Four ticket designs, three in gold and one in silver, labeled 'my return ticket' with the text 'ADMIT ONE' prominently displayed.

VERDICT: WE GAVE 4 OUT OF 5 TICKETS AND HERE’S WHY!

This guide forms part of our complete USA Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United States.

This article is also part of the Ultimate Guide to Nevada, exploring the Vegas Strip, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Area 51 and even Getting Married. Read the complete itinerary here.

See One of the World’s Greatest Natural Wonders

Grand Canyon Flight, USAJoin us as we explore the Grand Canyon. It’s one of the world’s most powerful natural landmarks; vast, ancient, and impossible to fully capture in photographs. This was a truly amazing experience.

Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this immense chasm reveals layers of geological history while delivering scale and silence that stop visitors in their tracks. Standing at the rim, the Grand Canyon feels less like a destination and more like an encounter with deep time.

Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit from Las Vegas or Arizona, including rim guides, scenic flights, viewpoints and practical travel advice

► Understanding the Grand Canyon

277 miles long
Up to 18 miles wide
More than one mile deep
Nearly two billion years of geological history

► Best Viewpoints of the Grand Canyon

Mather Point: For many visitors coming to the South Rim, Mather Point offers the first glimpse of a world wonder. A short walk from the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and parking lots 1-4, Mather Point offers an expansive view of the canyon.

Yavapai Point: Perched right on the edge of the canyon rim at Yavapai Point, Yavapai Geology Museum offers one of the best vantage points for an overview of Grand Canyon geology. It features sweeping, panoramic vistas of the deep chasm and is highly accessible.

Hopi Point: This viewpoint offers panoramic and breathtaking views of the canyon along the scenic Hermit Road. An ideal location for sunrise or sunset. Only accessible by the park’s shuttle service.

Desert View: The Desert View entrance tends to be less crowded than the South Rim’s main entrance near Grand Canyon Village. Entering from Desert View can save you time waiting in the South Entrance Station’s line, and make for a more relaxed experience.

Imperial Point: the highest point on the rim of Grand Canyon at 8,803 feet (2,683 m), Point Imperial is also the most northern boundary of the park. The scenic road passes through high-elevation forests, open meadows, wildfire recovery areas, and seasonal wildflowers before reaching the overlook.

Guano Point: Provides dramatic 360° views of the Canyon, 4,000ft above the Colorado River.

Eagle Point: It features the famous glass Grand Canyon Skywalk, a natural rock formation shaped like an eagle, and an authentic Native American Village with live cultural performances.

Scenic Flights: Choose Your Preference

Our Choice:

Grand Canyon Tour by Air

Our story: The plane was so small, tight and hot but the pilot was very friendly and we had a good flight. The history and storytelling that plays as you fly along is incredibly interesting and it is very easy to see how amazing the Canyon really is. It’s unreal to see the demarcation from the years of weathering in the canyon creating the different coloured layers.

There are also excellent views of the Hoover Dam that piqued our interest, so much so that on our next trip to Vegas, we went on the tour of the dam. Amazing to think that there was nothing but dry, dusty desert, yet people managed for the most part to survive and make a life there… As for the flight, I wouldn’t do it again but it is a must see once, for certain.

This tour included:
A scenic flight over the Grand Canyon with aerial views of the Zuni Corridor, Imperial Point, the Confluence of the Colorado, Hoover Dam and Little Colorado River, and the Kaibab National Forest and Plateau.

One of the most time-efficient and dramatic ways to experience the Grand Canyon is from the air.

What Air Tours Offer

Views of the Colorado River, canyon depths, and remote areas

Departures from Las Vegas, South Rim, and nearby airports

Why Choose an Air Tour

Exceptional photography opportunities

Access to areas unreachable by road

Ideal if you are short on time!

Some tours combine air travel with ground landings or river stops, depending on the package.

Grand Canyon: Extended Visitor Guide & Information

The Grand Canyon is not a single viewpoint but a complex region with multiple rims, access points, trails, and experiences. Understanding how it’s laid out is key to making the most of your visit.

birds eye photography of horseshoe bend arizona

picturesque canyon with narrow river under cloudy blue sky

photo of people standing on rock formation

Accessing the Grand Canyon

The Three Main Areas

South Rim: Most popular, open year-round, classic views
North Rim: Higher elevation, quieter, seasonal access
West Rim: Closest to Las Vegas, home to the Skywalk

Each offers a different experience, and travel time between them is longer than many expect.

► South Rim (Most Visitors Start Here)

Grand Canyon South Rim

Why visit: Iconic viewpoints, visitor services, trails
Open: Year-round
Time needed: Full day or overnight

Key Viewpoints

Mather Point – First-time “wow” moment
Yavapai Point – Geological interpretation
Hopi Point – One of the best sunset locations

Walking & Hiking

Rim Trail: Mostly flat, excellent for short walks
Bright Angel Trail: Descends into the canyon (go down only as far as you can safely return)

► North Rim (For Fewer Crowds)

Grand Canyon North Rim

Elevation: Over 8,000 feet
Vibe: Quieter, cooler, forested
Season: Typically May–October

Ideal for travellers seeking solitude and dramatic vertical views.

