My husband and I visited Las Vegas and decided we just HAD to try out a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. I have all the juicy details so you can decide if it’s worth it for you. Hint: it totally is.
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Is A Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Really Worth It? My Honest Experience From Las Vegas
My husband and I went to Las Vegas and decided to try a Grand Canyon helicopter tour. It had been on our wish list forever, and since the canyon is so close to Vegas, it felt like the perfect time to go for it.
If you are wondering whether a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is actually worth the money, here is the quick answer. Yes. One hundred percent yes. It was hands down the coolest thing we did in Las Vegas.
If you want to skip straight to the tour we booked, this is the one we loved. It flies over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, lands inside the canyon, and even includes a champagne picnic.
Don’t have time to read this whole article? Book this helicopter tour now. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
Quick Answer: Yes, A Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Is Totally Worth It
Let me tell you why this experience is so special.
- You get views you will never get from the ground.
- You skip the long bus rides from Las Vegas.
- You land inside the canyon which is unreal.
- It feels like a once in a lifetime memory.
- You get to see Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam from above.
- And honestly, it is just a total thrill.
If you want to book the same tour we did, you can check it out here. It has a perfect five star rating.
What Our Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour From Las Vegas Was Like
On this Vegas trip, we originally planned an ATV adventure. We booked that online and were already excited for it. But flying in a helicopter had been something we wanted to try for years.
So we finally said let’s do it. Let’s book a helicopter tour that actually lands inside the Grand Canyon. It also included views of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and other spots along the way.
There are tons of helicopter tours, but the one we chose felt like it offered the most for the price. It ended up being the perfect choice.
When we arrived at the terminal, they weighed us, gave us safety info, and helped us get our headsets on. Once we were in the helicopter, our pilot introduced himself and immediately made us feel at ease.
We lifted off the ground and instantly had the best views of the Las Vegas Strip. After that, the desert opened up and the whole adventure began.
Here we are loving life in the helicopter.
Our pilot was awesome. He shared fun facts along the way and played music in our headsets when he was not talking. It was such a fun vibe.
Best Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours From Las Vegas
These are some of the best helicopter tours you can take from Las Vegas to see the Grand Canyon:
What You See On A Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
You cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, which is one of the best parts.
You get:
- Lake Mead
- The Hoover Dam
- The Colorado River
- The Grand Canyon itself
- And depending on your upgrade, views of Las Vegas at sunset on the way back.
Every part feels like its own mini experience. Here is what each one was like.
Lake Mead
On the way to the Grand Canyon we flew over Lake Mead. I knew a little about it before, but hearing about it while flying over it was so interesting.
Lake Mead was formed by the Hoover Dam and is the largest reservoir in the United States. It supplies drinking water to about 25 million people.
The area has a huge variety of wildlife. There are desert tortoises, iguanas, gila monsters, owls, falcons, hummingbirds, and even bald eagles. You may also spot bighorn sheep, coyotes, mountain lions, and more.
I did not expect this area to be such a wildlife hot spot, but it really is.
The Low Water Levels
If you follow the news, you probably know Lake Mead had record low water levels in 2022. Things improved in 2023 and the water level rose again, which was good to see.
Because the water dropped so low, a lot of wild things showed up. A World War II era boat. Remains of a B 29 plane. And even several sets of human remains which people believe may be linked to old mob activity.
Only in Vegas, right.
The Hoover Dam
Flying over the Hoover Dam was incredible. The scale of it is hard to understand until you see it from above.
The dam was built between 1930 and 1936. It stands 726 feet tall and stretches 1,244 feet across. It also has a huge hydroelectric power plant that helps power parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Seven million people visit the Hoover Dam every year. A million of them even take tours inside. But seeing it from above might be the most impressive view of all.
Landing Inside The Grand Canyon
This part was unreal. The views flying into the canyon are so beautiful that it almost does not look real. Once you land, you really feel the size and the magic of the whole place.
We had a little picnic waiting for us with cheese, crackers, cookies, champagne, and cold water. It was such a fun touch. We were there with friends, and it felt like this perfect little moment in the middle of nowhere.
After that, we had time to walk around and take pictures. Everywhere you look is another amazing view. You truly can not take a bad photo here.
Our pilot reminded us to leave no trace. The local tribes believe the canyon is sacred, and taking anything from the land is considered bad luck. I was not about to mess with that.
Seriously, the view is unreal. The landscape and scenery here at the Grand Canyon have a quiet strength that leaves you in awe. There just aren’t sufficient words to express the feeling in your soul when looking out across the Grand Canyon.
Flying Back To Vegas At Sunset
When I booked our flight I also chose the sunset upgrade and it was worth every penny. The colors in the sky were incredible, and flying through them in a helicopter felt surreal.
As we got closer to Vegas, we saw the Strip lighting up for the night. It is such a cool view, and one you definitely will not get from the ground.
This was honestly the highlight of our whole Vegas trip. And we love Vegas. But this was next level.
Who Will Love A Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
This is such a good experience for:
- Couples
- Friends
- First timers in Las Vegas
- Anyone who wants big views without a full day bus trip
- People looking for a bucket list moment
- Anyone who loves thrill rides or unique experiences
If you want to squeeze something unforgettable into your Vegas trip, this is it.
Still unsure if a Grand Canyon helicopter tour is worth it? I suggest this helicopter tour with a champagne toast. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, I cannot recommend a Grand Canyon helicopter tour enough. The views are unbelievable. The landing inside the canyon is so special. And the whole thing feels like a once in a lifetime moment.
If you want to book the same tour we did, you can check it out here. It was perfect and the five star reviews are well deserved.
More Las Vegas Guides
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and want to make the most of your time, I’ve got a whole stack of helpful guides for you.
These are all based on my own trips, the things we actually did, and everything I wish I knew ahead of time. Feel free to click through any of these to help you plan the perfect Vegas getaway.
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