There is a vast number of Grand Canyon heli flights from Las Vegas. From air-only trips to rafting-combo bundles, Las Vegas has it all. To help you get shopping in the right direction, I've put together this short article spotlighting the most popular flights. I'm certain that your canyon experience will be off the charts if you book any one of them.

Vegas helis only fly to Grand Canyon West, which is also known as the West Rim. This part of the canyon is just 125 miles from Sin City. Flight time is 45 minutes. Those seeking a South Rim helicopter trip will need to bundle that with a bus or airplane trip.

The West Rim is located on the Hualapai Indian Reservation, which borders the Grand Canyon National Park. This rim is known for numerous things, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the glass bridge that lets you go walking 70 feet beyond the edge. It is also the sole place in the entire Park where you can fly to the base.

There are two kinds of helicopter trips: Air trips and bottom-landing tours. Here are particulars:

1. Air Only. Fly out of Las Vegas. Goes over Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Switches back over the West Rim, where you'll see the legendary Colorado River, the Sky Walk, Grand Cliffs Wash, Eagle Point, Guano Point and much more. Total tour time is around four hours and includes free hotel shuttle service.

2. Landing Tours. These trips stick to the same route as the air tours but land in the Reservation. Specifically:

A. Bottom Landing. Descends 4,000 feet to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Disembark, enjoy Champagne breakfast, brunch or toast. Check out the bottom and riverbank. Trip length is five hours and comes with no charge shuttle service.

B. Bottom Landing with Boat & Grand Canyon Skywalk. This tour expands the one above with a river boat ride and VIP tickets to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Lasts about 6 hours and includes free transportation back and forth from all Las Vegas resort-hotels.

C. Grand Canyon Skywalk tour. Arrives at Grand Canyon West Airport. Shuttle to the Glass Bridge. Unrestricted entry on the observation deck, as well as about 2 hours to look around the rim. Points of interest include Eagle and Guano Points and the Indian Cultural Center.

These are the most sought-after tours from Las Vegas to the canyon and they sell out quickly. My advice is that you reserve your flights one or more week in advance. Attempting to book last-minute flights is a gamble and typically only recommended if you are a solo traveler.

Get your tour while in Vegas and you'll be overcharged. If you would like receive the best deal, follow these three simple steps:

1. Book in advance (further out the better!)

2. Purchase your tour on the web

3. Complete the whole transaction online.

I'm very specific about #3. If for whatever reason you let a broker finish your web booking, you'll most likely be charged more. Today's vacation web sites are secure and safe. This is actually the only way I purchase travel today and I've never had an issue.

Las Vegas is a great place from whence to take a Grand Canyon helicopter trip. There's lots of variety and costs are competitive. Further, the West Rim is less than 60 minutes away. It is also the only place in the National Park where one can fly to the base. So, as you plan your holiday to Las Vegas, go ahead and add a canyon helicopter trip. It'll be the time of your life.