11 Top-Rated Sedona Helicopter Flights & Tours

Why Sedona is a prime destination for helicopter flights & tours
Sedona’s stunning red rock formations—such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Snoopy Rock—are best appreciated from the sky, where their scale and colors can truly shine. The area’s rugged canyons, ancient ruins, and sweeping vistas offer a perfect playground for aerial exploration. Unlike on land, where some of the most iconic sights are difficult to reach, helicopter tours provide a unique perspective that makes the landscape come alive, revealing details invisible from the ground.

Whether you’re after a quick glimpse of the highlights or a comprehensive flight over the entire area, Sedona’s helicopter tours deliver an unforgettable experience. With options ranging from 15-minute rides to 80-mile adventures, there’s a helicopter tour for every type of traveler—adventure seekers, history buffs, or those just looking for a spectacular photo opportunity.

Quick Overview
This guide covers 11 of the best helicopter flights & tours in Sedona, from shorter 15-minute panoramas to extensive 80-mile journeys that pass over ancient ruins, remote wilderness, and iconic formations. Each offers a different perspective and experience, so whether you want a quick thrill or an in-depth aerial tour, you’ll find something suited to your schedule and interests.

Now, let’s explore each of these helicopter adventures in detail, so you can pick the one that matches your Sedona dreamscape.

1. Sedona Helicopter Tour: Desert Thunder Tour

At number 1, the Desert Thunder Tour stands out for its comprehensive 30-35 minute flight over Sedona’s most famous rock formations. This tour is perfect if you want a well-rounded experience—soaring past Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, all accompanied by an expert guide sharing stories and legends of the land.

What makes this tour special is its focus on natural history and land features, including a flyover of Oak Creek Canyon and Devil’s Bridge, plus the rare chance to see the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings. The added bonus? Alcoholic drinks and water are included, making it a relaxed, celebratory flight. The reviews praise the professionalism of the pilot Robbie, who’s known for being kind, knowledgeable, and attentive.

This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a fuller picture of Sedona’s landscape in a relatively short time, especially since prebooking guarantees your spot in this popular adventure.

Bottom line: A great choice if you want a detailed, narrated flight over all the major landmarks in around half an hour.

2. Sedona Helicopter Tour : Dust Devil Tour

The Dust Devil Tour offers a quick, 20-25 minute ride that takes you high above Sedona’s striking red rocks and 700-year-old Anasazi cliff dwellings. This tour is distinctive for its small-group setup, with a maximum of three people, creating a more intimate experience.

During this flight, you’ll see Devil’s Bridge, Secret Canyon, and the Mogollon Rim—famous for their windswept rock formations and natural beauty. The pilot Jake is praised for his friendly demeanor and thorough explanations, making even a short ride feel special. Guests often mention how easy it is to fit into a busy schedule, and the included alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and bottled water are a bonus.

This tour is perfect for those who want a personalized experience without sacrificing the chance to see key sights from the air. It’s also a good pick for first-time helicopter riders or travelers who prefer a more private setting.

Bottom line: An excellent option for a brief, yet very personalized helicopter tour with top-quality views and service.

3. Everything Sedona (20+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

For around $185, the Everything Sedona (20+ Mile) tour is a quick but comprehensive scenic flight that covers all the essential landmarks in just 10-12 minutes. This tour hits highlights such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Thunder Mountain, Boynton Canyon, and more.

What makes this flight stand out is its focus on a wide overview in a short amount of time, with all seats facing forward and noise-reducing headsets provided. It’s perfect for travelers who want to get a broad sense of Sedona’s landscape without a lengthy commitment. The small group size (up to five people) allows for a more personal feel.

Guests love the views from eye-level with Cathedral Rock and the chance to see the famous formations and canyons from a perspective impossible from ground level. Reviews mention the “amazing views” and the professional pilot Josh.

Bottom line: Best suited for those short on time but wanting to maximize their aerial sightseeing experience.

4. Sedona Helicopter Tour: Wild West Tour

This 50-55 minute Wild West Tour takes you on a journey over the entire Sedona area, with stops at nearly 8,000-foot Mount Mingus, Sycamore Canyon, and the Verde River. Notably, it features a visit to Robber’s Roost, the hideout of Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, adding a touch of Old West legend.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on natural and cultural history. The spacious, comfortable helicopter with big windows ensures great views, and the tour is praised for its professionalism and the pilot’s storytelling. The price is higher at $679 per person, but reviews highlight the “unique perspectives” and “unforgettable sights,” making it worth it for those wanting an in-depth experience.

This tour is ideal for history buffs or anyone looking for a longer, more immersive aerial adventure. The only caveat is the premium price, but many say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime value.

Bottom line: A top choice if you want a longer, more detailed tour that dives into Sedona’s legends and landscape.

5. Secret Wilderness (45+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

Covering a hefty 45 miles in 30-32 minutes, the Secret Wilderness Tour offers views of iconic features like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Gunsight Pass, and Secret Canyon. This flight emphasizes remote areas that are hard to see from land. The group size is capped at five, ensuring intimacy, and noise-canceling headsets make for clear narration.

Guests rave about seeing sites like the Praying Hands, Chicken Point, and Submarine Rock from above, with many noting the breathtaking scenery and the pilot’s detailed commentary. The tour’s length and scope make it a good value for those wanting to see a broad swath of Sedona’s natural beauty in a single flight.

