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Zion National Park Helicopter Tour: A 35-Mile Panoramic Flight Over Majestic Redrock

Zion National Park Helicopter Tour: A 35-Mile Panoramic Flight Over Majestic Redrock

Soar over Zion National Park’s stunning landscapes with a 35-mile panoramic helicopter flight. Experience dramatic rock formations and sweeping vistas that reveal Utah's iconic red rock country from a rare aerial perspective.

Virgin, Utah
20 minutes
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Check weight restrictions before booking

Passengers weighing over 250 lbs may need to purchase an additional seat; maximum passenger weight is 375 lbs.

Arrive early for check-in

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to complete check-in and boarding procedures smoothly.

Dress in layers

Altitude can bring cooler temperatures—wear layered clothing to stay comfortable throughout the flight.

Bring a camera with a fast shutter

The helicopter’s movement and changing light require quick capture settings to get sharp photos of the landscape.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Smith Mesa overlooks—less crowded viewpoints offering vast desert panoramas
  • Kolob Canyons’ distinct finger-like rock formations, unique to Zion’s northwest section

Wildlife

  • California condors soaring high above the cliffs
  • Mule deer often spotted near riverbanks

Conservation Note

Zion enforces strict overflight regulations to minimize noise impact and protect wilderness solitude for wildlife and visitors alike.

Zion’s landscape served as home and sacred ground to the Southern Paiute people long before exploration and park designation in 1919.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour, Morning flight, Late afternoon
Key viewpoints:
  • From the helicopter’s left-side windows for Kolob Canyons
  • Looking northward towards Smith Mesa
  • Overhead views of the Virgin River meanders
Subjects to capture:Red sandstone formations, Vast mesas and river bends, Soaring raptors like condors

What to Bring

Light jacketEssential

Winds at elevation can be cool during spring flights, so a light jacket keeps you comfortable.

SunscreenEssential

UV exposure is stronger at altitude and in the desert environment; protect your skin accordingly.

Camera or smartphoneEssential

Capture sweeping aerial views and dramatic rock formations from the helicopter.

SunglassesEssential

Reduce glare and protect your eyes during daytime flights amid reflective rock surfaces.

Common Questions

Where does the helicopter tour depart from?

The tour departs from the Zion Helicopters Rivers Edge Facility at 3050 East UT-9 in Virgin, Utah, about 10 minutes from Springdale.

How long is the flight?

The helicopter tour lasts approximately 20 minutes, covering a 35-mile panoramic route along Zion’s northern border.

Are there any weight restrictions?

Yes, passengers weighing over 250 pounds must purchase an additional seat, and the maximum allowed single passenger weight is 375 pounds.

Is this tour suitable for children and infants?

Infants under two can sit on a parent’s lap, but children two years and older must have their own ticket.

Will we fly directly over Zion National Park?

No, for safety and regulatory reasons, the flight path stays on the park’s perimeter, offering breathtaking views without low-altitude overflights inside the park.

What happens if there aren’t enough passengers?

A minimum of four passengers is required; if not met, the operator will offer an alternative date or a full refund.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

20 minutes

Location

Virgin, Utah

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Suitable for all physical fitness levels; no hiking required

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Virgin?

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

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