Ancient Sedona (30+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

Introduction

Our review explores the Ancient Sedona (30+ Mile) Helicopter Tour, a popular choice for travelers seeking a bird’s-eye view of this iconic desert landscape. While we haven’t personally flown with this company, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this is a well-crafted experience that offers more than just sightseeing — it’s a chance to see hard-to-access sites like Sinagua ruins and remote canyons, all from the comfort of a helicopter.

What we genuinely love about this tour are its spectacular views and the ease of access to top sights that otherwise require serious hiking or off-the-beaten-path exploration. The tour’s coverage of over 30 miles in just 20 minutes means you’ll be soaring over some of Sedona’s most famous formations, with ample narration from your pilot to deepen your understanding of the landscape. However, one consideration is the duration — some travelers might wish for a longer experience to take in the scenery at a more leisurely pace.

This tour is best suited for those who love aerial perspectives, want a quick but rundown of Sedona’s highlights, and are comfortable with a 20-minute helicopter ride. It’s ideal for visitors short on time but eager to see the grandeur from above, or for those curious about the ancient ruins that are otherwise hidden from view.

Key Points

• Offers approximately 20 minutes of flight, covering over 30 miles of stunning terrain.
• Features views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations and remote canyons.
• Includes a visit to Sinagua ruins, accessible only by helicopter.
• Passes by major landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
• Provides expert narration with noise-canceling headsets, enriching the experience.
• Highly rated with a perfect 5-star average based on 21 reviews.

A Closer Look at the Sedona Helicopter Experience

The Itinerary and What You’ll See

The tour kicks off at the Sedona airport, where you’ll get a brief safety orientation before boarding a helicopter with all forward-facing seats — a feature many reviewers appreciate as it guarantees everyone a good view. Once airborne, the pilot quickly takes you over the overlook, giving you a panoramic introduction to the landscape.

Your first vantage point might be Red Rock State Park, a stretch of vivid formations that set the tone for the entire flight. From there, the helicopter approaches Cathedral Rock, flying at eye level with the summit — a perspective impossible to get from the ground unless you’re a seasoned climber or hiker. Many reviewers have commented on how remarkable it is to see these formations from the air, with one noting, “You really get views that you don’t get from the ground.”

Flying past the Chapel of the Holy Cross, you’ll see why it’s such an iconic part of Sedona’s skyline. The close-up views of Bell Rock are equally stunning, especially as the helicopter circles around it, offering different angles. Other notable sights include Broken Arrow Trail, with its famous Praying Hands, Chicken Point, and Submarine Rock, which your pilot might point out while flying over.

The tour takes you through Secret Canyon, Boynton Canyon, and Long Canyon — all remote and rugged. It’s here that the true magic of the experience unfolds, as you can see the ancient Sinagua ruins nestled within the canyons, places that would require serious hiking to reach. One review enthusiastically states, “This is the best way to see the ruins without hiking for hours.”

Additional highlights include flying past Doe Mountain, Schuerman Mountain, and Eagle Rock, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Oak Creek Canyon and the seasonal waterfalls. The perspective from above reveals the stunning rock formations and natural bridges that make Sedona unique.

The Pilot and the Flight Experience

According to reviews, the pilots are not only skilled but also personable, with Pilot Jeff receiving praise for his knowledge and relatability. The noise-canceling headsets make it easy to hear the commentary, which adds context about the landscape’s geological and cultural significance. Passengers consistently mention that the ride is smooth, with at least one reviewer remarking, “The ride was very smooth and the owner/pilot was fantastic.”

The flight duration is about 20 minutes, enough to cover the major sights and get a true sense of Sedona’s vastness. The limited group size (maximum 6 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, with all seats facing forward for optimal viewing.

Value and Price

At $306.48 per person, this helicopter tour is a bit of an investment, but most reviewers agree it’s worth the cost. They highlight the quality of views and the convenience of seeing remote sites without hiking. One reviewer emphasized, “It’s great value for what you see and experience,” especially when compared to the cost and effort of trying to access these sites on foot.

While the trip is relatively short, the quality of the scenery and the expert narration justify the price for many. For those with limited time but a desire for a memorable adventure, this tour packs a lot into a brief window.

Additional Practical Details

• The tour runs from Sedona’s airport, with check-in at 1225 Airport Rd.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, with a weight limit of 269 lbs per passenger.
• Most bookings are made 21 days in advance, indicating good planning is advisable.
• The tour is weather-dependent, with a full refund if canceled due to poor conditions.
• No gratuities are included, but tipping pilots is customary if you feel they added value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter ride is perfect for those short on time but eager to see Sedona’s highlights from above. It’s also a great option for first-time visitors wanting a quick overview, or adventurers curious about the landscape’s hidden depths. If you’re a fan of stunning vistas and unique perspectives, you’ll likely find this experience worthwhile.

It’s not ideal for travelers with a fear of flying or those looking for a lengthy aerial adventure — at just 20 minutes, it’s more of a taste than a full meal. Still, the value for the views you get makes it a memorable addition to any Sedona trip.

The Sum Up

This helicopter tour offers a remarkable glimpse of Sedona’s natural beauty and ancient ruins from a perspective that’s hard to beat. Its combination of stunning vistas, expert narration, and compact size makes it an attractive option for visitors wanting an efficient yet breathtaking experience.

The price point reflects the quality and exclusivity of the experience, and many reviewers agree that it’s worth every penny. The small group size and all-forward seating ensure a personal, engaging experience — one you can enjoy whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group.

While it’s a brief ride, the variety of sights and the ability to see remote canyons and ruins from the sky make it a must-do for anyone wanting a unique Sedona memory. If your goal is a quick, visually stunning, and informative adventure, this helicopter tour hits the mark.

FAQ

How long is the helicopter tour?
The flight lasts about 20 minutes, covering over 30 miles of desert and canyon terrain.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Sedona’s airport at 1225 Airport Rd.

What’s included in the experience?
You get a noise-reducing headset with microphone and all forward-facing seats for optimal views.

Are there any weight restrictions?
Yes, the total weight per passenger should not exceed 269 lbs.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made approximately 21 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise.

What sights will I see?
Expect views of red rock formations, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Secret Canyon, and ancient Sinagua ruins.

Is this tour weather dependent?
Yes, it is subject to weather conditions. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is tipping included?
No, gratuities are not included, but tipping your pilot for excellent service is customary.

Can this tour accommodate most travelers?
Generally, yes, but it’s best for those comfortable with flying and able to handle brief, in-flight sitting.