Sedona is a standout in Arizona for its spectacular rock formations and breathtaking canyons. Unlike other national parks, Sedona combines natural beauty with easy access to iconic landmarks like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. For many visitors, a helicopter tour is an unforgettable way to see the area’s expansive landscape from above, offering perspectives impossible from the ground. We love the Secret Wilderness helicopter experiences because they showcase the area’s rugged wilderness and hidden corners, like Secret Canyon or Gunsight Pass, giving you a fresh appreciation for Sedona’s vastness. If you prefer a more grounded adventure, the guided hiking tours reveal Sedona’s red rock backcountry and uncrowded trails, perfect for a quiet, immersive experience. You can learn about the region’s geology and natural history while enjoying a walk through some of Arizona’s most stunning scenery.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Sunset helicopter tour offers a mesmerizing view of the red rocks as the sky turns colors, adding an extra layer of magic to your trip. Meanwhile, the guided wilderness hikes are ideal for travelers who want to customize their experience and explore at their own pace. Each of these options offers something a little different, making Sedona a versatile destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and scenery enthusiasts alike.
Quick Overview
This list covers three helicopter tours—including daytime and sunset flights—and two guided hiking tours. The helicopter experiences feature detailed aerial views of Sedona’s most famous landmarks and hidden spots [, , ], while the hiking options focus on exploring lesser-traffic trails and learning about the area’s natural history. Now, let’s take a closer look at each.
1. Secret Wilderness (45+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (23 reviews)
Price: $438.30 per person
Duration: 30 to 32 minutes (approx.)
This scenic helicopter ride offers a sweeping 45-mile flight over Sedona’s most iconic landmarks. Once airborne, you’ll glide past Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Gunsight Pass, and the Praying Hands, all displayed against the dramatic backdrop of the red rock formations that Sedona is famous for. The tour includes a noise-reducing headset and all passengers sit facing forward for optimal viewing, and group size is limited to five—meaning a more intimate and personal experience.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to fly just above the cliffs and see the top of Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon at eye level, along with Secret Canyon and Thunder Mountain. The pilot shares interesting tidbits about each site, making it more than just a pretty picture. Many reviews praise the pilot’s professionalism and knowledge—one mentions, “Steve and Conor were fabulous,” highlighting the friendly, skilled service. The tour’s price reflects its exclusivity and the premium view it provides, making it ideal for travelers wanting a memorable aerial perspective.
Bottom Line: This tour offers breathtaking views and a personalized experience perfect for first-timers and those craving a high-flying overview of Sedona’s stunning landscape.
2. Secret Wilderness – 45 Mile Helicopter Tour in Sedona
Rating: 5/5 (1 review)
Price: $438 per person
Duration: 30 minutes
For travelers seeking a thrilling helicopter ride without added frills, this [] tour hits the mark. It features a Turbine Helicopter with 6 passenger seats, providing a smooth, powerful flight over Sedona’s most spectacular scenery. The focus here is on guided narration—your pilot acts as both pilot and storyteller, sharing insights into the landscape’s geology, formations, and hidden secrets.
While this tour is shorter and more straightforward, it emphasizes quality over quantity. The flight path covers the major formations and can include views of Snoopy Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Courthouse Butte. The single review echoes this, stating, “The pilot was very skilled and knowledgeable,” and highlights the “exciting, panoramic views” as a major plus. At $438, it’s priced similarly to the longer experience but offers a more focused, personal flight.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a solid helicopter experience with expert narration, especially if they prefer a smaller group and powerful helicopter.
$438 per person
3. Secret Wilderness Sunset – 45 Mile Helicopter Tour in Sedona
Rating: No reviews yet
Price: $570 per person
Duration: 30 minutes
This [] tour combines the thrill of a helicopter flight with the beauty of a Sedona sunset. Departing in the late afternoon, you’ll soar over key sites like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and the Praying Hands as the sky transitions from blue to shades of orange and pink—an unforgettable sight. The air-conditioned cabin and all forward-facing seats ensure comfort during this scenic flight.
This experience is particularly suited for romantic couples or anyone eager to see Sedona’s landscape bathed in sunset light. The pilot shares insights during the flight, and many reviews highlight the stunning visuals during sunset hours. The price reflects its exclusivity and the added visual magic, making it a premium experience for special occasions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a romantic and scenic way to end the day, with extraordinary views and a touch of sunset magic.
$570 per person
4. Sedona: Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour
Rating: No reviews listed
Price: $275 per person
Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours
If you prefer to stay grounded but still want to explore Sedona’s red rock backcountry, this guided hiking tour offers an immersive experience. The guides are known for their deep knowledge of natural history and geology, ensuring you’ll learn as you hike. The tour is tailored to your fitness level and interests, meaning you could choose a more relaxed stroll or a challenging trek up steep trails.
What makes this tour stand out is its uncrowded locations and focus on natural beauty rather than just the popular spots. Many hikers appreciate the personalized approach and the chance to discover lesser-known trails like those near Brins Mesa or Soldiers Pass. It’s perfect for travelers who want a more authentic, hands-on experience and enjoy learning about the land. The price is reasonable for a 3.5- to 4-hour guided tour, especially given the personalized service.
Bottom Line: Best suited for curious hikers, those wanting to avoid crowds, and anyone eager to learn about Sedona’s geology and natural features firsthand.
$275 per person
5. Secret Wilderness Sedona Helicopter Sunset Tour
Rating: 0/5 (0 reviews)
Price: $601.00 per person
Duration: ~35 minutes
The most ambitious and comprehensive of the helicopter options, this [] tour covers over 45 miles of Sedona’s landscape during sunset. It takes you past Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, the Praying Hands, and Snoopy Rock, then dives into Secret Canyon, Gunsight Pass, and Boynton Canyon—home to ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings.
The itinerary includes multiple stops at notable formations, offering time for photos and appreciation. You’ll fly over Steam Boat Rock, Thunder Mountain, and the Seven Canyons Golf Course. The sunset timing adds a magical glow to the scenery, making this ideal for special occasions or travelers who want the full Sedona experience from the air. The flight is slightly longer at 35 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the views. Although it’s the priciest option, many reviews highlight the stunning vistas and unique access to areas inaccessible from the ground.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a luxury experience with extensive views, especially during the golden hour.
$601.00 per person
How to Choose
Selecting the right tour depends on your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you want a comprehensive aerial overview, the Secret Wilderness helicopter tours are hard to beat. For a more personalized, in-depth experience, the guided hiking tour is excellent. Those celebrating a special occasion might prefer the sunset helicopter ride for its romantic atmosphere and stunning visuals.
If you’re short on time but eager to see Sedona’s landmarks from above, the 30-minute helicopter options offer great value, showing the highlights without requiring a full day. Consider the group size and comfort preferences—the helicopter tours are more intimate, while hikes let you connect more closely with the landscape.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Sedona offers a diverse range of national park experiences that cater to different tastes. If you want the ultimate aerial view, the Secret Wilderness helicopter tours deliver unforgettable vistas—especially during sunset or in smaller groups. For those who prefer to explore on foot and learn about the area’s geology and natural history, guided hikes provide a more personal and educational experience.
Whether you choose soaring above the red rocks or walking through them, Sedona’s natural beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression. Book early, plan accordingly, and enjoy exploring this captivating landscape from whichever perspective suits you best.