Taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon, Arizona is an unforgettable experience that I can’t recommend enough. Even if you’ve been here before, I’m sure you haven’t gotten such incredible bird’s-eye views. Soaring over this massive natural wonder in a sightseeing helicopter will elevate your visit to the Grand Canyon – literally and figuratively!
The first time I saw the Grand Canyon from one of the overlooks, I was a bit disappointed. The area was full of people, so I had to wait for the crowds to disperse. Plus, it was a cloudy day, so the views and visibility weren’t ideal.
10 Best Grand Canyon helicopter tours of 2024
However, when I took a Grand Canyon chopper tour during our 10-day West Coast road trip, it was completely different. I witnessed the full magnitude of the canyon, its crevasses, and its surrounding landmasses. Hands down, it was the best view of the Grand Canyon.
Since then, we’ve taken a few air tours over the canyon and can’t get enough! Our first was this ride, but we’ve also taken this tour and this flight from Las Vegas. I’ll share more below, including Grand Canyon helicopter tour prices, my experience riding over the canyon, and tips for your flight.
Whether you want to land below the rim, take a quick trip, or go on a full-day excursion, you’ll find your perfect fit!
Top 10 Grand Canyon helicopter tours
You’ll be happy to know that there are Grand Canyon helicopter rides for all budgets and interests. I’ve researched all the top options, comparing costs, mode of transport, and any included activities. Whether you’re looking for something short and sweet or prefer a full-day adventure, I’ve got you covered!
To sum up, these are the 10 best helicopter trips to the Grand Canyon:
- Golden Eagle, Grand Canyon West by 🚁 (from Las Vegas)
- Grand Celebration, Grand Canyon West with landing by 🚁 (from Las Vegas)
- Grand Voyager, Grand Canyon West with landing, cruise, and rim lookouts by ✈️🚁🛥️🚌 (from Las Vegas)
- Imperial with EcoStar, Grand Canyon National Park by 🚁 (from South Rim)
- South Rim air tour, Grand Canyon National Park by ✈️ (from South Rim)
- Deluxe tour, Grand Canyon National Park with rim lookouts by ✈️🚁🚙 (from Las Vegas)
- West Rim air tour, Grand Canyon West by ✈️ (from West Rim)
- West Rim helicopter landing, Grand Canyon West with landing and cruise by 🚁🛥️ (from West Rim)
- Private Grand Celebration sunset tour, Grand Canyon West with landing by 🚁 (from Las Vegas )
- Private Imperial with EcoStar, Grand Canyon National Park by 🚁 (from South Rim)
Make sure you read to the end of this article for a Grand Canyon helicopter tour price comparison and my review of Papillon Helicopters, that is the company we chose to fly wih three times.
1. Golden Eagle, the best helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon
First, this flight is the perfect choice if you don’t have much time but want to enjoy a helicopter excursion over the Grand Canyon. The tour departs from Las Vegas and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off for your convenience.
You’ll fly out of a private heliport near Vegas and soar over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. As you approach Grand Canyon West, you’ll see the impressive landmasses and formations that characterize this region.
1. Golden Eagle, the best helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon
We’ve taken this flight and consider it one of the best helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon West Rim. The aerial views of the West Rim, Eagle Point, Guano Point, and the Colorado River are fantastic.
- Price from: $449
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours
- Departs from: Las Vegas
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West
2. Grand Celebration, the best helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon with below-the-rim landing
This exciting tour is another excursion that we’ve taken and absolutely loved. It’s another Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Vegas, but it stands out because it does a below-the-rim landing at the West Rim.
First, you’ll fly out of Las Vegas and enjoy an aerial perspective of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the privately-owned Grand Canyon West. Once you reach the West Rim, you’ll take a helicopter to a private plateau some 4,000 feet into the canyon. Upon landing, you’ll find a champagne picnic waiting for you; it’s pretty romantic!
