Grand Canyon helicopters travel to the National Park from sunrise to sundown. For most travelers, each flight is one to keep in mind. But let’s say I told you that by timing your airline flight right, it might be better still?
Being a travel reviewer, I’ve been taking canyon chopper trips for years. I’ve done morning hours, lunch and dusk. Each gives you a unique view of the Park. Nevertheless, if I had my druthers, I would stay with morning departures.
I say this for a couple of reasons:
The air is smoother. As the day progresses, the sun warms the ground and forms turbulence. I’ve never had a trip that was irritatingly bumpy. However, if you’re looking to take pictures, it matters. In addition, it might make a distinction if you are vulnerable to motion sickness.
The environment is clearer. The winds pick up right after lunch and they bring dust and possibly smoke from local wildfires, which, due to drought, occur quite often during summer. That said, a bit of haze intensifies sunsets and makes early evening flights really worth your consideration.
Summer thunderstorms averted. The northern Arizona monsoon season runs from July through September. The season is marked by quick afternoon storms. The worst that can happen is you will be grounded until the storm passes. I, however, think it’s well worth the wait: The Grand Canyon looks absolutely beautiful following a rain shower.
To get the flight and time you want, you must reserve your Grand Canyon heli tour in advance by at least a week. This principle applies to excursions that begin from Las Vegas and Grand Canyon Airport (a.k.a. South Rim in Arizona).
Additional reasons to RSVP are: 1) Heli tours are extremely well-known and sell out. Last-minute reservations for two or more individuals are difficult to get. If you do succeed, anticipate paying out the nose; 2) morning as well as sunset flights are at the top of everyone’s wish list; and 3) helis only hold six people along with the pilot, therefore putting a additional stress on accessibility.
Like all others, I’m searching for a great deal on helicopter excursions, as well. Each day I search the Web for friends, family as well as clients. I’ve boiled down my strategy to get flight reductions to two simple points:
First, reserve in advance. The further out the better, with a minimum of a week in advance. Second, buy your seats on the Internet. It’s common knowledge that the best deals are on the internet. I only use tour operators that provide unique online pricing. And third, complete the entire reservation online. Employing an agent will cost you more. This is the step that everyone falls down on.
I strongly believe that the absolute best way to enjoy the National Park is by taking a Grand Canyon Chopper tour. The canyon is a massive place (like over 1 million acres!), and copters are the best way to come to terms with its awesomeness. And, for individuals who want to take their canyon experience to the next level, fly in the a.m.
