Helicopter Tours Over Las Vegas by West Air Helicopters - Las Vegas

Helicopter Tours Over Las Vegas by West Air Helicopters

Las Vegaseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

30 minutes to 1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical effort required; suitable for most fitness levels

Overview

See Las Vegas from an exhilarating aerial perspective with West Air Helicopters. Choose from dramatic flights over the Red Rock Canyon’s sandstone cliffs or the illuminated Las Vegas Strip.

Details

Las Vegas, Nevada, is famous for its vibrant Strip, but the surrounding natural landscape offers an equally compelling adventure. West Air Helicopters delivers a thrilling perspective on this desert environment through their array of helicopter tours, showcasing both the dazzling urban skyline and the rugged beauty of nearby Red Rock Canyon. Operating out of Las Vegas, these tours offer a distinct way to encounter one of the country’s most striking contrasts: neon-lit nightlife alongside ancient sandstone cliffs.

West Air Helicopters provides three main trip options: the Red Rock Tour, the Las Vegas Strip Tour, and a Combo Tour that melds both into one seamless experience. The Red Rock Tour takes passengers over the towering red sandstone cliffs and dramatic formations of Red Rock Canyon, known for its steep sandstone peaks composed primarily of Aztec sandstone, formed over 180 million years ago. This protected area, just a short flight from the city, is a haven for climbers, hikers, and wildlife observers. Flying above allows visitors to appreciate the scope of this landscape’s ruggedness, its narrow canyons, and the contrasting desert foothills.

The Las Vegas Strip Tour offers a vivid contrast, lifting off above the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard, with views of famous resorts, fountains, and the bustling energy below. Illuminated at night, the cityscape is a dazzling spectacle visible from a unique aerial vantage point, something rare for visitors.

Choosing the Combo Tour allows travelers to witness both the natural grandeur of Red Rock and the urban marvel of the Strip in one memorable flight. What sets West Air Helicopters apart here is their attention to safety, pilot expertise, and focus on delivering an intimate experience with clear panoramic visibility.

These tours offer a rare chance to witness Nevada’s wild landscapes and engineered spectacle in a single journey, making the adventures accessible to photographers, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. West Air Helicopters serves as a critical link between Las Vegas’ pulse and the expansiveness of the desert, inviting travelers to see and feel this region in a dynamic, unforgettable way.

Adventure Tips

Book Flights Early

Reserve your helicopter tour in advance to secure preferred times, especially for sunset flights over the Strip.

Arrive Early for Check-In

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour for safety briefing and boarding procedures.

Bring a Camera with a Strap

Use a wrist or neck strap to secure your camera or phone during the flight for safety and convenience.

Dress for Open-Air Comfort

Wear layers and sunglasses; helicopter cabins can be cooler at altitude and sun glare is strong.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet red sandstone enclaves accessible only by aerial view
  • Rare desert tortoise habitats in protected zones

Wildlife

  • Desert bighorn sheep
  • Golden eagles soaring above the cliffs

History

Red Rock Canyon was designated a National Conservation Area in 1990 to protect its unique geologic formations and desert ecosystems.

Conservation

West Air Helicopters maintains strict operational protocols to minimize noise and environmental impact around sensitive desert habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Sunset
Twilight

Best Viewpoints

  • Above Red Rock Canyon cliffs
  • Las Vegas Strip skyline
  • Desert foothills framing the city

What to Photograph

Sandstone rock layers
Vegas neon lights
Wildlife flying alongside

Recommended Gear

Sunglasses

Essential

Protect eyes from bright desert sunlight and glare during flight.

summer specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture panoramic views of the Strip and Red Rock formations.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Adjust for temperature changes between ground level and altitude.

all specific

Closed-Toe, Comfortable Shoes

Essential

Ensure stability and comfort during boarding and walking at the heliport.