If you're going to be in Las Vegas this Memorial Day holiday, make sure that you make the most of it by visiting the Grand Canyon. There are tours at the West Rim and the South Rim, and you can find some excellent deals on airplane tours. Just remember, this is going to be one of the busiest times of year, so you'll have to get in soon because tickets are selling out fast.
Should You Go To The South Rim Or The West Rim?
Vegas is closest to the West Rim, so it is the starting point for tours there, and tours of the South Rim generally start from Tusayan, Arizona. From Vegas, you can fly to the West or South Rim, but you can also drive to Tusayan yourself to begin the air tour of the South Rim.
The flight from Vegas isn't wasted time, because you'll see many interesting sights from the air. For example, you'll get a fantastic view of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from the air. The West Rim tours can be air only, or you can book a landing tour and spend some time at the Canyon. You'll see many scenic views as your airplane circles over the Canyon and heads back to Vegas. Landing tours are great though because you can add on additional adventures.
West Rim Landing Tours
The West Rim gives you access to some fantastic hiking trails for people of all levels, and there is even the world famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. If you haven't heard of the Skywalk, it's a modern marvel of engineering made from glass and steel. It will allow you to step out onto a transparent viewing platform that is 70ft out from the edge, and 4000ft above the bottom of the Canyon.
For added fun, you can add on a helicopter ride down to the bottom of the Canyon. This is a very popular tour option, and adds a lot to your trip. When you're on the Canyon floor, you can enjoy a champagne picnic or take a boat ride along the scenic Colorado River. Seeing the Canyon walls towering above you is a very memorable sight to behold and that's one reason bottom landing tours are so popular.
South Rim Airplane Tours
It doesn't matter if you start your tour in Tusayan or if you take the hour long flight to the South Rim from Vegas, because either way, you'll be surrounded by stunning sights. The South Rim airplane tour is an hour flight that departs from Tusayan, and covers nearly 3/4 of the entire National Park. This is the most comprehensive air tour at the Canyon, and you'll see more on this tour than any other. You'll fly over the mysterious and remote North Rim as well as the deepest and widest part of the Canyon. The South Rim portion of the Canyon is not as crowded as the more touristy West Rim. The South Rim is the best destination when you want to fill your trip with natural wilderness beauty and breathtaking views.
Dress For Hot Weather
Since the temperatures will be hot by Memorial Day, be sure you dress for summer weather and be prepared to deal with the heat. Protect yourself from sunburn with sun block and by wearing light clothing with long sleeves. It's also a good idea to take bottled water and some snacks to hold you over such as energy bars.
Conclusion
Hopefully you now know a little bit more about what's on offer at the Grand Canyon. I do have some final advice, which is to book early and book online with your credit card. Confirming with your credit card means your seats will be secure, and you will also get the best available rate. Book at least two weeks in advance because ticket prices will increase as you get closer to the day you want to fly. Choose the best package for your budget, and be prepared for some of the world's best scenery. The Grand Canyon is like no other place on earth, and Memorial Day is one of the best times of year to get out there and see it.
Should You Go To The South Rim Or The West Rim?
Vegas is closest to the West Rim, so it is the starting point for tours there, and tours of the South Rim generally start from Tusayan, Arizona. From Vegas, you can fly to the West or South Rim, but you can also drive to Tusayan yourself to begin the air tour of the South Rim.
The flight from Vegas isn't wasted time, because you'll see many interesting sights from the air. For example, you'll get a fantastic view of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from the air. The West Rim tours can be air only, or you can book a landing tour and spend some time at the Canyon. You'll see many scenic views as your airplane circles over the Canyon and heads back to Vegas. Landing tours are great though because you can add on additional adventures.
West Rim Landing Tours
The West Rim gives you access to some fantastic hiking trails for people of all levels, and there is even the world famous Grand Canyon Skywalk. If you haven't heard of the Skywalk, it's a modern marvel of engineering made from glass and steel. It will allow you to step out onto a transparent viewing platform that is 70ft out from the edge, and 4000ft above the bottom of the Canyon.
For added fun, you can add on a helicopter ride down to the bottom of the Canyon. This is a very popular tour option, and adds a lot to your trip. When you're on the Canyon floor, you can enjoy a champagne picnic or take a boat ride along the scenic Colorado River. Seeing the Canyon walls towering above you is a very memorable sight to behold and that's one reason bottom landing tours are so popular.
South Rim Airplane Tours
It doesn't matter if you start your tour in Tusayan or if you take the hour long flight to the South Rim from Vegas, because either way, you'll be surrounded by stunning sights. The South Rim airplane tour is an hour flight that departs from Tusayan, and covers nearly 3/4 of the entire National Park. This is the most comprehensive air tour at the Canyon, and you'll see more on this tour than any other. You'll fly over the mysterious and remote North Rim as well as the deepest and widest part of the Canyon. The South Rim portion of the Canyon is not as crowded as the more touristy West Rim. The South Rim is the best destination when you want to fill your trip with natural wilderness beauty and breathtaking views.
Dress For Hot Weather
Since the temperatures will be hot by Memorial Day, be sure you dress for summer weather and be prepared to deal with the heat. Protect yourself from sunburn with sun block and by wearing light clothing with long sleeves. It's also a good idea to take bottled water and some snacks to hold you over such as energy bars.
Conclusion
Hopefully you now know a little bit more about what's on offer at the Grand Canyon. I do have some final advice, which is to book early and book online with your credit card. Confirming with your credit card means your seats will be secure, and you will also get the best available rate. Book at least two weeks in advance because ticket prices will increase as you get closer to the day you want to fly. Choose the best package for your budget, and be prepared for some of the world's best scenery. The Grand Canyon is like no other place on earth, and Memorial Day is one of the best times of year to get out there and see it.
About the Author:
Grand Canyon National Park professional Ione Mahler suggests these amazing National Park tours and these plane excursions from Vegas and South Rim that are specifically reduced for Memorial Day weekend break: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/best-airplane-tours/
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