Day One a wintry mess in Flagstaff

Saturday’s storm sees slide-offs, collisions and road closures,
with total snow accumulation of up to 18 inches by today.

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7 Reasons to See the Grand Canyon by Airplane

A Grand Canyon air tour is considered the most comfortable and efficient way to see the National Park. Flights are done aboard a state-of-the-art aircraft that lets you experience the most canyon in the least amount of time. Before you get your ticket punched, check out these seven things that will make sure this is the trip for you.

#1 From whence will you depart?

There are several places where you can start an airplane tour. The best are Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sedona, AZ, and Flagstaff, AZ. Las Vegas is the lowest priced. In Arizona, I suggest you rent a car; flights will be prohibitively expensive. South Rim air tours leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, which is a small town located 10 minutes from the National Park’s front gate.

#2 Which rim do you want to see?

These two rims are the only places in the canyon where aircraft are permitted to fly The arid West Rim is a 25-minute flight from Las Vegas and is best known for its activities and attractions. The South Rim requires a 45-minute flight and is distinguished by its incredible natural beauty and the historic Grand Canyon Village.

#3 Are you interested in experience the Grand Canyon Skywalk?

This attraction is at the West Rim, also known as Grand Canyon West. The “Glass Bridge” defies gravity by extending 70 feet past the edge and suspending guests 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. Seeing the bridge glisten under the bright desert sun is a sight to behold. If you wish, you can upgrade your flight to include a landing tour that includes Skywalk tickets. Build on that by adding a flight over the famous Las Vegas Strip on the way back to town.

#4 Do you want to fly to the bottom of the canyon?

This opportunity is only available at the West Rim. It requires that you deplane and transfer to a helicopter. The 4,000-foot descent is a journey through four geological eras of time (millions of years). Sheer cliffs, needle-nose spires, and crumbling buttes perforate the landscape. Enjoy a Champagne picnic at the bottom and set about exploring the canyon’s timeless base.

#5 Raft the Grand Canyon?

1 Day smooth-water float tours can be arranged at both rims. Two choices are available at the West Rim: 1) Helicopter to the bottom and board a pontoon boat for a 30-minute float ride; or 2) Go to the base of Hoover Dam for a 11-mile rafting tour. The South Rim is a fantastic airplane flight to Glen Canyon Dam (East Rim) for a 15.5-mile float trip that includes Antelope Canyon and ends at historic Lee’s Ferry.

#6 Is it your goal to see as much of the canyon as possible in 1 day?

This is almost a toss up. The flight from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Airport covers a lot of ground. But for 100% classic Grand Canyon, nothing rivals Grand Canyon Airline’s Grand Discovery airplane tour. Why this package gets so little attention bewilders me. The list of sights you’ll see include the South Rim, Dragoon Corridor, Zuni Corridor, Painted Desert, and the North Rim. Most amazingly is the you’ll do it in under an hour.

#7 Do you want the lowest price possible on seeing the Grand Canyon by air?

The market for Grand Canyon airplane tours is competitive. You are certain to see a lot of offers. Ignore them. The best, most solid deal you will get is from the tour operators themselves. Grand Canyon Airlines, in my opinion, is the low-price leader for high-quality West Rim and South Rim air tours. To get their rock-bottom price, book online. I personally have realized savings of up to 35 percent.

Seeing the Grand Canyon by air is the ultimate way to see this national treasure. Be it West Rim or South Rim, you’ll see pretty much see it all. These airplane tours can be expanded to include helicopter flights, rafting trips, and Skywalk passes, and Las Vegas flyovers. They are also the fastest way to go from Las Vegas to the South Rim. These trips are economical, too, particularly if you book them online, where you can get up to 35% off. So kick off your shoes, recline your seat, and prepare for departure. Getting to the Grand Canyon and seeing it in all its natural glory has never been easier.