Private Helicopter Over Humphreys Peak and Meteor Crater from Sedona

Soar from Sedona to Arizona’s highest peak and one of the planet’s best-preserved impact sites. This private Apex Air Tours flight compresses a geology field trip into 1.2 hours of cinematic aerial views.

Sedona, Arizona•

1.2 hours

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

Apex Air Tours' Meteor Crater and Humphreys Peak - Private flips Sedona's red-rock baseline into a cinematic stage from above. Departing from 1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336, this private helicopter tour puts you in forward-facing seats for a 1.2 hour flight over the San Francisco Peaks, across Humphreys Peak—the highest point in Arizona—and down to Meteor Crater, one of Earth's most intact meteorite impact sites. The contrast between carved volcanic high country and the near-perfect bowl of the crater is a rare geological duet best appreciated from the air. As the helicopter climbs, green piñon-juniper slopes give way to the basalt and volcanic remnants of the San Francisco Mountains. Humphreys Peak rises with a domed, alpine profile; from above you can read its ridgelines and seasonal snowfields in a single sweep. The pilot-guided narration that comes with noise-reducing headsets explains the landscape as you photograph the peak, the broad flanks of the Coconino and Kaibab formations, and the sweeping canyons that feed into Oak Creek below. Meteor Crater reveals itself as a near-circular depression, its steep rim and ejecta blanket visible even from high altitude. Seeing the crater from a helicopter emphasizes the scale—the bowl-like cavity, rim terraces, and radial fractures that mark an instant of planetary history. The tour frames Arizona geology in motion: volcanic peaks, volcanic cinder cones, eroded sandstone walls, and the stark geometry of an impact site that remains unusually well-preserved. Practical comforts make the trip accessible. Apex Air Tours supplies six forward-facing seats, climate control, and headsets; the private format means groups can bring up to six people depending on passenger weights. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure at the same airport address; small bags with straps are not allowed. Dress in layers—it's often warmer in the helicopter—and bring a camera and water. Apex Air Tours accommodates larger body types with comfort seating options and offers discounts for veterans and first responders. Why book this flight? It compresses a regional geology field trip into 72 minutes of perspective: you’ll see Arizona’s highest peak and one of its most famous impact sites in a single arc. For visitors staying in Sedona, the route is an efficient, elevated way to grasp the scale and variety of the Colorado Plateau and San Francisco volcanic field, and it’s a memorable complement to canyon hikes below. Flights are best scheduled for clear weather; morning light softens canyon edges while late-afternoon sun casts long shadows across the crater rim. Book early to secure a private slot—Apex Air Tours requires a minimum of two seats per flight—and confirm passenger weights after booking. The short aerial circuit delivers a concentrated lesson in Arizona topography that’s impossible to replicate from the ground.

Before You Go

Arrive Early

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

Pack Light

No bags with straps, backpacks, or purses are allowed—bring only a camera, phone, and water in your pockets.

Reserve Optimal Light

Book morning or late-afternoon flights for softer light and stronger shadow definition across the crater rim.

Confirm Weights

Apex Air Tours requires passenger weights to confirm seating and balance—expect a call after booking.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Oak Creek Canyon scenic overlooks for canyon views from the road
•Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument viewpoints visible along the San Francisco volcanic field

Wildlife

•Mule deer
•Golden eagle

Conservation Note

Choose operators that follow weight and passenger rules, avoid unnecessary hovering, and pack out all gear to reduce noise and environmental impact; respect private land boundaries when flying near sensitive habitats.

Meteor Crater is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth and records an instantaneous geological event visible as a near-circular bowl from above.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour, Morning, Late afternoon

Key viewpoints:

• Over Humphreys Peak ridge line
• Directly above Meteor Crater rim
• Along the San Francisco Peaks approach looking down on Oak Creek Canyon

Subjects to capture:Aerial landscapes, Geological formations and crater rim, Snowfields and ridgelines

What to Bring

✓

Mirrorless or DSLR CameraEssential

Fast lens and steady hands maximize sharp aerial images through the canopy.

✓

Layered JacketEssential

Temperatures can vary; layers let you stay comfortable on the ramp and in the chopper.

○

Polarized Sunglasses

Reduces glare and improves visibility of distant ridgelines and crater detail.

✓

Reusable Water BottleEssential

Hydration matters at altitude and after desert sun exposure; bring a small bottle you can stow easily.

Common Questions

When should I check in for my flight?

Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to your flight at 1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336.

Where do I go to check-in?

Go to the red building at the far left corner after passing the stop signs at the top of the airport road.

Can I be late to my flight?

Late arrivals cannot join the flight; operators run a tight schedule and cannot delay take-off.

What can I bring on the helicopter?

Camera, cell phone and water are allowed; any-size carry-on bags, backpacks, or purses are not permitted.

Is there seating for larger passengers?

Yes—comfort seating for passengers exceeding 229 lbs and Comfort Plus for those 270 lbs and up is available; weight confirmation occurs after booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

Unless Trip Protection is paid, there is a no-cancellation, no-refund policy; rebooked tours may incur a $20 rescheduling fee per seat and cancellations 24+ hours prior may be issued as flight credit.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

1.2 hours

Location

Sedona, Arizona

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Low; passengers must be able to step into the helicopter and remain seated for the duration. Not recommended for those who cannot tolerate small aircraft seating.

Free cancellation available

Topics

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