2. Grand Celebration, the best helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon with below-the-rim landing
You’ll also have time to take in the unique views from the canyon floor, such as the layers of rock wall and the Colorado River. Best of all, the itinerary is perfectly timed to give you a Grand Canyon helicopter tour at sunset as you return to Sin City. Without a doubt, this is one of the best Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas, especially for couples.
- Price from: $529
- Duration: 4-4.5 hours
- Departs from: Las Vegas
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; champagne picnic
3. Grand Voyager, an exciting Grand Canyon tour by helicopter, airplane, and boat
If you have more room in your schedule and budget, I highly recommend this tour, which explores Grand Canyon West by helicopter, airplane, and boat.
The tour starts in Sin City, where you’ll enjoy hotel pick-up and transportation to the air terminal. There, you’ll board a plane and go over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Mojave Desert, three of the best places to see outside Las Vegas.
3. Grand Voyager, an exciting Grand Canyon tour by helicopter, airplane, and boat
At the West Rim, you’ll board a helicopter and descend to the bottom of the canyon. Enjoy another new perspective of the area, then hop on a pontoon boat for a relaxing cruise along the Colorado River. After your boat ride, you’ll take the helicopter back to the top of the rim. You’ll have some free time to explore nearby lookouts like Eagle and Guano Point or buy a ticket for the Skywalk.
This is one of the most comprehensive tours at Grand Canyon West, and we’re super excited to experience it when we get back to Vegas!
- Price from: $594
- Duration: 7 hours
- Departs from: Las Vegas
- Highlights: Airplane ride over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead; helicopter ride over Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; Colorado River cruise; shuttle bus to West Rim viewpoints; Skywalk (optional)
4. Imperial with EcoStar, the best quick Grand Canyon chopper tour
Alternatively, this tour is a short and sweet flight over Grand Canyon National Park. It departs from the South Rim, so you can maximize your time. Plus, you’ll ride in an environmentally friendly EcoStar helicopter with panoramic windows, perfect for sightseeing and capturing photos.
4. Imperial with EcoStar, the best quick Grand Canyon chopper tour
As you ascend above the South Rim, you’ll see the oldest and deepest parts of the canyon. Then, you’ll go over the East Rim, the North Rim, and Kaibab National Forest. This Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter tour is an excellent option if you only have a day to visit the park. You’ll be able to get the best views by flying in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, and you’ll still have time to enjoy other attractions and lookouts.
- Price from: $399
- Duration: 40-50 minutes
- Departs from: Grand Canyon South Rim
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon National Park
5. South Rim air tour, an affordable flight over the Grand Canyon
This air tour is another good alternative if you have limited time at the canyon. It’s also a cheaper option since it’s a Grand Canyon tour by airplane rather than helicopter.
That said, this is still a thrilling excursion since you’ll fly over canyon highlights like Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, and Kaibab Plateau. You’ll also see the depth of the canyon’s gorges and the Colorado River winding through the landscape.
5. South Rim air tour, an affordable flight over the Grand Canyon
This was the first Grand Canyon air tour we took, and it was a great way to snap one-of-a-kind photos to commemorate our trip. We got some of the best views of the Grand Canyon South Rim, so I can wholeheartedly recommend it, especially if you’re on a tighter budget!
- Price from: $179
- Duration: 40-45 minutes
- Departs from: Grand Canyon South Rim
- Highlights: Airplane ride over the Grand Canyon National Park
6. Deluxe tour, the only helicopter ride to Grand Canyon National Park from Las Vegas
This full-day excursion is one of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Not only will you enjoy a sightseeing helicopter ride, but you’ll fly over the canyon in an airplane and enjoy an on-the-ground adventure by Hummer.
The trip starts with a scenic flight in a Grand Canyon airplane, which departs from Vegas. Along the way, you’ll see the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Colorado River, and the Mojave Desert from above. Once you reach the national park, you’ll board a sightseeing chopper and fly over the South and North Rims. A helicopter lets you to get closer to the canyon, so you can get a new aerial perspective of this region, including all its crevasses and colors.
