Mogollon Rim Helicopter Tour: Sedona Aerial Flight Over Sycamore Canyon

See Sedona at a scale few visitors do: a 50-minute Mogollon Rim Helicopter Tour launches from 1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336 and covers 80+ miles of canyons, ruins, and red-rock ridgelines. Book early to secure a front-row seat for an unmatched aerial introduction to Sycamore Canyon and Secret Mountain.

Sedona, Arizona•

45–60 minutes

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

Hovering above Sedona's scarlet cliffs and forested plateau, the Mogollon Rim Helicopter Tour delivers an arresting perspective on northern Arizona's rugged edge. Based in Sedona, Arizona, this 50-minute flight launches from 1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336 and traces more than 80 miles across Sycamore Canyon, Secret Mountain, and Munds Mountain wilderness areas. Pilots guide each route, dropping altitude to reveal hidden Ancestral Puebloan ruins clinging to canyon rims and pointing out geology: cross-bedded sandstone, volcanic dikes, and multi-colored strata worn into fins and buttes. The helicopter features six forward-facing seats, climate control, and noise-reducing headsets so narration is crisp even over rotor wash. Comfort seating options accommodate larger passengers, and parties of four to six may qualify for complimentary upgrades depending on weight and balance. Access to Sycamore Canyon, Secret Mountain, and Munds Mountain wilderness by air means visitors see canyons and mesas that are otherwise days away on foot. From this vantage the rim's drop-offs, riparian corridors of sycamore and cottonwood, and the high desert pinon-juniper woodlands read like separate ecosystems stacked on a single horizon. Wildlife sightings include soaring raptors and bighorn sheep on remote ledges; pilots share natural history along the way. Logistics are straightforward: check in 30 minutes before your 50-minute flight at 1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336; arrive on time—late passengers cannot join—and leave large carry-on bags behind because any bag with a strap is prohibited. Cameras, cell phones, and water are welcome onboard. Pricing begins at $649 for a general seat, with front-row and comfort options available for higher fares; call (928) 852-4848 to inquire about group discounts and weight-based seating. Few experiences compress Sedona's scale like this: in under an hour you'll read geology, spot archaeological sites lost to ground travel, and understand why the Mogollon Rim is a defining edge of the Colorado Plateau. The tour is ideal for families, photographers, and hikers who want reconnaissance before committing to backcountry routes. Respect archaeological sites, follow staff directions, and pack light to make the most of this high-flying introduction to Sedona's wild interior. Flights require at least two seats sold to operate; solo travelers who prefer not to buy an extra seat should contact the operator to join other bookings. Apex Air Helicopter Tours offers a 10% discount to veterans, active military, and first responders, along with repeat-customer and group discounts. If plans change, rebookings may carry a $20 rescheduling fee per seat and no-shows are billed in full; in weather or safety events the staff will assist with free rebooking. For a compact, rigorous look at the Mogollon Rim’s geology, ecology, and human history, this helicopter tour is unmatched—book early and arrive ready for a sovereign view of Sedona now.

Before You Go

Arrive early

Check in 30 minutes before your flight at 1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336 to complete paperwork and a safety briefing.

Pack light

No carry-on bags with straps allowed—bring only a camera, phone, and a small water bottle to stay comfortable onboard.

Layer up

Dress in layers; the helicopter cabin is usually warmer than the airfield, but mornings can be cool.

Tell the pilot your interests

Mention archaeology or birding at check-in so the pilot can tailor the narration and flight path when possible.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Low-altitude passes along Sycamore Canyon side branches
•Remote ledges and ruins visible on Secret Mountain approaches

Wildlife

•desert bighorn sheep
•golden eagle

Conservation Note

Respect archaeological sites by observing from the air only; follow staff guidance to minimize disturbance and adhere to no-bag rules to speed boarding and reduce ground congestion.

The flight reveals numerous Ancestral Puebloan ruins and contact-era routes tucked into canyon walls—sites rarely seen from the ground.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour, sunrise, late afternoon

Key viewpoints:

• Over Sycamore Canyon main gorge
• Approach into Secret Mountain wilderness
• Munds Mountain ridgeline sweep

Subjects to capture:red-rock formations, aerial canyon cuts, ancient ruins

What to Bring

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CameraEssential

Capture aerial compositions—telephoto and wide-angle lenses are both useful.

✓

Layered clothingEssential

Adjust for varying temperatures between the ramp and cabin.

✓

Government IDEssential

Required for check-in and ticketing procedures.

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Small water bottle

Stay hydrated before and after the flight; you can bring it onboard.

Common Questions

What time should I check in for my flight?

Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to your flight.

Where do I go to check in?

To check in, go straight through the stop signs at the top of the airport road and head towards the red building at the far left corner (1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336).

Can I be late to my flight?

Late arrivals will not be able to join the flight; the schedule is tight and departures cannot be delayed.

What can I bring on the helicopter?

Camera, cell phone and water are welcome; any bag with a strap (carry-ons, purses) is NOT allowed onboard.

Are there weight or seating restrictions?

Comfort seating accommodates persons exceeding 229 lbs and Comfort Plus seating for those 270 lbs and up; each flight requires a minimum of two seats sold to fly—call to discuss solo bookings and weight considerations.

What is your cancellation policy?

Tours rebooked are subject to a $20 rescheduling fee per seat and may be rescheduled up to 24 hours prior; passengers who fail to show or are more than 15 minutes late will be billed in full—staff will work to rebook free of charge for weather or safety cancellations.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

45–60 minutes

Location

Sedona, Arizona

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Minimal exertion required; able to step into and out of a helicopter and remain seated for the flight.

Free cancellation available

Topics

Air Activities

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