Tours offer multiple ways to view the Grand Canyon
By Susan Stapleton
1265 Airport Road, Boulder City, Nev. 702.736.7243 or papillon.com
Perhaps the best jumping off point for visiting Grand Canyon National Park is right here in Las Vegas. There are many options to get there, and The Papillon Group makes it easy for visitors to view that magnificent beauty, all in one day.
Trips start early in the morning with a shuttle bus ride from the Strip to Papillon’s Aerocenter in Boulder City, Nev., where small groups jump aboard prop-engine planes for an hour’s ride down to the Grand Canyon. The destination is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in the heart of the national park in Tusayan, the newest town in Arizona. The town serves as the perfect starting spot for adventures around the Grand Canyon, only 11 miles away.
One option is a helicopter ride to the canyon. Ponderosa pines fill the landscape until suddenly the ground drops and the Grand Canyon stuns from all around. With only five guests on the helicopter, everyone has an equal turn at oohing and aahing at the stunning beauty that seems to constantly change with the light. The chopper heads across the 18-mile abyss to the North Rim and then flies back, giving each side time to look east and west.
Another possibility is a motorcycle ride. Papillon and EagleRider have teamed up to offer jaunts through the park along the North and South rims. EagleRider provides Harley-Davidson motorcycles, drivers, jackets, helmets, gloves and even a light lunch for the journey. This particular trip winds 25 miles west through Grand Canyon National Park while a driver motors the chopper along the scenic route. The motorcycle stops at Desert View Point, with a view of the Colorado River. A watchtower provides a beautiful view of the canyon and Kaibab National Forest on the North Rim.
With Papillon’s menu of options, guests can custom build an experience that incorporates helicopter, motorcycle and more. It’s up to you; the adventure awaits.
