Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour: 25-Minute Scenic Flight

Fly the Dragon Corridor and see the Colorado River from above

A 25-minute helicopter scenic flight departing from Tusayan, Arizona takes you over the Kaibab National Forest, through the Dragon Corridor (the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon), and across the Colorado River toward the North Rim. The ECO-Star helicopter's wraparound windows frame the entire route, and the flight includes all taxes and fees. Book early. Availability is limited.

Step-by-step itinerary

Grand Canyon Helicopter Scenic Flight

• Depart from Tusayan, Arizona
• Fly over Kaibab National Forest
• Fly over Colorado River towards North Rim
• Fly through Dragon Corridor
• Enjoy photo opportunities from helicopter

The experience

You depart from the Grand Canyon airport in Tusayan on the South Rim and climb into an ECO-Star helicopter, a state-of-the-art aircraft designed for sightseeing with wraparound windows that give every seat a view. The 25-minute flight begins over the Kaibab National Forest, a 1.6 million-acre expanse that borders both rims and is home to the world's largest ponderosa pines. From there, the route turns north through the Dragon Corridor (the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon), where the landscape opens up in ways ground-level views cannot match.

As you cross the Colorado River, the North Rim comes into view, rising to 9,241 feet above sea level at the edge of the Kaibab Plateau. The entire flight is built around photo opportunities, and the wraparound windows mean you're not shooting through glass or competing for a single side window. An English-speaking guide narrates the route, pointing out landmarks like the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist as you pass through the Canyon's most dramatic sections. If 25 minutes feels short, you can upgrade to a 45-minute flight at checkout for additional cost.

Check-in requires a government-issued photo ID for all passengers 18 and older: photocopies and digital IDs are not accepted. Seating is assigned after check-in based on weight and balance requirements. The operator does not guarantee you'll sit next to your travel companions. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The flight operates year-round from Tusayan, though limited availability means booking in advance is essential to secure your preferred date.

What’s included

• 25-minute helicopter flight aboard an ECO-Star aircraft with wraparound windows.
• all taxes and fees.
• English-speaking guide narration throughout the route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:30

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Maverick Helicopters AZ

Is this one for you?Book this flight if you want to see the Grand Canyon's scale and depth from the air without committing to a full-day tour. The 25-minute duration fits a morning or afternoon slot around other activities, and the wraparound windows mean every seat has a view: no jockeying for position at a side window.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 72 h before the start.

What will I see on the 25-minute helicopter flight from Tusayan?

The flight covers the Kaibab National Forest, the Dragon Corridor (the widest and deepest section of the Grand Canyon), the Colorado River, and the North Rim of the Canyon at 9,241 feet elevation. You'll pass landmarks including the Tower of Ra and Vishnu Schist, with wraparound windows framing the entire route.

Do I need to bring identification for this helicopter tour?

Yes. All passengers 18 and older must bring an original government-issued photo ID such as a REAL-ID compliant driver's license or valid passport. Photocopies and digital IDs are not accepted, and you will be denied check-in without one.

Can I sit with my family or travel group on the helicopter?

Seating is assigned after check-in based on weight and balance requirements for the aircraft. The operator does not guarantee you'll sit next to or in the same row as other members of your party.

Is there a weight limit for passengers on this flight?

Passengers weighing over 275 lbs (124 kg) are required to purchase an additional seat, payable directly to the operator on the day of the tour. Individual passenger weights, including infants, must be provided at the time of booking.

Can I upgrade to a longer flight?

Yes. You can upgrade from the 25-minute flight to a 45-minute flight at checkout for an additional cost.