The 3 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours In Phoenix

Phoenix offers some of the most spectacular aerial views in the Southwest, making it a prime spot for helicopter and airplane tours. Thanks to its proximity to the Grand Canyon, Sedona’s red rocks, and expansive desert scenery, you’ll find options that showcase Arizona’s natural beauty from above. Whether you’re after a quick peek or a full-day adventure, these tours deliver views you won’t forget.

Most tours include a mix of ground exploration and soaring through the sky, giving you a well-rounded experience. From helicopter rides over the canyon’s depths to small-plane flights over Sedona and the Painted Desert, these options appeal to different interests and budgets. Planning your trip is easier when you know what each tour emphasizes, so let’s explore the best helicopter and aerial tours in Phoenix.

Quick Overview

Our list features three top tours that combine scenic drives, ground exploration, and aerial views. The first two are longer day trips with helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon, providing a mix of land and sky. The third is a shorter, high-altitude airplane flight that offers a broad view of the canyon and surrounding landmarks. For detailed descriptions and practical tips, keep reading—each tour has something unique to offer.

1. Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour From Phoenix

This Grand Canyon day trip combining land and sky is a well-rounded experience at $599 per person, rated 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 400 reviews. It takes about 13 hours, including scenic drives, a helicopter flight, and free time at the South Rim. The tour starts with a drive through Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest, offering a changing landscape from saguaro cacti to pine forests as you head north.

The highlight is the 45-minute helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon, covering over 90 miles from the South Rim to the North Rim, with views of the Colorado River. The tour then provides ample free time at the South Rim for walking along the rim, taking photos, or simply soaking in the vistas. The return is via a comfortable high-roof van, making for a relaxing end to a long day.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of a scenic drive along historic Route 66 and the opportunity to explore the canyon rim on foot after the flight. The reviews praise the tour guide’s knowledge and the helicopter experience, with one describing it as “the most exciting experience I’ve ever had.”

Bottom Line: This tour offers a comprehensive taste of the Grand Canyon with a balanced mix of land and aerial views, great for travelers wanting a full-day adventure with plenty of photo opportunities.

2. Phoenix: Grand Canyon National Park Tour & Helicopter Flight

At number 2, this Grand Canyon National Park Day Trip with helicopter is rated 4.9 out of 5 from just 11 reviews, demonstrating strong traveler satisfaction. Also priced at $599, it’s a 13-hour tour that emphasizes seeing the deepest and widest parts of the canyon with a 45-minute helicopter flight over the rim.

The drive takes you through the Sonoran Desert and Coconino National Forest, providing striking scenery en route. The helicopter ride is the centerpiece, soaring rim to rim and offering perspectives that are hard to get from the ground. The tour includes a professional guide to enhance your understanding of the canyon’s geology and history, making it ideal for those wanting an educational edge.

Though one review notes a weather cancellation, it highlights the importance of flexible planning. Many travelers find this tour a perfect blend of scenery, storytelling, and aerial spectacle, especially with the extensive canyon views.

Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a scenic, well-guided day with a focus on Arizona’s most iconic natural wonder, this tour delivers a top-rated experience with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the canyon’s scale and beauty.

3. Grand Canyon Aerial Tour (AIR)

For around $865, this Grand Canyon Aerial Tour from Phoenix offers a 3-hour flight in a small jet, giving you a soaring view of the canyon’s widest and deepest sections. It’s a different style from the full-day trips, focusing solely on the aerial experience without ground stops.

The flight departs from Phoenix and takes you over the Verde Valley, Sedona’s red rocks, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Painted Desert, culminating with a majestic view of the canyon itself. The narration by the pilot adds educational value, highlighting geological features and regional landmarks. You can choose between morning and afternoon flights, adding flexibility to your schedule.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick but comprehensive aerial overview of Arizona’s most stunning landscapes. Passengers frequently comment on the smooth flight and spectacular views, noting that this is a unique perspective few get to experience. It’s also the most expensive option, but the exclusive nature of the small jet flight and the diverse scenery it covers justify the cost for many.

Bottom Line: If you’re pressed for time but want a high-flying overview of the Grand Canyon and surrounding sights, this shorter airplane tour provides a breathtaking perspective that’s hard to beat.

How to Choose

When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. The full-day helicopter and ground combo trips (Phoenix Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour, Grand Canyon National Park Tour & Helicopter) are ideal for travelers wanting a thorough experience, with plenty of time to explore and take photos. They’re best if you have a full day and enjoy combining scenic drives with aerial views.

The shorter aerial flight (Grand Canyon Aerial Tour (AIR)) is perfect if you are short on time but still want stunning vistas from above. It’s suited for those who prioritize aerial perspectives and are comfortable with a shorter, more focused experience.

Booking early is advisable, especially in peak months, and consider weather conditions — especially for helicopter flights, where wind or clouds can affect availability. If you’re a photography enthusiast or a geology buff, the full-day tours offer more opportunities to capture the landscape from different angles. For a quick, breathtaking overview, the airplane flight hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer a full-day adventure with plenty of exploration or a quick aerial glimpse of the canyon’s grandeur, Phoenix’s helicopter and airplane tours deliver unforgettable views. The Grand Canyon Helicopter & Ground Tour from Phoenix offers a balanced experience, combining scenic drives, helicopter flights, and time on the rim. Meanwhile, the Grand Canyon National Park Tour & Helicopter Flight emphasizes the deep canyon vistas and educational storytelling. For a shorter, high-altitude perspective, the Grand Canyon Aerial Tour (AIR) provides a compact but stunning flight.

If you’re planning your trip, consider your schedule and what kind of experience excites you most. These tours tend to book up well in advance, so early reservations are wise — don’t miss your chance to see one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes from the air.