Summer is a great time to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. However, there are a few things you need to know in order to get the best flights at the best price. Follow them and you\’re in for the best flight ever.

Heat!

Right now, it\’s still really hot in Las Vegas and at the South Rim, the two locations from which to take a helicopter ride. Knowing this, I always recommend taking a tour in the morning or at sunset.

In the morning, the air is still cool and crisp. That results in great visibility and fewer bumps. Sunset flights are special because dust and smoke are in the air and both combine to heighten the colors of the sun as it goes down.

I wouldn\’t concern myself so much with how hot it gets in the helicopter if you fly deluxe. These flights use the EcoStar 130, which has excellent climate control. All you have to do is dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and up you go.

Superior Heli

The EcoStar 130 is awesome in other ways, too. Most impressive is the fact that it\’s 25 percent bigger than basic helicopters. That translates into more legroom and personal space. Further, seats can be set up stadium-style in front of a 180-degree wraparound windshield.

Deluxe helicopter tours from Las Vegas also come with free limousine transfer to and from your hotel and an extended tour over the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. Basic tours, by contrast, use standard helicopters and include free pick up and drop off by mini van.

Las Vegas is also home to the best landing tours. The most popular is the one that lands at the base for a Champagne picnic. Personally, I like to upgrade this one to include a Colorado River boat ride and VIP Grand Canyon Skywalk tickets.

South Rim

The South Rim, too, has basic and deluxe flights. But the thing you need to know about this destination is that helicopters are not allowed to fly below the Rim and land (it\’s banned by the National Park Service).

Thus you have two choices — a 30-minute or 50-minute flight. The shorter one goes from the South Rim to the North Rim and back. The longer one does all that, too, as well as everything up to the Park\’s eastern border. Frankly, I prefer the longer one because you get more airtime over the Park.

There\’s also a really cool 30-minute helicopter with Jeep tour. I like the idea of getting an aerial and a ground view of the Canyon, which really puts the National Park in perspective. Plus, during summer, it\’s really crowded so being with a guide in Jeep really makes for great sightseeing efficiency.

Conclusion

I hope this article inspired you to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour before the summer ends. You can take one from Las Vegas or the South Rim. Just make sure you stick with one that uses the EcoStar 130 because the A/C is awesome and you get better views. Lastly, try to fly in the morning. That\’s when air is smooth and clear and the views are more spectacular than ever.

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Author Bio: The author is a Grand Canyon expert and recommends going here for the best South Rim helicopter tours and here for ones that depart from Las Vegas: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/las-vegas/

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon, las vegas, grand canyon helicopters, las vegas helicopters