Sedona: Helicopter Tour Over Cliff Dwellings & Secret Canyon

Summary

Fly above Sedona’s canyons and 700-year-old ruins with a local pilot

You’ll soar over Sedona’s wild canyons and ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings on a 20-minute helicopter tour with live narration from your local pilot. Take in views of Devil’s Bridge and Secret Canyon before landing for drinks and stories back at base. Expect moments of awe—and maybe a little adrenaline—to stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the view — it was the sound, that low hum in my chest as the helicopter blades picked up speed. Our pilot, Mike, handed me a headset and grinned like he’d seen this mix of nerves and excitement before. I could smell desert dust even inside the cabin, somehow — maybe just my brain playing tricks because I’d seen all that red earth outside while we waited for takeoff.

We lifted off so gently I barely realized we were airborne until Sedona started shrinking beneath us. The cliffs and spires looked unreal from above, almost painted on. Mike pointed out Devil’s Bridge — it’s this natural arch that hikers love, but from up here it looked even more fragile. He told us a story about someone proposing there (I think he said it happens every week?), then banked left toward Secret Canyon. The sun hit the rocks just right and everything glowed orange-red for a minute. It felt quiet in my headset except for Mike’s voice and my own heartbeat.

I didn’t expect to feel so close to those old Anasazi cliff dwellings. They’re tucked into the canyon walls, 700 years old, and you can see where people actually lived — blackened stone from fires, little ledges for pots maybe. Mike slowed down so we could really look; I tried to imagine what daily life sounded like down there, all wind and distant birds. There was something respectful about seeing it from above without trampling anything below.

After we landed (my legs felt wobbly), they offered cold beer or coffee back at the office — honestly, both sounded good after that adrenaline spike. We ended up sitting around swapping stories with some folks from Phoenix who’d never been in a helicopter either. I still think about that moment over Secret Canyon when everything went silent except for the wind outside. If you want a day trip from Sedona that feels bigger than just sightseeing, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour over Sedona landmarks

• Board helicopter in Sedona
• Fly over Anasazi cliff dwellings
• Soar toward Devil’s Bridge rock formation
• View Secret Canyon and hiking trails
• Spot wildlife near Mogollon Rim
• Fly through Boynton Canyon
• Enjoy narrated aerial tour
• Receive complimentary drinks after tour

Top questions

How long does the Sedona helicopter tour last?

The flight is approximately 20–25 minutes long.

Are drinks included after the helicopter tour?

Yes, beer, wine, soda, coffee or tea are provided after your flight.

Will I see the Anasazi cliff dwellings on this tour?

Yes, you’ll fly directly over 700-year-old Anasazi cliff dwellings during the tour.

Is live commentary provided during the flight?

Yes, your pilot gives personal narration throughout the helicopter tour.

Is there a weight limit per seat?

The maximum weight is 300 pounds (136 kg) per seat.

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.

Are headsets provided to hear the guide clearly?

Yes, headsets are included so you can hear your guide during the flight.

Is pickup included in this Sedona helicopter tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours depart from their office location.

What’s included

Your day includes a personally narrated 20–25 minute helicopter flight over Sedona landmarks like Devil’s Bridge and Secret Canyon with headsets for clear audio commentary from your pilot. After landing, relax with complimentary bottled water plus beer, wine, soda or coffee before heading out again—no hiking boots required.