There are both airplane and helicopter flights over the canyon, but the helicopter was the better option for me. It is less expensive, and it seemed that it would afford better views. Flights can be arranged for a tour departing Las Vegas, Phoenix and Flagstaff, or if you are driving route 66, or any other road trip through northern Arizona, you can make arrangements to meet directly at the Grand Canyon Airfield. There are a number of companies that offer flights, but we used Papillon Tours.
We took our tour departing from Las Vegas. It is possible to book only the flight, but we did the all day Platinum South Rim Tour. We shared the sights and details of the entire day in our Grand Canyon Experience story. It takes about 4 hours to get to the airfield from Vegas.
Once we finally arrived at the airfield, we got checked in, and signed all the necessary waivers and forms, and got weighed in. This is necessary for a proper distribution of weight within the helicopter, and to ensure capacity is not exceeded. We then watched a short film and got briefed on safety gear and safety in the helicopter. Then we waited until our time to board.
The building is relatively small, and sometimes it gets pretty crowded. But you can go in and out as you wish, and there is a photo exhibit on the history of flying over Grand Canyon, that can pass some time.
When it is time to depart, all of our personal items must be left at a check in counter. We could bring along only what we were wearing, and our cameras or phones into the helicopter. With that in mind, make sure you are not carrying any valuables in your bag. We saw nothing to indicate any risk, but better safe than sorry. Then we lined up and made our way to the take off area.
We were told where to sit, and boarded the helicopter in specific order. Based upon the weights, the crew determines who needs to sit where in the helicopter for the weight distribution. You may not get to sit next to your friends or partners. We belted ourselves in with very secure seatbelts, and put on noise blocking headsets. The headsets have a microphone, so we could talk to the other members of the group. Everyone was surprisingly quiet though, anticipating what was to come.
Once everyone was secure and comfortable, we launched. The ride to the Canyon takes longer than I expected. We cross what appears to be an expanse of flat land, that is lightly forested with Ponderosa Pines, which are the dominant species at this altitude. Although it seems like a plain or flatland, and that it would be a low altitude, it is not. My fun fact is that the top of the Grand Canyon is higher than the tallest of the Smokey Mountains!
Everyone in the helicopter was quiet, watching intently, snapping their photos, looking for animals on the ground below as we rode onward.
Then suddenly the Odyssey, 2001 theme began playing in our headsets, and we knew the approach was coming fast.
A few of us giggled, almost nervously, and then there it was.. our first glimpse of the Grand Canyon.
We come over the edge of the mile deep chasm that is the Grand Canyon.
There is a clear view from top to bottom, between the incredible structures.
Perhaps of all the ways to experience Grand Canyon, this is the most amazing.
Then we were flying back over the plateau, the long expanse of pine trees beneath us. We stared out onto the horizon. We felt as if we had lost something dear, far too quickly. We were all silent.
When we arrived back at the airfield, we all returned to the counter and pick up our belongings. Then we were all looking around, to find the members of our group. Although we had barely spoke during our flight, we felt somehow connected. This experience had bonded us.
We found ourselves emotional. We shook hands, and some of us even hugged. Many of us had never met before, and we will never meet again, yet we shared an experience that has changed us all in one way or another. We wished each other luck, and bade farewell. Flying over the Grand Canyon was an experience that none of us will ever forget.
You Should Take a Helicopter Tour of Grand Canyon!
If you will be traveling in the southwest US, I encourage you to plan a helicopter tour. If you are visiting the rim, or even hiking in the canyon, the overhead view is such that no other view can compare. It will amaze you, and perhaps change you as it did us. And it is an experience you will remember for a lifetime. I still want to raft down the canyon, someday, when time allows. But flying over Grand Canyon was awesome!
You can make your reservations directly from Papillon Tours, or you can check out the Trip Advisor recommendations, and reserve there.
And, if you are looking for a room in the area, you can find some of the top choices here.
Everyone should fly over the canyon at least once, so Pin this, to spread the word!
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Wow, this looks amazing! Definitely one for the bucket list. I love that it brought you closer to the other people on the journey too – magical.
It would be a great experience and the overhead views look gorgeous. I hiked Grand Canyon but never tried this before, thanks for your suggestions and I’ll try it next year.