Hey it's Keith Kravitz and this is the Helicopter Weekend Update!
The western part of the US is going through a heatwave. Us down here in southern Nevada and Arizona, however, are getting some much needed rain, which cools off temps. If you're headed out this way now, it's a great time to do it. Very pleasant and here's a quick primer on weather at the Rims.
In addition to the importance of weather, it's beneficial to understand the best times of the day to do a trip. Can make the difference between great and awesome.
Las Vegas, NV
This is the helicopter ride from Vegas where you go to the bottom and sip bubbles. It's an awesome flight, especially the part when you descend some 4,500 feet to the bottom. Once you deplane, you're literally standing on some of the oldest exposed rock on the planet. This is one of the trips that can be
privatized.
There's a deluxe version of the Champagne tour, too. Instead of taking off from Boulder City (a suburb of Vegas about 25 mins. from The Strip), you fly from McCarran Airport in Vegas. Further, hotel transfers are by limo, which gives everyone the opportunity to be a "celeb" or an "A-lister" for a day.
Things to Do
Flights and tours start from Las Vegas and Tusayan, AZ (Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Las Vegas flights go to the West Rim, which is about 120 miles east as the "crow flies." The South Rim, which is located in northern Arizona is 60 mins. from Flagstaff and Williams and about 3.5 hours form Phoenix. From Vegas, you'll need 5.5 hours to reach the South Rim. So...what to do when you get there? Lots! Here's a list of things to to at the West Rim and one that highlights things to do at the South Rim.
South Rim/Tusayan, AZ
We are getting a lot of bookings for the 50-minute South Rim flight. Doesn't surprise me. This tour covers 75 percent of the Canyon and goes over the South Rim, North Rim and the East Rim. Of course, it's the most expensive option but in my opinion it's the best value by far.
For folks on a budget, I strongly recommend the South Rim 30-minute basic flight. It does a straight-shot from South Rim to North Rim and back via the Dragoon Corridor, which is the widest, deepest section of the National Park. Prices fluctuate during the fall season but you can get the cheapest rates if you book online and in advance.
I also want to let you know that the weather is so darn awesome that it's an ideal time to do the helicopter + open-air Hummer/Jeep tour. This package starts with a 30-min. heli ride and concludes with a terrific 2-hour Jeep tour (over flat roads) that includes a guide and stops at key Park lookouts and monuments. There's also a sunset
version (sells out fast).
NEED A TOUR?
Reply back to this message if you need to buy a tour by telling me:
*From Las Vegas or South Rim?
*Day and month you want to do a tour
*The kind of tour you want
I reply to EVERY email.
Have a great day!
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