Can I Take a Helicopter Tour to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon?

The Grand Canyon can be visited by going to the West, South, and North rims. Hiking to bottom is possible at all three. But if you would like take a helicopter ride to the bottom, you've got to visit the West Rim.

Helicopter operators such as Papillon, Maverick, and Sundance, depart daily from Las Vegas for the West Rim and can complete the 120-mile trip in about 45 minutes, making this tour ideal for travelers on a schedule.

These helicopter trips are a bargain if you think about how much you can do in such a short time frame. Papillon's Grand Celebration tour, which takes you to the bottom and includes a Champagne toast, retails for $399 but can be bought on the company's website for $270. The cost gets cheaper if you book a group of 10 or more people.

The great thing about the West Rim tour are the upgrades, which include the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a rafting trip on the Colorado River, and a flight over the Las Vegas Strip. Of these, the Skywalk is the most popular. It's a glass bridge that extends 70 feet beyond the edge of the Rim and suspends you 4,000 feet over the river.

The South Rim offers a helicopter tour, but it is banned from landing on the bottom and flies a strictly controlled airspace. That said, the 20-minute tour is magnificent and is a "must-do" if you are headed that way. Upgrades at this Rim are minimal, but do include a fantastic raft ride.

Papillon helicopter trips include transfer to and from your Las Vegas resort hotel. Flights depart from McCarran International Airport, and, en route to the West Rim, you'll see Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, before descending into the Canyon and landing at the operator's private landing site. A light lunch will be served under a real Indian Ramada. Afterwards, you're free to explore the river and the West Rim's ancient floor.

The ride to the bottom is spellbinding. This 15-minute descent would take you at least six hours on foot. As you slowly lower into the Canyon, you'll come face to face with millions of years of geology: Sheer cliffs, solitary buttes, undisturbed ravines, red sandstone, plus much more.

Buckle up because the ride to the top is equally spectacular. Ascending, you'll get great views of the Rim's most famous landmarks, like Guano and Eagle Points. A lot of credit goes to Papillon's customized helicopters - each one features wraparound glass windows and stadium-style windows, making these aircraft the ultimate sightseeing machines. These helis also include a state-of-the-art communications system that lets you talk with your pilot and fellow passengers. You also have the option of listening to a pre-recorded narration of the tour that's available in 11 languages.

Grand Canyon West is the only place where you ride a helicopter to the bottom. Flights depart daily out of Las Vegas and are the right day trip for families, groups, and travelers who are tight on time. Papillon Helicopter's Grand Celebration tour" is the most popular trip and offers visitors a host of upgrades, including admission to the Skywalk and river rafting. Trip prices start at about $270 - a total bargain considering that you can be at the West Rim and experiencing it in 45 minutes. For Papillon's best prices, book on-line at their website. If you are looking for something adventurous to do while in Las Vegas, consider taking this helicopter tour. It will leave you breathless.