3 Incredible Helicopter Flights & Tours In Virgin Utah

Exploring the stunning landscape of Virgin Utah is a visual feast, and there’s no better way to see this area’s grandeur than from the air. Virgin Utah’s proximity to Zion National Park, combined with its dramatic canyon walls and sprawling wilderness, makes it an ideal location for helicopter flights. Whether you’re after a quick look at Zion’s highlights or an extended tour that takes in Canaan Mountain Wilderness, these helicopter experiences offer a unique perspective that ground tours simply can’t match.

What sets Virgin Utah apart for helicopter tours is the variety of options available—ranging from short 10-minute flights to immersive 55-minute loops that circle the entire Zion area. Each tour provides stunning aerial views, informative narration, and a chance to see highlights like the Virgin River valley, West Temple, Canaan Mountain Wilderness, and Kolob Canyon. If you’re craving a high-flying adventure that combines convenience with breathtaking scenery, this collection will help you choose the best experience for your time and budget.

1. Zion National Park: 10- or 20-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour

For around $119 per person, this short but sweet helicopter ride offers a memorable glimpse of Zion’s most iconic views. While helicopters are not permitted to fly directly over Zion National Park itself, the tour provides stunning vistas of the Virgin River valley and the West Temple from surrounding airspace. The 10-minute option is perfect for a quick taste, while the 20-minute version allows a bit more time to soak in the scenery and hear interesting commentary from your pilot.

This tour’s highlight is seeing Zion’s landmarks, including the Crater Hill Volcano, from a vantage point that’s impossible to reach by foot. Reviewers appreciate the smooth flying and knowledgeable pilot, with many noting the breathtaking views of the south-west side of Zion. The experience is especially suited for those with limited time or those looking for an affordable introduction to Zion’s aerial beauty. Keep in mind, some visitors mention feeling slightly misled by the title, as the helicopter doesn’t fly into the national park, but the surrounding scenery is still impressive.

Bottom Line: This quick flight offers excellent value for a first-time helicopter experience, especially if you want a taste of Zion’s grandeur without a big time commitment.

2. Zion National Park and Canaan Cliffs: Helicopter Tour

At $299 per person for a 30-minute flight, this tour balances extended views with a manageable duration. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting an immersive glimpse of Zion’s rock formations and wilderness areas. The flight takes you north towards Smith Mesa before heading into the Kolob Canyon, revealing impressive scenery that isn’t easily accessible by land. It also includes soaring over the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area, giving you a layered perspective of Zion’s surrounding peaks.

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on the West Zion landscape, combined with the chance to see the landscape from above with a knowledgeable pilot. Passengers often comment on how much they learned during the flight, with some noting the strong winds that can cause motion sickness—so bringing anti-nausea remedies is a good idea. The experience is best suited for those who want more than just a quick glance but aren’t ready for the full extended flight.

Bottom Line: This mid-length tour is ideal if you want a deeper look at Zion’s scenery, with the bonus of seeing Canaan Mountain Wilderness and Kolob Canyon from a unique vantage point.

3. Zion National Park, Canaan Cliffs: Extended Helicopter Tour

For travelers seeking the most comprehensive aerial experience, the 55-minute extended tour offers a full-circle view of Zion and the Canaan Mountain Wilderness. Priced at $499 per person, this flight covers approximately 100 miles and takes you on a loop that shows Zion’s most famous rock formations along with rarely-seen wilderness areas. The pilot will share insights about the geology and history, creating an engaging and educational experience.

Guests who have taken this flight describe it as “phenomenal,” with some calling it a birthday highlight or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The pilot’s playlist, combined with stories about Zion’s landscapes, makes the flight both entertaining and informative. The extended duration allows for spectacular photo opportunities and a thorough appreciation of Zion’s geological marvels. This tour is well suited for those who want the ultimate sightseeing experience, are comfortable with longer flights, and are willing to invest more for a memorable day.

Bottom Line: If you’re after an in-depth, comprehensive view of Zion’s landscapes and wilderness, this extended helicopter tour offers unmatched panoramic vistas and memorable moments.

How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Virgin Utah

When selecting the best helicopter experience, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. The 10- or 20-minute scenic tour offers a quick, budget-friendly overview, perfect for first-timers or those short on time. The Zion and Canaan Cliffs tour provides a more detailed exploration without a full half-hour commitment, ideal for travelers who want a bit more immersion. For the most extensive experience with stunning photo opportunities, the Extended Helicopter Tour is best suited for those willing to spend more and focus on sightseeing.

Practical tips include booking early during peak seasons (spring and fall are particularly beautiful), and thinking about your comfort level—if you tend to experience motion sickness, the longer tours might require some extra preparation. Keep in mind that each flight offers a different balance of time, scenery, and price, so choose based on how much you want to see and your budget.

Virgin Utah’s helicopter tours open a window to its astonishing landscapes. Whether you want a quick thrill or an extended aerial adventure, these options deliver a panoramic perspective you won’t forget. For a truly memorable experience, plan ahead and book early—these flights fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. No matter which tour you pick, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Zion’s towering cliffs and expansive wilderness, seen from a perspective few get to enjoy.