thelmaandlouise

Hi everyone. My sister and I leave next Thursday the 23rd for our Grand Canyon adventure and she still is totally in the dark! Has no clue she's going! Thank god it's happening soon because I don't know how much longer we can keep her from finding out and it's getting exhausting!

I am trying to arrange a helicopter tour and have no idea if one time of day is better than the other. Does anyone who has done this have suggestions? I'm considering using Papillon, and welcome any rants or raves about the company too. Or if you have other tour operator suggestions...

Here are the times suggested on their site.

7:00 - 8:00 AM

9:45 - 10:45 AM

12:30 - 1:30 PM

3:15 - 4:15 PM

6:00 PM

I was thinking the 3:00 would have nice dramatic light - better for photos. Thanks!

Cicerone

First check and see what times are available as the flights are popular. If you have a choice, I would pick 7 am or 6 pm for the most dramatic views and colors of the rocks. 3 pm on a sunny day could be a bit of a washout, as the rocks may lose some of their color. According to National Park Service website for the Grand Canyon (http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/Sunset04.html) the sun won't set until around 6:30 pm so 3 to 4 will still be bright daylight.

You may not get the best pictures from the helicopter as (i) it is moving (ii) the windows are plastic and sometimes scratched which you will not notice too much but your camera lens will, (iii) if you are in the back seat you may not be able to get a really clear shot. Also, the shots may come out flat from that height. Enjoy the ride.

thelmaandlouise

Great advice. I expect to make the reservation today do we'll see what's available.

But I'm wondering - there are also plane tours. Are there any pros and cons of one over the other? Are the very different experiences? I've flown on a small-ish plane, but never on a helicopter.

Cicerone

I think the helicopter tour is better, as you have more manoeverability, plus you go at slower speeds and I beleive you can go lower down in the canyon. I think the plane tour is more for people coming for the day from Las Vegas. I don't see any advantage to it for people already staying in or near the park.