Sedona: Helicopter Flight Over Canyons & Ancient Dwellings

Summary

Soar above Sedona’s red rocks and ancient cliff dwellings with local stories

You’ll fly above Sedona’s wildest landscapes on this helicopter tour — from Cathedral Rock to secret canyons and ancient Anasazi dwellings. Hear local legends from your pilot while you spot famous formations and hidden ruins below. After landing, unwind with drinks and swap stories with your group as that red desert light lingers in your mind.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Snoopy Rock down there — see his nose?” our pilot, Mark, called out over the headset. I squinted through the glass, and yeah, it did look like a cartoon dog sprawled in the sun. The wind made this low thrum against the chopper doors as we lifted higher above Sedona’s red spires. I’d never been in a helicopter before — palms sweaty on my knees — but Mark just kept chatting about how these canyons were shaped by floods and time. The light was sharp that morning, bouncing off Cathedral Rock so bright I had to blink a few times to take it in.

We dipped toward Chapel of the Holy Cross, which honestly looked impossible — like someone had wedged a church into the rock with their bare hands. There was this moment when we hovered near Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte where everything went quiet except for the hum of the blades. Even Mark seemed to pause. I could smell something dry and mineral through the air vents, maybe just desert dust or maybe my imagination running wild. He pointed out Oak Creek Canyon twisting below us, then suddenly we were gliding over Devil’s Bridge — it felt like flying in slow motion for a second.

I didn’t expect to feel so small up there. When we reached Boynton Canyon and Mark started telling stories about the Anasazi cliff dwellings tucked into the stone (700 years old, he said — older than most countries), it hit me how much history hides in these rocks. After landing, my legs wobbled a bit stepping out. Someone handed me cold water and coffee (there was beer too but it was barely noon), and everyone laughed about who’d gripped their seatbelt hardest. Still think about that view from Mogollon Rim sometimes — it sort of sticks with you, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sedona helicopter flight and landmarks

• Take 30-minute helicopter flight
• Fly south to Cathedral Rock
• Fly over Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Fly over Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
• Spot Snoopy Rock
• Cross Oak Creek Canyon to Devil’s Bridge
• Fly to Secret Canyon and Mogollon Rim
• Approach Boynton Canyon and Anasazi dwellings

Top questions

How long is the Sedona helicopter tour?

The flight lasts approximately 30-35 minutes.

What landmarks do you see on this Sedona helicopter flight?

You’ll see Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Snoopy Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, Devil’s Bridge, Secret Canyon, Mogollon Rim, Boynton Canyon, and Anasazi cliff dwellings.

Are drinks included after the helicopter tour?

Yes, beer, wine, soda, coffee and bottled water are provided after landing.

Is live commentary included on board?

Yes, your pilot provides live narration during the flight via headset.

Is this Sedona helicopter tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What is the maximum weight per seat?

The maximum weight is 300 pounds or 136 kg per seat.

What’s included

Your day includes a 30–35 minute narrated helicopter flight over Sedona landmarks like Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon; clear headsets for commentary; bottled water; post-flight drinks including beer or coffee; plus all flights are led by experienced pilots who share stories along the way before you return to earth with new photos (and maybe slightly shaky hands).