The Best Grand Canyon Sunset Tours

Of all the bucket list items you can dream up, it’s pretty hard to beat a Grand Canyon sunset tour in a helicopter or airplane. After all, it not only incorporates a perennial bucket list item — seeing the Grand Canyon up close and personal — but you also get bonus points for flying to the destination and witnessing a sunset in one of the world’s most wonderful places. Think of it as hitting the bucket list trifecta. 

Soar high above the majesty of the Grand Canyon on a sunset helicopter or plane tour, any time of year with the friendly and experienced pilots of Papillon’s state-of-the-art fleet. Take in the sometimes-subtle, sometimes in-your-face colors of the American West as the sun sets over gorgeous ridges, buttes and canyons. Textures come alive as you descend onto the canyon floor and enjoy a glass of champagne along with light refreshments. In some cases, you’ll fly directly over the lights of the Las Vegas strip at night as you return from your afternoon of adventure, but multiple departure points are offered for convenience. 

Wondering where the best spot for sunsets at the Grand Canyon is located? The National Park Service has compiled a handy guide to sunrise and sunset times in the Grand Canyon, along with a guide to where each is seen best, depending on the time of year. Don’t worry too much about timetables, though. When you book a Grand Canyon Sunset tour with Papillon, our guides will ensure that you get the right experience at the right time. 

Sunsets in Southern Nevada are everything you might expect and then some. With the desert stretching out before you for hundreds of miles, you’ll experience incredible hues as the sun makes its way toward the western horizon. Sunny days can lead to the crisp, classic sunset so often associated with the west. Cloudy days can actually make for some of the most eye-popping sunsets, as the sun’s rays illuminate the edges of clouds, transforming them into majestic pink, red, orange and yellow backdrops for your unforgettable day. 

Looking for a Grand Canyon South Rim sunset experience? The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most popular places to watch the sun go down. Papillon guests who opt for the airplane tour with guided Hummer tour will soar over Dragon and Zuni corridors as well as Imperial Point heading from the South Rim toward the North Rim. Once on land, you can climb aboard a custom Hummer for a drive through Grand Canyon National Park as the sun begins to set. You’ll see some of the most popular spots in the park, including dramatic rock formations and gorges that slowly took on their unique shapes over millions of years. 

If you’re looking to watch the sunset near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, check out our Family Flight on a Papillon helicopter, which sets off from the South Rim carrying just you and your party of friends or family. Depart the Grand Canyon Airport and fly over Kaibab National Forest before overlooking the deepest and widest portion of the canyon. Soar over the Colorado River and take in sights like Vishnu Schist and the Tower of Ra before reaching the North Rim. 

Another option is the North Canyon Air Tour, which takes a similar path as the Family Flight, but is best suited for couples and solo travelers. 

Our Grand Canyon Sunset Tour takes you high above the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before flying over the Grand Canyon Skywalk and landing nearby for incredible West Rim sunset views. While the perfect spot to watch a Grand Canyon Sunset comes down to personal choice, many flock to the West Rim and Skywalk area for its breathtaking views. Enjoy champagne and light refreshments on your visit to a plateau 4,000 feet above the West Rim.

Whichever Grand Canyon sunset tour you choose, you’re certain to return with unforgettable memories and jaw-dropping photos that will last a lifetime. Other tours to consider: 

• A private tour where you can experience Grand Canyon sunsets with your closest friends. 
• A North Canyon Sunset Tour with Hummer
• A Hummer sunset tour either with a group or privately
• A sunset grand celebration with a Las Vegas strip flyover

Be sure to bring your ID and book your trip as early as possible. If you’re touring with us between March and September, we recommend wearing layers. For tours between October to mid-March, heavier winter clothing and hiking boots are advised. Face masks are required for all guests and employees, and each guest will undergo a temperature check before entering shuttles and terminals.