Grand Canyon: Helicopter Flight & Hummer Tour Combo

Summary

Grand Canyon aerial views plus open-air Hummer adventure

You’ll soar above the Grand Canyon’s wildest stretches on a helicopter flight with wraparound views, expert narration, and that odd hush only big places have. Add a Hummer ride for rugged stops along the rim—blankets included if it gets chilly—and moments where even your guide just stands quietly next to you.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely buckled in before the rotors started up—our pilot, Marcus, grinned and told us to keep our cameras ready because “the canyon likes to surprise people.” He wasn’t kidding. The ground just sort of dropped away as we lifted off from the South Rim, and suddenly the whole Grand Canyon was there, stretching out like something too big to fit in your head. I could hear my friend gasp through the headset (it’s weirdly quiet in there except for that), and I remember thinking how small the Colorado River looked from up high—like a piece of blue thread winding between burnt orange cliffs. The sun hit my face through those wraparound windows and for a second I forgot to take any photos at all.

I kept trying to spot where the Kaibab National Forest ended and the rock began but honestly, it all just blurs together—green fading into reds and purples. Marcus pointed out Imperial Point and Dragon Corridor (I still have no idea how he knew which was which), tossing in bits of canyon history between radio calls. At one point he banked left so we could see the North Rim better; my stomach did a little flip but it felt more exciting than scary. The flight lasted about 45 minutes but time got weird up there—I only noticed because my phone buzzed when we landed again.

If you add on the Hummer tour, like we did, you pile straight into this open-air beast of a truck with huge tires. Our guide, Jen, handed out blankets because it gets cold fast after sunset (no one tells you that). She stopped at these wild lookout points along the rim—places where you can actually hear wind whistling through rocks if you stand still long enough. I tried to say thank you in Navajo at one stop; Jen laughed and said she’d heard worse attempts. By then I had red dust on my shoes and hair full of static from pulling off my headset too fast. Still think about that view from our last stop—just silence and sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Canyon Helicopter Flight Tour

• Fly over widest, deepest canyon part
• See forest near North and South Rims
• Soar over Grand Canyon North Rim
• View Colorado River from above
• Circle around Grand Canyon South Rim

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon helicopter flight?

The flight lasts approximately 40-50 minutes over the South Rim area.

Is there narration during the helicopter tour?

Yes, in-flight narration is available in multiple languages during your flight.

What do you see on this Grand Canyon helicopter tour?

You’ll see views of the Colorado River, North & South Rims, Kaibab National Forest, Imperial Point, and Dragon Corridor.

How many people fit in each helicopter?

Each aircraft holds up to six passengers; larger groups can use multiple helicopters.

What’s included if I book the Hummer tour option?

The Hummer upgrade adds a two-hour guided ride with stops at several lookout points along the canyon’s edge.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure for check-in.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants under two can join as lap children with proof of age such as a passport or birth certificate.

Do I need ID for this Grand Canyon helicopter ride?

All passengers 18 years or older must present government-issued photo ID at check-in.

What’s included

Your day covers a 40-50 minute helicopter flight with wraparound windows and multi-language narration over Grand Canyon landmarks like Imperial Point and Dragon Corridor; if selected, you’ll also get a two-hour guided Hummer tour stopping at several scenic overlooks along the rim. Just remember to bring ID for check-in and $15 per person for fuel surcharge—the rest is handled by your local crew.