Sin City certainly has an array of virtually endless activities to partake in, no matter the time of day or night. While the Strip is certainly a sight to behold, there is an even more impressive wonder just beyond the city.
If youโre in Las Vegas, I highly suggest not missing out on the opportunity to see one of the most stunning wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon.
Iโve gone ahead and detailed the 5 top Grand Canyon tours from Las Vegas out there, that are safe and well worth your time and money. Letโs get started!
Be sure to see our reviews of Hoover Dam Tours, Antelope Canyon Tours and Red Rock Canyon Tours.
Best Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours
Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas | Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Landing from Las Vegas | Grand Canyon Sunset Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas | |
---|---|---|---|
Location: | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
Start: | Between 10:00 AM & 6:15 PM | Between 7:00 AM & 1:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
Duration: | 3 hours | 4 hours | 6.5 hours |
Includes: | 90-minute aerial tour in an A-star helicopter, all taxes, hotel pickup and drop-off by luxury van | Flight each way in an Eco-Star helicopter, landing on a private bluff in the Grand Canyon, champagne toast and light snacks | 45-minute flight each way in an Eco-Star helicopter, land on private bluff in the Grand Canyon, champagne toast and light snacks |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Grand Canyon Helicopter Rides From Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Landing from Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon Sunset Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
- Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk
- Grand Canyon West Rim by Helicopter from Las Vegas
Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride Reviews
1. Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
- Departure Point: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: Between 10:00 AM & 6:15 PM
- Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: 90-minute aerial tour in an A-star helicopter, all taxes, hotel pickup and drop-off by luxury van
If youโre going to Vegas anyway, you probably want to go all out! Why not, then, take off on a luxury helicopter ride above some of the most breathtaking vistas in the entire western US?!
The Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas melds amazing views with a touch of opulence, showing you natureโs most spectacular masterpieces.
This tour starts off with a convenient pickup right from your hotel lobby, so thereโs no driving or booking rideshares required in any way. Our driver was very professional and kind, expertly navigating while sharing some fun facts about the area with us.
Once we arrived to the VIP heliport at Harry Reid Airport, we were greeted by our pilot and were ready to take off!
The helicopter was rather small, which made it perfect for our very small group โ an intimate setting that just felt more personal. The state-of-the-art A-Star helicopter was very clearly well-maintained and perfect for appreciating the Grand Canyon in all its splendor!
We passed over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Black Canyon, and other interesting areas outside of the Grand Canyon that were quite interesting, as well.
However, approaching the West Rim was simply magical! We went through the canyon to enjoy the colorful rock walls and Colorado River in a way like never before! I took so many incredible photos and videos during this section of the tour!
On the way back, we got to enjoy plenty of amazing views of the Mojave, so itโs all amazing there and back!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Las Vegas Activities You May Enjoy
2. Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Landing from Las Vegas
- Departure Point: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: Between 7:00 AM & 1:00 PM
- Duration: 4 hours
- Includes: Flight each way in an Eco-Star helicopter, landing on a private bluff in the Grand Canyon, champagne toast and light snacks, all taxes and fees
Next up is a slightly longer, more comprehensive tour: the Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Landing from Las Vegas. This tour includes all the majestic beauty the last one did, with an exclusive itinerary featuring a landing on a private bluff right in the middle of the natural wonder!
If youโre in Vegas and want to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the city for a few hours, please check this one out! This exceptional experience was amazing right from the very beginning, with them conveniently picking us up right from our hotel.
Once we arrived to the heliport, we met up with our pilot who escorted us onto the comfortable Eco-Star helicopter. The Eco-Star is a bit larger than the A-Star, with plenty of room to stretch out and amazing views all-around.
They include personal headphones to listen to a recorded commentary about the Grand Canyon if you choose, but I preferred listening to the environment around us and the pilot, himself.
Flying over Hoover Dam was amazing to see as Iโd previously only experienced it right from the dam, and it was striking to see it from this perspective! Shortly after, we caught glimpse of the Grand Canyon, where we headed below the high desert to land on a private bluff 3,500 feet under the rim!
