Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours – Prices, Routes & Best Experiences
Over half a million people take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour every year, and it's easy to see why. These tours offer stunning aerial views of the canyon’s most iconic landmarks and can be tailored to fit nearly any budget or adventure level. Whether you depart from the South Rim, West Rim, or Las Vegas, a helicopter tour offers one of the most unforgettable ways to experience this natural wonder.
Highlights and Landmarks
A Grand Canyon helicopter tour allows a birds-eye view of iconic landmarks like Hoover Dam, the expansive Lake Mead, the majestic Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and even the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Tours From Las Vegas
Take in the casinos from a new perspective with a luxurious Las Vegas helicopter tour. Soar over the Strip and Downtown Vegas to witness the dazzling neon lights that define Sin City. It’s an unforgettable and spectacular way to experience Las Vegas!
Hoover Dam Tours
Discover the engineering wonder that draws over a million visitors to the Hoover Dam each year. Standing 726 feet tall, this impressive concrete structure holds back the Colorado River and houses a power plant that generates electricity for three states.
What You’ll See from the Air
- The Grand Canyon and Colorado River
- The Hoover Dam – a 726-foot marvel of engineering
- Lake Mead – the largest reservoir in the U.S.
- The Grand Canyon Skywalk – a glass bridge 4,000 feet above the canyon floor
- The Las Vegas Strip – dazzling by day and night
You can also combine your flight with add-ons like champagne picnics, Skywalk tickets, boat rides, horseback riding, or Jeep tours.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the most popular starting points for helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. Options include:
- Aerial-only tours (30–45 minutes)
- Landing tours at the canyon floor with optional Skywalk access (4–5 hours total)
- Las Vegas Strip Night Flights – soar over Downtown and the Strip for a glitzy perspective of Sin City
Prices:
Basic aerial tours: $300–$450 per person
Landing tours with extras: $400–$700+
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours from South Rim (Tusayan)
Departing from the Grand Canyon Airport near Tusayan, these tours provide stunning views of the Kaibab National Forest, Dragon Corridor, and Colorado River.
- North Canyon Tour – 25–30 minutes, best for first-time visitors
- Extended Tour – 45–50 minutes, includes more scenic landmarks
Prices:
Standard flights: $250–$350
Extended flights: $350–$500
Top-Rated Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Company: Papillon
Papillon Helicopters is one of the most trusted and experienced helicopter tour operators at the Grand Canyon. Known for safety, quality, and variety, Papillon offers something for everyone.
- Grand Celebration Tour – Landing at the canyon floor + champagne picnic
- Golden Eagle Air Tour – Aerial views of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and West Rim
- North Canyon Tour – Scenic 30-minute flight from the South Rim
Maverick Helicopters: Premium Grand Canyon Flights
Maverick Helicopters is another top-tier operator offering Grand Canyon helicopter tours from several departure points including Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon West Rim, and the South Rim (Tusayan). Their fleet includes Eco-Star helicopters known for smoother, quieter flights. Visit MaverickHelicopter.com »
Featured Maverick Tours
- Wind Dancer – Leaves from the Las Vegas Strip, includes a landing tour at the canyon with return flight over the Strip. Learn more
- Canyon Spirit – South Rim departure, aerial views with luxurious amenities. Learn more
- Skywalk Odyssey – West Rim express tour including Skywalk access. Learn more
What Makes Maverick Stand Out
- Eco-Star helicopters: quieter, smoother, and more environmentally friendly flights.
- FAA-certified high safety standards and award-winning operations. More info
- Multiple departure points: Las Vegas, South Rim (Tusayan), and West Rim. Explore tours
How Long Are Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours?
- Short flights: 25–30 minutes (South Rim)
- Extended flights: 45–50 minutes
- Landing tours (Las Vegas): 4–5 hours round trip
- Private and luxury charters: 1–3 hours depending on itinerary
Which Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour is Right for You?
- For first-time visitors: North Canyon Tour (South Rim)
- For a full experience: Grand Celebration with landing & picnic
- For Las Vegas visitors: Golden Eagle Air Tour or Sunset Strip Flight
- For luxury seekers: Private helicopter with custom itinerary
RECOMMENDED GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER & AIR TOURS
Maverick Helicopter Tours from Las Vegas
Leaves from Las Vegas
Maverick Helicopter Tours from GCNP Airport
Canyon Spirit is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim, taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines. Upon reaching the edge, the rim drops away as the magnificent Grand Canyon comes into full view.… More
Canyon Spirit is a Grand Canyon helicopter tour that departs from the South Rim, taking you over the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, home to the world's largest stand of Ponderosa pines. Upon reaching the edge, the rim drops away as the magnificent Grand Canyon comes into full view.
Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided
Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters
Family-Friendly | Leaves from Las Vegas | Leaves from Grand Canyon/Tusayan | Optional Skywalk Tour
Grand Canyon South Rim Signature Air & Ground Tour with PJX
Private Tours Available | Combination Tour | Multi-Day Tours | Multi-Attraction Tours
Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour from Las Vegas with Optional Upgrades
Leaves from Las Vegas | Optional River Tour | Optional Air Tour | Optional Skywalk Tour | Professionally Guided | Hotel Pickup | Lunch Provided
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