6. Deluxe tour, the only helicopter ride to Grand Canyon National Park from Las Vegas
The last leg of this adventure includes a guided Hummer tour around the South Rim, where you’ll stop at one of the most popular overlooks and have time to take photos. The excursion includes a box lunch and your return flight to Vegas, making it one of the best Las Vegas helicopter tours.
- Price from: $929
- Duration: 10-10.5 hours
- Departs from: Las Vegas
- Highlights: Airplane ride over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead; helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon National Park; Hummer tour to South Rim viewpoints
7. West Rim air tour, the cheapest Grand Canyon helicopter tour
Even the cheaper Grand Canyon helicopter tours are fantastic. For example, this air tour is a short and affordable flight that takes you over Grand Canyon West’s beautiful landmasses and gorges by plane.
The tour departs from the Grand Canyon West Heliport and circles over the Hualapai-owned region of the canyon. You’ll have clear views of Eagle Point, Guano Point, the Skywalk, and other ancient formations from the air.
7. West Rim air tour, the cheapest Grand Canyon helicopter tour
Upon landing, board the shuttle bus for an exciting ground tour of the area, including Hualapai Ranch, Eagle Point, and Guano Point. This excursion may be short, but it gives you the best views of the West Rim from the air and ground level.
- Price from: $169
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Departs from: Grand Canyon West
- Highlights: Airplane ride over Grand Canyon West
8. West Rim helicopter landing, another great helicopter tour at the Grand Canyon, Arizona
This flight is another helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon West Rim. Like the previous tour, it gives you two vantage points of the canyon, but this excursion includes a below-the-rim landing and a boat ride on the Colorado River.
It starts with your flight out of Grand Canyon West, where you’ll do some sightseeing from the air before descending below the rim and landing on the canyon floor. The West Rim is the only area of the Grand Canyon where you can do a helicopter landing, so you can enjoy some unique views here.
8. West Rim helicopter landing, another great helicopter tour at the Grand Canyon, Arizona
While you’re below the rim, you’ll take a scenic float along the Colorado River in a pontoon boat. Then, you’ll ride the helicopter back to the rim’s edge, where you can continue the adventure on your own by visiting one of the lookouts or buying a ticket to the Skywalk.
- Price from: $349
- Duration: 1 hour
- Departs from: Grand Canyon West
- Highlights: Helicopter ride over Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; Colorado River cruise; shuttle bus to West Rim viewpoints; Skywalk (optional)
9. Private Grand Celebration sunset tour, the best Grand Canyon helicopter excursion for couples
Consider a private Grand Canyon helicopter tour for something special, like an anniversary or proposal. For example, this flight is the ultimate Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas, beginning with hotel pick-up and a limo ride to the heliport.
There, you’ll board a private EcoStar chopper and fly over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the West Rim’s famous attractions like Eagle Point and the Skywalk glass bridge. Marvel at the geological formations of Grand Canyon West as you descend below the rim and land on the canyon floor. A champagne picnic will be waiting for you by the bank of the Colorado River.
9. Private Grand Celebration sunset tour, the best Grand Canyon helicopter excursion for couples
After taking a brief break and enjoying some light refreshments, it’s time to climb back into the helicopter and fly back to the Vegas Strip. You can upgrade this package to a Grand Canyon helicopter sunset tour and soar over the desert and Strip at golden hour. It’s undoubtedly one of the most romantic things to do in Vegas as a couple.
