The Grand Canyon is larger than life. It's 190 miles long, averages a mile deep, and covers 1,900 square miles. On foot, you will see just a fraction of this natural wonder. For those serious about tackling this geological beast, the only real option is to take an airplane tour.

In my opinion, there are only two tours that are up for the task. The first one, which departs from the Las Vegas area, is called the Grand Canyon Deluxe. The other, which leaves from Grand Canyon Airport, AZ, is the Grand Discovery. Grand Canyon Airlines operates both of these flights. Let's take a closer look:

The Grand Canyon Deluxe (Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim)

Departs year round from the Vegas area and is the only air tour that flies direct to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Flight time to the National Park is 45 minutes. Uses a state-of-the-art Vistaliner airplane, which has been customized from nose to tail and includes a larger main cabin, over-sized windows, and plush seats. Includes in-flight narration in multiple languages. The flight pretty much follows the Colorado River east. You'll fly over Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the U.S., and Hoover Dam, the second largest dam in the nation, before touching down at Grand Canyon Airport. On the ground, you'll board a luxury motor coach and head into the Park. This part is a guided tour, which will stop at Mather Point, the most popular lookout at the South Rim, before going onward to Grand Canyon Village, where there are a number of fabulous gift shops and restaurants. Price is $190 adults and $170 for children. Trip duration is eight hours.

Grand Discovery

Departs from Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan, Arizona. The airport is about 10 minutes from the South Rim's main entrance gate. Many consider this the tour that "defined" airplane trips above the Park. Trip is done aboard a Vistaliner. Daily departures. Flight plan takes it eastward, where it crosses Zuni Point and Zuni Corridor. Sights include the Desert Watchtower, the Navajo Indian Reservation, and the Painted Desert, among other things. The return follows along isolated North Rim past Imperial Point, the tallest point in the canyon, before banking left into the Dragoon Corridor, the widest, deepest part of the canyon, and then descending over the verdant Kaibab Plateau. Every seat is a good one. Price is $120 for adults and $98 for children. Air time is 50 minutes.

The most popular question I get from folks who want to see the Grand Canyon is this: What's the difference between the South Rim and the West Rim? Here are some quick facts that distinguish the two:

South Rim

The South Rim is located in the heart of Northern Arizona some 277 miles east of Las Vegas. It's four hours from Phoenix and two hours from Sedona, AZ. This rim is classic canyon: Most of the photos you've seen are from this area. Here you will find excellent lookout points (Hermit's Rest, Yaki Point, Mather Point), well-maintained trails (South Kaibab, Bright Angel), and incredible souvenir shops (Kolb Studio, Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House). From Las Vegas, two types of tours regularly go here: Bus (a 5.5-hour drive) and airplane (a 45-minute flight).

The West Rim, AZ,

This rim is just a mere 120 miles from Las Vegas. It lies slightly beyond the National Park's official boundaries. Here, you will find the incredible Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that takes you 70 feet past the edge whereupon you'll find yourself suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. In addition, this rim is the ONLY place where you can ride a helicopter to the bottom. The most popular ways to get here are by bus (2.5-hour drive) and by airplane (25-minute flight). There are no direct flights from the South Rim to the West Rim.

I've experienced the South Rim bus and airplane tours from Las Vegas. I adamantly recommend the airplane tour. It may cost a bit more, but you'll get to the canyon faster as well as arriving more energetic and ready to go. Equally important is that by taking an airplane flight you get back to Las Vegas in time for your evening plans. As for flights that originate from South Rim, AZ, the Grand Discovery tour is far and away the best value. I can assure you that what you see in 50 minutes would take days on the ground. That's not an exaggeration. The price, too, is spot on. So get your carry-on and make sure you've got your camera - it's time to hit the skies and enjoy the Grand Canyon to its fullest.