Any Advice On Grand Canyon Trips?

jeansmiles

Hi
Am off to Grand Canyon next week with my friend Jan - who is wonderful because she won a trip and is taking me - we wondered if anyone had been there - we would love to take a helicopter trip - but cant really afford it - any ideas ?
Jean

s30jok

Grand Canyon is best viewed at either sunset or sunrise although is just as spectacular during the day. If you are going to be doing any walking take plenty of water with you and if it takes you an hour to go down into the canyon (walking) it will take you 2 hours to come back up!

Don't want to put you off but the week befor me one of the helicopters crashed 6 people died, make sure they are bona fide, also the helicopters are only allowed into certain parts of the canyon, best way to see is by foot. drive into the park get out and look around!
hope this helps
also check out https://www.virtualtourist.com they are helpful hints written by holidaymakers for holidaymakers

cosjo

Congratulations to your friend on winning the trip and to you for having a very good friend. I visited Grand Canyon last year and the trip was awesome! cant give you any idea of cost of helicopter trip, i think it was about 30 to 40 pounds but it was well worth it and quite overwhelming. Any way have a good trip and try to find the money for helicopter ride, it will be worth it !

Koala

We went for a helicopter trip whilst in Vegas last September. It's pretty pricey (approx £150 per person) but worth every penny - or cent I should say! We went with a company called Pappilon who we found to be very professional. There are lots of different trips, but we opted for a one where you actually landed on the canyon floor - how cool is that!? I think as you have been lucky enough to win your holiday that you should spoil yourself and splash out - I'm certain you will not be disappointed.

jeanna_2

hi!
congratulations on your win.
the first time we went by plane and walked around the canyon and had lunch.
it was wonderful. the second time we went by helicopter as we didn't have too much time and just flew into the canyon not as far as the first trip.i didn't enjoy this as much as it was hard to judge the scale of things from the air. i was in the front of the heli and i found it very hot and uncomfortable at times .it only lasted about an hour.the first trip was much better .the plane trip was cheaper. you can do a google search and it will show you different companies and the prices. do try and go it is a wonderful sight .i think the best i have ever seen.

WiseInvestor_2

Papillon are excellent. As well as from Las Vegas, they operate flights from a special airport/heliport near the South Rim which is not only much quicker to get into the Canyon but also makes the ride much cheaper! Each helicopter seats 7 (1 up front with the pilot and 6 in back), so expect to share with others. Each passenger must be weighed beforehand to ensure the weight-distribution is balanced and safe, so you probably won't get to choose your seat.

Walking into the Canyon is free and is suitable for those of average fitness - the paths are windy and dusty but easy to walk. As has been mentioned, consider your timing as walking back up will take considerably longer!

Enjoy it - you'll have an amazing trip!

jonesMUFCforever

Does it have to be a helicopter?
I flew in a 12 seater cessna over the Grand Canyon and we got to see the Hoover dam as well. Only thing was, the pilot said that he was decending 2000 feet to let us have a closer look but my stomach was still in the clouds and I nearly fainted after landing!!
Can laugh about it now!
Eric

southwestmaid

We did the helicopter trip and landed in the grand canyon for champagne picnic a few years ago. My first helicopter ride and thoroughly enjoyed it, I would definitely recommend it.

Sheel

I've been to the Grand Canyon 3 times. The first time by plane and the other two by helicopter. Personally I much prefer going by helicopter as apart from the fact I was sick on the plane as were a few others (on a small seater plane , that ain't pleasant :rolleyes: ) , your view can be obstructed by the wings and you don't get to land in the canyon although you do go to the canyon rim in a coach.

I've been with Papillon and Sundance , both good although they land at slightly different places in the canyon. Papillon's landing spot is a bit lower down than Sundances. The ride in the helicopter is very smooth , I didn't feel at all sick and you get a better view out of the windows.

It's a sight not to be missed , so I hope you can find the money to go

Have a great time

photome

I have been to the Grand Canyon and stayed just outside the park for a couple of nights. Drove into the park each day and stopped at all the view points and walked between a few, also got up early to see the canyon at sunrise. The whole experiance was AWESOME. My point realy is that I dont feel I missed out by NOT doing a trip by air.

You will love it however you see it.

trisha

Another nice thing to do, is stay in Williams Arizona and take the steam train, the Grand Canyon Railway is an experience not to be missed, the kids love the cowboy shoot out in Williams station and the cowboys riding alongside the train during the journey. You have a few hours at the canyon before the return trip.

The Canyon is easily reached by car from Williams also.
Some nice side trips are the Red Rock Canyon and Sedona.

I have been in a small plane trip from Vegas, the pilot pointed out the sick bags and told us to kick the window out if we crashed, that put me off for a start LOL
I can't say I enjoyed it very much, maybe the helicopter would have been better.