Grand Moab Scenic Heli Tour — 60-Minute Edge of Canyonlands Helicopter Flight
In a single hour you’ll see Canyonlands’ greatest hits—the 2,000-foot sweep of Dead Horse Point, Castleton Tower, Corona Arch and the jewel-toned Potash Ponds—from the privileged vantage of a helicopter. This flight pairs clear narration with window seats for everyone.
The Experience
Before You Go
Reserve a window seat early
Operator guarantees window seats for all passengers, but booking early secures preferred flight times and photo angles.
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures can swing from hot on the tarmac to cool in the open air above the canyon; a light windbreaker is useful.
Protect gear from vibration
Use a neck strap or camera harness and bring extra memory cards and batteries—shots come fast and you’ll want backups.
Arrive 30 minutes early
Check in at the Redtail Air desk inside Canyonlands Field Airport to complete weight and safety paperwork.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Otho Natural Bridge in Mill Creek Canyon (best seen from the air)
- •The Potash Ponds’ iridescent evaporation pools—strange industrial color against red rock
Wildlife
- •Golden eagles (soaring along updrafts)
- •Desert bighorn sheep on remote cliff faces
Conservation Note
Flights concentrate impact by limiting ground access to fragile areas; choose operators that follow noise- and wildlife-conscious routes and avoid low-level flights over nesting sites.
The canyon layers reflect ancient seas, dunes and rivers; the area also holds long human history from Indigenous use to 19th-century settlers and modern recreation.
Photographer's Notes
- • Over Dead Horse Point overlook
- • Above Castleton Tower for silhouette shots
- • Along the flight path over Mill Creek Canyon for layered canyons
What to Bring
SunglassesEssential
Reduce glare from rock and sky while waiting on the tarmac and during daylight flights.
Windbreaker or light jacketEssential
Blocks rotor-driven gusts during boarding and keeps you comfortable if high-elevation winds kick up.
Mirrorless or DSLR with 24–70mmEssential
A fast zoom captures wide panoramas and isolated towers without needing to change lenses mid-flight.
Spare batteries and SD cardsEssential
Cold or long shooting bursts drain batteries quickly—bring spares to avoid missing key moments.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The Grand Tour is a fixed 60-minute helicopter flight over the Edge of Canyonlands.
Are children allowed?
Yes; children are allowed but you must include ages and weights when booking and follow any operator guidelines.
What happens if weather cancels the flight?
Flights are canceled for unsafe weather; you can usually rebook or receive a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure.
Do I get narration?
Yes, the tour provides live narration via headsets so you’ll hear landmarks and geological context throughout the flight.
Can I bring a tripod or large camera bags?
Large tripods aren’t practical aboard a helicopter; bring compact gear and secure straps—operators may restrict bulky items for safety.
Where do flights depart from?
Flights depart from Canyonlands Field Airport — check in at the Redtail Air desk inside the terminal.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1 hour
Location
Moab, Utah
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most travelers comfortable with short flights and boarding helicopters
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