Tours from Las Vegas to National Parks

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Landmarks and National Park Tours from 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 country and world to visit national landscapes and monuments. But visitors looking for tours from Las Vegas are fortunate to be a mere hop and a skip away from numerous of these spectacular landmarks.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon's dramatic gorges were carved out by the flowing waters of the Colorado River over the course of 6 million years. The millennia of erosion have created the most spectacular canyon in the world. 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.

Did you know the Grand Canyon has three rims, or areas, to choose from? The North Rim, South Rim, and West Rim are all available to experience. Papillon offers helicopter, airplane, and bus day trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon West and South Rims. The more rugged and remote tours of the North are accessible exclusively via helicopter. With the immense amount of ground to cover (the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and 18 miles wide!), it's essential to know which rim you want to visit. Each rim boasts unique activities and sightseeing features, but only the South and North Rims are a part of the National Park.

The South Rim features tours through the most famous and photographed areas of the canyon. Whether on the ground or in the sky, this area of the canyon is sure to impress with deep gorges and incredible lookouts. Bright Angel Point, Mather Point, and more are available to discover on tours of the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Discover the hidden gem of the Grand Canyon National Park at the North side. Tours from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon North are available to large and small groups and include majestic aerial views of this side of the Grand Canyon. The North is the least developed portion of the canyon. So when you soar across its untouched landscapes, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time. Discover tours of the North.

Aboard a helicopter or airplane tour of the National Park, you'll gaze out over the rim of the canyon and get a bird's-eye view of the Colorado River, rock formations, and lush forests. As the preferred provider for the Grand Canyon National Park Service, our helicopter tours are certified to fly the entire Grand Canyon. West Rim helicopter tours even offer exclusive landing sites at the bottom.

Although it isn't a part of the National Park, the Native American-owned West Rim of the Grand Canyon is sure to leave a lasting impact. Tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim from Las Vegas feature visits to the world-famous Grand Canyon Skywalk, and a short climb to the summit for a breathtaking 360-degree canyon view.

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Hoover Dam National Historic Landmark

Experience for yourself the engineering marvel that attracts more than 1 million visitors every year. The Hoover Dam is the 726-foot-tall concrete structure that holds back the Colorado River and provides power to three separate states. At the time of the Hoover Dam's completion in the 1930s, it was the largest dam in the world. Today, it is still considered one of the engineering marvels of the modern world.

Not only was this massive structure revolutionizing to the engineering industry, for millions of Americans in the depths of the Great Depression, it became a sign of hope for recovery. The Hoover Dam symbolizes the capability of American workers and the potential recovery of industry during the worst economic downturn in the country's history.

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.

Papillon provides daily Las Vegas helicopter, bus, and airplane tours that run to the world-famous Hoover Dam. Plus, our helicopter tours have clearance to fly closer to the Hoover Dam, offering an unrivaled view of the National Historic Landmark.

For an even more awe-inspiring experience, upgrade your Hoover Dam tour to reach the Grand Canyon as well. When it comes to sightseeing near Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a spot you can't miss.

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Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Now that you're familiar with the Hoover Dam, it's time to talk about the massive reservoir it created, Lake Mead. Not only is Lake Mead the largest man-made body of water in the United States, it's one of the largest in the world.

After the damming of the Colorado River, thousands of visitors were drawn to the Southwest to peek at the spectacular contrast of crystal blue waters and arid desert landscapes. Outside of its colossal size, 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.

Papillon offers multiple tours of the Hoover Dam that also feature spectacular lake views. See the colossal lake in all its glory aboard a helicopter or airplane tour. Or catch a glimpse of Lake Mead while traveling across the desert landscapes on a luxury motorcoach.

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 with Papillon helicopter tours.

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.

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 ground or airplane transportation from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon before soaring over the National Park

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Bus Tours of National Parks & Landmarks

Let one of our state-of-the-art motorcoaches whisk you away from Sin City for a full day of exploring the raw beauty of the American Southwest. Aboard one of Papillon's daylong sightseeing bus tours, you'll experience the Grand Canyon National Park and other world-famous landmarks.

Las Vegas bus tours travel past the arid Mojave Desert and the mighty Colorado River before reaching the final destination of the Grand Canyon National Park. Along the way, sightseeing stops are made at the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Aboard these national park tours, you'll also glimpse the Kaibab National Forest nestled along the Grand Canyon's South Rim. As you pass each of these national landmarks, professional tour guides tell engaging and entertaining stories in real-time.

After a fulfilling day of exploring the nation's beauty, the luxury motorcoach will make the trek back to Las Vegas.

Airplane Tours of National Parks & Landmarks

Buckle up and enjoy the most remarkable aerial sights that the Grand Canyon National Park has to offer. 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. Worried about a language barrier? No problem. Our airplane tours offer translation features too.

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

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Adventure Tours of National Parks & Landmarks

Get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping on an adventure tour from Las Vegas. Picture yourself whitewater rafting through the floor of the Grand Canyon West Rim, or riding an ATV across the raw beauty of the northernmost part of the canyon.

Discover the majesty of the American Southwest and make memories together as a family on one of our outdoor adventure tours through a national park.

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