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.
Choosing Between The West And South 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.
If you fly from Vegas, you'll get some extra sightseeing on the way to the Canyon. Flights pass over the Hoover Dam and the reservoir of Lake Mead, so your adventure begins even before you get to the main attraction. If you are going to the West Rim, you'll be able to choose from landing and air only tours. Air Only tours will follow the scenic route, before heading back to Vegas. If you choose a landing tour, then there is plenty more adventure to be had.
West Rim Landing Tours
The West Rim is ideal for exploring on foot along the many scenic trails, and it is also where the Skywalk is located. The Skywalk is an amazing structure made of glass and steel that is suspended over the Canyon. It is an exhilarating experience to stand on the transparent floor 70 feet past the rim of the Canyon and peer down to the ground 4000 feet below you.
If you want even more from the West Rim, then I recommend adding on a helicopter that takes you to the bottom of the Canyon. This is a favorite trip of many Canyon regulars, and it really adds to the adventure and excitement. At the bottom you can enjoy a Champagne picnic, and you can even add on a boat ride that will allow you to explore some of the Colorado River. Being right inside the Canyon gives you a true impression of just how large and breathtaking it is, which is why so many people choose to add on this extra tour to their experience.
Touring The South Rim
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 Summer Weather
It's hot at the Canyon by the time Memorial Day rolls around, so if you're going to take a landing tour on the West Rim, be prepared for the heat and sun. Cover your skin with sun block and lightweight clothing. Also, take some bottled water and snacks like energy bars and trail mix.
Summary
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.
Choosing Between The West And South 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.
If you fly from Vegas, you'll get some extra sightseeing on the way to the Canyon. Flights pass over the Hoover Dam and the reservoir of Lake Mead, so your adventure begins even before you get to the main attraction. If you are going to the West Rim, you'll be able to choose from landing and air only tours. Air Only tours will follow the scenic route, before heading back to Vegas. If you choose a landing tour, then there is plenty more adventure to be had.
West Rim Landing Tours
The West Rim is ideal for exploring on foot along the many scenic trails, and it is also where the Skywalk is located. The Skywalk is an amazing structure made of glass and steel that is suspended over the Canyon. It is an exhilarating experience to stand on the transparent floor 70 feet past the rim of the Canyon and peer down to the ground 4000 feet below you.
If you want even more from the West Rim, then I recommend adding on a helicopter that takes you to the bottom of the Canyon. This is a favorite trip of many Canyon regulars, and it really adds to the adventure and excitement. At the bottom you can enjoy a Champagne picnic, and you can even add on a boat ride that will allow you to explore some of the Colorado River. Being right inside the Canyon gives you a true impression of just how large and breathtaking it is, which is why so many people choose to add on this extra tour to their experience.
Touring The South Rim
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 Summer Weather
It's hot at the Canyon by the time Memorial Day rolls around, so if you're going to take a landing tour on the West Rim, be prepared for the heat and sun. Cover your skin with sun block and lightweight clothing. Also, take some bottled water and snacks like energy bars and trail mix.
Summary
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 expert Ione Mahler recommends these fantastic National Park tours and these airplane tours from Las Vegas and South Rim that are specially discounted for Memorial Day weekend: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/best-airplane-tours/