What to do During a Grand Canyon West Rim Thunderstorm!

Each and every year, from July to September, a season referred to as monsoon descends on Grand Canyon West, creating spectacular thunder and lightning storms that have delighted travelers for years. Obviously, there's risks associated with lightning. Nonetheless, if you follow a few precautions, you'll safely experience one of the planet's best natural "fireworks shows."

The word "monsoon" is Arabic for "a season." It was first used to explain the winds over the Arabian Sea that blow southwest for half a year then switch direction and blow northeast for the other half. Europe, Africa, and the western coasts of Chile and the U.S. go through a monsoon season.

The monsoon that comes to Arizona is nothing like the one that drenches India, for example (In fact, Arizona's is rather marginal, dropping an average of 2.45 inches of rain in 3 months), and is the result of cool air from the Sea of Cortez and the Gulf of Mexico meeting the hot air of the desert to make thunderstorms. The monsoon officially starts once the average daily dew point is 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

It is essential for travelers to the West Rim to keep in mind about thunderstorms is lightning, and the rule of thumb is this: If you can hear thunder, lightning is nearby. Below are a few tips should you get stuck in storm:

1. If a thunderstorm is in the area, stay inside or get inside a vehicle (not a convertible).

2. Do not use cellular phones

3. If you are outdoors, avoid isolated trees or utility poles. Don't stand on open hilltops. Seek shelter under a thick growth of small trees.

4. Get off or away from open water. If you're in a group in the open, stay several yards apart from each other.

During thunderstorms, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge will be closed to the general public up until the storm passes. Skywalk management will also close the attraction if lightning is sighted in a two-mile radius.

Flash floods are a standard feature of monsoon thunderstorms. Should you drive to the West Rim, bear in mind that the last 10 miles to the Park entrance is dirt road. If you are caught in fast-moving water, get out and find higher ground. Same is true if your vehicle stalls in a wash. Hikers are also urged to go to higher ground if they are in gullies or canyons during a thunderstorm.

Normal monsoon-related thunderstorms are powerful but quick, and do not result in trip cancellations or rescheduling (this is applicable to coach, heli, and rafting tours). A lot of people find this to be among the best times to go to West Rim. The temperatures cool off. The horizon is filled with thunderheads. Lightning puts on a natural light show. Most unique is the fresh sage and creosote odor of the Mojave Desert following a good downpour.

Your odds of getting physically impacted by monsoon storms are slight. Every year in Arizona, flooding results in up to three casualties and lightning up to two. Remember, the monsoon is the weakest in Northern Arizona. Most of these incidents take place from Phoenix down to the border of Mexico. However, you still need to take precautions, and, by doing so, you will have a wonderful Grand Canyon West Rim experience.

About the Author

Mr. Kravitz is a travel writer specializing in Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his list of the Top 3 Grand Canyon tour operators. Companies are handpicked based on safety, quality and price. Stop by and see if there's a tour for you.

My Review of Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

Papillon Helicopters is renowned for it's Grand Canyon National Park trips. I was in charge of the family's canyon trip this holiday season. Naturally, I booked with Papillon. Here is a quick write-up on my trip:

There was six among us. We stayed at El Tovar in Grand Canyon Village, which is located in the boundaries of the National Park. I highly recommend this hotel. It can be expensive, but it's more than worth it as you are seconds from the rim's edge.

I believe you can make plans with Papillon Helicopters to be picked up. Otherwise, you are able to set up a pick up at the transportation desk inside the Bright Angel Lodge. I leased a Chevy Tahoe for our trip. I loaded the gang inside and made the 10-minute drive to Grand Canyon Airport.

Grand Canyon Airport is situated just outside Tusayan. It's hard to miss it. There's a lot of activity. Helicopters and planes arrive and depart from it often. The Papillon terminal is the largest. I parked the SUV and got us checked in (incidentally, the coffee there is delicious!).

The atmosphere is very friendly. I met lots of travelers from Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The main receiving area is comfortable. We were up late yesterday evening so I slipped in a power nap. I woke up to my sister tugging on my jacket and telling me it was time to fly.

