Tours from Las Vegas to National Parks

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Landmarks and National Parks Near Las Vegas 

In the late 1800s, the United States government began designating important areas of land as national parks. These protected landscapes were selected based on their striking beauty or significance to the country's rich history. Other designations, such as national forests, national recreation areas, and national historical landmarks were later added to the list. 

People travel from all over the world to visit Las Vegas, but many are unaware of their proximity to several breathtaking national parks. Our thrilling tours from Las Vegas can take you to once-in-a-lifetime destinations like the Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and other famously revered places like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. 

Grand Canyon National Park 

In 1919, the dramatic landscapes of the Grand Canyon were honored and protected as a United States National Park. Visited by over 5 million people per year, the Grand Canyon is one of the premier destinations in the world. 

Papillon offers helicopter and airplane day trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West and South Rims. Each rim boasts unique activities and sightseeing, but only the South and North Rims are a part of the National Park. 

Aboard a Grand Canyon National Park helicopter tour or airplane flight, you'll gaze out over the rim of the canyon and get a bird's-eye view of the Colorado River, incredible rock formations, and lush forestry. You can even fly over the North Rim in a helicopter at the South Rim!  

As the preferred provider for the Grand Canyon National Park Service, our helicopter tours are certified to fly the entire Grand Canyon.  

Grand Canyon West 

Although it isn't a part of the National Park, the Native American-owned West Rim of the Grand Canyon offers an equally unique sightseeing experience. Grand Canyon West Rim tours from Las Vegas can include the world-famous Grand Canyon Skywalk, a variety of stunning lookout points, and West Rim helicopter tours that even land on the very bottom of the canyon! 

Bryce Canyon National Park 

Located in southwest Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park contains some of the most otherworldly rock formations and nature in the world. You can fly from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon and enjoy a guided tour showing you the colossal stone amphitheaters, gatherings of massive rock spires called “hoodoos”, and even add a hike or bike ride to your adventure. 

Zion National Park 

Also a short distance from Las Vegas in southwest Utah, Zion National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and explorers. You can visit Zion National Park on a two-hour drive from Las Vegas and enjoy limitless sightseeing opportunities of rock formations like Checkerboard Mesa, Angels Landing, The Narrows. If you plan to visit Bryce Canyon with Papillon, a stop at Zion National Park is also included in your day tour. 

Hoover Dam National Historic Landmark 

The Hoover Dam is a 726-foot-tall concrete structure that holds back the Colorado River and provides power to three separate states and is considered one of the engineering marvels of the modern world. 

In addition to being registered as a National Historic Landmark, in the early 1980s this massive concrete structure was also designated as a National Civil Engineering Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

If you fly from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon, you’ll discover aerial views of this incredible piece of architecture. When it comes to sightseeing near Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a spot you can't miss. 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area 

Created by runoff from Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest man-made body of water in the United States, and one of the largest in the world. 

Lake Mead is famous for its offbeat landscape and wealth of recreational activities. Fishing, boating, hiking, cycling, swimming, and camping are just a few of the alluring activities available at this outdoor playground. 

As a result of its fame and recreational opportunity, Lake Mead was honored as America's First National Recreation Area in the mid-1960s. Today, it remains one of only 12 designated National Recreation Areas in the country. 

You can see the colossal lake in all its glory aboard a helicopter or airplane tour en route to the Grand Canyon! 

Antelope Canyon 

Nestled within the depths of the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon is one of the most sought-after destinations to visit in the United States. Because it is the property of the Navajo Tribe, it cannot be designated as a national park; regardless, its sandstone caverns and winding stone corridors have attracted visitors from around the world seeking to explore its depths. You can visit Antelope Canyon from Las Vegas or on a day trip from the Grand Canyon National Park and enjoy a guided tour with plenty of opportunity or photography. You’ll even get to stop at Horseshoe Bend before your return flight to either Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon. 

Types of Tours from Las Vegas to National Parks

Helicopter Tours of National Parks & Landmarks

Experience the unsurpassable aerial views of the Grand Canyon National Park, Hoover Dam National Historic Landmark, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area on a Papillon helicopter tour. 

West Rim and Hoover Dam helicopter tours depart from Las Vegas or Boulder City. Tours of the South Rim take flight at a terminal located at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. These tours begin with airplane transportation from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon before soaring over the National Park and include the addition of a helicopter tour and a ground excursion via a military-style Hummer vehicle. 

Airplane Tours of National Parks & Landmarks

Enjoy the most remarkable aerial sights that the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer from the sky aboard a sightseeing airplane! From the air, you'll gaze across the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon National Park straight down to the canyon floor. Capture scenic views of the Kaibab National Forest and the Colorado River aboard your national park airplane tour. 

These first-rate airplanes are specifically designed for sightseeing and are the perfect option for medium to large-sized groups. Each aircraft comes equipped with climate control and headset narration for each passenger available in a variety of languages. 

Discover the spectacular bird's-eye views aboard a Papillon airplane national landmark and national park tour. 

Visit a National Park from Las Vegas with Papillon

With more than 50 years flying the Grand Canyon and beyond, Papillon is the largest and most experienced helicopter tour operator in the world. As the preferred provider for the Grand Canyon National Park Service, we're certified to fly the entire Grand Canyon. Even better, our helicopters can touch down at exclusive landing sites at the bottom of the West Rim. We're also certified to fly closer to the Hoover Dam for breathtaking aerial views.