Grand Canyon: Helicopter North Rim Flight & Hummer Tour

Summary

Grand Canyon flight then hummer ride to epic canyon overlooks

You’ll soar above both rims of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, catching wild views of the Colorado River and Kaibab Forest before touching down for a Hummer ride with a local guide. Expect laughter, quiet moments at epic lookouts like Grandview Point, and sensory details you’ll remember long after your day trip ends.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always wondered if seeing the Grand Canyon from above would feel as dramatic as people say. Turns out, it’s not just hype — my stomach did this weird flip when our helicopter lifted off near the South Rim. The pilot (I think her name was Jess?) pointed out the Kaibab Forest below, all those pines packed tight like bristles on a brush. The windows fogged up for a second from everyone’s nervous breath, and then suddenly we were gliding into that endless maze of red and gold cliffs. I tried to film it but honestly, I just kind of froze and watched. The Colorado River looked impossibly small from up there.

After landing, I was still buzzing — maybe from adrenaline or maybe because I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. If you pick the Hummer option (which we did), you get whisked off in this open-air beast with a guide who actually grew up nearby. Ours was named Mike and he had this dry sense of humor; he called Grandview Point “the spot where everyone tries to take the same selfie.” He wasn’t wrong — but the view really does hit different in person, especially late afternoon when the shadows start creeping across the rocks. There was this moment at Moran Point where nobody said anything for a while, just wind and camera shutters clicking. Kinda rare these days.

I didn’t expect to care about all those little details — like how the air smells sharp up there, or how your hands get dusty leaning on the railing at each lookout. But now whenever someone asks about my day trip to the Grand Canyon, it’s those bits that stick with me more than any photo could. If you’re after something that feels bigger than yourself (and don’t mind helmet hair), this helicopter tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour and optional Hummer excursion

• Arrive at air terminal near park
• Board luxury sightseeing helicopter
• Fly over South and North Rims
• View Kaibab National Forest and Dragon Corridor
• Land and disembark helicopter
• Optional: Take 2-hour Hummer tour
• Stop at Moran Point and Grandview Point
• Explore other canyon rim viewpoints

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon helicopter tour?

The flight lasts about 25-30 minutes over both rims.

Where does the helicopter depart from?

The tour departs from the South Rim heliport near the park entrance.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, but you check in at the air terminal 30 minutes before departure.

What do you see during the flight?

You’ll fly over Kaibab Forest, Dragon Corridor, both canyon rims, and see the Colorado River below.

How long is the Hummer excursion?

The Hummer ground tour lasts about two hours with stops at several viewpoints like Grandview Point and Moran Point.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join as lap children under age two with proof of age; special seats are available if needed.

Do I need ID for this tour?

Yes, all passengers 18 years or older must show government-issued photo ID at check-in.

If I weigh over 300 lbs can I join?

You can join but will need to purchase an extra seat for comfort and safety; pay directly to operator on tour day.

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic air tour by state-of-the-art Bell helicopter departing from near the South Rim entrance; if you choose it, there’s also an open-air Hummer excursion led by an expert local guide with stops at famous viewpoints like Grandview Point and Moran Point before heading back — just remember to bring your ID for check-in.