Zion: Helicopter Flight Over Zion & Canaan Wilderness

Summary

Circle Zion by helicopter see Kolob Canyons and wild Canaan peaks

You’ll lift off near Zion with a small group and circle its cliffs by helicopter, catching rare views of Kolob Canyons and wild Canaan peaks. A local pilot shares stories as you fly along the park’s edge—no crowds or hiking boots needed. Optional butte landing adds extra adventure if you want it. It’s an aerial day trip that sticks with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — my hands were a little sweaty buckling into the helicopter outside Zion. The pilot, Mike, grinned and said he’d flown this route a hundred times, but I still felt that weird mix of nerves and excitement. You know that moment when the rotors start up and your stomach does that little flip? That was me. There were just five of us, so it felt more like piling into a friend’s car than anything official.

We lifted off and suddenly the whole landscape cracked open beneath us — red cliffs, green streaks of cottonwoods along the river, those crazy rock layers you only really notice from above. Mike pointed out Kolob Canyons in the distance and told us how the park doesn’t actually let helicopters fly directly overhead (something about protecting wildlife), so we skirted the edge instead. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I was missing out — seeing Zion from this angle made me realize how massive and tangled it really is. The air smelled dry and sharp, almost metallic, which I guess is what wind over sandstone smells like.

At one point we swung out over Canaan Mountain Wilderness — I’d never even heard of it before this day trip from Springdale. It’s wild country: pale domes, weird stone ridges that look like something from another planet. Mike told a story about hikers getting lost out there for days (not sure if he was joking), then offered to land on one of the buttes if we’d booked the upgrade. We hadn’t — next time for sure. Still, just hovering there with nothing but wind between us and those rocks… kind of hard to explain. My ears popped; someone behind me laughed nervously.

By the time we looped back toward town, my phone was full of blurry photos and my head was buzzing in that good way you get after doing something slightly outside your comfort zone. If you’re thinking about a panoramic helicopter flight over Zion & Canaan Wilderness — yeah, it’s worth it. I still think about that first glimpse down into those canyons when the sun hit just right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter tour over Zion National Park

• Board small-group helicopter
• Fly over Zion National Park
• View Kolob Canyons and Red Butte
• See Canaan Mountain Wilderness
• Optional butte landing and hike
• Enjoy picnic or champagne

Top questions

How long is the Zion panoramic helicopter flight?

The flight covers 100 miles around Zion and nearby wilderness areas.

Does the helicopter fly directly over Zion Park?

No, flights circle along the perimeter due to park regulations protecting wildlife.

Is there an option to land during the tour?

Yes, you can upgrade to include a landing on one of the buttes for a short hike or picnic.

How many people are on each flight?

The small-group flights are capped at six passengers per helicopter.

Are infants or children allowed on board?

Infants under two can ride as lap children; kids two years or older need their own seat.

Is this panoramic flight wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Where does this day trip depart from?

The helicopter departs near Springdale at Zion’s edge in Southern Utah.

What happens if not enough people book my date?

If fewer than five passengers book, you'll be offered another date/time or a refund.

What’s included

Your panoramic day includes a 100-mile scenic helicopter flight circling Zion and Canaan Wilderness with all landing and facility fees covered; upgrades are available for optional butte landings with time for hiking or a picnic before returning to base together.