It’s worth paying a bit more for this experience — flying over the Grand Canyon is thrilling, but the most embarrassing part might be stepping on the scale

▲ Shaped by millions of years of geological activity, the Grand Canyon has become one of the world’s most famous natural wonders.

Reported by Chen Ruizhong in Las Vegas

The Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination when traveling to the United States. Besides driving there, walking around, or experiencing the Skywalk, taking a plane is arguably the most time-efficient way to fully appreciate the canyon’s breathtaking views. Currently, the cost of a small plane or helicopter ride is around USD 219–464 per trip. Although the price isn’t cheap, the thrill and the awe-inspiring scenery are truly one-of-a-kind. The experience also includes an unexpectedly awkward “weigh-in” process, making the whole journey unforgettable.

Many people may assume the Grand Canyon is just a massive gorge, but it was actually carved by the Colorado River over tens of thousands of years, slicing through the Kaibab Plateau. Stretching 446 kilometers in length, its dramatic landscapes led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. In 1919, the deepest and most scenic section was officially established as Grand Canyon National Park, which has since become one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.

▲ Passengers can also purchase Grand Canyon-related souvenirs after takeoff.

Driving from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon takes about 5–6 hours one way, meaning a round trip would consume an entire day. However, there are many small airlines around Las Vegas that not only offer helicopter and small plane tours over the city but also the most popular option — flying directly to the Grand Canyon. This greatly saves travel time while allowing visitors to admire the world wonder from a unique perspective.

▲ Small planes are more affordable and have more seats, but they fly at higher altitudes and cannot land in the canyon.

Recommended by the Las Vegas Tourism Board, Colorful Butterfly Airline is about a one-hour drive from downtown. Visitors can drive themselves or take a shuttle bus. The airline offers both helicopters and small planes as aerial options.

Before boarding,the first step is to “weigh in.”While this service makes many female passengers blush and exclaim, “Don’t peek!” it’s mainly because the planes are small, so passenger seating needs to be arranged according to weight. Your actual weight won’t be disclosed — only color-coded stickers are used for grouping, so ladies can rest easy. But judging by the expressions of passengers, the scale might be scarier than the helicopter itself.

▲ A pre-flight necessity that terrifies many women: weighing in.

Once aboard the small plane, the pilot will provide live commentary via headphones, pointing out the sights along the way. Houses on the ground gradually shrink as you ascend, and the greenery of the city quickly gives way to dark red earth. After flying for a while, a vast expanse of blue water and white dams appear below — this is Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the Western Hemisphere, and the Hoover Dam, the largest in the U.S.

▲ Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam are iconic filming locations from *Transformers*.

Standing 221.4 meters tall and 379.2 meters wide, the Hoover Dam is renowned for its unique geography and symbolic significance, earning it the nickname “the Diamond of the Desert.” In *Transformers*, the dam even hides the secretive Sector 7, which is attacked by the Decepticon Starscream. While we can’t fly like the Autobots, viewing it from above in a plane reveals the stark contrast between the white structure and the surrounding red earth and blue water, offering a glimpse into the epic battles between the Autobots and Decepticons.

▲ The canyon’s diverse terrain and exposed rock layers make it a natural geology classroom.

As you enter the most spectacular parts of the Grand Canyon, the views outside the window become even more majestic. From high above, you can see how the Colorado River has eroded layered rock into towering cliffs. With an average depth of about 1,200 meters, these canyons are natural wonders shaped by millions of years of geological forces. The Colorado River winds through the canyon like a silver snake, appearing thick and thin at different points, adding to the Grand Canyon’s surreal beauty.

▲ Compared to the tiny Skywalk (the white dot within the red circle), you can truly appreciate the grandeur of the Grand Canyon.

Helicopter passengers enjoy greater flexibility, allowing them to fly at lower altitudes and get closer to attractions like the Grand Wash Cliffs and Grapevine Mesa. They can even land briefly for a visit to the famous Skywalk, where the thrilling experience might leave your legs shaking. However, helicopters have fewer seats and are more expensive, so each option has its pros and cons.

▲ The key element that shaped the Grand Canyon: the Colorado River.

Taking Colorful Butterfly Airline as an example,a small plane ride lasts about 70 minutes, offering views of Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon, priced at USD 219. Helicopter tours vary based on flight routes and stops, costing between USD 344–464, with additional services affecting the price.However, booking online in advance can secure discounted rates. (1 USD ≈ 31.2 NTD)

▲ Helicopters are more flexible and can land in the Grand Canyon, but they come at a higher cost.

Although flying to the Grand Canyon isn’t cheap, if you’re only spending 2–3 days in Las Vegas, every moment counts. An air tour not only saves time but also offers a unique perspective of the canyon, making it well worth the splurge.

Colorful Butterfly Grand Canyon Tours
Address: 1265 Airport Rd, Boulder City Municipal Airport, Boulder City, NV 89005
Prices: Planes start at USD 219, helicopters at USD 344