Ancient Sedona (30+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

A Bird’s-Eye View of Sedona’s Spectacular Red Rocks and Ancient Ruins

Imagine soaring above Sedona’s iconic red rock formations — towering spires, sweeping canyons, and mysterious ancient ruins — all in just about 20 to 22 minutes. This Ancient Sedona helicopter tour, offered at $306.48 per person, takes you on a scenic 30+ mile flight into some of the most remote and breathtaking spots in the area. Led by knowledgeable pilots like Jeff or Joshua, the experience combines exhilarating flight with insightful commentary, making it a fantastic way to get a broad perspective of Sedona’s rugged landscape and sacred sites.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it condenses what would take hours of hiking to see into a quick, comfortable, and awe-inspiring flight. Plus, the forward-facing seats ensure every passenger gets a great view no matter where you sit. It’s perfect for those who want a memorable adventure without a full day commitment, especially since the tour is booked well in advance, typically 22 days ahead.

On the flip side, because this is a relatively short flight, it’s best suited for travelers seeking a quick, high-impact experience. If you’re looking for an in-depth exploration, combining this with a longer tour might be worth considering. Also, keep in mind that weather can affect flying plans, so flexibility might be necessary.

This tour shines for adventurous couples, photography enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see Sedona’s famous vistas in a new light. It’s especially appealing if you want to appreciate the area’s natural beauty from a unique perspective, elevating your trip with a touch of adventure and a lot of awe.

Key Points

• Short but Spectacular: About 20 minutes of flight time delivers a broad view of Sedona’s iconic formations.
• Remote & Ancient Ruins: You’ll visit canyons and ruins that are otherwise difficult to access without strenuous hikes.
• Great Views from Every Seat: All forward-facing seats mean everyone gets a clear, unobstructed view.
• Expert Commentary: Pilots like Jeff and Joshua enhance the experience with informative and friendly narration.
• Value for the Price: With stunning vistas and a unique perspective, many reviews highlight this as well worth the cost.
• Weather Dependent: Cancellations are possible in poor weather, with full refunds or rescheduling options.

An In-Depth Look at the Sedona Helicopter Experience

From the Tarmac to the Skies: What You Can Expect

The adventure begins at the Sedona airport, where you’ll meet your pilot and don noise-reducing headsets. The briefing is straightforward: safety first, then prepare for a scenic journey into the skies. Once airborne, the pilot immediately guides you over the overlook from where the helicopter takes off, giving you your first panoramic glimpse of the vast desert landscape.

The Highlights of the Flight Itinerary

Red Rock State Park passes by, offering a first glimpse of the natural beauty that defines Sedona. Expect to fly eye-level with Cathedral Rock, one of the most photographed features in the area, and marvel at its towering presence from above. The Chapel of the Holy Cross appears in the distance, a striking architectural marvel built into the rocks, visible from a perspective that reveals its dramatic setting.

Continuing along, you’ll spot Bell Rock, famous for its distinctive shape and popularity among hikers. The flight then weaves through Broken Arrow Trail, showing off the Praying Hands, Chicken Point, and Submarine Rock — all unique formations that look even more impressive from the air.

Courthouse Butte becomes visible, adding to the lineup of incredible rock formations. As the helicopter circles around, you’ll see Snoopy Rock (resembling the beloved dog from Peanuts), the Tea Kettle, Eagle Rock, and the Cowpies — each with their own story and character.

Deep Canyons and Remote Ruins

A highlight of this tour is flying over Oak Creek Canyon, a deep incision in the landscape that offers stunning views of seasonal waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery. From here, the pilot guides your focus to the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon, revealing the rugged beauty that makes this area so special.

Then, you’ll get a glimpse of Ship Rock, the Fin, and Grasshopper Point, as well as Coffee Pot Rock, a natural formation that resembles a steaming coffee pot. The flight then heads into Secret Canyon, passing Secret Mountain and flying through it — a route that offers a taste of Sedona’s lesser-visited hidden gems.

