Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour from Las Vegas

Summary

Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Strip views by air with hotel pickup

You’ll lift off from Las Vegas with hotel pickup included, flying by helicopter over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before dipping into the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. Glide above ancient rock formations and follow the Colorado River’s path below. The return flight sweeps across the Mojave Desert and straight over the Las Vegas Strip — an experience that sticks with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet the Mercedes van felt after leaving the Strip — just a few of us, all kind of nervous-laughing about flying in a helicopter. Our driver joked about the “VIP” part as we pulled up to the heliport (honestly, it did feel fancy). The pilot, Mark, handed out headsets and asked where we were from. He had this way of making it all sound easy — “just keep your seatbelt on and enjoy.” I tried not to look down as we lifted off but couldn’t help it; Vegas shrank so fast below us, all neon and weird geometry.

Flying toward Hoover Dam, you get this strange sense of scale — like someone dropped a toy bridge into a canyon. Mark pointed out Fortification Hill and said something about ancient lava flows; I didn’t catch every word because my ears popped and I was distracted by the desert colors. Lake Mead looked almost fake from above, blue against all that dusty brown. There’s a moment when you cross into the Grand Canyon’s West Rim where everyone goes quiet — even Mark stopped talking for a bit. The Colorado River glinted far below, winding between rock layers that looked painted on.

I’d seen pictures before but nothing prepares you for seeing the canyon open up beneath you like that. My hands were sweaty on the camera (I nearly dropped it at one point). Someone behind me gasped when we dipped lower over those cathedral-like cliffs — I think it was Maria? She kept saying “wow” in Spanish, which somehow made it feel more real. On the way back, we flew right over the Strip; all those hotels lit up in daylight look stranger than at night. It’s funny what sticks with you — for me, it’s that hush inside the helicopter when everyone just watched without saying anything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

• Pickup from Vegas hotel by van
• Drive to VIP Heliport
• Board A-Star helicopter
• Fly over Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge
• Pass Fortification Hill volcanic mesa
• Soar above Lake Mead reservoir
• Descend into Grand Canyon over Colorado River
• View cathedral buttresses and rock pillars
• Fly over Las Vegas Strip and landmarks

Top questions

How long is the Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas?

The aerial tour lasts about 90 minutes, including time over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon West Rim.

Is hotel pickup included for this helicopter tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in a Mercedes Benz van are included in your booking.

What landmarks do you see during this helicopter flight?

You’ll see Hoover Dam, Fortification Hill, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Colorado River, and fly over the Las Vegas Strip.

Can small children join this Grand Canyon helicopter tour?

Children age 2 years and older require their own seat per FAA rules; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Where does this Grand Canyon helicopter tour depart from?

The flight departs from Las Vegas at 5 Star Helicopter Tours VIP Heliport after hotel pickup.

Are there weight restrictions for passengers?

Passengers over 250 lbs (112 kg) need to purchase an extra seat for aircraft balance; payable directly to operator on tour day.

Do I need ID to board the helicopter?

A valid government-issued ID matching your ticket name is required to board due to federal regulations.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a luxury van, all taxes and fees covered, plus a 90-minute flight in an A-Star helicopter—no extra charges or hidden fuel surcharges along the way.