We got off the helicopter and headed under a Ramada shelter (commonly used in the southwestern US) for a lovely champagne toast and snacks under its shade. We had plenty of time to enjoy the views, chat with the pilot, and soak up this incredible experience!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Grand Canyon Sunset Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
- Departure Point: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 2:30 PM
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Includes: 45-minute flight each way in an Eco-Star helicopter, landing on private bluff in the Grand Canyon, champagne toast and light snacks, all taxes and fees
Next up is another tour that draws similarities to the one I just covered, but is just slightly longer. The Grand Canyon Sunset Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas is an opportunity you wonโt want to miss, creating an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of the American Southwest.
If youโre new to the area of simply have never seen the Grand Canyon, I canโt recommend this tour enough! I mean, even if you have seen the Grand Canyon, I can guarantee this aerial view (complete with a private bluff landing) is unlike anything else youโve experienced here!
While Las Vegas is no-doubt filled with its own thrills, itโs surrounded by majestic desert and natural landscapes that look like they belong to another planet. Unlike many other helicopter tours of its kind, this selection is designed to give you ample time to soak in the views instead of being hurried along.
Just like the others on this guide, youโll be picked up right from your hotel in Vegas, transferring you to the helipad. Our pilot was awesome, offering us a complete briefing beforehand and answering all of the questions we had before and along the way.
The Eco-Star helicopter was comfortable and moved smoothly, offering some breathtaking views from the very get-go. We eventually landed on a private bluff in the middle of the Grand Canyon, where we sat under a traditional Native American Ramada shelter.
Here, we relaxed and enjoyed a champagne toast with our pilot as well as a light snack of veggies, fruits, cheese, and crackers while enjoying the incredible views all around us!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk
- Departure Point: 1265 Airport Rd., Boulder City, NV
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM
- Duration: 7 hours
- Includes: 35-minute helicopter flight each way from Boulder City, hop-on/hop-off shuttle to Eagle Point and Guano Point, Skywalk general admission (if upgrade selected)
This is one of the longest tour options out there, offering not only a 35-minute helicopter flight each way, but plenty of other exploration options. The Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk is a comprehensive experience that is well worth the extra time.
Youโll get to see it from the ground, way up high, and even below the rim of the Grand Canyon for close-up views not many get to witness! We were picked up at our hotel and transferred to the helipad, where we met up with our knowledgeable guide.
We then set off in a comfortable helicopter, soaring up high above Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and other places of interest before making our way to the Grand Canyon. Once there, we got out and stretched our legs on a self-guided tour of Eagle Point and Guano Point.
Itโs funny that I didnโt feel scared of heights while on the helicopter, but when we were walking over the Grand Canyon Skywalk bridge, I started getting a bit nervous. The horseshoe-shaped completely transparent, glass platform stands 4,000 feet above the rim and you can select this optional upgrade once youโre there.
I also recommend taking the Highpoint Hike at Guano Point, where youโll get to enjoy some of the most amazing 360 views of the Canyon. I appreciated this tour, with its flexibility that lets you choose as you go, not staying stuck into one itinerary. Itโs so much fun and a great way to learn about and see the Grand Canyon from many different viewpoints!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Grand Canyon West Rim by Helicopter from Las Vegas
- Departure Point: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 10:00 AM
- Duration: 7 hours
- Includes: Helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon West Rim, admission to Grand Canyon West, hop-on/hop-off shuttle at Grand Canyon West, all fees and taxes
Last but certainly not least, we have another one of the longest helicopter tours on this guide. The Grand Canyon West Rim by Helicopter from Las Vegas tour is a thrilling adventure that takes place on land and in the air, with panoramic views you canโt find anywhere else.
If youโre someone who enjoys adventures that are out of the ordinary, do yourself a favor and check this one out. This 7-hour adventure is so much more than just the helicopter ride (though, it would be worth the experience alone!).
See and learn all about sovereign Native American tribes, local geology, cultural and scientific aspects of the Grand Canyon, and more. In fact, I canโt think of anything Iโd change โ our pilot even gave us great recommendations for where to eat in Vegas and other fun activities to try out!
