Monument Valley & Canyonlands air charter: 2-hour flight

Rock formations the size of mountains, seen from above.

This scenic charter flight departs Moab and covers Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Canyonlands National Park and Natural Bridges in 2.5 hours, with live guide commentary delivered through headsets so you hear every detail over the engine. Pricing is based on group size, starting at the rate for up to three guests; a minimum of two people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic flight over Monument Valley and Canyonlands

• Depart from Moab, Utah
• Fly over Monument Valley formations
• View The Mittens and Totem Pole
• See Merrick Butte and Thunderbird Mesa
• Pass over Canyonlands Field Airport
• Fly above Cataract Canyon
• Return to Moab, Utah

The Experience

The flight leaves Moab and climbs toward Monument Valley first. From the air, The Mittens, Totem Pole, Merrick Butte, Yei Be Chei, Wetherill Mesa and Thunderbird Mesa come into view as formations that have stood for millions of years—the same landscape that appeared in Mission: Impossible II, Stagecoach and Windtalkers. You photograph them from the plane, seeing the scale and the geometry that ground-level views cannot show.

The route then crosses into Canyonlands National Park, where Upheaval Dome and Cataract Canyon—a 46-mile stretch of the Colorado River—appear below. The guide speaks through your headset so you catch the names and the stories without shouting over the engine noise. The flight is suitable for all fitness levels; the work is looking and listening, not walking or climbing.

Pricing scales with your group. The starting rate covers up to three guests; larger groups adjust the cost per person. A minimum of two people is required to book. The whole experience runs 2.5 hours from wheels up to landing back at Moab.

What’s included

Live guide commentary delivered through headsets so you hear the guide clearly over the engine; all scenic viewing from the air of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges, Cataract Canyon and named formations including The Mittens, Totem Pole, Upheaval Dome and Merrick Butte.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Redtail Air

Is this one for you?Book this charter when you want to see the full scale of Monument Valley and Canyonlands in a single morning without driving between parks—the plane covers in 2.5 hours what takes a full day by car, and the altitude shows you the formations' true size and geometry.

Traveler reviews

4.79★★★★★★★★★★

19 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What rock formations will I see from the air on this charter flight?

The Mittens, Totem Pole, Merrick Butte, Yei Be Chei, Wetherill Mesa and Thunderbird Mesa in Monument Valley appear first, followed by Upheaval Dome and Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park. All are visible from the plane during the 2.5-hour flight.

How does the guide communicate during the flight?

The guide speaks live commentary through headsets you wear, so you hear clearly over the engine noise and can ask questions or request the pilot to circle a formation.

What is the minimum group size for booking this charter?

A minimum of two people per booking is required. The starting price covers up to three guests; larger groups adjust the per-person rate.

Is this flight suitable if I have mobility concerns or limited fitness?

Yes—the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You remain seated in the aircraft the entire time; no walking or climbing is involved.

How long is the total flight time?

The scenic charter flight lasts 2.5 hours from departure in Moab, covering Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park and Natural Bridges before returning.