- Price from: $1,835 per person
- Duration: 4-4.5 hours
- Departs from: Las Vegas
- Highlights: Private helicopter ride over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Grand Canyon West; below-the-rim landing; champagne picnic; sunset heli-tour over Las Vegas Strip (upgrade option)
10. Private Imperial with EcoStar, an exclusive Grand Canyon National Park helicopter tour
Finally, this excursion is another Grand Canyon tour in a private helicopter. This one departs from the South Rim and includes a lengthy aerial tour of the national park. During the ride, you’ll spot the top attractions at the North Rim, the pristine landscapes of the East Rim, and the popular overlooks at the South Rim. The private EcoStar aircraft can hold up to 6 passengers, and since you’ll be in a helicopter, you can get closer to the canyon.
10. Private Imperial with EcoStar, an exclusive Grand Canyon National Park helicopter tour
As you fly over the park, your guide will provide insights through your headset so you can learn more about the ancient rock formations, gorges, and forests below. You’ll land back at the heliport and have the rest of the day free to explore other interesting attractions at the South Rim.
- Price from: $579
- Duration: 45-50 minutes
- Departs from: Grand Canyon South Rim
- Highlights: Private helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon helicopter tour price comparison
If you still need to decide which excursion to take, this comparison table will help. It shows each Grand Canyon helicopter tour’s price, duration, and highlights.
As you can see, it’s possible to enjoy this type of tour, even on a budget, since the cheapest Grand Canyon helicopter tours start at $169. You can see the prices for all the tours I mentioned below:
TOUR | PRICE FROM | DEPARTS FROM | DURATION | TRANSPORT | HIGHLIGHTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$449 | Las Vegas | 3.5-4 hours | 🚁 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$529 | Las Vegas | 4-4.5 hours | 🚁 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$594 | Las Vegas | 7 hours | ✈️🚁🛥️🚌 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$399 | South Rim | 40-50 minutes | 🚁 | • Grand Canyon National Park |
|
$179 | South Rim | 40-45 minutes | ✈️ | • Grand Canyon National Park |
|
$929 | Las Vegas | 10-10.5 hours | ✈️🚁🚙 | • Hoover Dam |
|
$169 | West Rim | 20 minutes | ✈️ | • Grand Canyon West Rim |
|
$349 | West Rim | 1 hour | 🚁 🛥️ | • Grand Canyon West |
|
$1,835/person | Las Vegas | 4-4.5 hours | 🚁 | • Private tour |
|
$579 | South Rim | 45-50 minutes | 🚁 | • Private tour |
|
BEST GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER TOURS |
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All these tours are offered by Papillon Helicopters, that is the company we decided to book with three times. What I love about them is that their tours are very competitively priced, so you can spring for extras like sunset flights or night flights over the Las Vegas Strip.
Grand Canyon helicopter tour deals
Before booking your flight, remember to check out the Special Offers section on Papillon’s website. There, you can find weekly deals on helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon and other exciting destinations.
Other Grand Canyon helicopter tour companies
Papillon isn’t the only company that offers helicopter excursions at the Grand Canyon, but they’re our favorite. To be fair, I want to mention the other companies that operate in this area:
- Papillon: Papillon has over 50 years of experience and is the largest Grand Canyon helicopter tour company. In addition to the South and West Rims, they offer tours from Las Vegas. We found their rates to be competitive and the staff very professional. You can read more about our experience in our full Papillon Helicopters review.
- Maverick: Maverick is another well-known company offering various Grand Canyon aerial tours. Like Papillon, Maverick uses EcoStar helicopters for a more enjoyable and eco-friendly flight.
- Sundance: Sundance has been in business since 1985 and offers Grand Canyon helicopter tours out of Las Vegas.
- Vegas Tours: This company also operates out of Las Vegas and provides scenic flying tours of the West and South Rims.
After flying over the Grand Canyon several times, I can tell you that we’ve had the best experiences with Papillon. This company always does a great job, providing beautiful views, safe trips, and friendly assistance. I highly recommend them for your Grand Canyon chopper tour.
