Grand Canyon flights are a terrific way to see and experience this natural wonder. Helicopter tours aren't identical, though, especially when it comes to the best time to fly. You'll want your flight to be as wonderful as possible, so keep reading. You'll find some helpful information about the best flight departure times below.
Grand Canyon Airport (located in tiny Tusayan, Arizona, about ten minutes from the South Rim's main entrance) and Las Vegas are the main departure points for Grand Canyon helicopter flights. Unfortunately, Grand Canyon helicopter tours that fly from Las Vegas directly to the South Rim don't exist. In order to make that particular trip, you'll need to board a motor coach or plane and then switch to a helicopter.
Which Rim to Visit
Many people consider the South Rim the "official" Grand Canyon. Located about 270 miles from Las Vegas, this rim is popular with travelers coming from Phoenix or central Arizona. Grand Canyon helicopter tours of the South Rim are not permitted to land on the canyon floor or even descend below the rim. But I have to admit that flying through the deepest, widest portion of the canyon (Dragoon Corridor) more than makes up for it.
If you're interested in adventure and exhilarating experiences, the West Rim would be the best choice. Landing tours at the West Rim let you add optional side trips to your Grand Canyon flight. The possibilities include a pass to the fabulous Grand Canyon Skywalk (the glass bridge that lets you walk 70 feet out past the rim's edge), a float trip down the Colorado River, and/or a chopper flight down to the canyon floor.
The West Rim's climate is scorching during the summer, with temperatures routinely soaring above 100 degrees F. That's why I recommend that people taking Grand Canyon flights bring water and wear sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Sturdy shoes and a long-sleeved shirt are smart choices because the terrain is rugged and rocky. Winter temperatures are much cooler, so bring gloves, a hat and a medium-weight jacket.
Because the South Rim is more than 6,000 feet above sea level, summer temperatures are more moderate. You should still bring plenty of water and wear sunblock, however. South Rim winters are colder than at the West Rim, and snow is always a possibility. Despite the cooler weather, winter Grand Canyon flights can be a terrific experience because there won't be many visitors at the park.
Choosing a Flight Time
The specific rim, the season and the climate all play an important role when you're trying to determine the best departure time for your flight. To beat the summer heat, I recommend Grand Canyon helicopter tours that take off before lunch - the earlier the better if you're taking a West Rim landing tour. Likewise, morning flights allow you to beat the mid-afternoon thunderstorms that sweep over the area like clockwork between July and September. An afternoon flight during these months could be delayed or even canceled by bad weather.
Two other important factors tilt the scales in favor of morning Grand Canyon flights. For one thing, visibility is better in the morning. A haze in the air often forms in the summer due to pollution, dust and smoke from forest fires. This debris in the air can, however, make sunset flights absolutely spectacular. Second, the air is less turbulent in the morning, especially during the summer when minor afternoon air turbulence is fairly common.
There's no need to worry if you're unable to book a morning flight. Although it's true that mornings are better, a tour by helicopter at any time of day is an amazing experience. You'll understand what I mean as soon as your tour takes off!
Travel journalist Kelly Kirbee is an expert on tours to the Grand Canyon. If you are looking for affordable helicopter flights, she recommends checking out this web site: http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org/deals
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