Grand Canyon air tour from Las Vegas

The routes

Papillon’s Golden Eagle spends about 70 minutes in the air. From the terminal in Boulder City it crosses Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, then the volcanic Black Mountains, Grapevine Mesa and the Grand Wash Cliffs into Grand Canyon West. Over the West Rim it passes the Skywalk and dips below the canyon edge, between the walls above the Colorado River. Headsets carry a recorded commentary in a choice of languages, and on arrival there is time for the gift shop.

5 Star’s West Rim flight starts at its heliport off the Strip, crosses the Hoover Dam and the bypass bridge and covers about 15 miles above and below the rim before returning over the Strip hotels. The extended version adds Black Canyon and Fortification Hill and covers over 30 miles above and below the rim. Both include water and soda and the pilot’s commentary.

Who should pick an air tour

An air tour is the choice if the flight is what you came for and you do not need to step out in the canyon. If you want to stand on the canyon floor or walk out on the Skywalk, look at the landing tours or the Skywalk tours instead.

Before you fly

Papillon needs you at the Boulder City terminal 45 minutes before the flight if you skip the hotel transfer. 5 Star asks for 30 minutes and for a photo ID and a credit card at check-in. A second seat is required above 300 lb (136 kg) with Papillon and above 250 lb (112 kg) with 5 Star.