Ancient Sedona (30+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

If you’re looking to see Sedona’s breathtaking landscape without hours of hiking—and want to skip the crowds of ground tours—this helicopter experience might be just what you need. We’ve checked out this Ancient Sedona helicopter tour, and it promises an exciting, bird’s-eye view of some of the most iconic sights in the area. It’s a short but impressive ride, packed with stunning vistas and a few surprises along the way.

What we love about this tour is its ability to showcase Sedona’s famous red rock formations from angles you simply can’t get from the ground. Plus, the inclusion of ancient Sinagua ruins adds a meaningful touch, especially for history buffs or anyone curious about the area’s past. That said, the 20-minute flight isn’t a long tour—so if you’re craving an even more immersive experience, you might find this a little brief. Still, for a quick taste of Sedona’s beauty, it hits the mark.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate spectacular views in a short timeframe, are comfortable flying in a helicopter, and want to see remote areas like Boynton and Long canyons without strenuous hikes. If you’re prone to motion sickness or have very young children, it’s worth considering the flight’s nature and group size. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting a memorable, visually stunning experience without spending all day on the activity.

Key Points

• Stunning aerial views of Sedona’s red rocks and ancient ruins
• Short duration of about 20-22 minutes makes it a quick but impactful experience
• Includes remote canyons like Boynton and Long, accessible only by helicopter
• Expert pilot guidance enhances the experience with insightful commentary
• Limited group size (max 6 travelers) ensures a more personal flight
• Great value for the price considering the extensive territory covered and views provided

An In-Depth Look at the Sedona Helicopter Tour

The Overall Experience

This helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s most famous landscapes in just about 20 minutes. We love how it’s designed for travelers who want a quick, visually breathtaking experience, rather than a long, drawn-out tour. From the moment you take off from the airport, the views are immediate and impressive, with the pilot providing commentary through noise-reducing headsets, making the whole experience both engaging and comfortable.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour starts with a simple takeoff from the airport, where you’ll get your first glimpse of Sedona from above. It’s a good chance to orient yourself and appreciate the scale of the landscape. As the helicopter lifts off, you’ll fly over Red Rock State Park, setting the stage for what’s to come.

One of the most exciting parts? Flying at eye-level with Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s most recognizable formations. The pilot often points out the Chapel of the Holy Cross as you pass, which adds a spiritual or artistic element depending on your perspective. You’ll also get views of Bell Rock, another iconic formation known for its distinctive shape.

The tour then moves into more remote territory—Boynton and Long Canyons—where you can see Sinagua ruins that are only accessible via strenuous hikes or helicopter flights. According to reviews, seeing these hidden spots from the air offers a perspective you wouldn’t get otherwise. One reviewer described it as “a great experience” that “really gets views you don’t get from the ground.”

Flying Over Sedona’s Famous Sites

As you glide past Broken Arrow Trail, you’ll see Praying Hands, Chicken Point, and Submarine Rock—all naturally fascinating formations that look like they belong in a fantasy landscape. The pilot often points out Courthouse Butte, Snoopy Rock, and the Tea Kettle—quirky names for uniquely shaped rocks.

Further along, the tour includes a pass by Midgely Bridge, offering a classic photo op. Then, you’ll fly over Oak Creek Canyon, with views of Ship Rock, Steamboat Rock, and the seasonal waterfalls within the canyon—each scenery offering a different aspect of Sedona’s diverse landscape.

Deep Canyons and Ancient Ruins

The real highlight for many is the flight through Secret Canyon and Boynton Canyon, where ancient ruins are visible from above. The experience of flying through these remote, rugged areas gives a sense of the scale and untouched beauty of Sedona. One review mentions the “fantastic views that you can’t get from the ground,” emphasizing how special it feels to see these ancient sites from this vantage point.

The Flight Path and Landmarks

You’ll also see Doe Mountain and Mescal Mesa, with the famous Chimney Rock changing shapes as the perspective shifts—fingers of rock that look like they’re reaching toward the sky. The flight concludes with a final sweep over Schuerman Mountain before returning to the airport.

The Pilot and Comfort

All reviews highlight how much travelers appreciated the knowledgeable and personable pilots. One review mentions Pilot Jeff as “informative, relatable, and easy-going,” which makes the short flight even more enjoyable. The noise-canceling headsets help you hear the commentary clearly without distraction, and all seats are forward-facing, ensuring good views no matter where you sit.

Price and Value

At around $306 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Sedona, but considering the extensive coverage of more than 30 miles of terrain, and the exclusive access to remote canyons and ancient ruins, many travelers agree it’s worth the cost. Several reviews describe it as “very easy to book,” with good communication, making the whole process smooth.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for those who want to maximize their views in a minimal amount of time, especially if hiking or longer tours aren’t appealing. It’s also a good fit for those who enjoy aerial photography or want a memorable highlight of their trip. Keep in mind that the tour has a maximum of 6 travelers, making it more intimate than larger group tours.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

• Duration: Just under 22 minutes, making it ideal for fitting into a busy day
• Group size: Limited to 6 travelers, adding a personal touch
• Meeting point: 1225 Airport Rd, Sedona—easy to find and convenient
• Inclusions: Noise-reducing headsets and all seats face forward for optimal views
• Weather: The tour is weather-dependent; poor conditions will lead to cancellations or rescheduling
• Booking: Most travelers book about 22 days in advance, so plan accordingly

Considerations

While the flight itself is smooth and well-received, it might not be ideal if you’re prone to motion sickness or traveling with very young children. Also, the 20-minute duration is perfect for a taste of Sedona but may leave those craving more feeling like they want a longer experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after breathtaking views of Sedona’s iconic red rocks and ancient secrets, this helicopter tour delivers with style. It’s a compact, high-impact experience that packs in a lot: remote canyons, famous formations, and hidden ruins, all from the comfort of a helicopter.

The expert pilot guidance and personalized group size elevate the experience, making it feel special without being overly touristy. While it’s not the cheapest activity, the variety of sights covered and the uniqueness of the perspective make it a worthy investment, especially if you’re short on time but want a memorable highlight.

For those who love stunning landscapes, a touch of adventure, and a glimpse into ancient history from above, this tour is perfect. It’s a solid choice for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to add a wow-factor to their Sedona trip.

FAQs

How long is the helicopter tour?
The tour lasts about 20 to 22 minutes, offering a quick but comprehensive aerial view of Sedona’s landmarks.

What sights will I see during the tour?
You’ll see Sedona’s red rock formations like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Snoopy Rock, along with remote canyons such as Boynton and Long Canyon where ancient ruins are visible.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but check the weight limit (269 lbs per passenger) and consider if you’re comfortable flying in a helicopter. It’s not recommended for sick individuals or those with certain health issues.

What’s included in the tour?
You get noise-reducing headsets with microphones and all seats face forward, ensuring everyone has good views.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 3 weeks in advance; early booking is recommended as the tour is popular.

Is the weather a concern?
Yes, poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling. The tour provider will notify you if weather conditions aren’t suitable.

In summary, this Ancient Sedona helicopter tour offers a swift yet deeply engaging way to experience Sedona’s majestic landscapes. Whether you’re short on time, a fan of aerial views, or eager to see remote canyons and ruins, it’s a memorable ride that’s well worth considering for your Sedona visit.