The Grand Canyon in the SW USA is one of the most breathtaking geological formations on the planet. Carved ages ago by the power of the Colorado River the canyon reaches depths of up to a mile in some places.There are dozens of tours offered as day trips to visitors of Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas recently to attend a conference my colleague and I booked a tour with Sundance helicopters. The company picks you up at your hotel in a limousine to take you to the airport where after a brief orientation you board a helicopter with 5 other passengers. The flight to the canyon is approximately 45 minutes and an excellent audio guide is made available on headsets. The vistas of the underlying desertscape are phenomenal and the first glimpse of the canyon is unforgettable. The helicopter descends 4000 feet where you disembark for a picnic lunch and a pontoon ride on the Colorado River. Before boarding for the return trip champagne is provided to toast your excursion.The pictures speak for themselves.