Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours

You've got to be living under a rock if you think you'll get bored in Las Vegas. From slots and buffets to shows and roller coasters, there's something for everyone in this Mecca of entertainment, including tours to the Grand Canyon.

Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tours

My thinking is this: If you've made the 125-mile journey to Grand Canyon West, the Skywalk is mandatory. That's my opinion. I do know others who prefer a more simplistic experience. If that's you, then go with the Silver Package. Why? Because it includes a delicious homemade lunch, which, after an hour on the rim, you'll be starving.

The West Rim is located 120 miles east of the Vegas, while the South Rim is 277 away. Go to either by bus, helicopter, or airplane. They're priced right and make visiting the "big ditch" a blast. Let's take a closer look at what's available...

Grand Canyon Bus Tours

Bus tours go to the West Rim and the South Rim. Departures are in the morning. These trips are all-inclusive and come with free hotel pick up/drop off, lite breakfast, lunch, and Park fees.

West Rim bus ride options include:

1. West Rim (optional Skywalk)
2. Grand Canyon Skywalk. Get unlimited access to the Glass Bridge!


3. Helicopter landing tour and boat ride. Go to bottom. Deplane. Take pontoon raft down Colorado River.

South Rim bus ride options include:

1. Helicopter ride. 30-minute rim-to-rim.

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

Daily departures every day of the year. Flights only go to the West Rim. South Rim is too far. To do the South Rim, book a combo airplane-helicopter tour.

West Rim helicopter flight options:

1. Air tour. Fly over Hoover Dam, Skywalk, and West Rim before returning to Vegas.


2. Bottom landing tour. Descend 4,000 feet to base. Includes Champagne picnic.


3. Bottom landing with boat and Skywalk. Land at base. Take a smooth-water float ride down the river. Tickets to Skywalk, the glass bridge that lets you walk 70 feet past the edge.

I recommend you take a morning helicopter flight. Better visibility and smoother air.

Grand Canyon Airplane Tours

Air tours are the fastest way to reach the canyon. They are conducted aboard Vistaliner aircraft, which can seat up to 19 people and are captained by two FAA-approved pilots.

West Rim airplane flight options:

1. Air tour. Flies out of Vegas daily. Goes over Hoover Dam and Grand Cliffs Wash before turning back at West Rim.


2. Landing tour with helicopter ride and boat. Touch down at Grand Canyon West. Transfer to helicopter. Fly to bottom. Exit to a Champagne toast. Raft the Colorado River.


3. Landing tour with Skywalk. Fastest way to get to the glass walkway. Unlimited access. Full Park access, too!

South Rim airplane flight options:

The classic Vegas airplane to the South Rim is a 45-minute flight that includes a bus ride inside the Park to the Rim. The deluxe Vegas airlane tour includes a rim-to-rim helicopter ride.

West Rim V.S. South Rim

Las Vegas travelers must choose between a visit to the West Rim or the South Rim. Here are some bullet points that will help you decide:

West Rim

• Closest to Las Vegas. Buses get there in 2.5 hours. Helicopters and airplanes do it in 45 minutes and 25 minutes, respectively.


• Tour duration is shorter. The quickest airplane and helicopter tours total four hours.


• It's the only place where you can fly to the bottom. This is because the West Rim is outside the National Park's boundaries and is managed by the Hualapai Indian Tribe.

South Rim

• Natural beauty. This is the part of the Park that most people have seen in magazines.


• Facilities are more developed. Grand Canyon Village was built in the early 1900's and hosts restaurants, gift shops, and art galleries.


• Best lookouts. Famous for natural viewing points like Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Hopi Point.

How to Buy a Las Vegas Grand Canyon Tour

The Las Vegas travel market is very competitive. Prices are low, quality is high, and offerings are abundant. Despite this, shop around.

Leverage the Internet. The best tour deals are clearly on the Web these days. Do not purchase in Vegas from concierges or ticket booths. These tickets come with a huge mark up and/or put you in the back of the bus, so to speak.

Purchase your Grand Canyon tour in advance. Especially during high season, which runs from March through November. Same-day bookings will cost you a king's ransom. I suggest reserving two weeks in advance.

Grand Canyon Tours Make Vegas Special

Vegas is overflowing with things to do. But if you really want to make this trip special, take a Grand Canyon tour. Budget travelers should consider a South Rim bus tour, while adventurous folks might want to do a helicopter ride to the bottom with boat. No matter what your inclination, there's a canyon trip for you. Make sure to book in advance so you get the experience you want.

Have a Grand Day,

P.S. Did you know today's luxury buses come equipped with spacious seats, individualized A/C units and large viewing windows? If you are a traveler who prefers ground transportation, take a look at my Top 3 Grand Canyon bus tour companies.