This tour was a great way to try and wrap my mind around the insane landscapes that are out there in the deserts of the Southwestern US. Itโs kind of crazy seeing the different colored rocks, the natural rock formations, lakes, and everything in-between!
Our pilot did a fantastic job of narrating the tour and sharing fun facts with us in a way that was engaging. Similar to the previous tour, we had the option of checking out the breathtaking Skywalk once at the Canyon, as well as plenty of different overlooks.
On the way back, our pilot treated us to an amazing flight over the legendary Vegas Strip, which was just the cherry on top of an already-great tour!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours From Las Vegas
How long does a helicopter tour from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon take?
Most tours last between 3.5-6 hours total, with actual flight time ranging from 45 minutes to 90 minutes each way depending on which part of the canyon you’re visiting. Tours to the West Rim are shorter (3.5-4 hours total) than those to the South Rim (5-6 hours total).
Which part of the Grand Canyon can I visit by helicopter from Las Vegas?
Helicopters from Las Vegas typically fly to either:
- The West Rim (closest to Vegas, 45-minute flight)
- The South Rim (requires longer flight, around 80-90 minutes each way) Helicopters are not permitted to land below the rim at the South Rim but can land on the canyon floor at the West Rim.
What’s the difference between the West Rim and South Rim tours?
West Rim tours are shorter, less expensive, and allow helicopters to land inside the canyon. South Rim tours showcase the deepest, widest, and most photographed parts of the canyon but take longer and are more expensive. The South Rim is part of the national park, while the West Rim is on Hualapai tribal land.
How much do Grand Canyon helicopter tours cost?
Prices typically range from:
- $300-500 per person for basic West Rim air-only tours
- $400-700 for West Rim tours with landing on the canyon floor
- $500-800 for South Rim tours
- $700-1,200 for deluxe packages with champagne picnics, Skywalk tickets, or boat rides
Do helicopter tours include hotel pickup?
Most tours include complimentary pickup and drop-off from major Las Vegas Strip and downtown hotels. Some operators require meeting at their terminal near the Las Vegas airport.
When is the best time of day for a helicopter tour?
Morning flights (7-10 AM) typically offer the smoothest air conditions. Sunset flights provide dramatic lighting but can be bumpier due to afternoon thermal activity. Early morning tours also tend to be less expensive.
Is it safe to take a helicopter tour to the Grand Canyon?
Yes, when operated by reputable companies. Tour operators must meet FAA standards and safety standards. Tour companies have regular maintenance schedules for their helicopters and licensed pilots, but as with any aviation activity, there are risks.
Will I get motion sickness on a helicopter tour?
Most people don’t experience significant motion sickness as helicopters provide a relatively smooth ride. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking anti-motion sickness medication before the flight and request a seat in the middle of the aircraft where movement is less pronounced.
What should I wear on a helicopter tour?
Dress comfortably in layers, as temperatures at the canyon can be significantly different from Las Vegas. Wear dark clothing to reduce glare in photos. Closed toe shoes are recommended, especially if you will be landing and walking. Hats must be secured or removed during flight.
Can I bring my camera or phone?
Yes, cameras and phones are permitted and photo taking encouraged. Avoid changing lenses during flight to prevent dust issues. Some tours offer professional photos for purchase.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak tourist seasons (March-May and September-October). Booking 2-4 weeks ahead is recommended, though last-minute bookings are sometimes available in slower periods.
Are there weight restrictions for passengers?
Most helicopter tour companies do have weight restrictions for safety and balance. Passengers typically need to provide their weight at booking, and those over 250-300 pounds may need to purchase an additional seat. Some operators may charge a fee for passengers over certain weights.
Are children allowed on helicopter tours?
Most companies allow children aged 2 and older, with infants (under 2) typically required to sit on a parent’s lap. Some operators have minimum age requirements of 4-6 years old. Children generally pay the same price as adults.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Weather cancellations are relatively rare in Las Vegas but do happen. Most companies offer either full refunds or rescheduling for another day if weather conditions make flying unsafe.
Sites Seen
Tour Guides
Value
The Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas is our top pick based on the sites seen and value.