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Secret Wilderness Sedona Helicopter Tour: 45+ Mile Red Rock Flight

Secret Wilderness Sedona Helicopter Tour: 45+ Mile Red Rock Flight

Lift off from Sedona Airport and spend 30 minutes threading canyons and skimming cliff dwellings on a 45+ mile helicopter flight. This rapid, vantage-rich tour reveals Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, Secret Canyon and the Sinagua ruins—views you can’t get from the trail.

Sedona, Arizona
30–35 minutes
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Arrive Early

Check in 30 minutes before your scheduled flight at the red building on the airport apron to complete weight and safety checks.

Carry Only Essentials

No carry‑on bags allowed—bring a camera, phone, and small water bottle; leave purses and larger bags in your vehicle.

Layer Up

Dress in layers; it’s usually warmer inside the helicopter than outside, and mornings/evenings can be cool on the plateau.

Charge Devices

Bring fully charged cameras and phones—there’s limited time for shots and no onboard charging for personal devices.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Flyover views of Superstition-like birthing caves on Mescal Mesa
  • Aerial perspective of Midgely Bridge and seasonal waterfalls in Ship Rock canyon

Wildlife

  • Mule deer
  • Red‑tailed hawk

Conservation Note

Aircraft noise and visitor pressure can affect wildlife and quiet‑use areas; operators minimize impact by following defined flight paths and seasonal closures when requested by land managers.

This corridor of canyons was inhabited by the Sinagua people; cliff dwellings visible from the air are archaeological remnants dating roughly from 900–1400 CE.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Morning light, Late afternoon (golden hour), Clear midday for distant visibility
Key viewpoints:
  • Low pass through Boynton Canyon for cliff dwellings
  • Eye‑level sweep around Cathedral Rock for scale
  • Approach to Oak Creek Canyon to capture water and rock contrast
Subjects to capture:Aerial landscapes, Sinagua cliff dwellings, Red rock formations and creek corridors

What to Bring

Mirrorless or DSLR CameraEssential

Fast shutter and zoom lens capture cliff dwellings and distant ridgelines clearly from the air.

Polarizing SunglassesEssential

Reduce glare from rock faces and improve visibility through helicopter windows.

Light Layered JacketEssential

Mornings can be cool on the tarmac; layers adjust easily once you’re airborne.

Small Water Bottle

Hydration for waiting periods and the desert heat—store in your vehicle during the flight.

Common Questions

How long is the flight?

The tour runs about 30–32 minutes total in the air, with check‑in recommended 30 minutes before departure.

Where do flights depart from?

Flights depart from the Sedona Airport (French Field); follow operator instructions to the red building at the far end of the apron.

Can infants fly?

Infants are permitted but must sit on an adult’s lap; include infant details at booking.

Are flights wheelchair accessible?

The operator lists wheelchair accessibility for surfaces at the airport; check with the company for assistance boarding the helicopter.

What should I bring on the flight?

Bring a camera, phone, ID, and small bottle of water; large bags and purses are not allowed onboard.

What happens in bad weather?

Flights are weather dependent; if the operator cancels due to weather you can receive a refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before departure or be rebooked based on availability.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

30–35 minutes

Location

Sedona, Arizona

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

No special fitness required; suitable for most travelers though boarding involves a small step up into the aircraft

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Sedona?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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