An Examination of Helicopter Tours Above the Grand Canyon

If you're planning to book one of exciting Grand Canyon helicopter tours, read on for a review of the four most popular tours and companies operating in Arizona and Las Vegas.

The All-American Helicopter Tour
Rating: 4/5

This tour of the Grand Canyon leaves from the Las Vegas airport and takes approximately 3.5 hours. The trip from Las Vegas to the western edge of the canyon is about 45 minutes in each direction. The tour includes landing in the canyon for a champagne lunch, limo pickup and drop-off to and from your hotel, and flying over Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and the Las Vegas strip.

The cost of this tour typically hovers around $300. However you should budget for a potential fuel surcharge being added on at the last minute. This unexpected and unadvertised fee is what cost the All-American a five out of five score. Instead of surprising passengers with a $40 expense, they should simply advertise the new price.

Phoenix Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventure Tours
Rating: 2.8/5

These Grand Canyon helicopter tours are from Phoenix, and the majority of the day is spent on a bus. If you're prepared for a 13-hour day, then you can ride a bus from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon airport and afterward enjoy a short helicopter ride.

If you're tight for time and want a full day that includes a stop in Sedona, a drive through Oak Creek and the Grand Canyon, then this is the trip for you. However, for those looking for a relaxing helicopter ride and a short day, you may want to leave from somewhere closer to the canyon. This helicopter and bus tour is priced from $289.

The West Rim Combo Tour with Papillon
Rating: 4.5/5

Papillon is a major helicopter tour operator in Las Vegas, but they also do runs from the Grand Canyon airport. One of their most popular tours is the West Rim Combo that leaves from Las Vegas and includes a boat ride.

The trip starts with a pickup at y our Las Vegas hotel. From there is a ride in a luxury SUV to the Grand Canyon where you'll take a short helicopter ride to the bottom of the canyon for lunch. Afterward is a trip on a boat down the Colorado River where you'll be picked back up.

The full day is a great value at around $345, particularly since it includes lunch. That said, the tour makes a stop at the now-open SkyWalk, but its $30 SkyWalk admission cost is not included in your tour fee.

Maverick Helicopter Grand Canyon Tours
Rating: 4.7/5

Maverick has two departure locations - Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon airport. Their Canyon Spirit trip costs just $245 and is one of the few Grand Canyon helicopter tours that actually takes you through the canyon and over the Kaibab National Forest.

The opportunity to view the Grand Canyon from a helicopter ride is an awesome experience. If you select one of the tour options listed above, you won't be disappointed.

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