Few places on earth can match the Grand Canyon National Park for its sheer size and beauty. But seeing it from the ground only tells part of the story. The helicopter tours here unlock a whole new perspective—giving you sweeping views of the Colorado River, the Kaibab National Forest, and the North and South Rims that are impossible to get from land. Whether you’re after a quick 25-minute flight or a longer, more detailed journey, each experience offers something special. Our favorite? The 45-minute flight with optional Hummer tour (see here) provides a solid mix of scenic highlights and a chance to explore both the canyon and its rim with a land adventure.
For those pressed for time but still eager for a breathtaking view, the 25-minute Dancer Helicopter Tour from Tusayan (see here) is a fantastic choice. And if you’re interested in a longer, more in-depth journey, the 45-minute eco-star flight (see here) offers expansive vistas that cover both rims and the Painted Desert. For a more customizable experience, the South Rim EcoStar Tour with optional Hummer (see here) combines aerial views with a ground adventure. And for something truly special, the West Rim Dream Plus Flight (see here) offers a personalized, longer flight with exclusive sights like the Skywalk.
1. Grand Canyon Helicopter 45-Minute Flight with Optional Hummer Tour
At number one, the Grand Canyon Helicopter 45-Minute Flight offers a well-rounded experience. This tour includes flying over the Dragon Corridor, the deepest part of the canyon, and gives you stunning views of the North and South Rims. The highlight? Seeing the Colorado River from above, with narration that shares stories and facts to enrich your understanding of this natural wonder. The optional Hummer tour adds a land component, taking you to explore geysers, viewpoints, and other remarkable sights along the rim.
Rated 4.5/5 by 268 reviewers, this tour balances luxury and adventure, with comfortable seats and informative commentary. Many guests mention how this is a “great way to see the canyon,” and some praise the pilot’s expertise. The price of $399 makes it one of the more comprehensive options, suited for travelers who want a full scenic overview combined with a land visit. The main drawback? Weather delays can impact schedules, but the option to reschedule adds flexibility.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a robust aerial experience coupled with the chance to explore on land—a true Grand Canyon introduction from the air and ground.
2. 25-minute Grand Canyon Dancer Helicopter Tour from Tusayan, Arizona
This shorter flight is ideal for travelers with limited time but who still want a stunning aerial view of the Grand Canyon. Departing from Tusayan, the Dancer Helicopter Tour (see here) takes you over the Kaibab National Forest, the Vishnu Schist, and the Tower of Ra rock formation. The ECO-Star helicopter’s wraparound windows provide excellent photo opportunities, making this a favorite among those eager to capture the moment.
What makes this tour stand out? Its high rating of 5.0/5 from 64 reviews and the focused 25-minute itinerary designed to maximize views without feeling rushed. It’s a premium helicopter, offering both comfort and panoramic views. The downside? Limited time means you see a smaller slice of the canyon, and some passengers have noted that seats at the back might only offer partial views. Still, many appreciate the professionalism of Maverick Helicopters and the breathtaking scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a short but spectacular flight and a quick, memorable Grand Canyon experience.
3. 25-min Grand Canyon South Rim EcoStar Helicopter Tour with Optional Hummer
At number three, this customizable 25-minute tour (see here) is a flexible choice for those wanting to combine aerial views with a land adventure. This tour showcases incredible sights over the South Rim, including the North Rim and the Dragon Corridor. The optional Hummer experience allows you to explore points along the rim like Moran Point or Grandview Point, adding a different perspective to your day.
Rated 4.5/5 by 211 reviews, many travelers mention how well-organized and “wonderful” the experience was. The flight itself is a bird’s eye view of the canyon’s widest and deepest parts, with views of the Colorado River, and scenic vistas that surpass land-based trips. The primary advantage is the combination of aerial and land exploration, perfect for travelers who want variety. The main critique? Some feel the 25-minute flight can be too brief if they want to see more.
Bottom line: For those seeking a flexible adventure that mixes aerial and ground exploration, this tour offers a wonderful balance.
