Hey it's Keith Kravitz and this is Helicopter Weekend Update!
It's sweltering a bit here in Las Vegas and Northern Arizona. That's because the monsoon has finally arrived.
The monsoon is a cyclical weather pattern that starts in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico, and makes its way north through Arizona and New Mexico.
The result: humidity and thunderstorms.
Fortunately, thunderstorms are fairly predictable and typically happen towards early evening, which is why I recommend taking morning flights!
I'm getting lots of inquiries about front seat requests. Instead of taking time here (or in Live Chat), I suggest you go here to learn about how to improve your chances flying in front.
Starting your tour to the Canyon from Las Vegas? Then I suggest you familiarize yourself with the West Rim as that's where all the Vegas flights go because the South Rim is too far.
Now let's spotlight some helicpter tours, shall we?
Las Vegas, NV
I'll be posting some Skywalk pictures on the Facebook page soon. Until then, let it be know that the VIP Skywalk tour is hot. This tour includes a cut-to-the-front-of-the-line pass, which is super important if you have to wait 45 minutes in the heat!
It's also the perfect time to do a Champagne helicopter tour. This is the one where you take a 3,500-foot descent to the bottom, deplane, and sip "bubbles." The Colorado River, the waterway that created the canyon, is nearby, and if you like, you can take a stroll and check it out.
I know I mentioned the 4-in-1 tour last issue but it deserves to be mentioned again. This is the tour that goes top, bottom, boat and Skywalk. It's the most comprehensive tour offered. Do it and you've seen it all. It also takes up to 7.5 hours to complete, which during summer can be challenging but during fall and winter it's a
piece of cake.
Best Time of Day
Tours depart throughout the day, starting around 7 a.m. and ending around 4 p.m. You'll notice that prices are more expensive mid-morning and at sunset. There's a reason for that. Those are the best times to fly. Is it worth it? Yes, definitely so read this article and find out why...
South Rim/Tusayan, AZ
If you are up in the South Rim, please consider the 30-minute helicopter + Jeep combo. This is our best selling air-ground tour. Heli flies South Rim to North Rim and back. Jeep cruises around the park for 2 hours. All together, this is a deeply satisfying tour.
(I also have a 50-minute helicopter + 2-hr. Jeep tour but it's super limited and only available over the phone. If you want it, call me at 702-530-8687. Ask for Keith).
FYI there are no South Rim tours that fly below the rim and land on the bottom. It's illegal. Thus your best option is the 50-minute flight. This one covers the South, East and North Rims and by the time you're done you'll have seen up to 75 percent of the Park.
NEED A TOUR?
Reply back to this message if you need to buy a tour by telling me:
*From Las Vegas or South Rim?
*Day and month you want to do a tour
*The kind of tour you want
I reply to EVERY email.
Have a great day!