Most notably, you’ll visit Boynton Canyon and Long Canyon, where the ancient Sinagua ruins are nestled. While you can’t walk into these sites without a hike, seeing them from above gives you a sense of their remote, sacred setting.

Other Notable Points

• Doe Mountain and Mescal Mesa appear as the helicopter turns back toward the airport.
• The changing perspective on Chimney Rock, transforming into the Three Fingers, offers a fun visual twist.
• The flight concludes with spectacular views of Schuerman Mountain and the surrounding landscape, providing a fitting end to this brief but immersive adventure.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Multiple reviewers mention that the smooth ride and friendly, knowledgeable pilots elevate the experience. Madeline P., who called it a “great experience,” appreciated that “you really get views that you don’t get from the ground.” Will S. noted it was “well worth the money,” highlighting the ease of booking and great communication.

Davina C. loved that “all seats are forward-facing,” and her appreciation for the breathtaking views aligns with many others’ experiences. Joanne S. praised pilot Joshua for his educational commentary, adding an extra layer of value beyond just sightseeing.

Practical Details and Tips

The helicopter can accommodate up to 6 travelers, making it an intimate experience. The total weight per passenger is capped at 269 lbs, so travelers should consider this if they’re planning on packing heavy gear or have specific weight concerns.

You’ll be flying in a climate-controlled helicopter, which is crucial in Sedona’s high desert climate, especially during hot summer months. The mobile ticket makes check-in quick and easy, and the noise-reducing headsets ensure clear communication and enjoyment of the views.

Because the tour is about 20 minutes, it’s suited for those with limited time but who still want a true sense of Sedona’s grandeur. For a more comprehensive experience, longer tours are available, but this offering strikes a good balance of value and awe.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is generally accessible, it’s best to avoid flying if sick or uncomfortable with heights. Weather can influence your plans; poor weather will lead to cancellations, but full refunds or rescheduling are offered. Because the tour is popular and bookable 22 days in advance, planning ahead is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter tour is ideal for adventurous couples, photography fans, or anyone who wants to appreciate Sedona’s famous red rocks and ancient ruins from a unique vantage point. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to pack a lot of stunning scenery into a brief experience. The friendly pilots and smooth ride make it accessible even for first-time helicopter riders, so don’t hesitate if you’re a bit nervous.

If you love spectacular views, want to see remote geological features without hiking for hours, or simply want to add a memorable highlight to your Sedona trip, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For its price, this helicopter tour delivers remarkable views and a memorable experience that’s hard to match with ground-based sightseeing. You’ll get to see some of Sedona’s most famous formations and hidden gems, all while flying comfortably and safely. Many reviews emphasize how “you really get views that you don’t get from the ground,” making it a worthwhile splurge for the thrill and perspective it offers.

This experience best suits travelers who are short on time but crave a big visual impact or those eager to see remote archaeological sites from above. The compact tour makes it easy to fit into a busy itinerary while still leaving lasting memories of Sedona’s stunning landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the helicopter tour?
The flight lasts approximately 20 to 22 minutes, covering a wide area of Sedona’s red rocks and canyons.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive a noise-reducing headset with microphone, all forward-facing seats, and transportation from the airport.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but if you’re sick or uncomfortable with heights, it’s best to wait. The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers, making it intimate and manageable.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Poor weather may lead to cancellation, but full refunds or rescheduling are offered.

What is the best way to book?
The tour is most often booked about 22 days in advance. You can confirm your spot with a mobile ticket, making check-in smooth.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, the total weight per passenger is limited to 269 lbs, so plan accordingly.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, if you want a quick, breathtaking view of Sedona that few other experiences can match, and enjoy the comfort of a small group with expert commentary.

In essence, this helicopter tour offers a high-flying ticket to the heart of Sedona’s stunning scenery, perfect for those eager to see the area’s natural and archaeological wonders from a fresh perspective. It’s a compact but impactful experience, delivering value and memories that will stay with you long after you land.