All About the Grand Canyon Helicopter Trip that Lands Next to the Colorado River & Comes With Skywalk Passes

I call this Grand Canyon helicopter tour the "trifecta." This king of heli trips includes a base landing, canyon rafting trip, and entree to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Do this tour and you can rightfully say you've "done" the West Rim!

Grand Canyon Helicopter Base Landing

Not a lot of people know this but base landing by heli is only permitted at Grand Canyon West, a.k.a the West Rim.

The ride starts out from the Vegas metro area and beelines past Lake Mead and Hoover Dam before dropping in over the lip of the West Rim.

Not a lot of people know this but base landing by heli is only permitted at Grand Canyon West, a.k.a the West Rim.

By "drop" I'm referring to the 10-minute, 4,000-foot descent to the bottom. This is one big canyon carve through a crazy landscape punctuated with buttes, spires, and hidden sub-canyons.

Most helicopters land on private dirt heli-pads near the Colorado River. Trips I favor come with a Champagne Picnic and time to explore some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet.

Grand Canyon River Rafting

Upstream from the helipad is where the adventure-class pontoon boats are docked. These impressive watercraft can hold up to 19 people. There are no rapids on this trip. This is a smooth-water float ride. Kids 4 years of age and up are welcome. The "light adventure" aspect of this trip makes it a group and family favorite.

Grand Canyon Skywalk

The helicopter ascent to the top of the West Rim is the perfect prelude to the Skywalk. This tour comes with VIP tickets that get you to the front of the line.

The glass bridge is an astounding piece of modern engineering. Each panel of glass in its deck cost $250,000 a pop. The walkway takes you 70 feet past the rim and into the abyss. About 4,000 feet below your "bootied" shoes is the Colorado River.

Tips on Buying Helicopter Tours

I run a number of canyon helicopter tour blogs and get a lot of traveler inquiries. Three threads stand out the most:

1. Should I book my helicopter tour in advance?
   
   Absolutely. These air tours sell out quick, especially during high season. Two weeks ahead of time is cutting it close. Try a same-day booking and you either risk not flying or paying an exorbitant premium.
   
   
2. What's the best time to fly?
   
   Morning. This is when visibility is primo. Air is smoother, too. Next best are sunset tours. These are limited and will cost you extra.
   
   
3. How do I get the best deal on helicopter tours?
   
   Book online. Seriously, it's that simple. Avoid the telephone. You'll end up in the grips of a salesperson. Use any of my top helicopter tour companies if you want safe, secure online bookings.
   
   

Time to Fly!

This Grand Canyon helicopter tour with boat and Skywalk is the ultimate Vegas day trip. Incredibly, you'll do all this in 1 day. Just in time to get back to The Strip for your evening entertainment or dining plans. Can it get any better than this?!?!

Go Here For Best Deal On Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Boat & Skywalk!

Have a Grand Day,

P.S. I want to repeat that the canyon-rafting segment of this trip is no-rapids. It's a totally enjoyable smooth float ride and awesomely fun for all ages. Go here for more info on this terrific canyon helicopter combo tour!