Sedona is famous for its striking red rock formations, and there’s no better way to appreciate their scale and color than from above. With numerous helicopter tours available, each offering a different perspective or experience, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your schedule and interests. From quick snapshots of iconic landmarks like Cathedral Rock to longer, more immersive flights over the Mogollon Rim, Sedona’s helicopter rides are a highlight for travelers wanting a thrill and a view that’s impossible to match from the ground. One standout pick is the Desert Thunder Tour, which combines a 30-minute flight with educational commentary and a chance to see ancient cliff dwellings—an unforgettable way to get your bearings and capture spectacular photos.
If you’re pressed for time but still want to soar over Sedona’s most recognizable sights, the Sedona Skyline Tour offers a quick up-close look at Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross in just about 12-15 minutes. For those craving a deeper experience, the Mogollon Rim options allow you to spend nearly an hour flying over remote wilderness areas and ancient ruins—ideal for serious scenery lovers. Whether you prefer a short, scenic peek or an extensive exploration, our list covers the best helicopter flights in Sedona, so you can pick the perfect tour for your adventure style.
1. Sedona Helicopter Tour: Desert Thunder Tour
This 30 to 35-minute helicopter ride offers a rundown of Sedona’s famous red rock landscape, including iconic formations like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. It’s perfect for those who want a quick but detailed aerial tour. Your pilot will provide commentary on the natural and cultural history, making it as educational as it is breathtaking. You’ll swoop over the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings, adding a touch of history to your view.
What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of alcoholic drinks and water, so you can toast your adventure while soaking in the scenery. It’s a popular choice, highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 based on 173 reviews. Travelers often mention feeling safe, professional service, and the opportunity to get close to the red rocks that are inaccessible on foot. The primary appeal is the balance of stunning visuals and informative narration in a relatively short time, making it ideal for a first-time helicopter experience.
Bottom Line: For a well-rounded, scenic flight with a professional guide and a touch of luxury, this tour offers great value at $429 per person. Best suited for those who want a rundown without a long commitment.
2. Sedona Helicopter Tour: Dust Devil Tour
This 20 to 25-minute flight is designed for travelers seeking an intimate experience with Sedona’s landscape. With a maximum of three people, you’ll get a personal, close-up view of the red rock formations and the 700-year-old Anasazi cliff dwellings. The tour includes alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and bottled water, making it a relaxed and refreshing way to see Sedona.
Highlights include soaring over Devil’s Bridge, Secret Canyon, and the Mogollon Rim. Guests praise pilot Jake for his knowledge and friendliness, with reviews noting the tour as “awesome” and “super informative.” This tour’s smaller group size means fewer crowds and more personalized attention—great for couples or small groups wanting a private adventure.
Bottom Line: At $309 per person, this tour offers a more personal, shorter flight that’s perfect for travelers with limited time, or those who prefer a quieter, more customized experience.
3. Everything Sedona (20+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour
For around $185.65, this 10 to 12-minute helicopter ride covers all the main sights of Sedona in a quick, energetic burst. It’s the shortest tour on our list but packs in highlights like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Snoopy Rock. The experience includes all forward-facing seats and noise-reducing headsets, ensuring everyone gets a good view.
It’s best suited for travelers who want a rapid overview of Sedona’s most famous landmarks. Reviews mention the smooth ride and great commentary from pilots like Josh, making it a cost-effective way to see the area in a limited time. It’s a practical choice for visitors with a tight schedule or those who want a taste of Sedona from the air before exploring on land.
Bottom Line: An excellent quick-hit option for those who want a bird’s-eye snapshot of Sedona’s iconic formations without a hefty time or price commitment.
4. Sedona Helicopter Tour: Wild West Tour
This 50 to 55-minute tour at $679 per person takes you over the greater Sedona area, including sycamore canyon, Mingus Mountain, and the old mining town of Jerome. It’s a spacious, comfortable helicopter with big windows, offering a detailed view of both natural features and historical sites. The tour includes stories of Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, adding a splash of Old West adventure.
Guests enjoy the scenic flight above canyons, rivers, and rock formations, with praise for the professionalism of the pilot Robbie and the wide, unobstructed views. This is ideal for those who want an extended, immersive experience and are interested in the area’s cultural lore as well as its geology.
Bottom Line: For a substantial, scenic adventure with storytelling and a touch of history, this is a top-tier option suited for travelers eager to go longer and deeper into Sedona’s landscapes.
5. Secret Wilderness (45+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour
This 30 to 32-minute tour covers 45 miles of Sedona’s most striking formations and remote canyons. It includes views of Gunsight Pass, Boynton Canyon, and Secret Canyon, offering a wide-ranging perspective on the area’s natural beauty. The tour caps at five passengers, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests wear noise-reducing headsets for clear commentary and enjoy the aerial views of landmarks like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.
Reviews highlight the fabulous views and the skilled pilot, with some describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive, scenic overview of Sedona while enjoying the intimacy of a small group.
Bottom Line: A longer, detailed flight suited for travelers wanting an extensive view of Sedona’s key formations and canyons, with a small-group feel.
6. Ancient Sedona (30+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour
This 20 to 22-minute tour for about $306.48 takes you over Boynton and Long Canyons, where you can see Sinagua ruins, Cathedral Rock, and remote canyons that are inaccessible without a hike. It’s a great option for those intrigued by the archaeological remnants of Sedona’s past. The tour includes noise-reducing headphones for better commentary.
Guests appreciate that it passes over deep, remote canyons and offers an up-close view of ancient ruins and natural landmarks. It’s perfect for travelers interested in history and geology without spending hours on a hike.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want to see ancient ruins and rugged terrain from the air, combining scenery with cultural interest.
7. Mogollon Rim (80+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour
This 80+ mile journey at $712.93 per person is the most extensive tour, flying over three wilderness areas including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Mogollon Rim. With about 50 minutes in the air, it’s suited for travelers wanting the full experience of Sedona’s grandeur. The helicopter offers large windows, ensuring panoramic views for all.
Reviews of this tour mention spectacular panoramic vistas and praise for the knowledgeable pilot. It’s ideal for those with plenty of time who want a rundown of Sedona’s natural beauty and remote wilderness.
Bottom Line: For the serious scenery enthusiast who wants to see every corner of Sedona’s wilderness, this lengthy and immersive tour is worth the price.
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour
When selecting a helicopter tour in Sedona, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. If you’re short on time, the shorter Skyline or Ancient Sedona tours provide a quick but stunning overview. For those keen on history and remote landscapes, the Ancient Sedona or Secret Wilderness tours are excellent.
Travelers with a budget-friendly mindset will appreciate the 20-minute Dust Devil Tour or the Sunset tours, which combine affordability with fantastic views. If you’re seeking a longer, more immersive experience, the Mogollon Rim options deliver extensive vistas and deeper exploration. Always book early, especially in peak seasons, as Sedona’s helicopter tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Sedona offers a diverse array of helicopter experiences, from quick snapshots of iconic landmarks to extensive journeys over rugged wilderness and ancient ruins. For a short but spectacular introduction, the Skyline Tour is perfect. If you’re after a more in-depth adventure, the Wild West or Mogollon Rim tours will satisfy your craving for remote scenery and cultural stories. Budget travelers and those with limited time should opt for the Ancient Sedona, while history buffs will enjoy the Secret Wilderness.
Whatever your choice, Sedona’s aerial tours promise an unforgettable perspective on the area’s stunning red rocks, deep canyons, and ancient sites. Book early, dress comfortably, and prepare for views that will stay with you long after your landing.