Add a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour to Your Las Vegas Itinerary
- Eric Beuning
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Las Vegas is famous for its neon skyline, luxury resorts, and jaw-dropping entertainment. Yet beyond the glamor of the strip there’s a world of jaw-dropping natural wonders that will take your memorable Las Vegas vacation to the next level.
A Grand Canyon Helicopter Landing Tour is one of the most epic, awe-inspiring experiences I’ve had in all my years as an outdoor adventurer and travel writer. The immensity of the canyon hit me differently than all the rim tours I’ve taken in the past. It lets you quicky get into the heart of the Grand Canyon, without all the grueling hiking.
While a morning or mid-day tour is great, I think the sweet spot is late afternoon. Especially, if you’re visiting in the winter months. With a bit of luck, the long shadows in the canyon add to its otherworldly experience.
The Experience: Vegas Glamour Meets Natural Majesty
I appreciate that this helicopter tour lets you experience the Grand Canyon without long hours in a bus or having to rent a car.
Key Details
Up to 6 people per helicopter tour.
Total tour time is 75 minutes.
Time spent in the Grand Canyon 30 minutes.
This tour departs Boulder City Municipal Airport - Papillon Helicopters and Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines.
Plan to arrive 45 minutes early.
The drive time from the Vegas Strip is roughly 45 to 50 minutes.
Pickup options are available to take a shuttle from your hotel on the Vegas strip.
Bring your Passport or ID card, camera, and wear comfortable shoes.
Pro Tip
It's pretty easy to arrange for a pickup at your hotel on the strip. However, I think it's faster and more efficient if you already have your own rental car for the day. You can usually find the best Las Vegas rental car deals through the Discover Cars network.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Details
This Grand Canyon Helicopter tour departs from Las Vegas Boulder City Municipal Airport
aboard a state-of-the-art EC-130 EcoStar helicopter. As a big man, I really appreciated the spacious interior, the big panoramic windows. It was also a lot quieter than past helicopter tours I’ve taken.
Shortly after liftoff, you’ll fly over iconic sights like Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert before descending 3,500 feet into the Grand Canyon itself.
Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just a flyover. You’ll actually land in the heart of the western Grand Canyon on Hualapai tribal land. They give you some time to step out and soak in the views, snap some picks and really take in the majesty of this wonder of the natural world.
One of the things that stands out about this tour is the light picnic and a glass of champagne, that adds to the experience. You’ll feel the wind, and the immensity of the sedimentary rock walls towering around you, as you look out at the Colorado River winding through the canyon below. It’s the kind of travel memory that stays with you forever.
Why This Helicopter Tour Is Worth It
If you’re looking for an authentic experience to set your Vegas vacation apart from the rest, this Grand Cayon Helicopter Tour is it. It’s not the sort of checkbox experience everyone else is doing. It’s a full-sensory, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Time-Saving: You can experience one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks in just 3.5 to 4 hours round trip. Perfect for visitors short on time.
No Driving Required: Forget about navigating rental cars, park entrances, and long desert highways. Everything—from Las Vegas hotel pickup to smooth transport—is handled.
Luxury Aircraft: The EcoStar helicopters are specifically built for sightseeing, with wraparound glass for stunning views and noise-reduction for a smoother ride.
Small Group Comfort: Fewer passengers mean a more personal, curated experience.
Unmatched Views: Seeing the Grand Canyon from above is a whole new level of breathtaking. You’ll also get aerial views of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Las Vegas Strip on your return flight.
On paper, this Grand Canyon Helicopter tour is perfect for photography buffs, couples and families who are looking for a memorable experience. However, I think the experience provides a knock-your-socks off backdrop for popping the question!
My Take
As a born again travel writer, I’ve seen my share of overhyped tours, but this one is the real deal. It’s immersive, seamless, and photogenic in every sense of the word. I also appreciate that the interior of the helicopter is roomy enough for a large man like me.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, thinking of popping the question, taking a luxury escape, or just a weekend away from the ordinary, this helicopter tour is the perfect fit.
Spots on this tour fill up fast, especially during peak travel seasons. If you’re dreaming of seeing the Grand Canyon in all its immensity. The tours tend to fill up fast, so book early to secure your flight.
Disclaimer: As an affiliate partner with GetYourGuide, I may earn a commission if you choose to book through my link at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend experiences that I truly believe are worth it.
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