Phoenix: Grand Canyon National Park Tour & Helicopter Flight

Soaring above the striking chasm of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter is an awe-inspiring experience. This comprehensive 13-hour tour from Phoenix promises to immerse visitors in the grandeur of one of America’s most iconic natural wonders. Combining a scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert, a thrilling aerial tour, and ample time for exploration, the tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the canyon’s breathtaking vistas. With thoughtful inclusions and a knowledgeable guide, this all-inclusive adventure promises to leave a lasting impression on participants. What else can this adventure offer?

This experience made our article of The 3 Most Popular Helicopter Flights & Tours In Phoenix.

Key Points

• This tour provides a comprehensive Grand Canyon experience, including a helicopter flight over Marble Canyon and the Little Colorado River.
• The tour pickup is available from select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Flagstaff, making it convenient for local travelers.
• The package includes entry fees, bottled water, breakfast, and dinner, ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive experience.
• Participants must adhere to weight restrictions for the helicopter flights, with additional charges for those over 300 lbs.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with positive feedback for the knowledgeable guide and educational nature of the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This Grand Canyon National Park tour offers a comprehensive experience, with highlights including a scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest, a 45-minute helicopter ride over the canyon’s breathtaking landscapes, and a guided ground tour at the South Rim.

Priced from $599 per person, the 13-hour tour accommodates up to 13 participants and provides English-language commentary. Pickup is available at select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Flagstaff.

The tour includes entry fees, bottled water, the helicopter flight, breakfast, and dinner, with a packed lunch available for purchase. Guests can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

Experience Highlights

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest, offering passengers a glimpse of the region’s diverse landscapes.

Upon reaching the Grand Canyon, the highlight is a 45-minute helicopter flight over the iconic landmark, providing breathtaking aerial views of Marble Canyon, Pointe Imperial, the Little Colorado River, the Dragon Corridor, and the North Rim.

After the helicopter ride, the tour takes guests on a ground excursion at the South Rim, allowing time for casual exploration of the canyon’s viewpoints and souvenir shopping.

Throughout the day, a professional guide provides informative commentary.

Inclusions

The tour package includes several valuable components. It provides entry fees to Grand Canyon National Park, allowing participants to fully experience the natural wonder.

Bottled water is provided throughout the day, ensuring travelers stay hydrated. The highlight is the 45-minute helicopter flight, offering breathtaking aerial views of the canyon’s iconic landmarks like Marble Canyon and the Dragon Corridor.

Travelers stay hydrated with bottled water while enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the canyon’s iconic landmarks on a 45-minute helicopter flight.

A fuel surcharge is included, and both breakfast and dinner are provided. Participants can also purchase a packed lunch.

Gratuities for the professional guide and driver are also covered, making this an all-inclusive experience.

Important Information

Participants over 300 lbs (136 kg) must pay for an extra seat on the helicopter due to weight restrictions. This policy ensures the safe and efficient operation of the helicopter flights.

Plus, the weather policy states that if the helicopter flight is canceled due to inclement conditions, only that portion will be refunded, while the ground tour will proceed as scheduled.

Participants are required to provide:

1. Passport

2. ID card

3. Travel insurance (recommended)

4. Comfortable walking shoes

These requirements help maintain the safety and enjoyment of the entire tour experience.

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Customer Reviews

Numerous customers have praised the exceptional quality of this Grand Canyon National Park tour, resulting in an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.

Customers lauded the knowledgeable and engaging guide, with one reviewer noting, "Great guide Sam! Would definitely recommend."

The knowledgeable and engaging guide, Sam, received high praise from reviewers who would definitely recommend the tour.

Another stated, "Learned so much and felt it was a good value."

While a weather-related helicopter cancellation disappointed some, they still found the ground tour and guide to be "amazing."

Scenic Drive Through Sonoran Desert

As the tour departs from Phoenix, participants embark on a scenic drive through the captivating Sonoran Desert.

The arid landscape unfolds, revealing:

1. Towering saguaro cacti, their iconic arms reaching skyward.

2. Creosote bushes, their waxy leaves glistening in the sun.

3. Rugged mountain ranges, their peaks jutting against the horizon.

4. Dry washes and arroyos, carved by the occasional desert downpour.

This journey sets the stage for the breathtaking natural wonders that await at the Grand Canyon, as the tour winds through the Coconino National Forest towards its legendary destination.

Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon

The highlight of the tour is the 45-minute helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon‘s breathtaking vistas. Soaring above the iconic red rock formations, guests witness the dramatic Marble Canyon, the stunning Pointe Imperial, and the winding Little Colorado River.

The flight showcases the awe-inspiring Dragon Corridor and offers a bird’s-eye view of the North Rim. Participants are awed by the sheer scale and natural beauty of this geological wonder.

Although the helicopter flight is subject to weather conditions, the tour continues with a ground exploration of the South Rim, allowing guests to soak in the spectacular scenery at their own pace.

Ground Tour at South Rim

After the helicopter flight, the tour continues with a ground exploration of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Visitors are guided through the iconic viewpoints, including:

1. Mather Point, offering sweeping vistas of the canyon’s vast expanse.

2. Yavapai Geology Museum, where the park’s geological history is brought to life.

3. Hermit’s Rest, a distinctive building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

4. Pima Point, a popular spot to witness the canyon’s magnificent colors and shadows.

With ample time for casual walking and photography, the ground tour provides an immersive experience of the South Rim’s natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement for participants. Visitors of all ages are welcome to join the tour, though young children may require special accommodations or supervision during the helicopter flight and ground portions.

Are Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated for the Meals?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions for meals. Participants can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options when booking the tour, and the provider will work to accommodate those needs.

Can Guests Bring Their Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour operator provides bottled water, but allows participants to supplement with their own items if desired to ensure they have adequate sustenance throughout the long day.

Are Audio Guides Available for the Ground Tour at the South Rim?

Audio guides aren’t mentioned as being available for the ground tour at the South Rim. The tour includes a professional guide who’ll likely provide commentary throughout the visit to the viewpoints.

Is There an Option to Extend the Helicopter Flight Duration?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the helicopter flight duration. The tour package includes a 45-minute helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, and it doesn’t mention any upgrades or add-ons for a longer flight.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive Grand Canyon tour from Phoenix offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the park’s breathtaking natural beauty. From the scenic Sonoran Desert drive to the thrilling helicopter flight and guided exploration of the South Rim, this all-inclusive adventure ensures an unforgettable day filled with stunning landscapes and memorable moments. With breakfast, dinner, and transportation included, it’s the perfect way to learn about the wonders of one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: