There are several ways to see the Grand Canyon. Nothing, however, stacks up to taking a canyon air tour. Two types are offered: Helicopter and plane. Both fly the West Rim and the National Park. Let's take a closer look at these terrific flights:

Grand Canyon West

This is the rim you want to visit if you are visiting Vegas. It's a destination most noted for its fun-based activities and sightseeing opportunities. Helicopter and plane tours start with the classic air-only trip. Helicopter packages can be extended that include a 4,000-foot descent to the base of the Grand Canyon. Should you be feeling really ambitious, add a river-rafting trip down the Colorado River. There's also a package that boasts an 11-mile smooth-water float trip that starts at the foot of Hoover Dam. Airplane flights may also be upgraded to include these side-trips.

The other big West Rim air tour includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Nicknamed the "glass bridge," the Sky Walk draws in more than 200,000 tourists a year. This awesome example of modern engineering carries you 70 feet past the side of the rim. Down below you some 4,000 feet is the churning Colorado River. It's gravity defying adventure at its finest.

Grand Canyon National Park

All helicopter and airplane flights leave from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, AZ, a quaint town right outside the National Park's main gate. The airspace over the National Park is tightly regulated and all air tours adhere to exact flight plans. Helicopter trips head out over Grand Canyon Village and enter into the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the canyon, before going back at the beautiful North Rim.

Airplane trips have a different route. They start northeast and make use of the edge of the South Rim as a guide. Points of interest along the way include historic the Painted Desert, the Little Colorado River, the Desert Watchtower, The Navajo Indian Reservation, and the North Rim. I guesstimate that what you see during this air tour is equivalent to several days on the ground.

If you're searching for an even more in depth South Rim journey, check out the 1-day smooth water float tour. Flights depart the South Rim and land at Glen Canyon Dam for the beginning of an awesome 15-mile rafting trip (children four-years-of-age and older are welcome).

Obtaining Best Price

The World Wide Web has transformed how we purchase travel. I urge you to search online and shop these air tours. There are plenty on the market. I've seen some good promotions out there with a few shaving off 35 percent of the retail price! While you buy online, avoid being tempted to call customer support to complete your transaction. The person on the other end of the line is a commissioned sales rep. It's there job to move you up to a more costly package. If you must call, use it to get your questions answered, then say goodbye and conclude your booking on their website. That should make sure you get the rock-bottom price.

Let's fly!

Experiencing and enjoying the Grand Canyon by air is the ultimate way to enjoy the National Park. Helicopter and plane trips can be booked for the West Rim and the South Rim. I would recommend that Las Vegas travelers look into visiting the Grand Canyon West, as it's just 120 miles away and will take only 45 minutes to reach. If you want to see the South Rim from Las Vegas, you must take a plane tour (highly recommended!). There aren't any heli flights between the two rims. List prices for air tours are over-priced. Always purchase your tickets over the Internet. Grand Canyon air tours - your ticket to seeing the canyon in all its splendor.