Experience the majesty of the Grand Canyon from above with a scenic flight departing from the South Rim. Choose between 25-minute to 45-minute flights, with optional guided Hummer ground excursions available.
Likely to Sell Out A 45-minute helicopter flight from the South Rim covering the Dragon Corridor and the canyon's deepest points.
Fly over the Grand Canyon’s deepest gorges on a 50-minute helicopter flight with an optional Hummer ground tour.
See the Grand Canyon from above by helicopter and explore the South Rim’s best viewpoints in an open-air Hummer.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Grand Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Taking a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon's South Rim offers an unmatched perspective of this massive, 277-mile-long gorge. Departing from the nearby town of Tusayan, you will lift off over dense pine forests before the ground suddenly drops away, revealing billions of years of geological history and the winding Colorado River a mile below.
Your flight begins by soaring over the dense ponderosa pines of the Kaibab National Forest. The sudden transition from flat forest to the massive canyon drop-off provides a thrilling start to the journey.
Many flights route directly through the Dragon Corridor, the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon. The sheer scale of the towering rock formations here is difficult to comprehend from the ground.
While the South Rim is heavily visited, the North Rim is far more remote and sits at a higher elevation of 7,500 feet. From the air, you get a rare, sweeping look at its rugged cliffs and pristine wilderness.
On the 45-minute extended flights, you can look out toward the eastern edges of the canyon to spot the Painted Desert. The distant landscape shifts in vibrant colors of red, purple, and orange.
The helicopters used for these tours, such as the EcoStar, feature massive wraparound windows. This ensures everyone gets incredible, unobstructed views perfect for photography.
You can pair your flight with a 2-hour guided Hummer tour along the rim. This allows you to experience the vastness from the air and then get up close to the iconic viewpoints on the ground.
Helicopter tours operate under strict federal aviation regulations and park rules. To ensure a smooth experience, review these essential logistics regarding identification, weight limits, and what you can bring on board.
Per FAA regulations, all passengers 18 and older must present an original, government-issued photo ID, such as a REAL-ID compliant driver's license or a passport. Digital IDs and photocopies are strictly rejected, and you will be denied boarding without a refund if you forget it.
Helicopter seating is strictly based on weight and balance. Depending on the operator, passengers weighing over 275 lbs or 300 lbs must purchase an additional seat. You must provide accurate weights for all passengers when booking.
Space inside the helicopter cabin is incredibly limited. Backpacks, purses, and camera bags are completely prohibited on the aircraft. You will need to leave these items secured in your vehicle or at the terminal.
Children under the age of two can fly as lap children, but you must bring physical proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport. Older children require their own standard ticket and seat.
You must arrive at the terminal in Tusayan 30 to 40 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time. Missing the check-in window can result in your booking being canceled without a refund.
Air-only tours do not require a park entrance fee. However, if you book a Hummer combo tour, standard park fees apply. Starting in 2026, non-US residents on commercial ground tours must pay a $100 per adult fee or hold a $250 pass.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 3 full days before your scheduled departure. Cancellations made within 3 days of the flight are non-refundable.
| 25-Minute EcoStar Flight | 45-Minute Extended Flight | Heli & Hummer Combo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Duration | Approx. 25-30 minutes | Approx. 40-50 minutes | 45 min flight + 2 hour ground tour |
| Highlights | Dragon Corridor, North Rim forests, Colorado River | Kaibab National Forest, Painted Desert, Imperial Point | Aerial views plus guided rim viewpoints by Hummer |
| Best For | Budget-conscious flyers short on time | Comprehensive aerial photography | Travelers wanting a full half-day experience |
| Price From | $349 | $359 | $444 |
South Rim Operations: The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, including Grand Canyon Village and Desert View, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can arrive at any time for sunrise or sunset views.
Visitor Facilities: The South Rim Visitor Center typically operates daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the summer schedule. The Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
North Rim: The North Rim normally operates seasonally from mid-May to mid-October. However, it is completely closed for the 2025 season due to the Dragon Bravo Fire.
By Car: Most helicopter tours depart from the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona, located just a few miles south of the main South Rim entrance. Parking is available at the terminal.
By Train: The historic Grand Canyon Railway runs daily from Williams, AZ to the South Rim Historic Village. The scenic trip covers 63 miles and takes 2 hours and 15 minutes each way.
By Shuttle: Several companies offer shuttle services from Flagstaff to the South Rim, costing between $42 and $58 each way. This is a great option if you fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and want to avoid renting a car.
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit. The weather is milder, making ground excursions and rim walks much more comfortable.
Summer Heat: Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, but temperatures in the inner canyon can exceed 105°F (40°C). Afternoon monsoon thunderstorms are also common in summer, which can occasionally delay flights.
Winter Visits: Winter brings snow and freezing temperatures, which can lead to road closures. However, winter flights offer stunning views of the snow-dusted canyon rims with far fewer crowds.