► West Rim & Skywalk

Grand Canyon Skywalk

Glass walkway extending over the canyon
Privately operated on Hualapai land
Closest rim to Las Vegas (about 2–2.5 hours by road)

► Day Trips Within the Grand Canyon Region

From the South Rim

Desert View Watchtower: Historic lookout and river views
Hermit Road: Shuttle-only scenic drive with multiple viewpoints
Tusayan: Gateway town for dining and lodging

► Nearby Day Trips

Horseshoe Bend: Iconic Colorado River bend (near Page, AZ)
Antelope Canyon: Guided slot canyon tours (reservation required)
Sedona: Red rock landscapes and scenic drives

These pair exceptionally well with a Grand Canyon visit.

Colorado River Experiences

Whitewater rafting (multi-day trips)
Smooth-water float trips (less strenuous)
View the river from above or experience it directly

River trips require planning but deliver unforgettable perspectives.

Wildlife & Nature

Mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep
California condors soaring above the rim
Diverse plant life changes by elevation

Wildlife is most active early morning and evening.

Best Time to Visit

Spring & Fall: Best balance of weather and crowds
Summer: Busy but accessible; hot inside the canyon
Winter: Snowy, dramatic, fewer visitors (South Rim only)

Temperatures can vary dramatically between rim and canyon floor.

Practical Visitor Tips

Stay hydrated – even on short walks
Weather changes quickly
Start hikes early
Distances are deceptive, the canyon is much bigger than it looks

How Long Should You Stay?

Half day: Rim viewpoints only
1 full day: Rim + short hikes
2+ days: Multiple rims, deeper hikes, or air tours

Why the Grand Canyon Leaves a Lasting Impression

The Grand Canyon isn’t about adrenaline or entertainment, it’s about simple scale, perspective, and humility. Visitors consistently describe it as emotional, grounding, and unforgettable.

Did You Know?

The Colorado River has been carving the Grand Canyon for 5–6 million years, while exposing rocks that are nearly 2 billion years old.
The Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and over 6,000 feet (1,800 m) deep.
More than 1,000 caves are believed to exist within the canyon, yet only a small percentage have ever been explored.
The endangered California Condor, with a wingspan approaching 3 metres (9.5 feet), can often be seen soaring above the canyon.
Grand Canyon National Park welcomes around five million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

Time Needed 2 Hours

Admission Paid Admission

Best Time to Visit Summer

Local Tip

I would suggest you book early and pick the time slot that works best for you. The plane is a little tight as there is one row of two people and has capacity for about 20. Great value and can be done within a couple of hours. We spent about $500 for both of us.

Information Verified: 07/15/2023

The Bottom Line

This was an incredible tour. Never thought I would see the Grand Canyon from the air. This isn't for the faint of heart, however my husbnad loved it and he would do it all over again tomorrow if it was possible. Amazing!

Bottom Line

The Grand Canyon is not just one of America’s greatest natural wonders, it’s one of the world’s great landscapes. Whether you explore on foot, by road, or from the air with Grand Canyon Tours by Air, the experience reshapes how you understand nature and time itself.

Continue Exploring The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas

Horseshoe Bend – One of Arizona’s most photographed natural landmarks, where the Colorado River curves dramatically around a towering sandstone cliff.
Antelope Canyon – A spectacular slot canyon famous for its colourful sandstone walls and incredible light beams. Guided tours are required.
Hoover Dam – An engineering marvel spanning the Colorado River, offering guided tours and panoramic views over Lake Mead.
Sedona – Renowned for its striking red rock formations, scenic drives, hiking trails, art galleries and vibrant downtown.
Visit Fremont Street Experience – Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
Explore Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – Just 30 minutes from the Strip, this spectacular desert landscape offers scenic drives, hiking, rock climbing and incredible photography opportunities.

Nearby Attractions And Things To Do In Las Vegas

Walk the Las Vegas Strip: Experience the world-famous resorts, themed hotels, dazzling fountains, nightlife and free attractions that make Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.
Visit Fremont Street Experience: Enjoy the spectacular LED canopy light show, live entertainment, zipline and classic vintage Vegas atmosphere.
Stay at the Venetian Hotel: One of the city’s top hotels. It is a little pricier, but the environment, rooms, and the feeling of Venice is steps away. Quite a magical stay!
Try out Nine Fine Irishmen and Gordon Ramsay’s Pub & Grill: There are so many restaurants to choose from. We enjoyed both, great food and fantastic hospitality.
Get Married!: On the Strip you will find numerous opportunities to tie the knot. It all can be arranged in a day. Even get the marriage licence on the day! We did it!

Planning Your Trip?

Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:

With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.