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 you’re 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.

I’ve 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. Let’s get started!

Be sure to see our reviews of Hoover Dam Tours, Antelope Canyon Tours and Red Rock Canyon Tours.

Best Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon

	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
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

The 5 Best Rated Grand Canyon Helicopter Rides From Las Vegas

1. Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
2. Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Landing from Las Vegas
3. Grand Canyon Sunset Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas
4. Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Skywalk
5. Grand Canyon West Rim by Helicopter from Las Vegas

Grand Canyon Helicopter From Las Vegas Tour Reviews

1. Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas

If you’re 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 nature’s most spectacular masterpieces.

This tour starts off with a convenient pickup right from your hotel lobby, so there’s 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 – 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 it’s all amazing there and back!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Grand Canyon Deluxe Helicopter Tour with Landing from Las Vegas

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 you’re 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 I’d 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

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 won’t want to miss, creating an unforgettable adventure that captures the essence of the American Southwest.

If you’re new to the area of simply have never seen the Grand Canyon, I can’t 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 you’ve experienced here!

While Las Vegas is no-doubt filled with its own thrills, it’s 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, you’ll 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

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.

You’ll 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.

 It’s funny that I didn’t 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 you’re there.

I also recommend taking the Highpoint Hike at Guano Point, where you’ll 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. It’s 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

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 can’t find anywhere else.

If you’re 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 can’t think of anything I’d change – 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. It’s 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

Your Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon

• Airports & Entry
• Planning Tips
• Restaurants & Eating Out
• Nightlife & Entertainment
• Getting Around
• Accommodations
• Weather

Airports & Entry

Most visitors of the Grand Canyon arrive in one of the two major airports in the area – Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX). Both airports are located within half-a-day drive from the Grand Canyon South Rim, where most tours of the canyon begin.

Grand Canyon National Park Airport (GCN) is situated just outside the South Rim entrance, but it is mostly used by companies, which provide Grand Canyon helicopter and air tours, as well as by private aircraft companies.

If you come to Las Vegas airport, you can then take one of the great Las Vegas tours to the Grand Canyon, so you may consider this the best option for your trip. To get from the McCarran International Airport to the city, you can take a public bus, a shuttle bus, a taxi, or even a limousine. It is Las Vegas, after all!

Shuttle bus will cost you $7.5 to get to any hotel on the Strip, and $9 to get downtown. Many hotels also offer shuttle service for their guests, so don’t forget to check, when booking an accommodation. The public buses cost $2 – $3 to get to the city and head in four different directions, so you can choose the one you need.

Taxi will cost you approximately $18 – $35, plus tips, depending on the destination. And for a limo service, be prepared to pay between $100 and $200.

Planning Tips

You should promptly consider your clothing for a trip to the Grand Canyon. It should be comfortable and suitable for various activities, such as hiking, bicycling, mule riding, and anything else you are eager to try. Don’t forget comfortable hiking boots!

Also, keep in mind, the days can be very hot in the Grand Canyon, so consider clothes made of natural fabrics. And don’t forget something warm for the night, as it can get pretty cold after sunset.

Restaurants & Eating Out

According to travelers’ feedbacks, food at the Grand Canyon can be rather overpriced. However, if you are staying in South Rim and need a place to have lunch or dinner, consider Arizona Room, El Tovar Hotel Dining Room, or Bright Angel Restaurant, which all offer tasty food at relatively reasonable prices.

Keep in mind, that Arizona Room is only open from 4.30 p.m. until 10 p.m., while the latter two provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner opportunities. There is a grocery deli at Market Plaza and some cafeterias situated in the Yavapai and Maswik Lodges. Also, some dining selections can be found just outside the park, in the Tusayan community.

If you prefer to stay in North Rim, the options available are Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room, Cafe on the Rim, and Jacob Lake Inn. All of these eating facilities are open daily and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the contrary, Coffee Saloon will be a great choice for breakfast, as it is open from 5.30 a.m. until 10.30 a.m., and serves only coffee, bagels, and pastries.

Nightlife & Entertainment

The Grand Canyon is mostly about sports and daytime activities, rather than nighttime entertainment. Evenings in the Grand Canyon are all about sunset and watching the beauty of the surroundings in unusual twilight colors.

The variety of daytime activities is outstanding: helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon, hiking, whitewater rafting, ranger programs, motor coach tours, mule rides, watching the meteoric showers (only available in June), bicycling, and numerous educational courses – you are sure to  find something, according to your taste and budget.

However, if you are staying put for the night, and would like to go somewhere in the evening, have a few cocktails and listen to good music, there are a few facilities, which will most probably come to your liking. At South Rim, those are Bright Angel Bar, Maswik Pizza Pub, and El Tovar Lounge. At North Rim, try Rough Rider Saloon, Jacob Lake Inn, or Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room.

Getting Around

The National Park Service provides an extended amount of shuttles, which run between major viewpoints and trailheads of the Grand Canyon. They are free and, generally, operate all day long, until the sun sets. The schedule is most frequent from May to September. In addition, during the summer, you can get from Tusayan to the park by shuttle service.

