Sedona Helicopter Tour: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock & Canyon Views

Summary

Fly above Sedona’s wild canyons and surreal rock shapes with local pilots guiding every twist

You’ll lift off above Sedona with a local pilot guiding you past Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and deep into Boynton Canyon. Feel the rush as you hover near Devil’s Bridge Trail and glide by Oak Creek Canyon’s cliffs — every seat faces forward so you won’t miss a thing. That first glimpse of red rocks from above? It sticks with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this weird little hum before the helicopter even lifts — kind of like cicadas but sharper. I remember gripping the headset, half-expecting my nerves to win out, but then our pilot (Mike, who grew up in Cottonwood) just grinned and said, “Wait till you see Snoopy Rock from up here.” He was right. As soon as we lifted off from Sedona’s airport, the red rocks started shifting under us like some slow-moving lava lamp. I could smell that hot Arizona dust through the vents — or maybe it was just my imagination filling in gaps.

We swung right past Red Rock State Park and suddenly Cathedral Rock was eye-level, which is not something I ever thought I’d say. Mike pointed out Bell Rock (“looks like a bell if you squint,” he laughed), and then there was the Chapel of the Holy Cross wedged into the cliffs — it almost disappears unless someone shows you. The headset muffled everything except Mike’s voice and my own heartbeat thumping too loud. At one point we dipped over Broken Arrow Trail; I lost track of all the names — Praying Hands, Chicken Point, Submarine Rock — but honestly I was just staring at all those impossible shapes. The sun hit them sideways so they glowed orange-red. I kept trying to take photos but none of them really caught it.

Somewhere over Oak Creek Canyon, Mike slowed down so we could look straight down into Boynton Canyon (that drop made my stomach do a weird flip). There were hikers on Devil’s Bridge Trail waving up at us — tiny dots from where we hovered. For a second it was quiet except for static in my headphones and that dry wind rattling against the glass. We looped back over Seven Canyons Golf Course (so green it looked fake) and then Schuerman Mountain before heading back to land. My hands were still shaking when we touched down. I still think about that view over Coffee Pot Rock — felt like floating above another planet for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sedona helicopter tour highlights

• Overlook airport takeoff and landing
• Fly by Red Rock State Park
• Fly eye-level past Cathedral Rock
• View Chapel of the Holy Cross
• See Bell Rock from the air
• Fly over Broken Arrow Trail features
• Fly by Courthouse Butte
• View Snoopy Rock and nearby formations
• See Midgely Bridge from above
• View Steamboat Rock and Oak Creek Canyon
• Fly by Grasshopper Point
• Fly by Oak Creek Canyon mouth
• View Ship Rock and canyon pillars
• See Coffee Pot Rock and Soldiers Pass
• View Devil’s Bridge Trail from air
• Fly by Seven Canyons golf course
• Fly by Mescal Mesa
• View Boynton Canyon from the air
• Fly by Doe Mountain
• Watch Chimney Rock change perspective
• Fly over Schuerman Mountain returning

Top questions

How long is the Sedona helicopter tour?

The flight covers over 20 miles around Sedona; exact duration depends on conditions but typically lasts about 25-30 minutes.

Which landmarks do you see during the tour?

You’ll fly past Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Broken Arrow Trail features like Praying Hands and Chicken Point, Oak Creek Canyon, Boynton Canyon, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Seven Canyons Golf Course, Snoopy Rock, Steamboat Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and more.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; flights depart from Sedona Airport.

Are headsets provided during the helicopter ride?

Yes, noise-reducing headsets with microphones are provided for all passengers.

Can infants join this helicopter tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during the flight.

Are all seats forward-facing on this tour?

Yes, every seat in the helicopter faces forward for clear views.

Is this suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What should I avoid before flying?

If you’re feeling sick or unwell on the day of your flight, it’s advised not to fly for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your flight includes all forward-facing seating in an air-conditioned helicopter plus noise-reducing headsets with microphones so you can hear your guide clearly throughout your journey above Sedona’s most famous sights.