Papillon Grand Canyon South Rim Helicopter Tours

Papillon South Rim helicopter tours depart from a private terminal just outside the park itself, built with guest experience in mind. Easily able to accommodate 1,000 passengers a day, this facility features an expansive glass staging area -where visitors have a 180-degree view of the arriving and departing aircraft.

The South Rim airport is located just 3 miles outside the Grand Canyon National Park and serves as a launch point for our North Canyon Tour, Grand Kingdom, and South Rim Airplane Tour. When it comes to exploring the Grand Canyon South Rim, our air terminal is the place to start your adventure.

About The Grand Canyon South Rim

Located in northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon South Rim is one of the canyon's most popular destinations. Located in the Kaibab National Forest, this area offers a different experience with every season. Wildflowers bloom along the Kaibab Plateau in the spring, aspen leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, and canyon walls become lightly powdered in snow in the winter. Unlike other rims, the South Rim is open year-round, so there is never a bad time to visit.

The South Rim is the most developed out of the rim areas, offering a variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, and historic buildings like Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, and the Lookout Studio. Peak season for the South Rim is in the summer, May through September. While the summer offers some of the best weather for the area, other seasons bring less of a crowd and offer a more private experience. No matter what season you plan to visit, you'll want to make sure you plan your trip well in advance. For more information check out our Grand Canyon National Park Guide.

Must-See Areas of the Grand Canyon South Rim

Near the South Rim's park entrance is the Visitor Center, which is an excellent starting point for your Grand Canyon exploration. Learn valuable information from the knowledgeable staff like hiking trails and shuttle schedules and check out educational exhibits before you set off on your sightseeing adventure.

The Grand Canyon South Rim offers an array of breathtaking lookout points to explore. Many of these destinations are located along Desert View Drive, including Yaki Point, Grandview Point, Moran Point, Duck on a Rock, and Desert View Watchtower. If you're driving to the Grand Canyon National Park on your own, you can visit these lookout points at your leisure. If you plan to fly from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, you can include a ground tour aboard a customized military-style Hummer vehicle and visit some of the most impressive views along the canyon's edge.

Mather Point and Hermit Road are additional must-see areas that showcase the grandeur of the South Rim. Mather Point provides an excellent introduction to the stunning beauty of the South Rim and is a great spot to witness the ever-changing colors of the canyon, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the golden hues paint the landscape in a mesmerizing display. Hermit Road is a scenic route that offers several designated viewpoints along its stretch. This road is closed to private vehicles during the peak tourist season, making it a peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Visitors can also hop on one of the free shuttle buses and explore the different overlooks located outside of Desert View Drive, each providing a unique perspective of the canyon. If you plan to visit the South Rim, please note that the National Park Service manages this section of the Grand Canyon and charges entrance fees to ensure the preservation and maintenance of this natural wonder. If you're planning a Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas, your entry fees will be included in your booking.