Exploring the grandeur of the Grand Canyon has never been easier. The Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour from Phoenix seamlessly blends an exhilarating aerial adventure with a captivating ground exploration. Guests embark on a scenic drive through the stunning Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest before soaring over the South Rim and Colorado River in a 45-minute helicopter ride. With complimentary lunch and expert guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But the journey doesn’t end there – the real magic happens when visitors step foot on the canyon’s breathtaking landscapes.
Good To Know
- Combines a scenic drive through Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest with a 45-minute helicopter flight over South Rim, North Rim, and Colorado River.
- Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, lunch, and a professional guide, with free time to explore the South Rim.
- Suitable for passengers up to 300 lbs, with a minimum age of 3 years and no wheelchair accessibility.
- Follows historic Route 66 with several photo stops, culminating in a "must-do" helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
- Tour has a stellar 4.7-star rating with 95% of guests recommending it, praising the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking aerial and ground views.
Tour Overview and Experience
The Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour from Phoenix combines land and aerial sights, departing from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
The tour features a scenic drive through the Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest, followed by a 45-minute helicopter flight offering views of the South Rim, North Rim, and Colorado River.
Guests enjoy free time at the South Rim to explore and take in the scenic lookout points.
The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, lunch, and a professional guide to enhance the experience.
Comfort stops are made throughout the day, though no restroom is available on the vehicle.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phoenix.
Tour Details and Logistics
Although the total weight limit per passenger is 300 lbs, those over the limit can purchase two seats.
The minimum age for this tour is 3 years, and children under 8 must have a child seat or booster, which aren’t provided.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but foldable wheelchairs and walkers are allowed on the vehicle.
Comfort stops are made throughout the day, but there’s no restroom on the vehicle.
Pickup isn’t guaranteed for all hotels, and alternate meeting points may be required.
- Weight limit: 300 lbs per passenger
- Minimum age: 3 years
- Child seat/booster required for under 8s
- Not wheelchair accessible, but foldable aids allowed
- No restroom on vehicle, comfort stops provided
Route and Highlights
Along the historic Route 66, the tour makes several photo stops, allowing guests to capture the scenic desert landscapes.
The highlight of the tour is the 45-minute helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. During the flight, guests will soar over the Kaibab National Forest and the Dragon Corridor, marveling at the canyon’s natural beauty from above.
Back on the ground, visitors have free time to explore the South Rim, learning about the canyon’s geological history at the various lookout points.
This well-rounded experience combines the thrill of a helicopter tour with the opportunity to appreciate the Grand Canyon up close.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix, with 380 reviews resulting in a stellar 4.7-star rating.
95% of guests recommend this tour, citing:
- Knowledgeable and helpful guides
- Breathtaking aerial and ground views of the Grand Canyon
- A well-organized, seamless experience
Many guests were particularly enamored with the helicopter ride, describing it as a "must-do" and expressing a desire to repeat the experience.
Important Considerations
The tour operates under minimum participant requirements, meaning cancellations are possible if these are not met. Lastly, it’s important to consider that last-minute bookings after 7:00 PM may require alternate pickup arrangements. The tour supplier’s contact details are provided on the pre-paid voucher for any inquiries and confirmation needs.
Requirements | Details |
---|---|
Minimum Participants | Tour may be cancelled if minimum is not met |
Last-Minute Bookings | Alternate pickup may be required after 7:00 PM |
Contact Information | Provided on pre-paid voucher for inquiries |
Cancellations | Possible if minimum participant requirements not met |
Tour Logistics | Pickup not guaranteed for all hotels; alternate meeting points may be required |
Scenic Drive Through Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest
As guests embark on the Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix, they’re treated to a scenic drive through the awe-inspiring Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest.
This picturesque journey showcases:
- Rugged, cacti-dotted landscapes of the Sonoran Desert
- Lush, pine-covered rolling hills of the Coconino National Forest
- Towering saguaro cacti, desert shrubs, and vibrant wildflowers
- Dramatic rock formations and geological wonders
- Glimpses of diverse wildlife, including jackrabbits, roadrunners, and birds of prey
The drive not only transports guests to the Grand Canyon but also offers a captivating introduction to the region’s natural beauty and ecological diversity.
45-Minute Helicopter Tour Over the Grand Canyon
After the scenic drive, guests embark on the highlight of the tour – a 45-minute helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking vistas.
The helicopter takes them soaring over the South Rim, North Rim, and Colorado River, providing a unique aerial perspective of this natural wonder.
Passengers enjoy a safety briefing before the flight and capture stunning panoramic views of the Kaibab National Forest and Dragon Corridor.
The helicopter tour offers an unforgettable experience, allowing guests to witness the Grand Canyon’s scale and grandeur from the sky.
Exploration and Scenic Lookout Points at the South Rim
Following the helicopter tour, the tour participants are granted ample free time to explore the iconic South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
This portion of the tour allows visitors to:
- Take in sweeping vistas from popular lookout points like Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station
- Hike along the rim, enjoying closer views of the vast chasm and Colorado River below
- Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center to learn about the canyon’s natural history and geology
- Peruse Native American arts and crafts at the Hopi House and Verkamp’s Visitor Center
- Dine at the historic El Tovar Hotel or browse the Grand Canyon Village marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Cancellation or Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour provider allows cancellations with full refunds up to 72 hours before the scheduled departure. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable. Any customer inquiries or confirmations should be directed to the tour supplier’s contact details provided on the pre-paid voucher.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Beverages on the Tour?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, a complimentary lunch is provided, and bottled water is available throughout the day. No outside food or drinks are allowed on the helicopter portion of the tour.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Luggage/Bags Allowed?
There are no explicit restrictions on the type of luggage or bags allowed on the tour. However, passengers are advised to pack light and bring only essential items, as storage space on the vehicle may be limited.
Can I Book the Tour in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is primarily offered in English, but customers may inquire about the availability of other language options. It’s best to check with the tour provider directly to determine if alternative language accommodations can be arranged.
What Is the Pickup Time and Location for the Tour?
The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, but the exact time and location may vary. Guests should check their pre-paid voucher for details on their specific pickup point and time, which can be confirmed with the tour supplier.
The Sum Up
The Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour from Phoenix offers an unparalleled adventure, blending aerial and ground exploration. Guests enjoy a scenic drive, a thrilling helicopter flight over the majestic Grand Canyon, and free time to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. With convenient hotel pickup, included lunch, and expert guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers alike.
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