trouble seeing the Canyon on New Year's Eve, or any of the days around it. Of course, you will need to book fast, because tours are expected to be incredibly popular for the end of the year.
Booking early also allows you to have a wider selection in available tours, and when you buy your tour online, you'll get the lowest price available.
Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours
Vegas is by far the most popular place to begin an air tour of the Canyon. Because of that, the Vegas tours offer a lot of options. All the flights give you an aerial view of the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead, while some even offer a flyover of The Strip.
An air-only tour is a good choice when you don't have much time to spend on your tour or if you want to save money. These tours provide you with amazing aerial views of the Canyon, and then fly back to Vegas. If you do have more time, and these tours are by far the most popular, you can choose to land at the National Park.
Landing tours are so popular because they provide the most adventure. Your helicopter can land on top of the rim, on the bottom of the Canyon, or do both.
At the top of the Canyon, you will have access to the public walkways and viewing platforms. For a little extra, you could purchase a ticket to the Skywalk. If you haven't heard of the Skywalk, it is a glass platform that extends 70 feet over the Canyon rim, and allows you to look down a 4000 foot drop to the bottom of the Canyon. If it sounds scary, don't worry, it's actually one of the most exciting things you could ever do, and it is well worth the price.
Another option is to land on the bottom of the Canyon where you can have a Champagne picnic before you float down the Colorado River on a relaxing boat tour. This landing tour is very popular and it's a good one to take when you visit the Canyon.
South Rim Helicopter Tours
The South Rim begins in Arizona, in the small town of Tusayan. If you're starting in Vegas, you'll need to book a flight to Tusayan to begin your tour, but if you'll be staying in a city in Arizona, you can drive yourself to the airport in Tusayan. The airport there is located right outside of the main gates to the South Rim. Even though there are no landing tours permitted at the South Rim, you'll still find the tours there worthwhile. The standard tour is 30 minutes to the North Rim, and then back to the South Rim. The longer tour is much better because it also flies to the North Rim, but it includes a leg over to the eastern border of the Park. This flight gives you 50 minutes of air time and you get to view about 75 percent of the entire wilderness land that makes up the National Park.
Choose a Tour Package
There are basic and deluxe helicopter flights to choose from. Basic helicopters follow the same routes, but they use older choppers. Don't worry, they're excellently maintained and fit for flight.
If you have extra in your budget, deluxe is the preferred option. The helicopter you will fly in has been specially built for touring the Grand Canyon. Seats are large and comfortable, and they're laid out like stadium seating, so even if you're in the second row of the cabin, you will have the perfect view. The cabins are oversized and climate controlled. Most importantly, the deluxe helicopter has a huge windshield that provides 180 degrees of unobstructed sightseeing. The newer helicopters are also quieter inside, and smoother while in flight.
Conclusion
Keep in mind, it might be cold at the Canyon during this time of the year, so you'll want to dress in layers so you are prepared. It may even be snowing at the South Rim, so you'll want to wear warm clothes if you go there.
Touring the Canyon is a fun way to spend New Year's Eve. Remember to book your tour as soon as possible or you may get shut out. For the best chances of getting the tour you want, secure your seats with your credit card by buying your tour online at least two weeks in advance if you can. You will get the best prices, and you won't have to worry about losing your reservation.
Helicopter flights run all year round, barring Christmas Day, so you won't have trouble seeing the Canyon on New Year's Eve, or any of the days around it. Of course, you will need to book fast, because tours are expected to be incredibly popular for the end of the year.
Booking early also allows you to have a wider selection in available tours, and when you buy your tour online, you'll get the lowest price available.
Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours
Vegas is by far the most popular place to begin an air tour of the Canyon. Because of that, the Vegas tours offer a lot of options. All the flights give you an aerial view of the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead, while some even offer a flyover of The Strip.
An air-only tour is a good choice when you don't have much time to spend on your tour or if you want to save money. These tours provide you with amazing aerial views of the Canyon, and then fly back to Vegas. If you do have more time, and these tours are by far the most popular, you can choose to land at the National Park.
Landing tours are so popular because they provide the most adventure. Your helicopter can land on top of the rim, on the bottom of the Canyon, or do both.
At the top of the Canyon, you will have access to the public walkways and viewing platforms. For a little extra, you could purchase a ticket to the Skywalk. If you haven't heard of the Skywalk, it is a glass platform that extends 70 feet over the Canyon rim, and allows you to look down a 4000 foot drop to the bottom of the Canyon. If it sounds scary, don't worry, it's actually one of the most exciting things you could ever do, and it is well worth the price.
Another option is to land on the bottom of the Canyon where you can have a Champagne picnic before you float down the Colorado River on a relaxing boat tour. This landing tour is very popular and it's a good one to take when you visit the Canyon.
South Rim Helicopter Tours
The South Rim begins in Arizona, in the small town of Tusayan. If you're starting in Vegas, you'll need to book a flight to Tusayan to begin your tour, but if you'll be staying in a city in Arizona, you can drive yourself to the airport in Tusayan. The airport there is located right outside of the main gates to the South Rim. Even though there are no landing tours permitted at the South Rim, you'll still find the tours there worthwhile. The standard tour is 30 minutes to the North Rim, and then back to the South Rim. The longer tour is much better because it also flies to the North Rim, but it includes a leg over to the eastern border of the Park. This flight gives you 50 minutes of air time and you get to view about 75 percent of the entire wilderness land that makes up the National Park.
Choose a Tour Package
There are basic and deluxe helicopter flights to choose from. Basic helicopters follow the same routes, but they use older choppers. Don't worry, they're excellently maintained and fit for flight.
If you have extra in your budget, deluxe is the preferred option. The helicopter you will fly in has been specially built for touring the Grand Canyon. Seats are large and comfortable, and they're laid out like stadium seating, so even if you're in the second row of the cabin, you will have the perfect view. The cabins are oversized and climate controlled. Most importantly, the deluxe helicopter has a huge windshield that provides 180 degrees of unobstructed sightseeing. The newer helicopters are also quieter inside, and smoother while in flight.
Conclusion
Keep in mind, it might be cold at the Canyon during this time of the year, so you'll want to dress in layers so you are prepared. It may even be snowing at the South Rim, so you'll want to wear warm clothes if you go there.
Touring the Canyon is a fun way to spend New Year's Eve. Remember to book your tour as soon as possible or you may get shut out. For the best chances of getting the tour you want, secure your seats with your credit card by buying your tour online at least two weeks in advance if you can. You will get the best prices, and you won't have to worry about losing your reservation.
About the Author:
Grand Canyon National Park specialist Beth Adams advises readers check out this selection of the best heli tours as well as this page which lists the latest savings and promotions: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopter.org/grand-canyon-helicopter-tour-coupons.html
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