Choppers hold up to six people (if you weigh in excess of 275 pounds you could be asked to get what they call a "comfort seat."). As this was family, I upgraded all of us to the EcoStar 130, which has 25% more cabin room, theater-style seating, and a 180-degree wraparound windshield for better views.

Furthermore, I reserved us on the extended flight. Papillon Helicopter's typical South Rim chopper trip is 30 minutes. That's plenty for most people. I estimate that what you see in half an hour would take a few days on the ground. But I wanted more (it's not every day you fly the canyon), so I went with trip that gave us between 45-50 minutes of airtime.

Take off was extraordinary. Our helicopter, nose forward, blasted from the runway making a low-altitude flight over Kaibab National Forest, which hosts the biggest stand of Ponderosa Pine on the planet. In ten minutes, we said good-bye to the edge and found ourselves front and center in the Dragoon Corridor, the broadest ,deepest section of the Grand Canyon.

It was an amazing sight. The Colorado River was below us. So was the Temple of Ra. The buttes and spires were surreal. There were no clouds on the horizon. Our pilot explained that our visibility was about 140 miles as opposed to 30 for people on the ground! The chopper powered towards the stately North Rim. Here we turned back, enjoying Hopi Point and Grand Canyon Village as we made our descent.

Papillon Helicopters records all flights using cameras on the exterior and interior of the helicopter. Make sure you purchase a copy of your trip on DVD. I did. The quality was great. I made duplicates for all of us. They loved it. Definitely a great memento of our chopper tour.

Papillon Helicopters Grand Canyon South Rim tour gets two thumbs up from us. It was a tour of the South Rim. I'm glad we did the extended flight. The additional airtime was worth every penny. Our pilot was fantastic and entertained us with facts and stories of the area. He made the destination come alive for us. This was definitely a trip highlight for my clan and me. We'll undoubtedly be doing this air tour again.

About the Author

Mr. Kravitz is a travel writer who reviews Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his latest review of <a href="http://www.grandcanyonhelicoptertourreviews.com/papillon-helicopters.htm"><b>Papillon Helicopters</b></a> and his Top 3 air tour operators.

What to Bring on a Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

You've reserved your Grand Canyon helicopter and you're excited as heck to get up in the air. Before you buckle up, You should first make a list of items to bring. Here's what I recommend you take to help make your trip picture-perfect:

All Climates And Seasons

Extra batteries. It's a picture-taking gold mine up there. Load up on batteries. Digital cameras and camcorders burn through them. Make sure your memory stick is empty or has lots of space left, and bring an extra.

Extra Film. Depending when you go, you will be dealing with various lighting conditions, take film with different ISO speeds. Be ready to shoot no less than a roll both before and after the flight. Allocate a minimum of three rolls for aerial shots.

Hat & Sunglasses. The Arizona sun is bright and strong. Pack strong UV sunglasses, preferably ones that wrap along the contour of your face. Include a brimmed hat to safeguard against sunburn - many of today's helis use 180-degree windshields.

Sun block lotion and Chap Stick. Bring SPF 50 sun block, even on over cast days. Use liberally. Climatic conditions can be dry and windy - a perfect combination for chapped lips.

Summer Season

Comfy walking shoes. You may be able to get by with flip flops on air-only trips. I'd be cautious and wear a good pair of walking shoes or cross-trainers, particularly if you take a excursion that comes with, for example, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, a smooth-water float trip, or a flight to the bottom.

Light-weight, loose clothing. The Grand Canyon is hot, particularly in July. I would recommend wearing a shirt made of wicking fabric. Avoid tank tops. Jeans will also protect you from sun and wind. Windbreakers are usually a good idea.

Drinking water. I can not over-emphasize bringing water. Temperatures are regularly over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a quart or more. Not staying hydrated can lead to lethargy and possibly heat stroke.

Winter

Gloves and Scarf. The Grand Canyon can get wicked cold. You want to keep as much of your own body heat as you can.

Head wear. Your head is responsible for probably the most heat loss. Cover it. I suggest bringing a "beanie" that you can roll down over your ears. Try to get one manufactured from wool or fleece.

Coat. I've seen people turn up in t-shirts. Not a good idea. The canyon's average elevation is 5,000 feet. Snow is common. Bring at the very least a medium-weight coat.

