Zion: 55-Mile Helicopter Tour with Canaan Cliffs Views

Red rock spires, wild canyons, and the hush only a helicopter brings

You’ll lift off near Springdale for a 55-mile helicopter tour around Zion’s wildest edges (Smith Mesa, Kolob Canyon, Red Butte Mountain), and sweep past Canaan’s sheer cliffs with your pilot sharing stories along the way. Expect moments of awe (and maybe some nerves), plus views you’ll remember every time you see red rock again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Zion National Park

• Check in at private heliport
• Board helicopter with pilot
• Fly north over Smith Mesa and Zion
• View Kolob Canyon and Red Butte Mountain
• See Canaan Mountain Wilderness cliffs
• Return to heliport safely

The experience

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the view. It was the low thrum of the rotors and the way my seat vibrated as we lifted off just outside Springdale. Our pilot, Mark (who looked like he’d been flying these skies forever), grinned back at us and pointed out Smith Mesa almost right away. There was this moment where the sun hit the red stone just so, and honestly, I forgot to take a photo. It smelled faintly of engine oil and desert air: strange mix, but it stuck with me.

We curved north, skirting Zion’s edge. Mark started telling us about Kolob Canyon: how those dark red fingers were shaped by floods older than any of us. I tried to imagine it but mostly just stared out at the cliffs. The scale is hard to get until you’re up there. You see lines and folds in the rock that don’t make sense from below. At one point, someone asked if we’d fly right over Zion National Park itself: Mark explained you can’t, not legally anyway, but you get these wide-open views looking in from above Smith Mesa and Red Butte Mountain. He even slowed down a little so we could all catch a glimpse (I think he liked showing off his favorite spots).

Flying over the Canaan Mountain Wilderness was quieter than I expected. Just wind and that distant hum of blades. The cliffs drop away suddenly, almost two thousand feet straight down. It made my stomach do a weird flip. I laughed out loud (nervous habit) and caught someone else doing the same. There’s something about seeing those sheer faces from above that makes you feel both tiny and kind of lucky at once. The whole flight only took about half an hour but felt longer in a good way.

I still think about that patchwork of color: the rust reds, pale stripes, shadows moving as clouds drifted by. When we landed back at the heliport, my ears were ringing a bit and my hands smelled like metal from gripping the seat too tight (don’t judge). If you’re thinking about a helicopter tour around Zion, just know it’s not really about photos or bragging rights. It’s more like being let in on something big for a little while.

What’s included

• Your day includes a 55-mile scenic helicopter flight departing from a private heliport near Springdale with all landing fees covered.
• your pilot shares local history as you soar past Smith Mesa, Kolob Canyon, Red Butte Mountain range, and Canaan Mountain Wilderness before returning safely to base.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:30Last departure this season: 3 Jan 2027

Book up to1h before

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

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Zion Helicopters - Rivers Edge Facility located at 3050 East UT-9, Virgin UT 84779. We are located just 10 minutes from the town of Springdale.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zion Helicopters

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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 24 h before the start.

How long is the Zion helicopter tour?

The flight covers 55 miles and lasts about 30 minutes.

Where does the helicopter depart for this Zion tour?

The tour departs from a private heliport just minutes from Springdale and Zion’s main entrance.

Will we fly directly over Zion National Park?

No, flights aren’t permitted directly over Zion National Park but offer panoramic views from its perimeter.

Are there weight restrictions for passengers?

Passengers over 250 lbs (114 kg) must purchase an additional seat due to aircraft balance requirements.

Is this helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including boarding are wheelchair accessible.

What will we see during this helicopter flight?

You’ll see Smith Mesa, Kolob Canyon, Red Butte Mountain range, and Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area.

Is there a minimum number of passengers required?

This tour requires at least five passengers to operate. Otherwise alternate options or refunds are offered.