Experience the Ultimate Grand Canyon Adventure

Take your Arizona vacation to new heights with this comprehensive Grand Canyon helicopter and ground tour. Designed for those who want to see the best of the American Southwest without the stress of driving, this full-day excursion combines an immersive ground tour of the South Rim with a breathtaking 45-minute aerial flight through the widest and deepest parts of the canyon.

What Travelers Loved

Past guests consistently rave about the seamless organization and the exceptional quality of the guides. The helicopter flight is frequently cited as a 'bucket list' moment, offering perspectives of the Colorado River and the Dragon Corridor that simply cannot be replicated from the ground. Many reviewers highlighted the professionalism, humor, and kindness of the drivers, noting that they felt safe, well-cared for, and treated like family throughout the long day.

Itinerary Highlights

Scenic drive from Phoenix through the Sonoran Desert into the Ponderosa pine forests of Northern Arizona.
A 45-minute state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter flight over the majestic Dragon Corridor.
Guided walking time at the South Rim to capture postcard-perfect photos and explore historic viewpoints.
Comfortable, air-conditioned transport with frequent stops for food, hydration, and stretching.

What’s Included & Excluded

Your tour includes round-trip transport from select Phoenix-area hotels, bottled water, and your 45-minute helicopter flight. Please note that lunch is not included, and gratuities for your guide are at your discretion. Non-US citizens should be aware of potential supplemental entry fees.

Practical Notes & Who This Is For

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time in Arizona and see the Grand Canyon from every possible angle. Because this is a full-day commitment, it is best suited for those comfortable with a long day of travel. Please ensure you inform the operator of any specific mobility needs in advance.

Honest Notes & Important Considerations

While most tours run flawlessly, weather can occasionally impact helicopter operations; safety is always the priority. Additionally, pick-up locations may vary based on hotel proximity, so stay in contact with the local operator via email prior to your departure date. Weight limits for helicopters are strictly enforced for passenger safety.

Tour Itinerary

Stop 1

After departing the Phoenix metro area, our tour travels through the expansive Sonoran Desert filled with the native saguaro cactus. The scenery begins to change as we increase in elevation and views of the cactus fade into pine trees. As we continue further into Northern Arizona, we will travel the outskirts of the Route 66 town of Flagstaff and from the highway, see the San Francisco Peaks among the seemingly endless Ponderosa Pine Forest, the largest contiguous forest of ponderosa pines in the world.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Stop 2

Just before entering the Grand Canyon National Park, you will be checked in for your 45 minute helicopter flight, spanning over 90 miles of the Grand Canyon. After your flight, your guide will bring you back into the National Park to discover more by foot. You will have opportunities to walk the rim, shop, capture an unlimited number of photographs, or relax with the best seat in the house. Your total time at Grand Canyon including the helicopter and walking is approximately 3 hours, with approximately 1-1.5 hours on the rim walking. Sometimes your helicopter flight happens after your time on foot at the rim.

180 minsAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important Information

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Additional Logistics

Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Starting Jan 1st, 2026, the tour supplier is required by law to confirm US or Non-US citizenship which will determine if an additional entry fee is required. For non-US citizens, the tour supplier must collect an additional $100 per person, payable in advance to the tour supplier.
The maximum weight limit per person is 275 pounds. Guests over the weight limit (275+ lbs) will be required to purchase 2 seats. This is payable direct to the tour operator prior to the tour date.
Arizona state law requires children under 8 years to have either a child seat or booster. Child seats are not provided, please bring your own and notify supplier
Minimum age is 3 years and guest must inform supplier they will provide car seats or boosters.
Wheelchairs and walkers are acceptable as long as they fold up and can be slid into the vehicle without assistance from tour guide. The helicopter cannot accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. You must let the supplier know if you are bringing either.
We do not guarantee pickup for all hotels. Even if your hotel is on the list, there may be a chance you'll need to meet at an alternate location. Any guest staying outside of Phoenix, Scottsdale or Tempe will be required to meet at an alternate location to be determined by supplier. Tour supplier contact details will be provided on your pre-paid voucher.
The Grand Canyon South Rim is a 7,000 foot elevation, please note this if you have concerns about altitude.
There is NOT a restroom on the vehicle. Comfort stops are made throughout the day.
You must let the supplier know if there are any mobility concerns that they should be aware of.
Minimum numbers apply for the public small group tour. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Any tours booked after 7:00PM Arizona time the night before the tour date might not be confirmed. You will likely have to meet at another hotel for pick up. Our office will contact you prior to 6:00am on the tour date.
DETOURS American West is not responsible for road or viewing conditions due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour from Phoenix