The Canyon From Rim to River: A Guide's Take on the Grand Canyon Skywalk Flight & Helicopter Descent
Two Ways to See the Canyon in One Day
Most Grand Canyon days pick one perspective: the rim, the road, or the river. This one takes two - a narrated airplane flight across Arizona and a helicopter descent all the way down to the canyon floor, with the glass Skywalk in between.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk Flight & Helicopter Descent from Phoenix is a full-day West Rim experience of approximately 6-7 hours, departing in the morning from Deer Valley Airport. It's the most complete canyon day we offer - and the only one that lands you 300 feet above the Colorado River.
First Stop: Walking on Glass
After the narrated flight from Phoenix, you go straight from the airplane to the world-famous Skywalk - a glass bridge extending 65 feet over the rim with 4,000 feet of open air beneath your feet. Just outside, Eagle Point hosts the Hualapai Indian Village, with traditional dwellings and occasional cultural performances.
Per Hualapai tribal rules, personal items aren't permitted on the bridge - free lockers are provided. Save the camera for what comes next.
The Centerpiece: Down to the Canyon Floor
You board the helicopter at Grand Canyon West and lift into the canyon itself - time-forged rock formations and stunning coloration rising around you as you descend 3,500 feet below the rim. The helicopter lands at an exclusive site a mere 300 feet above the Colorado River, where you'll spend about 20 minutes soaking in views few people ever see.
Then back up to the rim for the finish: lunch at the Skywalk Restaurant on the Guano Point plateau - surrounded on three sides by the canyon - followed by a walkabout to the high point for one last panorama before the flight home.
Who This Flight Is For
Travelers ages 2 and up who want the canyon from every angle. Infants under 2 fly free on a parent's lap, though they're discouraged from this tour due to the amount of walking. Three numbers worth knowing before you book:
- Approximately 6-7 hours - the full day: airplane flight, helicopter descent, Skywalk and lunch.
- $1,048 per person for groups of 3 to 9 - two guests are $1,186 each. Infants under 2 fly free on a parent's lap.
- 3,500 feet below the rim - the helicopter descent, landing 300 feet above the Colorado River.
Two honest notes: the terrain is uneven with stairs and areas without guard rails, so this tour isn't suitable for anyone with mobility challenges - and passengers weighing 300 lbs or more are required to purchase an additional seat on the helicopter. Prefer the same West Rim day without the descent? The airplane-only Skywalk & Hualapai Culture Flight covers it.
Know Before You Go
A few things that make the day go smoothly:
- Reservations are required. The tour is booked first-come, first-served - availability is confirmed with you after booking.
- It runs year-round, weather permitting. Departure times are confirmed after booking. If weather grounds the helicopter portion, only that portion is refunded.
- Departure is from Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix. Hotel pickup is not offered and transportation to the airport is not provided.
- Tribal rules apply. Outside food and alcoholic drinks are not allowed at Grand Canyon West; lunch is provided. At the landing site, the river is considered sacred - guests stay back from the water's edge.
- Dress in layers. It's typically 20-30 degrees cooler at the canyon than in Phoenix, and winter temperatures can dip below freezing.
- The cancellation window is 7 days. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Everything else - Skywalk security, weight rules, seating on the helicopter - is answered on the Grand Canyon Skywalk & Helicopter FAQ.
Ready to Land in the Grand Canyon?
One day, two aircraft, and the canyon from rim to river. Check availability on the Grand Canyon Skywalk Flight & Helicopter Descent from Phoenix page, and brush up on the details in the Grand Canyon Skywalk & Helicopter FAQ before you go. Most visitors see the canyon from one angle - you'll see it from three.