Layers. An example of this is wearing a t-shirt, shirt, sweatshirt, and jacket. In case the weather warms, you take off a layer. It's a very efficient means of keeping comfortable while in cold weather.

Final Words About Weather

Choppers used for Grand Canyon trips include climate-controlled cabins. These systems are amazing against heat and cold. Whatever the case, it's essential to still come prepared because:

1. You'll be outside making the switch to the aircraft

2. If your trip features a ground segment, you'll be subjected to either heat or cold.

Summing Up

Flying in a Grand Canyon heli above the West Rim or South Rim is definitely the trip of a lifetime - if you are prepared. Triple check your camera equipment and make certain you have extra batteries, film, and memory sticks. Throughout the summer, it is all about protecting yourself from the sun and staying hydrated. During wintertime, dress yourself in layers to stay warm. Take time to come up with a checklist of things to bring. Doing so nearly guarantees you will end up comfortable before, during, and after your flight.

About the Author

Mr. Kravitz is a travel journalist who writes about Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his list of the Top 3 Grand Canyon Helicopter tour operators. Ratings are based on quality, safety and price. His reviews have saved a lot of people a lot of money. Time for you to benefit from them, too.

Grand Canyon Helicopters: The Best Way to See South Rim

If you need to see as much of the National Park as you can in 1 day, go on a Grand Canyon heli tour of the South Rim. These flights are breathtaking and take you into the heart of the canyon, delivering unforgettable aerial views that you will cherish forever.

Helicopter tours leave every day from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, small town that is a fast 10-minute drive from the National Park's main entrance. These rides sell out so book upfront (FYI - More than 5 million people visit the canyon each year, and many do heli rides!). Morning tours provide the best visibility. Sunset trips are available, too.

Grand Canyon South Rim airspace is thoroughly regulated. There aren't any bottom-landing flights. Those are only available out of Las Vegas and are done at the West Rim. Currently, there are no flights that hook up Grand Canyon National Park with Grand Canyon West.

Grand Canyon National Park helicopter rides begin with a low-altitude flight above the Kaibab Plateau, home to the largest stand of Ponderosa Pine on the planet. I calculate that it requires about ten minutes to leave the rim and go into the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the canyon.

In the corridor, you will see the Plateau Point Mule Trail, the Tower of Ra, Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon Village and the Colorado River before turning back at the majestic North Rim. Helping put what you will see into perspective, consider this:

1. Ground visitors see only 30 miles of the 277 that make up the park. Airborne travelers see 140 miles!

2. It requires at least five hours to drive a car from the South Rim to the North Rim.

For those who have 1 or 2 days at the South Rim, it's clear to me that a heli trip is the only way to go.

You will find three businesses that operate air tours: Papillon, Maverick and Grand Canyon Helicopters. Papillon has the best prices. Maverick is more aimed toward luxury. Grand Canyon falls in the middle.

Grand Canyon National Park helicopter flights last between 30 and 50 minutes. Most use A-Star helis. If you've got the budget, I suggest you step up to the EcoStar 130. It is really an elite bit of machinery. It features a cabin that's 35 percent bigger than its rivals and theater-style seats. It is also quieter and comes with 180-degree wraparound windows.

Each trip comes with a set of personal headphones. Utilize these to listen to the pre-recorded ride narration (10 languages!). Or chat with your pilot and fellow passengers. The entire flight is captured by cameras connected to the front of the helicopter as well as in the cabin. The recording is ripped to a DVD and can be bought.

Don't ever pay full list price for chopper tours. Shop the net. Please. I have been finding bargains that cut prices by 35 percent Caveat: To obtain these special prices, you must carry out the purchase online. Understand that commissioned sales agents man the "customer service" numbers and will upsell you to more expensive priced package.

Grand Canyon helicopters to the South Rim are the most effective and exciting way to see the National Park. The Rim is a big place. In case you explore it on foot, you will see just a sliver of it. Get airborne and you will see four-times as much. That's a major difference. It's also the reason that's making helicopter tours the runaway success that they are today. See you up there!

