Helicopter tour over Grand Canyon--is it worth the money?
 

I'll be heading out to Arizona this June and I only have one day scheduled to see the Grand Canyon (we're staying in Scottsdale, driving up through Sedona for an overnight at GC, staying there for one full day and coming back at night through the Lowell Observatory). I would like to know if a helicopter or airplane tour is worth the high prices I've seen? I want to see all that I can in the time provided, but we've got a budget. What's the difference between the helicopter and plane tours--why are the planes so much less? Do you recommend a specific company for tours? Finally, in the time provided, how would YOU see the vast Canyon? Thanks!

Save your $$$$! Go into the park and walk along the ridge...STOP, and take in the wonderous view. You don't have to see the whole canyon....it's better to feel it!

We live here, we know the territory, and we agree wholeheartedly with the above respondent. If there ever was a time for you to get a handle on how temporary and tiny we all are, one visit to the Grand Canyon will bring home that message in spades. The more you travel, the less you see. Slow down, get in touch with eternity, and come away with a feeling of God's grandeur and your small part in His plan.
And the faster you travel, the further you cheat yourself out of the great joy of contemplating what you should be doing with the rest of your life.

The helicopter ride will take you deep down into the canyons whereas the plane will only fly above them. We went with the plane tour and loved it. This is a one time experience!

We did a plane ride a few years ago from Vegas. It
was okay but I don't think you realize the vastness
of the Canyon from the air. Also, if you tend to
get motion sickness, I would not recommend the plane. Due to air currents we were bounced up and
down quite a bit. Hope you have a good vacation.

There is no other way to see the Canyon (and I've been there six times, going to Phantom Ranch twice) other than to walk along the rim or hike down into it. There is NO way you can ride a plane or a helicoptor into or over the Canyon without harming the serenity of someone else trying to enjoy the Canyon from the ground.

Save your hard-earned dollars!!!