Ancient Sedona Helicopter Tour: Fly Over Red Rocks & Sinagua Ruins
Lift off and watch Sedona unfold: red fins, winding Oak Creek and cliff-side Sinagua ruins only reachable by long hikes — all visible on this 20–22 minute, 30+ mile helicopter tour.
The Experience
Before You Go
Arrive early for check-in
Plan to be at the departure point 30 minutes before your flight; late arrivals will not be accommodated due to tight scheduling.
Travel light
No carry-on bags or large purses are allowed—bring only a small camera, water, and a light layer.
Bring a camera with a fast shutter
Set shutter speeds to 1/500s or faster to freeze motion through the windshield and reduce blur.
Dress in layers
Helicopters can feel warmer than the outside air; layers let you adapt to the tarmac and the cabin.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •View Secret Canyon’s narrow walls from above to see slot-like features not visible from trails
- •Spot seasonal waterfalls in Oak Creek Canyon after monsoon or winter storms
Wildlife
- •Red-tailed hawk
- •Mule deer
Conservation Note
Helicopter operators follow designated flight corridors to reduce noise and wildlife disruption; visitors should respect archaeological sites by not attempting to access ruins on private or protected land.
The cliffs and ruins were home to the Sinagua people from roughly 600–1400 CE; many of the exposed cliff dwellings visible from the air were agricultural and storage sites tied to the surrounding creek terraces.
Photographer's Notes
- • Circling Cathedral Rock for eye-level perspective
- • Over Oak Creek Canyon near Grasshopper Point
- • Flying through Boynton Canyon to frame cliff dwellings
What to Bring
Compact mirrorless or DSLR cameraEssential
Fast autofocus and a 70–200mm or 24–70mm range capture both wide panoramas and zoomed ruins.
Sunglasses and sunscreenEssential
High desert sun is intense even in short flights—protect eyes and skin.
Light windproof jacket
Useful for early-morning or late-afternoon check-in on the tarmac.
Small hydration bottleEssential
Stay hydrated in dry air; bring a compact bottle that fits under the seat.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The flight lasts approximately 20–22 minutes and covers over 30 miles of terrain.
Are there weight or age restrictions?
Infants must sit on an adult's lap; the operator collects passenger weights during booking to balance the aircraft—be honest when completing forms.
Can I bring a camera or phone?
Yes—small cameras and phones are allowed; large carry-on bags or purses are not permitted due to limited cabin space.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are canceled in inclement weather; the operator offers full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior or when weather causes cancellations.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The booking indicates wheelchair accessibility to the facility; contact the operator ahead of time to discuss specific needs.
Will we land at ruins?
No—the tour provides aerial views of the Sinagua ruins and canyon features; the helicopter does not land at archaeological sites.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
20–22 minutes
Location
Sedona, Arizona
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
No hiking required; suitable for people with typical mobility. Infants must sit on laps.
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