Las Vegas HelicoptersSeeing Grand Canyon Skywalk by Helicopter!

By Peter Rucker | http://www.grandcanyonhelicopters.org

What tops seeing the Grand Canyon Skywalk? How you get there. And nothing comes close to the thrill of flying to the glass bridge aboard a sleek Las Vegas helicopter.

These flights depart from Las Vegas and reach the Skywalk in 45 minutes. On the way, you’ll fly over Lake Mead, the biggest man-made reservoir in the U.S., and Hoover Dam, which now includes the spectacular Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

Then, just as you clear Grand Cliffs Wash, there it is: The Skywalk Grand Canyon, sparkling like a diamond necklace under the bright Mojave Desert sun.

Grand Canyon West: A Photographic Landscape

The photo opportunities really kick in at this point as you start your descent. Out the window you will see Eagle and Guano Points, the authentic Indian Village, the Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon’s famous skyline before landing at Grand Canyon West, a 9,000-acre area owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe.

The "glass bridge" is a modern-day marvel of civil engineering. The cantilevered walkway extends 70 feet past the edge and suspends guests 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The bridge epitomizes strength and can support up to 71 loaded jumbo jets. It can also withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8 on the Richter scale. Engineered to hold up to 800 people simultaneously, the Skywalk’s maximum occupancy is 120 people.

Grand Canyon Skywalk – No Cameras Allowed

Forty-six glass panels costing $250,000 each make up the deck. This glass can scratch, which is why no personal electronics, including digital cameras and smart phones, are allowed. You are also required to put cloth booties over your shoes. Photographers are around to take your picture, and there are mounted cameras on the guardrails.

There are two types of Skywalk Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Vegas. The air tour takes you to the Grand Canyon and over the bridge and back to Vegas. Total tour time is 3.5 hours. The other lands and includes VIP Skywalk tickets and lunch. This trip lasts 6.5 hours. Both trips include free hotel shuttle service to most major Las Vegas Strip hotels.

EcoStar 130 – King of Canyon Helicopters

Helicopters rides are fun, safe, and thrilling. Most tour operators use the EcoStar 130, an

incredible aircraft that features a cabin 25% larger than conventional helicopters. This extra space permits stadium-style seating and huge 180-degree wraparound windows. Additionally, they come built with two-way digital communication systems and a pre-recorded narration translated into more than 10 languages.

These helicopter tours can be very cheap. By far, the most affordable prices are on the Internet. I suggest purchasing direct from the tour operator. In addition to getting the best price, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your reservation is confirmed and that there will not be any "day-of" reschedulings. Further, booking ahead saves money - if you purchase a trip the day you want to go or when you arrive in Vegas, expect to pay a premium. These tours sell out. Always book in advance.

Vegas to Skywalk in 45 Minutes!

Going to the Grand Canyon Skywalk is an even in itself. To do it right, take a helicopter tour from Las Vegas. These helicopters fly at a lower altitude than airplanes, giving you the ultimate bird’s eye view when you soar over Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Skywalk. Plus, they’re fast, reaching speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour. If all this sounds incredible and thrilling, it is! Which is exactly how you should remember your Grand Canyon Skywalk experience.

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