Papillon Helicopters - Grand Canyon

There's no faster way to grasp the scale of the Grand Canyon than from a helicopter, and Papillon is the outfit most South Rim visitors end up booking with. Flying out of Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, their tours run over the canyon's rim and down toward the Colorado River, giving you a bird's-eye view that no overlook can match. With a 4.6 rating from nearly 3,500 Google reviews, it's one of the most-reviewed operators in the area.

What to expect

Flights typically run about an hour on EC130 helicopters, with a soundtrack synced to the scenery and a pilot narrating geology, wildlife, and canyon history along the way. Reviewers consistently single out the pilots by name for turning a scenic flight into something closer to a personal tour — pointing out rock formations, talking through wildfire management in the forest below, and keeping nervous flyers calm through any turbulence. Seating position matters: reviewers note the front seats offer the best views, so ask about seat assignment when booking.

Good to know

• Location: 3568 Airport Rd, Grand Canyon Village (Tusayan), at Grand Canyon Airport
• Hours: daily, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Booking tip: reserve ahead — a few reviewers reported delays or last-minute mechanical cancellations during high season, so build flexibility into your schedule if possible

Most fliers describe it as one of the highlights of their trip, especially for anyone whose itinerary won't include a rafting or backcountry trip to the canyon floor.