This was a 5 star trip! The only thing was I wish it was an hour longer. I took a helicopter to the Grand Canyon several years ago and it promised a landing in the Grand Canyon with meal, Western shoot out, and the opportunity to ride horses. Little did I know that I'd see a small part of the canyon itself before landing on a plateau several miles from the river and at a private ranch.
Papillon provided the real thing! Being a local, I drove to the Boulder City Airport and checked in with Papillon. I looked around the terminal and checked out some of the gift shop items especially the photographs for sale.
Our pilot, Rob--a fine gentleman and very knowledgable tour guide--made the trip even more pleasant. We had seen a safety video and Rob reiterated some of the things before we boarded the helicopter.
It was then off to the Grand Canyon with the first sight being Hoover Dam. He turned the helicopter so both sides had perfect views and photo opportunities. His descriptions of things were right on. Being a volunteer at some public lands in the area, I have heard some tour leaders spin false tales about what the tourists are seeing. Rob was on point with all his descriptions. Nothing made up, nothing aggrandized for tourists to go back home and tell tall tales to their friends.
The flight was smooth, the helicopter a thing of beauty, and the flight was perfect with Rob's experience being evident. Landing a few hundred feet above the river was exciting and a thing of grand beauty. I wish I had my hiking boots and a half hour to hike to the river and back.
I will go on this tour again. It is great! I recommend Papillon very highly!!