Another Grand Canyon by Helicopter question
 

My husband and I spent 3 days visiting GC Ntl Park several years ago. It was a truly awesome experience! The dilemma is with an upcoming 70th BD celebration in Las Vegas in August. Our son & DIL want to treat 'Dad' to a helicopter tour of the West rim, I understand it is really not comparable in any way to the South rim...except for the helicopter ride. This is a pricey proposition for 4 people.But as our son & DIL have never been to the Cnyon at all, I hate to say no. We are now looking at one that does not land on the canyon floor where are given lunch.. I think we could pass on that. (It's with Papillon Tours).And that might be a good thing owing to temps in the canyon at that time of year. Big question here...if we book...what would be the best time to go in terms of light on the canyon.I remember late evening and early morning worked best for pictures on the South rim. Any thoughts or recommendations on ANYTHING here would be appreciated.Thanks

<b>Big question here...if we book...what would be the best time to go in terms of light on the canyon</b>

In August I'd try to go early AM for these reasons ... afternoon storms are very common during the August monsoon season (high winds, rain, possible lightning ... things you want to avoid in a chopper) but morning storms are comparatively rare and weaker; temps are milder; still have the PM to do other things; good directional light.

Storms in the afternoon would be my main concern in August, especially if you've booked a particular day well in advance.

We did an early morning flight and enjoyed it.

Ooops...storms...hmmm...never even considered such a possibility. Early morning does sound like the best time then. How early? Thanks Bill_H...it's the light I am concerned with.I remember the South Rim being totally washed out in my early afternoon pictures last time.volcanogirl...when did you do your early morning flight?...with what company? The carrot that keeps waving for us for the PM trip..is arriving back in L.V. when the lights are coming on...would that be a good reason to pick the pm?..ooops, that is a NO! Forgot...storms.
Thanks everyone.

minx, I don't remember the exact time, but I do remember we had breakfast and champagne. I think the company we used was called Maverick.

Can anyone comment on an evening trip in August that we may be able to see the lights of LV on return..are we taking a chance due to possible storms?

<b>Can anyone comment on an evening trip in August that we may be able to see the lights of LV on return..are we taking a chance due to possible storms?</b>

You can just wait until you arrive and check the weather conditions; if it looks clear in the afternoons then try to book. Probably there will be open seats since August is typically a slow month for Vegas tourism. Not sure how late they fly though.