Vegas, Baby.

[Spiky Bugger]

Excellent point about perspective. From the bottom, it's all an upside view. The skywalk does have a bad rep. I'd have to overcome my fear of heights to stand on it, so the tourist-trap review make it totally lack appeal now.

Hmmmm... Then there's also Option 3: this tour which involves rafting on a river instead of the skywalk---> http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-colorado-rafting.aspx (Although, it doesn't take us near Henderson and a possible brush with greatness!)

• One of the most amazing ways to experience the Grand Canyon is with a landing tour and the added bonus of river rafting through the scenic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.
• With this Grand Canyon and Rafting Helicopter Tour, you will enjoy a helicopter adventure through the Grand Canyon and see awe-inspiring scenery at one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Following the helicopter tour through the Grand Canyon, you will land at the Boulder City Airport and meet up with the rafting crew.
• Your fully motorized and narrated river rafting voyage will depart from the base of Hoover Dam and float 12 miles down the grand Colorado River. The Colorado River rafting tour includes several stops along the river and lunch served upon reaching Willow Beach, Arizona. At the conclusion of the tour, the rafting crew will transport you back to your hotel in a shuttle bus.

6:00 am - Pick-up at hotel
6:30 am - Check-in at Las Vegas Strip terminal
7:00 am - Flight departure
7:45 am - Land at bottom of canyon at Grand Canyon West and enjoy a champagne toast, soda, bottled water and light snacks
8:20 am - Depart Grand Canyon West
9:00 am - Arrive at Boulder City Airport for pick-up by Black Canyon River Rafting Company (BCRC)
9:20 am - Briefing and transfer by shuttle bus to base of Hoover Dam
10:00 am - Boat launch
12:15 pm - Lunch served by BCRC
2:45 pm - Arrive at Willow Beach for restroom break and relaxation
3:00 pm - Rafting crew transports you back to your hotel in a shuttle bus
4:15 pm - Arrive at hotel​

Many years ago, my BFF and her very elderly but very active neighbor went on a raft excursion. They were in separate watercraft. At the end, they asked Marvelene (really) how she liked the trip. She said she should get a refund because her raft went backwards. They asked if she was SURE her raft was going backwards. She got angry and yelled, "I may be old, but I damn well know whether I'm looking at where I'm goin' or where I already was!"

So, there's that.

I know where Boulder City is and even have friends there. We took Kirmy and her boy toy to Hoover Dam so we have a fair idea of where that is, too. We WILL be able to find you.

 

[newanatomy]

This 48 year old child would opt for #2. Of course, I have been rafting many times so it does not produce a huge draw for me whereas, more helicopter time does. What do the kiddos think?

 

[hilary1617]

Kiddos have no idea where we are going or what we are planning to do. It's a surprise. We've only told them they will need pack for warm weather and the hotel will have a pool. We'll let them know when we get on a plane. To be honest, I'm not sure either of them are familiar with Las Vegas, so they'll have no idea really what to expect until they are immersed in it.

Both kids spend most of the summer on the lake sailing so will probably be nonplussed by the raft, which seems actually to just be a quaint name for a pontoon boat versus the whitewater experience the name evokes. I'm almost always tethered to a desk or conference table so am thinking time admiring views outdoors would be nice. Honestly, kids are great sports and will be super-appreciative of anything, particularly because the element of surprise will serve to limit their expectations. They see me sick a lot (not related to DS), so any time we can do something together they are just happy with that.

Ha! Please do find me. Look for the lady falling (hopefully not overboard) or doing something else clumsy or embarrassing.

 

[Spiky Bugger]

What NewAnatomy said.

Except I haven't been rafting.

My take on it is that the raft portion is NOT in the Grand Canyon...it's a local Hoover Dam to Willow Beach trip that can be added on to any Las Vegas trip.

Otoh...everything at GC has been called a ripoff...the skywalk, the Indians and everything Xanterra. Even though it costs more, I think the shorter trip has the benefit of getting back to the hotel in time for a nap!

 

[DianaCox]

I found:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...Vegas-Grand_Canyon_National_Park_Arizona.html
http://www.grandcanyontourcompany.com/airsouth.html
http://www.thecanyon.com/south-rim-tours

You've probably already seen them.

I really think figuring out a way of flying from LV to near the South Rim, and then renting a car and taking it in yourself - maybe even spending the night in the park or in Tusayan - would be something worthwhile to think about.

 

[JackieOnLine]

sounds like you will have a terrific time no matter what you choose!

 

[robs477]

Hi Hilary! My wife and I went to the same area 2 yrs ago and stayed at the Mandalay Bay and everything is EXTREMELY kid friendly, we were surprised! Our Daughter was 10 and we stayed busy all day long. Any "Crazies" come out after midnight or so, and I wanted to moonlight as one a time or two, but, we were too tired...lol Have fun!!! Real excited for you!

BTW...we had all those other trips planned to, but, each one eats up a day or two and we just couldnt work it in.