We recommend using the shuttles, even if you come by car, because some locations have very limited parking area. Keep in mind, that from March through November, the West Rim Drive is not accessible for private vehicles, excluding the handicap vehicles, whose owners must request a variance at the entry gate. During this time, we recommend the shuttle service. Buses are frequent, but be prepared for long lines, especially when the high season hits.

Accommodations

If you are coming to the Grand Canyon, you, probably, choose between lodgings and camping. The first option provides more comfort, while the latter is cheaper and feels more like real tourism. Well, isn’t it?

At South Rim, you may consider these accommodations: Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Yavapai Lodge. All of them are open year-round, but be wise and book in advance, if you are planning to come during the high season.

At North Rim, you might like Grand Canyon Lodge, Jacob Lake Inn, or Phantom Ranch. And yes, booking ahead is also recommended.

As for camping, campgrounds are available at both South and North Rims. Advanced reservation is highly advised, especially at South Rim and during the summer months. At South Rim, you will find Desert View Campground, Mather Campground, and Trailer Village. The cost varies from $10 to $12,5 per person per night. The latter two are open year-round, while the first one only operates from May through October.

At North Rim, there are two major campgrounds: Jacob Lake Campground and North Rim Campground, both of which are only open during the warm season. The price varies from $12 to $20 per night. Outside of the park, there is a number of undeveloped campsites at Kaibab National Forest. But be aware of closures and camp fire restrictions, due to extreme drought conditions in the area.

If you want to camp in the wild, you are required to get a backcountry permit from the Backcountry Country Office (BCO) at Grand Canyon National Park. Keep in mind, there are limited water supplies in the canyon. And, of course, you are strongly asked not to leave any trace.

Permits are limited and become available on the 1^st day of the month, four months prior to the start month. This means, if you would like to get a backcountry permit for May, it becomes available on January 1. However, you need to come in person, as permits are not currently available by phone or online.

Weather

The Grand Canyon is the land of extremes. It can get very hot, and it can get very cold. At North Rim, the summer temperatures vary between 11-16^oC, while the river temperature can get as high as 49^oC.

At South Rim, the summer temperature can vary between 10-26^oC, so you should prepare for anything, when packing your suitcase or backpack. And keep in mind, the Grand Canyon has extreme drought conditions, so consider your health state, before deciding to have an active Grand Canyon trip.

Attractions

What else is there to do in Vegas that isn’t gambling, eating, or seeing a show? Let’s take a look!

Fremont Street – Fremont Street is a blast! It’s a little kooky, but reminds us of “old-school” Las Vegas. Located right in downtown, it’s pedestrian-only and comes with a ton of live entertainment, the ultra-fun zipline that goes right over the center of the street, and a light show. Container Park is here, too, with all kinds of little boutique shops and live entertainment.

Statosphere Tower/The STRAT Observation Deck – The tallest freestanding observation deck in the US is located here, too! If you’re already staying at The STRAT, make sure to check out the observation deck! Even if you aren’t staying there, it’s a pretty interesting way to see a 360-view of Vegas.

The Neon Museum – Often a go-to spot for local photographers, The 2.25-acre Neon Museum or Neon Boneyard, keeps old neon signs from the city, making for a fascinating cultural spot to take a stroll away from the crowds.

Drive Your Dream Car – Ever wanted to drive a Lambo, Ferrari, or Aston Martin? You can at Exotics Racing! You can drive up to 130 mph on their race track – don’t forget to take some pics or photos! At the Richard Petty Driving Experience you can join a pro driver on the Las Vegas Speedway, too!

Indoor Skydiving – Are you an adrenaline junkie? Perhaps you want the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a sketchy old plane? Then head over to Vegas Indoor Skydiving!

Atomic Testing Museum – The US has quite the history of nuclear testing, especially in the Nevada deserts. This museum is educational, entertaining, and even includes an exact replica of the control point where the countdown for each nuclear bomb detonation occurred.

High Roller Observation Wheel – Located at The LINQ, this is the world’s tallest observation wheel! You know Vegas has to do things big! At 550 feet above ground, this is another great way to see the city, 360 degrees.

Roller Coaster – Head over to Adventure Dome for some indoor roller coasters, laser tag, the swinging ship, bumper cars, and more. If you’re bringing kids along, you’re going to score big points with them if you go here.

ATV Tours – Be sure to explore the surrounding desert on an ATV tour after you see it from the air in a helicopter.

Grand Canyon – If you have an extra day be sure to take a tour of the Grand Canyon. It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see the nature beauty of the canyon.

Horse Riding – Enjoy the scenery of the surrounding desert with a horseback riding tour while your are in Las Vegas. It’s an unforgettable adventure!

Hoover Dam – Don’t miss the incomparable Hoover Dam. Take a tour of the Hoover Dam to learn it’s history and how it was built!

Antelope & Red Rock Canyon – A tour of Antelope Canyon is not to be missed. These canyons were formed by water and wind erosion and will boggle your mind that they were all created naturally. Red Rock Canyon is one of the most photographed area in the country and when you go there you will know why. The fiery red rocks are stunningly beautiful. Be sure to take a guided tour of Red Rock Canyon is great way to see it, you can get lost in there pretty easily.