About the Author

Mr. Kravitz is a travel journalist who writes about Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his list of the best Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Flights that make this list ar handpicked by Kravitz based on quality, safety and price. Browse this list and see if there's a heli tour for you.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Skywalk Grand Canyon?

No trip to Las Vegas is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. When compared to the cost of other Vegas attractions, the bridge is a consummate deal. But only if you purchase the right package.

I have been covering the Skywalk for a long time, and I will be the first to acknowledge that figuring out how much it costs can be a bit of a mystery. I've just investigated prices and they've changed again! But in a good way.

Here's the Latest Menu of Prices

The last price update simplified costs. It was an unfathomable mish-mash before. Here's where things stand now:

Hualapai Legacy Package

$43.05 per person

Legacy Silver

$55.83 per person

Legacy Gold Package

$86.81 per person

These prices include all taxes and fees.

The Packages

My thought is that if you make it out to the West Rim, you've got to do the Skywalk. To be fair, there are many people who are happy to stand at Grand Canyon West and savor the stunning views. Fortunately, there's a package for all kinds of visitors. Here's a quick breakdown:

Hualapai Legacy

This option does not include the Sky Walk. It does give you unrestricted admittance to the Grand Canyon West, wherein you can use the hop-on-hop-off shuttle to see Guano Point, Eagle Point, the Hualapai Ranch, and the Native American Village.

Legacy Silver

Same as the Hualapai Legacy Package but includes a BBQ lunch and a $5 souvenir shop voucher.

Legacy Gold

The best for last! Includes unlimited access to the glass bridge, plus everything in the Silver Package,

Location is Everything

The Glass Bridge makes for a great tour from Las Vegas. It's only 120 away from Sin City. You can drive yourself there but understand that the final 10 miles to the West Rim are on rough unpaved dirt road. Rent a sport utility vehicle with four-wheel-drive. Or purchase a trip and leave the driving to a skilled guide (at the time of writing, there are accounts that GPS units are inaccurately delivering directions to the Grand Canyon West).

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge from Las Vegas

I've run the numbers on self-driving to this attraction and it's too high (insurance, SUV rental, gas, parking, Park fee, etc.). Tours from Vegas are by far the most inexpensive. There are lots from which to choose:

Chopper

It takes a helicopter less than an hour to reach the rim. Plans range from just the Skywalk to flying 4,000 feet to the bottom and boating down the Colorado River (my favorite).

Airplane

Planes take just 25 minutes and are the quickest way to get there. Includes same side-trips that are available with chopper tours.

Tour bus

Perfect for travelers on a budget. Takes 2.5 hours to get to Grand Canyon West. Expect to spend half a day or more on this tour (it's worth it!). Same add-ons that come with chopper rides.

Getting There is Half the Fun

The great thing about Sin City trips to the West Rim is the journey over. Highlights include Lake Mead, the largest man-made reservoir in the nation, historic Hoover Dam (spectacular from the air; bus trips include a photo stop), the new Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, the Colorado River, Black Canyon, and an ancient stand of Joshua Tree forest.

Best Prices? Go on the internet!

If you drive yourself, there are no promotions. You turn up at Grand Canyon West and you pay fixed prices. Tours are a different story. The Glass Walkway is very popular and travel specialists in most cases are getting a high price. Don't be that person. Browse the Internet. There are some awesome offers on the Web. I personally use a broker who saves me up to 35 percent It's a fact that tour operators and brokers post their very best prices online. Make sure to apprise yourself of them.

Ready to Walk the Glass Bridge?

Don't let Grand Canyon Skywalk's price hold you back from enjoying this wonderful outdoor attraction. The only misstep here is to take the cheap package (or self-drive). Tours from Vegas, for me, are the best way to do this trip. They come with everything and you don't have to deal with that dirt road. No matter how you get to Grand Canyon West, just make sure you skywalk the canyon before you leave Las Vegas. The experience is worth it.

About the Author

Mr. Kravitz is a professional travel writer who review trips to the Grand Canyon. Here's his list of the top Grand Canyon Skywalk deals. New specials posted daily.

Is Grand Canyon National Park Better Than the West Rim?