Grand Canyon helicopter tour reviews – My experience
If I had to describe my experience flying over the Grand Canyon in one word, it would be magical. Honestly, the view from ground level didn’t live up to my expectations, and it was difficult to appreciate the true majesty of the canyon. To be fair, it depends on the time of day and weather conditions, but I still recommend taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, not only for the views but also because you don’t have to deal with crowds of people!
Grand Canyon helicopter tour review
Before booking our flight, I read many Grand Canyon helicopter tour reviews. I always suggest checking what previous customers have to say; people aren’t shy about sharing their opinions online! We chose Papillon and signed up for this air tour since it was one of the cheapest options. We also wanted a tour that left from the South Rim and could take us to higher elevations. Flying in a sightseeing airplane was perfect since it allowed us to go to more remote locations and capture the canyon’s full scope.
A few years later, we took that tour again, as well as this helicopter excursion and this sunset flight. The latter was particularly magical since it took us below the rim and gave us incredible aerial views during golden hour. To this day, it’s still one of my favorite day trips from Las Vegas.
Tips for taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour
After taking several Grand Canyon chopper tours, here are my tips to ensure you have an incredible time:
- First, it’s better to book your flight for early in the morning or just before sunset so you can get the best views.
- Second, check the weather forecast since the tour operator may cancel your trip if the conditions aren’t right.
Tips for taking a Grand Canyon helicopter tour
- The closest airports to the Grand Canyon are Harry Reid International Airport by the Vegas Strip, the Boulder City Municipal Airport about 30 minutes outside Vegas, the Grand Canyon West Heliport, and Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan (by Grand Canyon Village). Be sure to double-check which airport your tour departs from!
- Limit what you eat about two hours before the tour. My mum learned this the hard way when she got sick during our ride. If you’re prone to dizziness, take some medication beforehand.
- Lastly, make sure you buy the best travel insurance for the USA. Grand Canyon helicopter tours are safe, but I always recommend having coverage for any trip.
I know you’ll have a fantastic experience no matter which flight you choose. Every time we soar above this natural wonder, we’re taken aback by the magnitude and stunning landscapes. The price of a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is 100% worth it, so if you’re on the fence, I say go for it!
FAQs – Grand Canyon helicopter tours
Finally, here are the answers to some common questions about taking a Grand Canyon helicopter trip:
Which is better: a Grand Canyon helicopter tour or an airplane tour?
The better option depends on what you’re looking for. A Grand Canyon airplane tour can travel longer distances at higher altitudes, so a plane is a good choice for landscape photographers. On the other hand, a Grand Canyon helicopter ride is exhilarating since you can get closer to the canyon and descend below the rim.
Is it better to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from the South Rim or the West Rim?
Grand Canyon National Park consists of the South, North, and East Rims, so you’ll get the best views on a Grand Canyon South Rim helicopter tour. However, if you want to do a helicopter landing tour at the Grand Canyon, you must book a West Rim tour. The West Rim is the only place where you can land on the canyon floor and take a Colorado River cruise.
When is the best time for a Grand Canyon helicopter tour?
The best time for a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is in the early morning when there is less turbulence and haze. If that’s not possible, then I recommend a sunset tour. The temperatures will be cooler, and you’ll be able to see the glow of golden hour.
How much is a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon?
The price of a Grand Canyon helicopter tour depends on several factors, such as duration, number of passengers, travel dates, and any extra activities. You can find tours for as little as $169/person or as much as $1,500 or more.
What is the cheapest Grand Canyon helicopter tour?
The cheapest Grand Canyon helicopter tours are this airplane excursion to the West Rim and this South Rim air tour.
How far in advance should I book my Grand Canyon helicopter tour?
Book your Grand Canyon air tour at least a month in advance. We traveled in August and had to carefully plan our itinerary to coincide with the day that was available.
How long is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour?
These tours can be as short as 20 minutes or last several hours. Some last a full day since they involve flying over the Grand Canyon and enjoying on-land excursions.
