What Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters offers

Papillon is a helicopter tour operator based in Las Vegas that flies routes over the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. The company has been running tours since 1965 and operates from two departure points: Las Vegas and Tusayan (a town on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon). Tours range from about 30 minutes to over four hours, depending on which route you book.

Papillon's helicopters are open-door or closed-cabin models. Open-door tours give you an unobstructed view for photography but expose you to wind and noise. Closed-cabin tours are quieter and warmer but you view through windows. The company also offers tours that combine helicopter flight with ground activities like rafting on the Colorado River or a jeep tour of the canyon floor.

You book directly through Papillon's website or by phone. Tours depart daily (weather permitting), and you pay when you reserve. Prices vary by tour length and departure location, ranging from roughly $200 to $600 per person for helicopter-only tours, with combination packages costing more.

Key Takeaways

  • Papillon operates helicopter tours from Las Vegas and Tusayan, with flight times ranging from 30 minutes to over four hours depending on the route.
  • You can choose between open-door helicopters (better for photos, more wind and noise) and closed-cabin helicopters (quieter, views through windows).
  • Tours that combine helicopter flight with ground activities like rafting or jeep tours are available at higher price points than helicopter-only flights.
  • Reservations are made directly with Papillon through their website or phone, and you pay at the time of booking.
  • All tours operate weather permitting, and the company will reschedule or refund if conditions prevent flight on your booked date.

Tour routes and what you see

Papillon's most popular route is the Grand Canyon Scenic Tour, a roughly 50-minute flight that departs from Las Vegas and covers the West Rim and Hoover Dam. You fly over Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam, and then into the Grand Canyon itself, with views of the Colorado River and canyon walls. This tour is closed-cabin only.

The Grand Canyon Deluxe Tour is a longer flight (about 70 minutes) that covers more of the canyon interior and includes views of the North Rim. This tour also departs from Las Vegas and is closed-cabin.

If you depart from Tusayan (on the South Rim), Papillon offers shorter flights that focus on the central canyon. These tend to be 30 to 45 minutes and are less expensive than Las Vegas departures because you start closer to the canyon.

Combination tours add a ground component. The Grand Canyon Helicopter and Rafting Tour includes a helicopter flight plus a motorized raft trip on the Colorado River. The Helicopter and Jeep Tour combines flight with a guided jeep tour of the canyon floor. These packages take most of a day and cost significantly more than helicopter-only tours.

Booking, pricing, and what's included

You reserve a tour on Papillon's website by selecting your date, departure location, and tour type. The site shows available times and prices for each date. You provide passenger names, contact information, and payment details to complete the reservation. Papillon accepts major credit cards.

Prices for helicopter-only tours typically start around $200 per person for shorter Tusayan departures and range up to $400 to $600 per person for longer Las Vegas departures. Combination tours (helicopter plus rafting or jeep) run $400 to $800 or more per person depending on the package. Prices vary by season and demand, so the same tour may cost different amounts on different dates.

What's included in your tour price is the helicopter flight, a safety briefing, and headsets that let you hear the pilot's narration and communicate with other passengers. For combination tours, ground transportation, meals, and activity fees are included. What's not included: gratuities for the pilot or ground staff, hotel transportation to the departure point, or travel insurance.

Papillon's cancellation policy allows you to reschedule or receive a refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are usually non-refundable. If Papillon cancels due to weather, you can reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.

Weight and passenger requirements

Papillon has weight limits for safety and balance reasons. Passengers must weigh between 50 and 300 pounds. If you weigh more than 300 pounds, you may still fly but will be charged for an additional seat. Passengers under 50 pounds (typically very young children) may not be permitted on some tours.

There is no upper age limit. Passengers of any age can fly as long as they meet the weight requirement and have no medical conditions that would make flight unsafe. Pregnant passengers should check with Papillon before booking, as some tours may not be recommended during pregnancy.

All passengers must arrive at the departure location at least 30 minutes before the scheduled flight time. You'll go through a security screening similar to airport security, receive a safety briefing, and be weighed and assigned to a seat based on weight distribution in the helicopter.

Safety record and what to know before you fly

Papillon has been operating since 1965 and is one of the largest helicopter tour operators in the United States. The company maintains its own fleet and employs full-time pilots. All pilots are required to hold a commercial helicopter license and meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. Helicopters undergo regular maintenance inspections.

Helicopter tours are inherently riskier than ground-based activities. The FAA regulates helicopter operations, but accidents do occur in the industry. Before booking, understand that you are accepting the risks of helicopter flight. If you have concerns about safety or medical conditions that might be affected by flight, discuss them with Papillon before you book.

Motion sickness can occur on helicopter tours, especially on open-door flights or in turbulent conditions. If you're prone to motion sickness, take preventive medication before your tour and eat a light meal beforehand. The headsets and constant noise can also be fatiguing for some passengers, particularly on longer flights.

What to bring and wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. In summer, the Las Vegas area is very hot, but you'll be in a climate-controlled helicopter. In winter, it's cold at the canyon rim. Closed-cabin tours are temperature-controlled; open-door tours expose you to outside air temperature and wind.

Bring a camera or phone if you want to photograph the canyon. For open-door tours, find any loose items (hats, sunglasses) or they will fall. Many passengers use a camera strap or tether. Papillon provides headsets, so you don't need to bring your own audio equipment.

Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could catch on equipment or blow away during an open-door flight. Wear closed-toe shoes. Leave large bags and luggage at your hotel; you're allowed a small personal item like a backpack or crossbody bag.

Las Vegas versus Tusayan departures

Las Vegas departures offer longer flight times and more extensive canyon views because you start farther away. The trade-off is higher cost and more travel time to the departure point. If you're staying in Las Vegas, a Las Vegas departure is convenient. Tours depart from a heliport on the Las Vegas Strip or nearby.

Tusayan departures are shorter and less expensive because you start on the South Rim, close to the canyon. If you're already at the Grand Canyon, a Tusayan departure saves you a drive back to Las Vegas. Flights are typically 30 to 45 minutes rather than 50 to 90 minutes.

Both departure points operate year-round, weather permitting. Las Vegas departures run more frequently (multiple times daily), while Tusayan departures may have fewer daily flights, especially in slower seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my camera on an open-door tour?

Yes, and most passengers do. find it with a strap or tether so it doesn't fall. The open-door design gives you unobstructed views, making it ideal for photography. Bring extra batteries or a charged phone because the flight can drain battery power quickly in cold air.

What happens if weather cancels my tour?

Papillon monitors weather conditions and will cancel flights if conditions are unsafe. You'll be notified as soon as possible, usually the day before or morning of your tour. You can reschedule for another date at no additional cost or receive a full refund.

Do I need to fast before the flight?

Eat a light meal before your tour. An empty stomach can make motion sickness worse. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine, which can increase nausea. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication 30 to 60 minutes before your flight.

Can I fly if I have a fear of heights?

Many people with fear of heights fly successfully on helicopter tours because you're focused on the view rather than the altitude. Closed-cabin tours may feel less exposed than open-door tours. Talk to Papillon staff about your concerns; they can answer questions about what the experience feels like.

How far in advance should I book?

Popular tours, especially during peak season (spring and fall), can fill up weeks in advance. Booking at least two to four weeks ahead gives you more date and time options. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available, but you may have limited choices or higher prices.