Bottom line: For travelers eager to see a wide variety of landscapes and formations, this tour offers a balanced mix of length, scope, and intimacy.

6. Ancient Sedona (30+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

This roughly 20-minute flight revolves around Sedona’s ancient Sinagua ruins and dramatic formations like Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon. Covering about 30 miles, it offers views of ancient dwellings and remote sites inaccessible without hours of hiking.

Guests particularly value the informative pilot, who wears noise-canceling headphones, making it easy to hear stories about the ruins and landscape. The tour is praised for its quality and personal touch, with reviewers calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” and noting the detailed explanations. At just over $300, it’s a solid investment for history and nature lovers.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those interested in exploring Sedona’s ancient past from the air, especially if hiking isn’t an option.

7. Mogollon Rim (80+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

The Mogollon Rim tour is the longest in this list, spanning 80+ miles over approximately 50-52 minutes, with an intimate group of up to five. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of three wilderness areas, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, and Devil’s Bridge, plus the old mining town of Jerome.

This tour is for travelers who want extensive coverage and are comfortable with a longer commitment. The pilot provides insights on the landscape, and the flight offers the thrill of seeing remote wilderness areas otherwise difficult to access. The reviews praise the quality of the experience, describing it as “thrilling” and “gorgeous,” with many noting it as a highlight of their trip.

Bottom line: Ideal for avid explorers who want to see as much of Sedona’s rugged terrain as possible from the air.

8. Canyon Panorama Helicopter Tour

This 15-minute flight is a quick, scenic introduction to Sedona’s landscape, with a highlight being the eagle-eye view of Jerome on Mingus Mountain. Then, it takes you over Sycamore Canyon and back to the airport, offering a short but sweet view of the area’s highlights.

Guests appreciate how smooth and comfortable the ride is, with reviews mentioning “spectacular views” and a “very friendly and helpful” pilot. It’s perfect if your schedule is tight but you’d still like to see key sights from high above. The natural bridge and rock formations are clearly visible, making this a good choice for first-timers or those wanting a taste of Sedona’s scenic beauty.

Bottom line: A brief but high-quality aerial overview suitable for travelers with limited time.

9. Mogollon Rim – 80 Mile Helicopter Tour in Sedona

This second entry for the Mogollon Rim emphasizes a 50-minute flight that offers spectacular views of rugged cliffs, lush forests, and winding hills, with a guided narration from the pilot. It includes a flight in a turbine helicopter with six passenger seats, targeting travelers seeking comfort and extensive scenery.

Reviews highlight the breathtaking panoramas and the professionalism of the pilot, making it a must for those wanting to see Sedona’s wilderness in depth. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value a guided, informative experience and are willing to spend a bit more for a longer, more immersive flight.

Bottom line: A top choice for those who want a comprehensive, scenic adventure over Sedona’s wilderness of forests, cliffs, and canyons.

10. Secret Wilderness – 45 Mile Helicopter Tour

This 30-minute flight covers 45 miles of remote Sedona landscapes, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Gunsight Pass, and Secret Canyon. It emphasizes hidden spots that are tough to see from land, giving a sense of exclusivity and discovery.

Guests praise the gorgeous scenery and the informative pilot commentary, with many noting the breathtaking views of rock formations like the Praying Hands and Chicken Point. The small group size and noise-canceling headsets enhance the experience, making it a great value for those wanting comprehensive coverage without a long time commitment.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers eager to explore remote areas with detailed narration and stunning vistas.

11. Secret Wilderness Sunset – 45 Mile Helicopter Tour

The Sunset Tour offers a 30-minute ride that captures Sedona’s landscapes as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s in a comfortable, air-conditioned helicopter with all forward-facing seats, ideal for those who want a relaxing yet breathtaking experience.

Guests describe it as “absolutely incredible,” with the added magic of sunset lighting transforming the scenery. The pilot’s guided commentary and the romantic atmosphere make it a favorite for couples or anyone wanting a memorable, scenic end to the day.

Bottom line: The best choice for a romantic or memorable twilight experience with stunning sunset views.

How to Choose Your Sedona Helicopter Tour

When selecting your helicopter ride, think about your schedule, interests, and budget. If you want a quick overview, the Canyon Panorama or Dust Devil Tour might suit you best. For a more comprehensive exploration, consider the Wild West or Mogollon Rim tours, which cover larger areas and offer more in-depth stories.

If your goal is to see ancient ruins and remote landscapes, the Ancient Sedona or Secret Wilderness tours provide excellent perspectives. For a special occasion or sunset experience, the Secret Wilderness Sunset offers a magical end to your day.

Booking early is recommended, especially for longer or more popular tours, and consider the group size and duration that best fit your comfort level. You can find all options to book directly through the links for the best availability and deals.

To sum it up, Sedona offers a diverse array of helicopter tours that allow you to see its famous red rocks, canyons, and ancient sites from a perspective impossible from the ground. For a quick highlight, the Canyon Panorama or Dust Devil Tour are excellent. For those craving a full exploration, the Wild West or Mogollon Rim tours provide a longer, more detailed experience.

Whether you’re after a short thrill, a historical overview, or a sunset flight, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable views. So, pick your adventure, and enjoy flying high over Sedona’s stunning landscape.