Which rim is best for a Grand Canyon helicopter tour?
Most helicopter tours in the Grand Canyon fly over the West Rim or the South Rim. To give you a better idea, the West Rim is where you can do a below-the-rim landing, while the South Rim has the most famous views.
What should I bring on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour?
Wear layers (pants, long sleeves, jacket) and closed-toe shoes. To protect yourself from the intense desert sun, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Of course, bring your camera, too!
Are Grand Canyon helicopter tours safe?
Yes. Grand Canyon helicopter tour companies must comply with strict industry standards. Papillon’s pilots are certified by the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS), whose standards exceed those of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour worth it?
Absolutely! A helicopter tour over Grand Canyon, Arizona, is a unique experience you can’t get anywhere else. You’ll be flying in a chopper with panoramic windows that are perfect for sightseeing and capturing incredible photos. Plus, you get much better views from the air than on the ground, where the lookouts are often crowded.
That’s it from me, but don’t hesitate to drop a comment below with any other questions or concerns you have about Grand Canyon helicopter tours. I’d be happy to help. It would also be great to hear about your experience taking one of these tours!
Stay safe, and enjoy your flight!
Which helicopter ride with landing in the Grand Canyon would you recommend for someone that walks with a cane? I’m not sure how much walking is involved with the landing and boat tours. How much walking is there from the landing spot to the boat excursion? Thanks.
Hi Hollie,
The heliport terminals have ramps and paved pathways, and you can bring a cane on the airplanes and helicopters. It’s only a short walk from the helicopter landing to the boat. You can also take the shuttle buses to the viewpoints.
The most accessible tours are the Golden Eagle tour, North Canyon tour, and Imperial with EcoStar tour.
Best,
Ascen
Hi
I am tiring to confirm a book can you help
Hi Mark,
Just click on the Grand Canyon tour you’re interested in. This should take you to the booking website, where you can reserve a spot for the tour.
Thank you for the info. We will be speeding thru the NPs in Utah late June. Then from Zion to Grand Cnyn n Vegas. I’m trying to work out logistics of seeing Gr Cnyn. Considering driving to Vegas then taking the helo from there to the canyon
Hi Chris,
This part of the country is my absolute favorite. I think you’ll like our guide on taking a road trip from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon; it’ll give you some ideas for your itinerary!
Hello!
Thank you for posting and sharing your experience.
On the Helicopter and/or Airplane tour, is the ‘Seat Assignment’ a concern?
My family (wife, 3 kids and I) had the Heli [tour] experience at the Canadian Rocky Mountain.
One kid sat in the front with the Pilot. The rest sat in the back BUT, we’re face-2-face:
2 facing front, 2 facing back.
The ones facing back did NOT get to see what the ‘frontal’ passengers did, bad experience.
This time, it’ll be just my wife and I. We prefer Heli tour. What is your suggestion.
Thank you in advanced.
Unggit & Piyanut – Buffalo, NY
Hi Unggit,
At the airplane tours, everyone gets the same stunning views. On the helicopter tour, you can pay to have a front seat next to the pilot. We paid for that in our last helicopter tour to Grand Canyon from Las Vegas last month and it was worthy!
But I think you will enjoy the tour even if you don’t get that seat since no one in the helicopter is facing back. Are you taking the tour from the Grand Canyon South Rim terminal or from Las Vegas? I can recommend you which is the one I have like the most so far!
Ascen
Best experience in my life. I took the helicopter tour from Grand Canyon South Rim. Next time I will do the landing tour from West Rim.
I am planning to do the landing tour too. I hope next month! But I will do it from Las Vegas!
Dan
Thank you very much for recommend those tours. I spent only one day in Las Vegas and decided to take the Grand Celebration tour thanks to your post. It was amazing. I am so glad I found you blog!
Hi Sylviana,
That is awesome! If you don’t have too much time is by far the best tour to Grand Canyon by helicopter.
Ascen.