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Tusayan Departures
When you think of Canyon tours, the West Rim is probably what comes to mind. West Rim tours are the most popular, but you can also tour the South Rim, and those tours are just as fun.
The South Rim tours depart from Tusayan, Arizona, and there are two you can choose from. There is a 30-minute tour that flies to the North Rim and circles back, and there is a 50-minute tour that flies to the North Rim and then takes a jaunt over to the eastern park border. The longer tour costs just a little more and it takes you over 75 percent of the entire park. This tour is highly recommended because you get to cover so much ground and see some of the most scenic wilderness lands in the park.
You can also add a Jeep tour to your flight package. Off-roading through the park in a 4x4 adds another dimension of fun and adventure to your tour.
Air Tours Out Of Vegas
Since Vegas is a big tourist hotspot, there are a lot of Canyon tour packages you can book from there.
Some tours lift off from Vegas and others take off from Boulder City, which is nearby. All the flights follow the same flight path, but the ones that leave from Vegas are deluxe flights that include a flyover of the famous Strip. Another benefit of booking one of these deluxe flights is that they fly on the superior EcoStar helicopter. This helicopter is designed for sightseeing, so it is quieter, roomier, and has the best viewing possible. It is worth the extra cost to spring for a deluxe tour, plus it even comes with limousine transportation to and from your Vegas hotel.
The West Rim is such a popular destination because you can take a landing tour there. You can opt for an air-only tour that flies over the Hoover Dam and the main points at the West Rim, and then circles back to Vegas. You could book a landing tour instead, that follows the same flight path, except it lands at the Canyon before returning to Vegas.
One landing tour flies down to the bottom of the Canyon. You can enjoy a Champagne picnic there or take a boat tour on the Colorado River that flows along the bottom of the Canyon. Another landing tours sets down on top of the rim where the Skywalk is located, and the tour comes with passes to the amazing attraction. The Skywalk is an amazing viewing platform made of massive sheets of glass and steel, so it is strong enough for you to walk out on and stand 4000 feet above the Canyon floor. Standing on the transparent floor and looking below you is almost as much of a thrill as riding on the helicopter. There is even a tour option that lets you combine landing on the top and bottom of the rim so you do it all.
Touring By Airplane
There are also airplanes making tour flights over the Canyon that follow the same flight path as the helicopters that depart from Vegas and Arizona. However, the planes carry 19 people at a time, so they are a better choice if you're flying with a group. They cost less than helicopters too, but they do have to fly at a higher altitude. However, you'll still have a great view since the windows are large, and the seating is comfy too, so airplanes are a good choice if you need to book an air tour on a budget.
Book Your Thanksgiving Tour Online
As you can imagine, air tours of the Canyon are very popular, so they fill up fast. Therefore, you definitely want to buy your tour in advance. It's best to get your seats two weeks in advance if you can. The quickest and surest way is to use your credit card and buy your tour online, this is also the best way to get the lowest rate for your tour.
Get Ready For A Scenic Adventure
The Canyon is such an amazing place, and there is nothing like flying over it in an airplane or helicopter. Don't forget you can add on a Jeep tour or other ground adventure, and it is easy to see why it's the perfect way to spend your Thanksgiving holiday.
So get ready for an exciting Thanksgiving. Just book early and do it online. Pick your tour, get your tickets, and enjoy an amazing flight.
