After having traveled to Las Vegas a half a dozen times in the past couple years, on this current trip I was looking for something more than sparkling lights, feathered girls and dancing water fountains. Plus, it was my birthday, which absolutely warranted a unique adventure. And that was exactly what I found. The complete bonus was that the chosen celebratory venture would also knock two items off my bucket list, seeing the Grand Canyon and taking a helicopter ride. Plus, it would be a great addition to my list of the top things to do before you die.
A bucket list twofer was about to happen.
After a very late pre-birthday evening experiencing the Rose. Rabbit. Lie. show in Sin City, my husband, our good friend and myself woke up early to prepare ourselves for the main event of the day.
Preparation included mimosas, truffle fries and a few games of Three Card Poker.
In the early afternoon Sundance Helicopters was scheduled to pick the three of us up at our hotel, The Cosmopolitan. In a sea of black limousines, they showed up with a shiny grey stretch limo to whisk us away to the helicopter airport.
Limousines should be a requirement for all birthday ground transportation.
We arrived and were assigned to a helicopter and pilot. There were five passengers inside of our helicopter who would be taking the 45 minute ride to the Grand Canyon.
We strapped ourselves in, put on our headphones and started the journey to what is known as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
The ride produced a constant vibration, like getting a chair massage. Bonus.
We moved at what seemed like a snails pace though we were going well over a hundred miles per hour. Somehow, I felt more comfortable and safer in this helicopter than I did in any plane. Ever. This was most likely because I was seated next to the pilot and could witness her every move. Maybe this could be an option on my next commercial Airbus flight?
We traveled over Hoover dam and Lake Mead along the way to the grand finale. All the while, commentary explaining the sites below was communicated in our headphones.
Upon approaching the canyon, I was taken aback by its unique combinations of geologic color, erosional forms and massiveness. At up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep this was a natural wonder.
The helicopter proceeded to land 3200 feet below the canyons rim.
We only had a half hour on the ground to explore, which was way too short to take it all in.
There was also a picnic lunch waiting for us, complete with champagne and a chocolate birthday cake. My favorite.
Time to leave…
We were leaving the Grand Canyon in the early evening which meant the sun would be setting as we made our way back to Vegas.
The red-orange filled the sky in combination with the shimmering lights of the city, made the perfect ending to one of the most memorable birthdays.
DETAILS: There are several choices of Grand Canyon tours with Sundance Helicopters, starting in the mid $300s. I was more than content choosing the sunset option since it included the champagne picnic too. It is a pricier Las Vegas experience, but worth the unique memory.Website: Sundance Helicopters Contact: 800-653-1881
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Hi,
That sounds great and I have never thought of a helicopter ride because I thought it would be at least $1000. It´s great to see that it is possible with a lower budget aswell. I will put it on my bucket list aswell! Greetings Joker
Happy Birthday Annette! What a fun way to celebrate. I highly recommend this to someone visiting Grand Canyon/ Las Vegas for the first time. Its truly magical seeing the canyons from air.
And make sure to take some dramamine. I got pretty sick on the helicopter ride back 🙁
Wow! I want this on my birthday as well! What a great trip that was, thanks for sharing it.
Awesome! Perfect way to celebrate. I’d love to do this myself someday as those views are stunning.
ooh i’ve always wanted to do a helicopter ride! I ended up doing a bus tour + hike last time I was in vegas, which was fun but a looong ride.
Sher
http://www.shershegoes.com
i really should probably do this whlie i’m living in vegas!
Great timing, we have just booked a number of clients to Vegas so will show them this post for them to use when arranging their visit to the Grand Canyon
I bet that a helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon would be the most majestic experience ever. It would be so fun to be so close to the walls of the canyon. There is just something that a helicopter ride can offer that an airplane cannot. I think a lot of that has to do with how closely the helicopter can get to the natural wonders of the world.
That looks amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon but what a special way to enjoy the experience. Good to see it wouldn’t break the budget either!
This looks like an amazing little adventure! I love your ride in style to the grand canyon, it is a fantastic little splurge when it comes to traveling. I have to admit, I love having a chauffeur and being able to just sit in the back of a huge and comfy car whilst I let someone else handle the driving! I especially hate driving in foreign places so for me a limo or a luxury town car is always the way to go! Thanks for sharing, you have some really beautiful pictures here!
Limos and helicopters, now that’s a pretty rad celebration you got there. So memorable with the comfort of a limo and the excitement of the helicopter ride, and at reasonable cost! Glad you had a great time, gave me an idea on how I may want to celebrate mine.
Hi Buddy,
Thanx for sharing your experience with us and yes we know that no trip to Las Vegas would be complete without making the relatively short journey to the mighty Grand Canyon, probably the most famous natural landmark in the world.
And experience a breathtaking Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour is the most amazing thing that you have experienced.
Will surely plan my trip..
Keep sharing!!!
Wow that was some insane birthday trip. I would really consider the same with my better half in her next birthday will have to cut cost for lots of things. I am really forward to reading your whole bucket list
It was a pretty memorable birthday! I hope you get to experience it one day.
Your limousine and birthday claim is a pretty interesting one. Many future birthday boys and girls would agree.
Hey!!
I found your post very interesting.
I love your limousine that you chose for your helicopter ride .
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
Hi!!!
Helicopter ride would be the most majestic experience ever. And your birthday planning was really awesome.
I love the limousine you opt for your travelling to the airport.
Thank you so much for great sharing.
Wow, that looks amazing. Being from Sweden I have a long journey to get to the Grand Canyon, but I sure would love to go.
If you are ever in the area I can highly recommend it!