Las Vegas Thrills? Try This Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour!

Sin City is known for dramatic things to do. Grand Canyon helicopter trips are no exception. Right on time for summer, you can now fly to the bottom of the canyon, boat down the Colorado River and walk the Glass Bridge. And you do all of this in one day!

This adventure starts by coming aboard a helicopter and departing from the Vegas area for Grand Canyon West, located just 120 miles away. On the way, you get a bird's eye view of Lake Mead, the biggest reservoir in the U.S., and Hoover Dam, the second largest dam in the nation.

You're in canyon country as you fly over Grand Cliffs wash. Here the helicopters will start its slow descent into the gorge. Buttes, spires and cliffs surround you as you fly above the meandering Colorado River. The general affect of this primordial landscape is stunning.

The heli will land on a dirt clearing that's about 300 feet from the river. A Hualapai Indian will open the helicopter door and direct you to an authentic Indian Ramada. You'll get together with your fellow passengers here and start the short stroll to the boat dock.

The Hualapai manage the boating segment of this heli tour. The watercraft are steel pontoon boats with outboard engines. Seating is comfortable and the views are utterly magnificent. Nate was our river pilot. His understanding of this riparian area was extraordinary. He motored upstream, cut the motors and let us drift back at 15 mph.

Our heli pilot welcomed us back on board. He examined the instrument panel, revved up the helicopter, gave us the thumbs up and off we went. The ascent was thrilling. I was in the front. It was like being in an IMAX movie. We cut through a gorge, rounded the rim and landed at the Grand Canyon West heliport.

Next up: The Grand Canyon Glass Walkway. This cantilevered bridge lets you stroll 70 feet beyond the rim of the canyon. The sensation is nothing short of breathtaking. Particularly when you bear in mind that you happen to be standing 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. No cameras are permitted. Professional photographers are ready to take your picture. Opt for the multi-image bundle. There’s no time limit on how long you can stay. The north side has the best views.

Never pay full list price for these chopper trips. This means keeping away from the hotel concierge and the high-pressure sales people that populate the Vegas Strip. Rather, purchase your helicopter trips on the web. The very best deals are on the Web. I regularly get tours that are discounted by up to 25%. Buy your trip in advance. These trips are hot and sell out. Purchasing before you arrive at Vegas makes certain that you and your group have seats.

This is the most enjoyable Las Vegas helicopter excursion to the Grand Canyon I've ever taken. First is the fact that you get to land at the bottom. This can only be done at the Grand Canyon West. Then there's the peaceful boat ride down the river. Just when you think you've seen it all, you walk the Grand Canyon Sky Walk. This isn't the lowest priced heli tour out there. But it's by far the most definitive. If you have the funds, go for it.

Mr. Kravitz is a travel writer who reviews tours to the Grand Canyon. Go here for his Top 3 Grand Canyon helicopter tour operators. Rankings are based on safety, quality and price. Use these reviews and enjoy the flight of a lifetime!