Helicopter Tours

Maverick Helicopters: Grand Canyon South Rim Scenic Helicopter Tour

Take to the sky above the Grand Canyon South Rim for sweeping views of cliffs, forested plateaus and canyon depths in just a few minutes.

Check in 30 minutes early at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, then board for an approximately 25-minute helicopter flight.

Fly over the Kaibab National Forest and along the South and North Rims, with aerial views of the Grand Canyon, Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist.

On this scenic flight with no landing, watch the Dragon Corridor open beneath you as your professional pilot narrates the Colorado River below.

Upgrade to a 45-minute extended flight that adds the Painted Desert, Desert View Watchtower and the Confluence, where two rivers meet far below.

Helicopter flight over the Kaibab National Forest

25-min shorter scenic flight (as per option selected)

45-Min extended scenic flight (as per option selected)

Flight over the South and North Rims

Aerial views of the Grand Canyon, Tower of Ra, and Vishnu Schist

Professional pilot

Scenic flight only, no landing

Transportation to Grand Canyon National Park Airport

Meals and beverages

Gratuities

TOTAL DURATION25 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERHelicopter
Start point
Grand Canyon National Park Airport
Get direction
1. Grand Canyon South Rim
Fly over the South Rim, known for its expansive canyon views, layered rock formations, and deep Colorado River gorge. From the helicopter, you get a high-level perspective of the canyon’s scale and changing landscape.
2. Grand Canyon Village
3. Tower of Ra
4. Dragon Head
5. Kaibab National Forest
6. Vishnu Schist
End point
Grand Canyon National Park Airport
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 3 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

231 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
3 weeks ago
It’s been a couple days & I’m still buzzing. My partner and I booked the Grand Canyon flight as our last hurrah before heading home. The check-in was suuuper easy (coffee machine in the waiting area = bonus points). Our pilot, Mitch, was calm and had some dry jokes—loved that. I’m NOT a fan of heights but honestly, once we were up there, I just couldn’t stop grinning. The canyon itself is like, out of a movie? I kept looking at my boyfriend and we both kept mouthing “NO WAY” to each other. Only tiny downside: the headset was a bit staticky at first but staff sorted it out fast. Can’t take pics during takeoff, FYI. If you’re thinking about it... just do it. Unreal.
Lynn S
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Our pilot was fantastic and provided a safe enjoyable ride! The view was spectacular and highly recommend! Safety and an enjoyable experience was their main concern.
Sep 2026
This was hands down the highlight of our US trip. I went with my best friend, and we couldn’t stop giggling every time the helicopter banked. The Grand Canyon looks SO different from above, like layers of paint. Our pilot, Sasha, played really fun music in our headsets (bit of 80s rock which was hilarious). Didn’t expect to feel so safe up there. Only thing—we got a bit lost finding the office, so add some extra time if you’re not familiar with the area.
Sep 2026
We did the helicopter tour for my wife’s bday. Went with our two teens. They were kinda nervous at first but the pilot did a great job explaining everything. Weather was clear—views were EPIC! Got a bit dizzy during a sharp turn but nothing major. They do weigh everyone (just so ya know), and it was a little awkward but quick. Only thing—felt a bit rushed at the landing spot. Still, totally worth it for the memories.
Aug 2026
Booked this for my parents’ anniversary. They’d never been in a helicopter before, so there was a lot of nervous energy! Staff were super patient (shoutout to Amanda for helping Mom with her seatbelt). The flight itself was just beautiful, although there was a lot of haze that day so pics came out a bit meh. Still, Dad kept talking about it all night. Would go again if the weather was clearer.

Fly the Grand Canyon South Rim by helicopter on a 25- or 45-minute scenic flight with routes over the Kaibab National Forest and Dragon Corridor.

Getting started

Check in at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, AZ, 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. After your details are verified, you head to the helicopter for a short safety briefing and boarding. Once seated, your professional pilot prepares for takeoff and guides the aircraft toward the Kaibab National Forest to begin your scenic flight.

What to expect

Grand Canyon South Rim scenic helicopter flight

Your experience centers on a helicopter journey from the South Rim that reveals the changing geology and scale of the Grand Canyon from the air. Depending on the option you select, the flight lasts approximately 25 minutes or 45 minutes and follows a set route with no landing or ground time, so every moment is spent in the air.

Features

Helicopter flight over the Kaibab National Forest gives you an aerial introduction to the region's dense forest plateau before the ground suddenly opens into the canyon itself.

Flight over the South and North Rims lets you see how the canyon widens and deepens, with panoramic views of the widest and deepest sections as you cross from one side to the other.

Aerial views of the Grand Canyon's inner features include clear sightlines to the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist, among the oldest exposed rock layers visible from your route.

Your professional pilot manages the entire scenic flight, which is a scenic flight only with no landing, and provides a smooth route over highlights such as the Dragon Corridor and Colorado River.

On the approx 25-min shorter scenic flight, the Dragon Corridor highlights route carries you from the Kaibab National Forest into the canyon, over the Colorado River toward the North Rim with sustained views of the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist.

On the approx 45-min extended scenic flight, the route via Painted Desert, Desert View Watchtower and the Confluence adds time over the Painted Desert, passes Desert View Watchtower, then continues to the Confluence where the Little Colorado and Colorado Rivers meet before you traverse the widest, deepest canyon sections.

Additional information

Check-in time: Arrive at Grand Canyon National Park Airport at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight.

Meeting point: Check in for your flight at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, AZ.

Child seating: Children two years and older must have their own seat on the helicopter.

Infant policy: Children under two years with valid ID may sit on an adult's lap during the flight.

Flight nature: This is a scenic flight only, so there is no landing or ground time during the experience.

Route changes: Flight routes may change on the day due to weather or other extenuating circumstances.

Duration note: Flight duration is approximately 25 or 45 minutes, depending on the option you select.

Transfers: You must arrange your own transportation to and from Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

Personal expenses: Plan for any personal expenses, meals, drinks, or gratuities that are not included in the tour.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.