What's the best way to see the Grand Canyon if you have just a day or two to do it? The best way is without a doubt to see it from above. You will see much, much more of the park overall if you just take a helicopter, or even a plane.

The Rims

Air tours are available only at the West Rim and the South Rim. Coming from Las Vegas, the West Rim would likely be your destination. If you are thinking of visiting the South Rim, ten you will need to take a 45-minute flight. For people traveling from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona, I recommend you self-drive to the South Rim to start your air tour.

The Trip by Helicopter

Unlike the other rims, you can actually ride a helicopter to the bottom of the West. The tours in question originate from Vegas. Bottom-landings can be extended to include a river rafting trip. If you have ever been so inclined to walk past the edge of the canyon, the Grand Canyon Skywalk allows you to do just that via the glass bridge.

South Rim helicopter tours leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan. You only have one flight type to choose from. It goes over the Kaibab Plateau and into the Dragoon Corridor before turning back at the North Rim. Flights average 30 minutes. Increasing the air time to fifty minutes is of course an option.

By Plane

Airplane tours for the West Rim depart from Las Vegas. The flight time to the rim is a full twenty minutes. You can of course expand your experience by adding a rafting trip, helicopter rides, or even Skywalk tickets.

These trips will depart from Tusyan, which is ten minutes from the National Park. Traveling over all three rims, the flights will last for about an hour. A very popular upgrade of course is the rafting tour that will begin at Glen Canyon Dam, lasting fifteen minutes until reaching Lee's Ferry.

There's also a Las Vegas to South Rim airplane tour. This flight will take less than one hour. When you finally land, you will have seen half the canyon. Upgrading to a helicopter tour is also popular.

Meet Your Ride

Helicopter tours are conducted aboard AStars or EcoStar 130s. In most cases, the EcoStar is an upgrade. The upgraded chopper features 25 percent more space. It's outfitted with theater-style seats (everyone faces forward) and comes with plenty of leg room. The 180 degree wraparound windshield provides a great view, and the Fenestron tail rotor promises the smoothest possible ride.

Many people are under the impression that seeing the Grand Canyon from the air by airplane is done aboard a small aircraft. This could not be further from the truth. These tours are conducted aboard a Vistaliner. Holding 19 passengers and featuring some of the largest windows in the industry, you are sure to get the best possible view. The aircraft is also equipped with the latest navigational equipment and is manned by two FAA-certified pilots.

How to Get A Great Deal

Never pay retail price. Shop the Internet. The best deals are consistently posted on the Web. An air tour price slashed 35% is not terribly unusual. Booking in advance is also an option. If you wait until the last minute, you will pay a premium.

Time to Fly!

Grand Canyon air tours are a life-changing experience. Views from the air are outstanding! But if you want to take it to another level, add a side trip like bottom-landing, river rafting, Skywalk tickets, and more. The Grand Canyon invites exploration. There's no better way to explore than with an air tour.