Practically everyone who takes an aerial tour of the Grand Canyon agrees that is the best way to fully appreciate the beauty of the scenic wonder.
Getting a bird's eye view of the canyon from a chopper is an entirely different experience than viewing the canyon by ground.
These tours are not as costly as you probably think they are, especially since it is easy to find special deals and discounts for them.
The Colorado The Colorado River slowly but steadily carved the Grand Canyon into the Earth over a period of billions of years.
At one time the region looked much like the Himalayan Mountains do today.
It took millions of years, but the mountains eventually eroded and the region became a plain.
Then powerful geological forces deep within the earth caused the land to rise upward once again.
Along came the Colorado River, winding itself through the region, carving gouges into the rock as it flowed along.
The Grand Canyon has come to be one of the most popular National Parks in the United States.
Thousands of years ago, the area was home to indigenous people who fished, hunted and built their lives there.
The Pueblo Indians inhabited the region around the Grand Canyon from about 500 B.
C.
to around 1150 B.
C.
, and today there is evidence of their ancient ruins.
Europeans didn't arrive on the scene until around 1540 A.
D.
, almost 400 years later.
Francisco Coronado was a Spanish explorer who led an expedition through the American southwest almost 80 years before the Pilgrims even landed on Plymouth Rock many miles away.
Coronado sought a great river he heard about from the Hopi Indians, and while searching for it, his expedition became the first non-indigenous people to behold the Grand Canyon.
After three days of searching and failing to find a way to cross the huge canyon, they were forced to turn back.
The Expedition John Wesley Powell led the next major expedition to the Grand Canyon, but it didn't happen until almost 300 years after Coronado's attempt.
Powell attempted to map out the area as he followed the Colorado River.
The expedition eventually made it to the area where the man-made Lake Mead sits today, although they lost three boats and three men along the way.
Once Powell published his findings, interest grew and many others went to the region to explore and study the new land.
Soon, the immense geological and historical importance of the area became clear.
Flagstaff, Arizona developed into a bustling city since it became a way station for travelers on the way to the canyon by train.
Congress made the Grand Canyon into a National Park in 1919.
Today, the Grand Canyon remains one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world and it draws in millions of tourists from all around the globe.
The Rims Although you can see the canyon from the ground, a better way is to take a helicopter tour out of Las Vegas or from the Grand Canyon National Park airport.
Modern sightseeing helicopters are used in tours of the South Rim and these offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
Because the viewing windows are over-sized, you get an amazing view of the scenery below as you pass over it.
Don't assume great helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon are too expensive because you can save a lot of money if you use a helicopter discount coupon or special offer.
You'll get the best deals online though if you book and pay for your helicopter tour on the operator's website.
It is a good deal if it saves money and you can spend the cash you have left over on souvenirs, eating out, or gas money.