Visiting Vegas and want to experience the splendor of the Grand Canyon? Have I got the chopper ride just for you. It lands at the bottom of the West Rim and comes with a Champagne picnic. This is the most breathtaking way to experience the canyon. And the most in-demand. RSVP this trip now and lock down seats before they sell out.

This chopper tour leaves every day and takes 45 minutes to cover the 120 miles of Mojave Desert that divides Las Vegas from Grand Canyon West. En route, you'll fly over Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir, and Hoover Dam, the second biggest dam in the country.

You will be in canyon country as soon as the chopper crests Grand Cliffs Wash. It's a triumphant moment. Here you drop into the western-most portion of the canyon and start the 4,000- foot descent to the bottom. My camera was operating overtime at this point as our chopper flew between buttes, escarpments, plateaus and escarpments. I could not take my finger off the button. The scene out the chopper window was stunning and surreal. Not everybody gets this chance as flying beneath the rim is only allowed at the West Rim.

Our heli settled on a dirt landing pad which was situated about 100 yards from the banks of the Colorado River. We deplaned, covered our heads and walked over to a real Indian Ramada. Our picnic of bread, cheese, fruit and other delicious finger-foods was waiting. I missed breakfast and was famished. Our Champagne flutes were filled. One English man made a wonderful toast.

I walked a trail to the edge of the river. There were many types of cactus. I didn't expect this. The trail cut through a forest of Salt Cedar and chirping birds. I could hear the river and my heart raced. I bounded out of the vegetation and here it was. The mighty Colorado River. The force that runs 277 miles through the Grand Canyon National Park, cutting the canyon ever deeper to this very day.

From the bottom, you get first-hand experience of just how sheer the canyon's cliffs are. They tower above you for nearly a mile. Endangered California Condors soared over us on invisible vortexes. Clouds swept from one side of the gorge to the other. I thought about taking a boat tour but saved it for next time. I had plans to see Jersey Boys this evening and couldn't tarry. I made a note to myself to do it the next occasion.

Our group loaded back into the chopper. I got fortunate and got the front seat. This is a big deal because our helicopter was an EcoStar 130. It features 180-degree wraparound windshields and theater-style seating. These machines are quiet, extremely fast and offer one of the smoothest flights you'll ever take. Plus the flooring below my feet was clear. I felt like I was flying the aircraft as we elevated out of the canyon and made our way back to Vegas.

I strongly suggest that you buy this chopper tour beforehand. There's a limited number of helicopters and each one seats just six people. During spring and summer these flights are full. I've seen people turn up at the terminal on stand-by and then leave empty-handed. Further, buy the tour on line. Doing this can trim the list price by 25 percent!

The #1 Las Vegas helicopter tour? The West Rim Champagne Picnic! This flight has a number of names but they all do the same thing: Fly to the bottom part of the Grand Canyon for a Champagne brunch. It's a spectacular tour and one that can ONLY be done from Las Vegas. It's a very unique flight. Be sure you don't leave Sin City without having done it.