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The most fun and exciting tour you can take of the Grand Canyon is one that goes by helicopter. Tour helicopters hover over many of the main landmarks at the canyon, and they can also fly down to the canyon floor. It's truly an amazing experience, but it is even more so when you fly at the right time of the day. The air tours take off from Las Vegas as well as Tusayan, Arizona where the Grand Canyon Airport is located. The choppers that depart from Tusayan tour the South Rim and the Vegas choppers go to the West Rim. There aren't any helicopter flights that connect the two rims, so if you want to tour the South Rim, but you're going to be in Vegas, you can take a quick 45-minute airplane flight to Tusayan first and then begin your chopper tour. Aerial Tours If you are short on time, an air-only tour is a good choice for you. The tours can be completed in around three hours. But, if you can swing it, I recommend landing tours because you'll see the canyon from the ground as well as from the air. Mornings are the best times for Grand Canyon helicopter tours, and the earlier the better. With that in mind, try to find a tour that departs between 7am and noon. Keep in mind, if you're going to begin your tour from Vegas, you'll probably have to check in for your flight about 90 minutes before departure time. The tours that lift off from the airport in Tusayan require that you check in for your flight thirty minutes early. There are good reasons to book these air tours early. Morning flights are smoother rides because the air is much less turbulent during the morning hours. Second, afternoon Grand Canyon air tours during the summer months are often canceled or postponed by the late-afternoon thunderstorms that roll into the area almost like clockwork. Clear Skies Visibility is also better in the morning, especially during summer because wildfires are frequent. When smoke is in the air, your visibility is greatly reduced. Also, dust builds up in the air as the day goes on and this makes the air hazy. That same haze can, however, make sunset helicopter tours an awe-inspiring experience because the sun's rays are accentuated on the cliffs and walls of the canyon. One thing to keep in mind when you're booking a landing tour that sits down on the canyon floor is to not take the earliest flight. If you go too early, especially in the winter, it won't be light at the bottom of the canyon yet. However, a flight that leaves at 8 am or a little later would be idea. Another thing to remember is to dress for the climate. Shorts are fine for the summer, and you should protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves, plus you want to wear sturdy walking shoes. For a winter tour, you'll need to upgrade to warm pants, gloves, a jacket and warm hat. No matter what season you visit the Grand Canyon, you should take along sun block, water, and salty snacks. Get Your Seats In Advance Morning flights on Grand Canyon helicopters are extremely popular, so I urge you to book yours in advance. By booking early, you'll have a greater selection of lift off times and tour choices, plus, if you do it online, you can save some money. You won't save any money by leaving it to the last minute. Booking your tour in Vegas or at the canyon is the worst thing you could do because you'll almost always pay more than necessary. Tips from the Author Fly the Grand Canyon National Park! The writer suggests checking out these chopper reviews before going here for the very best discounts on flights from Vegas and the South Rim: http://www.grandcanyoncheap.com/helicopter-deals.html
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