The Grand Canyon South Rim airplane tour is one of the world's most spectacular flights. This air tour lets you peer into vast canyon, experience unfathomable vistas and see more of the canyon in under an hour than people on the ground will see in a week. It's the ultimate day trip and is really the only true solution to understanding the full magnitude of this best of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

South Rim Airplane Tour Frankly, this is the only way to experience the Grand Canyon if you are visiting the Park for less than a couple of days. Departs every day of the year. Heads easterly along the South Rim, flying over Desert Watchtower, the Zuni Corridor and the Colorado River confluence (the point where the little and big versions of the river meet!). Turns north, whereupon you'll see the Painted Desert and the Navajo Indian Reservation, then bears west and uses the majestic North Rim as a guideline. The final leg cuts south through the magnificent Dragoon corridor. Definitely the air tour of a lifetime! More information

Grand Canyon Airport

This tour departs daily, including all major holidays, from Grand Canyon National Park Airport. The facility is located in the town of Tusayan, which is 10 minutes away from all lodges in Grand Canyon Village (e.g. Maswick, Bright Angel, El Tovar, etc.). You must drive yourself to the airport or arrange for a ride at the Bright Angel Transportation Desk inside the Bright Angel Lodge. Here's a Google Map of the airport's location:

The Plane

Too many people are under the impression that the tour is conducted aboard a small four-seat aircraft. In actuality, it uses a customized Vistaliner plane. This aircraft comfortably holds up to 19 passengers and comes with oversized viewing windows, lounge-style seat and a silent-ride propeller system. Definitely this plane is the right match for the flights.

South Rim Helicopter Tour Looking for a more intimate air-tour experience? Try a helicopter tour. These flights go rim-to-rim in 30 minutes. Upgrade the basic tour to include a state-of-the-art EcoStar 130 helicopter and up to 50 minutes of airtime. Think you've seen it all. Try doing it at 220 mph! Click South Rim helicopter for more information.

Pilots

Each flight is manned by two pilots who are FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certified. Pilots also double as guides and are extremely knowledgeable of the terrain. Supplement their commentary with the pre-recorded narration (translated in 11 languages!) and you'll walk out knowing as much about the canyon as Park Ranger.

Tips

Get a morning flight. This when the air is crisp and visibility is best. You'll also get a smoother ride. RSVP your flight at least 3 days ahead of time. If you can book a week out, do it. There's more demand than supply for these air tours. Purchase your trip on the Web. Tour operators post their best deals online. I'm personally saving up to 20 percent on these South Rim flights. No reason you can't either.

Click for Best South Rim Airplane Tour

Have a GRAND day,

P.S. On the fence about which air tour operator wit which to fly? Check out my Grand Canyon Airplane Tour review site. Each company on this site has been graded based on safety, selection and price.

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