4. Helicopter Tour of the North Canyon with Optional Hummer Excursion
This tour takes you over the North Rim, a less visited but equally stunning part of the canyon. The flight (see here) offers aerial views of Kaibab National Forest and Vishnu Schist, flying over the deepest and widest part of the canyon—the Dragon Corridor. An added bonus is the option to include a Hummer tour, which takes you to points like Moran Point or Grandview Point along the rim.
Rated 4.5/5 from 184 reviews, passengers love the unbeatable canyon vistas, especially of areas only accessible from the air. The pilot’s narration and the comfort of the helicopter are often praised. The Hummer upgrade adds value, turning a scenic flight into a full-day experience. The longer 25-minute flight suits those who want to see both Rims and the deepest parts of the canyon.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting to see the lesser-visited North Rim with the option of a land tour afterward.
5. Grand Canyon West Rim-Helicopter Tours- Dream Plus Flight
For a personalized, VIP experience, the Dream Plus Flight (see here) is designed for groups of 4-6 and offers a longer, more scenic flight over the West Rim. This tour takes you 2000 feet below the rim, where you’ll see the Skywalk, Guano Point, and Eagles Point. It combines the scenic beauty of the canyon with a luxury touch and an itinerary that extends well beyond the typical short flights.
Rated 4.5/5 by 10 reviews, travelers mention that it’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience with remarkable views of the Guano Point and Quartermaster Canyon. The longer duration makes it great for those who want to capture more of the canyon’s grandeur and feel more immersed.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice if you’re traveling in a group and want a more exclusive, extended flight with access to famous landmarks.
6. 45-minute Helicopter Flight Over the Grand Canyon from Tusayan, Arizona
This is one of the most popular tours, boasting an average rating of 5.0/5 from nearly 1,877 reviews. It offers a comprehensive 45-minute flight that begins at the South Rim and takes you north over the canyon. You’ll see ponderosa pines, the Painted Desert, and the Desert View Watchtower—a National Historic Landmark. The route through the Dragon Corridor provides some of the most impressive views, with narration that enriches your experience.
The luxury ECO-Star helicopter features wraparound windows and ample space, with many reviews praising the professional pilot and the visual variety. The price ($337.18) reflects its depth, making it a value for those seeking extensive aerial coverage.
Bottom line: A top pick for travelers wanting a thorough, panoramic Grand Canyon experience with multiple viewpoints and detailed commentary.
$337.18 per person
7. Grand Canyon West Rim Below and Beyond Helicopter Tour
This longer hour-long tour departs from the Grand Canyon Western Ranch, about two hours from Las Vegas. It offers a unique perspective, flying over the Mojave Desert, Ancient Joshua Tree Forest, and Spirit Mountain before descending 1,500 feet into the canyon. You trace over 15 miles of the Colorado River and see rock formations visible only from the air.
Rated 0 reviews, it’s a newer entry but promises a rich, detailed view of the West Rim. The forward-facing seats and panoramic windows promise an immersive experience, and the descent provides some of the most dramatic views available.
Bottom line: Best for adventurers seeking a longer, more in-depth tour with the chance to descend into the canyon and see iconic landscape features.
$249.00 per person
How to Choose Your Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your time availability, budget, and interests. Shorter flights like the 25-minute Dancer are perfect for a quick overview, while the 45-minute flights (see here) suit those who want more coverage. If you’re interested in combining aerial views with land explorations, look at the South Rim EcoStar Tour. For group travelers or those wanting a more exclusive experience, the Dream Plus Flight (see here) offers a personalized, longer adventure.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment. Consider your fitness level and comfort with heights—most tours are suitable for most travelers, but some may involve descents or longer flights.
Final Thoughts
The Grand Canyon offers a range of helicopter adventures—each suited to different tastes and schedules. For a quick but memorable overview, the 25-minute Dancer flight hits the mark. If you want to soar over both rims, the 45-minute North or South Rim flights provide extensive views. And for those wanting a luxury experience combined with land exploration, the Dream Plus Flight or Hummer upgrades deliver.
No matter which you pick, these tours are best booked well in advance, especially in peak seasons. Remember, seeing the canyon from the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime view—and the memories will stay longer than your camera battery.