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Sometimes we have to see things in a different way.
Years ago, we made the cross country trek to visit the Grand Canyon with our children. Driving from Phoenix to the southern rim, we joined the hoards of spring breakers entering the park to get a glimpse of the mammoth gorge. Although we did not enter the canyon, we did see it from the many overlooks, peering down into its depths. Watching the countless hikers begin their slow descent on the paths leading to the bottom and the many planes flying overhead, I promised myself that one day I would return and see it again from both its lowest point as well as from the air.
Learning from a co-worker that we are able to make a stand-by reservation with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines for a flight over the Grand Canyon, I quickly reserved a spot for the next morning, although it meant a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call.
Picked up promptly, at 5:00 a.m., I was shuttled over to Boulder City for my check-in. Keeping my fingers crossed that there would be at least one seat for me, I gave my information to the agent and was instructed to make myself comfortable and wait for my name to be called. Thankfully, about 20 minutes later, I heard my name over the loudspeaker and quickly walked over to the desk. YES! One seat remaining and it was all mine!
Shortly after, our young pilot gathered our group together and ushered us out to our waiting airplane. Since someone was needed to sit up front next to the pilot, I volunteered as the rest of the group were traveling in pairs or groups. Being a flight attendant, I felt so right at home, sitting up front with the pilot, that almost felt like I should be making coffee and passing out nuts!
We made the quick taxi and soon were speeding up the runway for our takeoff.
Up we went, soaring over the barren landscape, until finally, our pilot informed us, over our headsets, that Hoover Dam was up ahead. After a couple of turns so that everyone could have a decent view, we sped forward, over Lake Mead and the mountainous landscape. Before long, our destination was in view.
It was an extremely soothing ride as we admired the sweeping scenes of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim. With the early morning sun, there were many shadows and I could only imagine that the multitude of colors of the canyon, as well as the view, would vastly change as the day went on. The vista, however, was spectacular as we flew just above the highest points of the canyon, including Imperial Point, the canyon’s highest spire. The Colorado river was visible flowing throughout the canyon with its hairpin turns and rapids visible. We even spotted river rafters beginning their day’s journey.
Before long, however, our Vistaliner aircraft was making the journey back to Boulder City and setting down at the terminal’s runway. A quick forty minute ride back to my hotel and I was walking back into my room, ready for the what the rest of the day would bring.
Although, I was able to receive an extremely steep discount for this tour, this company does list this tour as one of their affordable options. With transportation to and from Las Vegas hotels, I do think that this tour is perfect for those wanting to see the Grand Canyon, yet not wanting to spend a lot of time doing so. There are many other options available, as add-ons and as tour packages, including deplaning at the Grand Canyon and taking a bus into the park, visiting an Indian reservation and white water rafting.
When I returned, one of my husband’s co-workers inquired as to whether I would I do this tour again. Four hours with transportation included, a smooth 45 minute air tour with God’s beauty beneath you and wonderful people running the show…I would say it is well worth the price!
Now, if I can only get a discount on a pack mule to take me to the bottom…
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Grand Canyon Scenic Tours
- http://www.grandcanyonairlines.com/tours/grand-discovery-air-tour