The toughest part about choosing a Grand Canyon tour is opting to visit the South Rim or the West Rim. Both of them are fantastic places. So, in an effort to break this tie, I'm going to do a quick rim-by-rim evaluation that will ensure you're paired with the spot that's best for you.

Are you looking activities or scenery?

The West Rim excels in fun-based activities. It's the only place where you can ride a heli 4,000 feet to the bottom. Then, if you're so inclined, you can walk upstream and river raft the Colorado River.

The internationally famous Grand Canyon Skywalk is based here. This attraction is a magnificently designed glass-bridge that lets you walk 70 feet beyond the edge as it lifts you 4,000 feet above the river. Don't look down if you are prone to vertigo.

More exotic activities here include a chopper flight to a working cattle ranch, ATV trail rides, Hummer 4x4 adventures, and horseback riding. One of my favorite things to do at the West Rim is the Hoover Dam one-day, smooth-water float trip to Willow Beach.

The South Rim is more serene when compared to the West Rim. What it lacks in "thrills" it makes up in natural splendor. This is the section of the National Park that even the park rangers refer to as the "real" canyon.

There are no helicopter tours to the base at the South Rim. If you want to get to the base, you have to hike. That said, the air tours here are excellent. The heli ride from Tusayan goes directly into the center of the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest section of the Grand Canyon, while airplane trips cover the South, East, and North rims.

There's also the fantastic one-day Grand Canyon rafting journey that operates from April to November. Options include taking a coach or airplane to Page, AZ, and then transferring to a river raft. This is a smooth-water trip so there is no whitewater. Kids ages four years and older are allowed.

The hiking trails at South Rim are amazing. Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and the Rim Top trails are the most in demand. For view points, go to Mather Point, Yaki Point, and Hopi Point. Most excursions include guided tours to these tourist attractions.

Where's your starting point?

Grand Canyon West is just 120 miles from Las Vegas. Helicopters, planes, and coaches can do the trip in 45 minutes, 25 minutes, and 2.5 hours, respectively. The South Rim is too far for Vegas helicopters. Your only options are the plane or the coach.

I highly advise taking the 45-minute plane flight from Vegas to the South Rim. It's fast, comfy, and one of the greatest deals on the market. The coach is incredibly affordable, but one-way drive time is 5.5 hours and total tour time is a whopping 15 hours.

Phoenix and Sedona tourists can drive to the South Rim in 4 hours and 2 hours, respectively. There are coach, plane, and chopper tours from those locations but it's cheaper to drive yourself and do an air tour from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan.

How much time to you have?

Grand Canyon West trips from Las Vegas are ideal day trips. The lengthiest tour is one day. Air-only trips are around 4 hours, and that includes hotel pick up and drop off. The Ground Canyon South Rim car takes 15 hours at a minimum, which is why I advocate for the plane trip because it will have you back on the Vegas Strip in time for your evening plans. Tours that originate in Northern Arizona are full-day trips. I often tell people to reserve a room inside the park and stay the night. Easier said than done as National Park hotels are generally reserved a year in advance.

How much can you spend?

South Rim and West Rim bus tours are the most affordable and include lots of add-ons like smooth-water rafting, glass bridge passes and chopper rides. Air tours are more expensive, but you also see more of the Grand Canyon in less time. I calculate that what you see on a half-hour helicopter tour is equal to a few days on the ground. Plus the airborne views are outstanding.

Let's see the canyon!

Grand Canyon tours are loaded with excitement and beauty. The two best locations are Grand Canyon West and the West Rim. The challenge is which rim to visit. If you are beginning from Las Vegas, the West Rim is your closest option. However, if your heart is set on the South Rim, take the 45-minute airplane flight. I recommend doing the South Rim for travelers starting out from Phoenix and Sedona. The key to being sure you get the break of your dreams is too reserve in advance over the Internet. Follow this approach and you'll get your Grand Canyon trip at a decent price.

About the Author

Mr. Kravitz is a professional travel writer who reports on things to do at the Grand Canyon. If you are planning a canyon trip, check out his Top 3 Grand Canyon tour operators. His rankings are based on quality, safety and price. Spend several minutes on his page & there's a good chance you'll find the canyon tour of your dreams.