Depart from the Grand Canyon Helicopters terminal at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan and climb above the Kaibab National Forest before crossing the South Rim, where the ground seems to drop away and the canyon opens more than a mile deep below.

Fly toward the dramatic confluence of the Little Colorado River with the main Colorado River, looking more than 5,000 feet down into the inner gorge at vivid rock colors, sharp canyon walls and the contrasting river channels.

Drift past Imperial Point, a striking sandstone spire standing alone near the North Rim, while flying at roughly the same elevation as the plateau for unusually close views of the cliffs and mesas.

Continue along the North Rim, where higher elevation, cooler temperatures and thicker forests create a very different landscape and habitat compared to the arid South Rim, supporting plant and animal communities unique to this side of the canyon.

Turn back toward the South Rim via the Dragon Corridor, one of the widest and deepest sections of the canyon, where sweeping rock walls and layered colors offer some of the most spectacular photo opportunities before you follow the rim back toward Tusayan and the terminal.