Many people visit the Grand Canyon via the West, South or North rims. Each offers hiking to the bottom. But only the West Rim provides you with the chance to ride a helicopter to the bottom.

Helicopter operators such as Papillon, Maverick, and Sundance, depart daily from Las Vegas for the West Rim and can complete the 120-mile trip in about 45 minutes, making this day trip ideal for travelers on a schedule.

These helicopter trips are a bargain when you consider how much you can do in such a short time frame. Papillon's Grand Celebration tour, which takes you to the bottom and includes a Champagne toast, retails for $399 but can be purchased on the company's website for $270. The price gets cheaper if you book a group of 10 or more people.

There's plenty of activities at Grand Canyon West and helicopter tour operators have taken this into account by offering some really great upgrades that include the Grand Canyon Skywalk, river rafting, horseback riding, and return flights over the Las Vegas Strip. The Skywalk is by far the most popular. Generally known as the "Glass Bridge," the Skywalk extends 70 feet over the lip of the Rim while lifting you 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

There are helicopter rides at the Grand Canyon's South Rim, but they are prohibited from landing at the bottom. The standard South Rim flight is quite spectacular. It's duration is about 20 minutes and takes you into the Dragoon Corridor, the deepest, widest part of the Canyon. Upgrades are limited, but include a thrilling 15-mile softwater raft ride

Papillon helicopter trips include transfer back and forth from your Las Vegas resort hotel. Flights depart from McCarran International Airport, and, en route to the West Rim, you'll see Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, before descending into the Canyon and landing at the operator's private landing site. A light lunch will be served under a real Indian Ramada. Afterwards, you're free to explore the river and the West Rim's ancient floor.

The ride to the bottom is spellbinding. This 15-minute descent would take you at least six hours on foot. As you slowly lower into the Canyon, you'll come face to face with millions of years of geology: Sheer cliffs, solitary buttes, undisturbed ravines, red sandstone, and much more.

The ride up to the top is equally spectacular. You'll see all of the Rim's key landmarks, including Guano and Eagle Points, will unfold before your eyes, most of it unobstructed as the helicopter is made up of wraparound glass windows. You'll also get to plug-in to the aircraft's digital communications system - it allows two-way conversation with the pilot and other guests as well as a recorded narration about the tour in multiple languages.

Grand Canyon West is the only place where you ride a helicopter to the bottom. Flights depart daily out of Las Vegas and are the ideal day trip for families, groups, and travelers who are tight on time. Papillon Helicopter's Grand Celebration tour is the most popular trip and offers visitors a host of upgrades, including entry to the Skywalk and river rafting. Trip prices start at about $270 - a total bargain considering that you can be at the West Rim and experiencing it in 45 minutes. For Papillon's best prices, book on-line on-line. If you are looking for something adventurous to do while in Las Vegas, consider taking this helicopter tour. It will make you breathless.