Summer is a popular time for Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Trips depart from Las Vegas, NV, and Tusayan, AZ. Types include air and landing. To get the best flight times and rates, it's best to book at least a week in advance. The author includes a link where readers can get specifics (reviews, ratings, pricing) on this year's top helicopter trips, too.

(TRAVPR.COM) US - July 18th, 2013 - Not only are there helicopter tours that go over the Grand Canyon, but there are a series of flights that take intrepid travelers to the top and bottom of the National Park. Such diversity is driving the surge in summer air tour bookings and making these trips a “must-do” for travelers.

Flights depart on the hour from Las Vegas, NV, and Tusayan, AZ. Vegas flights go to the West Rim of the National Park while Tusayan tours cover the South Rim.

"It should be pointed out that there are no direct flights from Las Vegas to the South Rim," noted Keith Kravitz, owner of Grand Canyon Helicopters. "Vegas travelers who want the South Rim are recommended to consider the direct airplane flight."

The plane ride that Kravitz is referring to takes 45 minutes to reach the South Rim. It includes a South Rim helicopter tour as well as a two-hour ground tour by bus.

"This South Rim air tour has been a hit with visitors since it launched," Kravitz noted. "It's the most efficient, comfortable and fun way to get from Vegas to the Tusayan."

There are no helicopter flights that connect the West Rim to the South Rim and vice versa.

Las Vegas helicopters go to the West Rim, which is a 45-minute flight. The flight plan takes visitors over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam before reaching Grand Canyon airspace.

"No matter what kind of tour is selected, all Vegas flights go over two of the west's most significant landmarks."

Types of tours include air-only and landing. Aerial trips are ideal for visitors who are pressed for time and are a great way to sample the National Park.

"Air tours get the job done," noted Kravitz. "However, visitors interested in a more comprehensive experience are encouraged to consider a landing tour."

Landing tours go to the bottom and the top. The most popular is the flight that lands at the base for a Champagne picnic. Another traveler favorite is one that includes a boat ride.

"Bottom-landing tours are the prize," Kravitz said. "Trips that land at the top are equally sought, with the one that includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk being the frontrunner"

South Rim helicopters, all of which leave from Grand Canyon National Park in Tusayan, AZ, come in 30-minute and 50-minute packages.

"The half-hour trip goes from South Rim to the North rim and back," said Kravitz. "Its highlight is the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the canyon.

"The 50-minute tour covers the same ground as the shorter trip as well as everything up to the Park's eastern boundary."

The longer tour, Kravitz added, lets a traveler see up to 75 percent of the Park.

Summer is an especially popular time for helicopter tours and Kravitz recommends booking early.

“One week ahead of time is optimal,” noted Kravitz. “The trick is not to wait until the last minute because seats will probably be sold out.”

For more information about Grand Canyon helicopter tours, please visit:

http://www.grandcanyonhelicoptertourreviews.com/

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