What's as important as seeing the Skywalk? Getting there. And nothing comes close to the thrill of flying to the glass bridge aboard a sleek Las Vegas helicopter.

Flights leave Vegas daily and take just 45 minutes to reach Grand Canyon West, home of the Skywalk. En route, you'll fly over Lake Mead, the largest 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 Wasth, there it is: The Skywalk Grand Canyon, sparkling like a diamond necklace under the bright Mojave Desert sun.

Keep that camera clicking - the spectacular descent kicks in at this point. 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 Skywalk is a spectacular example of 21st Century engineering. The cantilevered walkway extends 70 feet past the edge and suspends guests 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The bridge is strong and can hold up to 71 fully loaded 747 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.

Forty-six glass panels costing $250,000 each make up the deck. No personal electronics (digital cameras, mobile phones, iPods) are allowed on the bridge because they can scratch the glass if dropped. 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.

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. The additional room means these aircraft are outfitted with theater-style seats and huge wraparound windshields. Additionally , they come equipped 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 lowest priced 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.

Going to the Grand Canyon Skywalk is an even in itself. To do it right, take a helicopter tour from 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.