Helicopter Boarding: Helicopter tours are wheelchair accessible, provided you have a travel companion who can physically assist you with boarding and disembarking. Pilots cannot assist due to insurance regulations. Wheelchairs will be safely stored at the terminal during your flight.
Park Accessibility: The South Rim is highly accessible. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Mather Point, and the 1.3-mile Trail of Time are fully paved and wheelchair-friendly.
Scenic Drive Permits: Visitors with mobility issues can request a Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit at the entrance gates. This allows personal vehicles onto restricted roads like Hermit Road.
Park Entrance Fees: The standard vehicle pass is $30, valid for 7 days. Grand Canyon National Park is completely cashless; you must use a credit or debit card at the entrance stations.
Shuttle System: The park operates a free shuttle bus system that connects the visitor center to major trailheads and viewpoints. All buses are equipped with ramps and can accommodate wheelchairs up to 30x48 inches.
Museums & Overlooks: Don't miss the Yavapai Museum of Geology, which features large observation windows and tactile relief maps explaining the canyon's 2-billion-year geological history.
Drone Ban: Launching, landing, or operating drones is strictly prohibited anywhere in the park. Violators face heavy fines and equipment confiscation.
Safety at the Rim: Ground-based photography is allowed, but you must stay at least 6 feet from the edge. Never climb over protective railings or throw objects like rocks or coins into the canyon, as this can severely injure hikers below.
Wildlife Interactions: Federal law prohibits approaching within 100 feet of most wildlife, and 300 feet for California condors. Feeding animals is strictly forbidden.
Yes. Per FAA regulations, all passengers over 18 must present an original, government-issued photo ID, such as a REAL-ID compliant driver's license or a valid passport. Photocopies or digital IDs are not accepted.
Yes. Depending on the specific tour operator, passengers weighing over 275 lbs or 300 lbs are required to purchase an additional seat for weight and balance safety. You must provide accurate weights when booking.
No. Due to limited space inside the cabin, purses, backpacks, and other baggage are strictly prohibited on the aircraft. You can bring your phone or camera, but bags must be left in your car or at the terminal.
Infants under the age of two can fly as a lap child, but you are required to bring physical proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport. Children aged two and older must have their own paid seat.
Air-only tours departing from the Tusayan airport do not require a park entrance fee. However, if you book a combo tour that includes a ground excursion like a Hummer tour, park entrance fees will apply.
You must arrive at the terminal 30 to 40 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time to complete the check-in and weigh-in process. Late arrivals may be denied boarding without a refund.
Absolutely. The helicopters are equipped with large, wraparound windows specifically designed for sightseeing and photography. Just remember that drones are strictly prohibited everywhere in the Grand Canyon.
These tours depart from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, which is located in the town of Tusayan, Arizona. It is situated just a few miles south of the main South Rim park entrance.
Yes, the tours are accessible, but you must have someone in your party who can physically assist you with boarding and disembarking. Pilots cannot assist due to insurance rules, and your wheelchair will remain at the terminal.
Helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions. If the operator cancels your flight due to high winds or poor visibility, you will be offered the chance to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
This 45-minute helicopter tour departs from the Grand Canyon airport in Tusayan, Arizona. The flight begins with a trip over the ponderosa pines of the Kaibab National Forest before crossing the South Rim. As you travel upstream along the Colorado River, you can see the Painted Desert in the distance and the Desert View Watchtower along the canyon's edge. The route continues toward Marble Canyon and Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim. After climbing above the North Rim, the helicopter turns south to fly through the Dragon Corridor. This section is the widest and deepest part of the Grand Canyon, offering views of the central gorge before heading back to the terminal.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
English
Take a 40 to 50-minute helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, departing from the South Rim. The route crosses the Dragon Corridor and heads toward the North Rim, offering views of the Colorado River, Imperial Point, and the Painted Desert. The aircraft are equipped with wraparound windows for photography and headsets to hear the pilot’s commentary. For a closer look at the rim, you can upgrade to include a guided tour in an open-air, custom Hummer. This ground excursion stops at several of the park's most famous viewpoints. Please note that starting January 1, 2026, the National Park Service will charge international visitors an entrance fee for ground tours. Non-U.S. residents will need to pay $100 per adult or provide a $250 pass; children 15 and under are exempt.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
German, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish
This tour combines a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon with an optional ground excursion. From the air, you will follow the Colorado River and cross the North Rim’s forested terrain. The flight path includes the Dragon Corridor—the canyon’s widest and deepest section—where you can see some of the oldest rock formations on the planet. If you choose the upgrade, a professional driver will take you through the park in an open-air Hummer. This ground tour stops at several major viewpoints, such as Duck on a Rock, Yavapai Point, and Moran Point, allowing time to explore the rim and take photos. Note that beginning January 1, 2026, the National Park Service will require non-U.S. residents on commercial ground tours to pay a specific entrance fee. International guests must pay $100 per adult or purchase a $250 pass; children 15 and under are free.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
German, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Dutch
