Mesa 2 Peak: Private Scenic Flight From Sedona to the San Francisco Peaks

Take to the skies from Sedona Airport Terminal on Mesa 2 Peak, a private 40-minute scenic flight with Bluebird Air Tours. Glide from red-rock canyons to the Ponderosa forests and the San Francisco Peaks for an intimate, narrated aerial perspective of northern Arizona.

Sedona, Arizona•

40 minutes

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

From the moment Mesa 2 Peak lifts from the tarmac at Sedona Airport Terminal, the world below rearranges itself into a series of geological chapters. This private, 40-minute scenic flight with Bluebird Air Tours traces a line from Sedona's red-rock amphitheaters northward over Ponderosa forests to the San Francisco Peaks ringing Flagstaff. Piloted by three local aviators who operate the high-wing Cessna 172 affectionately dubbed "Blue," the tour is intimate—only two seats—so every turn of the nose and sweep of the canyon gets narrated and framed. The route follows the rim of famous canyons and the quieter folds of Coconino National Forest, offering aerial perspectives on sheer sandstone walls, layered mesas, and sweeping pine-studded valleys. Key features include the San Francisco Peaks themselves, the expansive Ponderosa forests that carpet the high country, and Sedona's iconic red-rock canyons that catch the sun with incandescent color. The flight also references the "Canyon Cruise" itinerary, with a deliberate pop up to the Flagstaff rim for mountain views that reveal why northern Arizona is a year-round playground for hikers and skiers alike. For visitors based in Sedona or staying in nearby Flagstaff, this flight is more than a photo op; it's a condensed natural-history lesson delivered in rolling altitude. The pilots point out geological contrasts—volcanic high country versus red sedimentary sandstone—and call out seasonal life below, from wildflowers tucked into canyon nooks to elk that roam the higher forests. Because flights are private, timing is flexible: book a sunrise sortie for soft light across the strata or a late-afternoon run to watch shadows carve depth into the landscape. Practical notes matter: the meeting point is Sedona Airport Terminal; flights run about 40 minutes and accommodate up to two people. Bring layers—the aircraft is small and mountain air chills fast—and a camera with a polarizer for clearer windowside shots. Bluebird Air Tours positions itself as local stewards as much as pilots, blending aviation skill with an eye for conservation and responsible viewing. In short, Mesa 2 Peak is a compact, high-impact way to connect to northern Arizona's contrasting terrains. It's ideal for travelers who want the sweep of the San Francisco Peaks and a new vantage on Sedona's red-rock drama without committing to a full day on trail. The clarity of a private flight and the narratives from pilots who fly these routes regularly make this a standout aerial adventure in the region. Reserve early during peak travel seasons, ask about window seating and weather windows, and consider combining the flight with a guided hike or jeep tour to expand your time on the ground; pilots can recommend local trails and seasonal highlights to pair with this high-flying introduction to northern Arizona. Book through operator.

Before You Go

Book a window seat early

Flights are private with only two seats; reserve in advance and request the best side for lighting and views.

Dress in layers

The small Cessna 172 cools quickly at altitude—bring a windproof layer even on warm days.

Pack a polarizing filter

A polarizer cuts glare through aircraft windows and boosts contrast over rock and forest textures.

Check weather windows

Mountain weather can force delays or reroutes—confirm plan B timing with Bluebird Air Tours before you leave.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Oak Creek Canyon overlooks for dramatic downstream canyon views accessed from the west side of Sedona
•Flagstaff rim pullouts where the San Francisco Peaks reveal broad forested slopes and winter snowfields

Wildlife

•Elk
•Red-tailed hawk

Conservation Note

Operators emphasize responsible viewing and low-impact flying; choose flights that follow noise-abatement practices and leave no trace on public lands.

The San Francisco Peaks are a volcanic range that dominates northern Arizona and holds cultural significance for several Indigenous communities in the region.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Sunrise, Late afternoon / golden hour, Clear winter mornings

Key viewpoints:

• Window seat over the red-rock canyons
• Pop-up rim near Flagstaff for broad mountain shots
• Lower-altitude passes along canyon rims to capture sandstone striations

Subjects to capture:Aerial landscapes, Forest-to-desert geological contrast, Wildlife from a distance

What to Bring

✓

Layered jacketEssential

Keeps you warm in an unpressurized, small-cabin plane where temperatures drop quickly.

✓

Sunglasses with strapEssential

Reduces glare and helps with window-side shooting.

✓

Camera with polarizing filterEssential

Improves clarity and contrast through aircraft windows for landscape shots.

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Binoculars

Handy for spotting wildlife and distant geological features during the flight.

Common Questions

Where do I check in?

Meet at Sedona Airport Terminal; confirm exact check-in time with Bluebird Air Tours when you book.

How long is the flight?

The standard Mesa 2 Peak flight is about 40 minutes, with private scheduling options where available.

How many people fit on the flight?

Group size is up to 2 people per aircraft as noted in the tour information.

What about cancellations for weather?

Weather can affect mountain flights; a formal cancellation policy was not provided—contact the operator for their weather and refund terms.

Are there age or mobility restrictions?

No minimum age or accessibility details were supplied; call Bluebird Air Tours ahead if you have mobility questions or specific needs.

Can I combine the flight with other activities?

Yes—pilots often recommend pairing the flight with local hikes or jeep tours; ask for suggestions when you book.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

40 minutes

Location

Sedona, Arizona

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Minimal physical exertion required; able-bodied travelers and those comfortable boarding small aircraft.

Free cancellation available

Topics

Air Activities Sightseeing Tour Attraction Private Airplane

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