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Everyone who has toured the Grand Canyon by air comes home saying it's far and away the best way to experience this magnificent natural wonder. A helicopter tour gives you the type of perspective on the canyon that just isn't possible from the ground. It might not be as expensive as you think, either, thanks to helicopter discounts, specials and other promotional deals. It has taken the Colorado River billions of years to carve out this immense gouge in the Earth's surface. Once, the region was a mountain range much like the Himalayas are today. It took millions of years, but the mountains eventually eroded and the region became a plain. Then powerful geological forces deep within the earth caused the land to rise upward once again. The mighty Colorado wound its way through the area, carving into the rock as it passed through. The Grand Canyon has come to be one of the most popular National Parks in the United States. But thousands of years ago, it was the home of indigenous people who hunted and fished in the region. Around 500 B.C. the Pueblo Indians came to the Grand Canyon and stayed until around 1150 A.D. when they departed and left what are today their ancient ruins. The first Europeans didn't arrive in the area for another 400 years, sometime around 1540 A.D. A Spanish conquistador known as Francisco Coronado explored the American southwest nearly eighty years prior to the Pilgrims' landing at Plymouth Rock. Coronado sought a great river he heard about from the Hopi Indians, and while searching for it, his expedition became the first non-indigenous people to behold the Grand Canyon. After three days spent searching for a way to cross the immense canyon, they were forced to turn back. The next expedition to the Grand Canyon was led by John Wesley Powell and it didn't take place for over 300 years. Powell's expedition followed the Colorado and attempted to map the area. The expedition lost three boats and three men to the river before it landed in the area where the man-made Lake Mead sits today. Once Powell published his findings, interest grew and many others went to the region to explore and study the new land. It didn't take long for people to realize the amazing historical and geological value of the area. Flagstaff, Arizona developed into a place for visitors to stay before they boarded a train bound for the canyon. Congress made the Grand Canyon into a National Park in 1919. It continues to be one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, and it's an extremely popular tourist attraction. It's possible to explore the National Park on foot, but many sightseers now prefer taking one of the Grand Canyon helicopters that fly from Grand Canyon National Park Airport or Las Vegas. Modern sightseeing helicopters are used in tours of the South Rim and these offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Because the viewing windows are over-sized, you get an amazing view of the scenery below as you pass over it. Don't assume a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon is too expensive because you can save a lot of money if you use a helicopter discount coupon or special offer. You do need to realize that almost all helicopter discounts require you to book and pay for your tour online. That seems reasonable to me, and you can use your savings on hotel rooms, gas and dining out. The author is a specialist in Grand Canyon trips. If you are looking for amazing canyon helicopter flights at the cheapest rates, she suggests visiting here now: http://www.grandcanyoncheap.com/helicopter-tours.html
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