Grand Canyon National Park: South Rim Scenic Helicopter Tour
About This Experience
This is the longest scenic flight available from the South Rim, and the only one on this site that flies the national park itself rather than Grand Canyon West. It leaves from Grand Canyon Airport at Tusayan, minutes from the park entrance, so it suits anyone already staying at or driving to the South Rim.
You climb out over the ponderosa pines of the Kaibab National Forest, then the ground simply disappears as the canyon opens beneath you - the moment that makes the South Rim flights worth the money. The route takes in the Painted Desert and the Desert View Watchtower in the distance, then Point Imperial and Marble Canyon.
The flight turns south through the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon and the stretch most photographs are taken from. At 45 minutes it is roughly twice the length of the standard South Rim flight, and there is no landing - this is a flight, not a landing tour.
Highlights
- The longest scenic helicopter flight from the South Rim, at 45 minutes
- Fly the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest part of the Grand Canyon
- Cross the ponderosa pines of the Kaibab National Forest on the climb out
- Views toward the Painted Desert and the Desert View Watchtower
- See Point Imperial and Marble Canyon from the air
What's Included
- ✓ 45-minute helicopter flight over Grand Canyon National Park
- ✓ Views over the Kaibab National Forest
- ✓ Views of the Painted Desert
- ✓ Views of Point Imperial and Marble Canyon
- ✓ Flight south through the Dragon Corridor
Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel shuttle transfers
What to Bring
- Passport or government-issued photo ID
- Comfortable clothes
- A camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- This is a scenic flight over the national park - it does not land in the canyon.
- Departures are from Grand Canyon Airport at Tusayan, not from Las Vegas.
- Hotel shuttle transfers are not included.
- Check in at least 30 minutes before departure; late arrivals are refused without a refund.
- Flights must be reconfirmed 72 hours before departure.
- Every flight needs a minimum of four passengers.
- Passengers weighing 275 lb or more must buy an additional seat.
- Pets, smoking, food, drinks, selfie sticks and large bags are not permitted.
Not Suitable For
- Travellers prone to motion sickness
Meeting Point
Maverick Helicopters terminal at Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona, a few minutes south of the South Rim entrance. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.9/5 by 1,925 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
It's definitely worth it. What an experience! Our pilot was really thorough and friendly, adding value to a flight that is already spectacular in itself!
— Chiara, August
An incredible view, but still worth a lot of money.
— Vanessa, August
Fabulous. It's from above that you really realize the vastness of this place. It's a shame that I don't speak English because the pilot gave a lot of explanations that must have been very interesting.
— Emmanuelle, August
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this helicopter tour land in the Grand Canyon?
No. Flights over Grand Canyon National Park are not permitted to land inside the canyon - this is a 45-minute scenic flight. Only the Grand Canyon West tours, which fly over Hualapai tribal land rather than the national park, can put you on the canyon floor.
How is this different from the shorter South Rim flights?
At 45 minutes it is roughly twice the length of the standard South Rim flight, and it adds the run north toward Point Imperial and Marble Canyon on top of the Dragon Corridor. If you only fly once from the South Rim, this is the fuller route.
Where does it depart from?
Grand Canyon Airport at Tusayan, Arizona, a few minutes south of the park's South Rim entrance. Arrive 30 minutes before your departure time. Hotel shuttles are not included.
What is the Dragon Corridor?
It is the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon, and the stretch air tours are routed through because it shows the canyon at its full mile-deep scale. Almost every famous aerial photograph of the canyon is taken along it.
Can I fly here from Las Vegas instead?
Not on this tour. The Las Vegas departures fly to Grand Canyon West, which is a different part of the canyon around 120 miles from the national park. If you want the national park itself, you need to get to the South Rim.
