We are looking forward to our forthcoming trip to America where will be touring by coach. We are flying to LA, where we stay for 2 nights before we join our coach to visit Scottsdale (1), The Grand Canyon (1), Las Vegas (3), Fresno (1), Sonoral (1), Yosemite National Park , Lake Tahoe (1), San Francisco (3), Monteray, Carmel, Lompoc (1), Santa Barbara and back to Los Angeles (1) for our journey home. The figures in brackets are the number of nights we have in each place.
There are lots of excursions included but also lots of optional excursions. We want to do as many of the excursions as possible, as we will not be revisiting this part of the world (we don't go back, there's too much of the world to see), but we are undecided about one of the sights we want to see and need the advice of anyone that has actually done this trip, so here's where you can help.
We definitely want to do the helicopter ride through the grand canyon and would love to do the skywalk, unfortunately the skywalk has got some really bad reviews on Tripadvisor so we are a bit hesitant about it. Apparently one can't take photographs on the skywalk and it isn't all that spectacular.
Here are the optional excursions on offer for the Grand Canyon and I would like your advice on which we should do. Bear in Mind we are only staying in the Canyon for one night so any sightseeing trip will have to be from Vegas I think.
1.
Grand Canyon airplane tour
Take off toward the widest and deepest part of the Canyon. Views of the Desert View Watchtower, the Painted Desert and the Colorado River. Close up views of the North Rim and Imperial Point. $151
2.
Grand Canyon Adventure
Helicopter flight descending 1,500 ft below the rim of the Canyon. Pass towering cathedral buttresses and columns bathed in an everchanging kaleidoscope of colours. Then rise above the rim to turn back time as you land at an historic Ranch nestled under 'Spirit Mountain' site of the Old Mormon Trail. A horse-drawn wagon drives you on trail lined with Joshua trees to the Ranch House for a western meal and refreshments. You will be entertained by real working cowboys sharing with you their myths, legends and songs. Your flight also includes spectacular views of the majestic Hoover Damn, expansive Lake Mead and a cruise down the world famous Las Vegas 'Strip. $519 plus a fuel surcharge.
3.
Chariot of Fire Helicopter
Tour below the Rim of the Canyon. View Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Descend below the rim passing through millions of years of geological time. After leaving the canyon other natural wonders unfold including panoramic views of Iceberg Canyon, the Valley of Fire and the Bowl of Fire. Your flight includes a cruise down the dazzling Las Vegas 'Strip'. $405 plus fuel surcharge
4.
Grand Canyon Skywalk
Travel by airplane to the west rim of the Canyon. Upon landing, get ready to witness the Grand Canyon skywalk, a glass bottom walking surface suspended more than 4,0000 feet above the Colorado River over the edge of a canyon wall. Enjoy the specacular views along Eagle Point and receive a brief introduction to Hualpai Indian legends and culture at the Indian Village. Continue on to Guano Point a breathtaking oversation area overlooking the canyon Enjoy a meal at Grand Canyon West as you admire the beauty of the canyon before your return flight back to Vegas. $358 plus fuel surcharge.
We can also do a
Helicopter Descent from West Rim on this trip for another $158.
Until reading the reviews of the Skywalk we were intending to do
#4 + the Helicopter Descent from West Rim. Now we are undecided, what do you think, have you done any of these trips, which would you recommend?
