Secret Wilderness (45+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

If you’re considering a Sedona helicopter experience, this Secret Wilderness (45+ Mile) tour promises a chance to see the area’s famous red rock formations from a perspective few get to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Sedona for the first time, a helicopter ride can add that extra spark to your trip. The tour runs just over half an hour and covers a stunning 45 miles of wilderness, offering a mix of popular landmarks and hidden gems.

What makes this tour especially appealing are its intimate setting—group size is capped at five— and the comprehensive itinerary that takes you from iconic formations to remote wilderness areas. Plus, the personalized experience, with all forward-facing seats and noise-reducing headsets, ensures you’ll get clear views and commentary.

However, it’s not all perfect. The price at around $438 per person is on the higher side, which might seem steep for some, especially considering the short duration. Also, the tour is weather-dependent and requires a minimum of travelers to run, so flexible plans are a good idea.

This tour suits those who want a premium, personalized helicopter experience and are eager to see Sedona’s landscapes from a truly unique angle. If you’re after breathtaking views, expert guides, and a sense of adventure, this might just be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Breathtaking views of Sedona’s iconic red rocks and canyons from the air.
• Intimate group size caps the tour at five travelers for a personal experience.
• Comprehensive itinerary includes many famous landmarks and hidden wilderness areas.
• Expert commentary from knowledgeable pilots enhances the experience.
• Weather dependence means cancellations are possible, so flexibility is helpful.
• Pricing reflects a premium experience, but many feel it’s worth the cost for the views and intimacy.

A Closer Look at the Sedona Helicopter Tour

When it comes to seeing Sedona, nothing beats getting a bird’s-eye view. This helicopter tour from Apex Air Tours is a carefully curated experience that promises to reveal both the well-known and lesser-seen sides of the region. If you love stunning landscapes and want a memorable, up-close look at some of Arizona’s most famous formations, this tour makes it happen.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

The journey begins at the Sedona airport, where you’ll take off from a spot offering panoramic views of Thunder Mountain, Coffee Pot Rock, and Ship Rock. A noise-reducing headset with a microphone ensures you’re not missing a word of the commentary—complemented by all forward-facing seats that maximize your viewing experience. The group is limited to six travelers, which is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

The route is packed with highlights. Soon after takeoff, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of the overlook area, giving you a sense of the vastness of Sedona. Flying by Red Rock State Park, you’ll see Oak Creek, Pyramid Rock, and Schuerman Mountain, along with the iconic Cathedral Rock at eye level—an incredible vantage point that’s hard to match from the ground.

One of the standout moments is flying over Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s most popular hiking spots. The view from above underscores why it draws so many visitors—its distinctive shape and prominence make it a natural compass point. The tour then heads to Broken Arrow Trail, offering views of Praying Hands, Chicken Point, and Submarine Rock.

Remote Wilderness and Hidden Treasures

As the route progresses into the deeper wilderness areas, you’ll fly over Secret Canyon and Bear Sign Canyon, areas that are difficult to access without extensive hiking. This is a rare chance to see pristine nature and wildlife from a comfortable seat in the helicopter. Many reviews highlight the thrill of flying deep into these untouched landscapes, which are generally only reachable on foot by experienced hikers.

From there, the helicopter dives into Boynton Canyon, revealing Sinagua cliff dwellings that stand as silent witnesses to the region’s ancient past. The same goes for Long Canyon, where the scenery continues to impress.

Iconic Landmarks and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the ride, you’ll get spectacular views of Midgely Bridge, a striking arch that’s a favorite for photographers. Flying past Chimney Rock, which transforms into the Three Fingers, offers a fascinating perspective of this unique formation.

The Devil’s Bridge area is also visible from the air—a natural stone arch that draws crowds for its scenic hike. The tour also passes over Seven Canyons, a scenic golf course that adds to the diverse landscape.

Wrapping Up with Panoramas

As you head back toward the airport, the pilot will fly past Schuerman Mountain and provide a full view of Sedona’s Red Rocks—from Cathedral and Bell Rock to Schnebly Hill and Thunder Mountain. Many travelers mention how these aerial panoramas surpass what’s possible from the ground and leave you with a sense of awe.

What the Reviews Say

The positive feedback from past travelers points to professional pilots and guides who make the experience both fun and informative. One reviewer noted how the pilot was “very skilled, friendly, and a knowledgeable tour guide,” which adds a personal touch to the adventure. Many mention the stunning views and the ability to get close to formations like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, which are even more majestic from the sky.

Irina R, for example, describes the experience as an “incredible” one that her daughter would brag about—highlighting its appeal for memorable family moments, although it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly. Still, if you’re traveling with older kids or teens who appreciate scenery and adventure, it could be a hit.

The Value Proposition

While the price tag is on the higher end, many reviewers feel it’s justified by the personalized service and the extraordinary views. Some mention that the small group size makes the experience feel exclusive and less hectic than larger tours. The highlight for most is the ability to see hidden areas and ancient dwellings from an angle that’s simply impossible on land.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour is weather-dependent, it’s wise to keep a flexible schedule and be prepared for possible rescheduling if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The tour lasts around 30 minutes, which isn’t long but is packed with enough sights to make it worth the expense. Be aware of the weight limit of 400 lbs per passenger, which is standard but important if you’re traveling with heavier guests.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Sedona helicopter tour is best suited for travelers who want an up-close, personalized, aerial experience. If you’re someone who appreciates nature and is comfortable with heights, you’ll likely find this to be a highlight of your Sedona trip. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to see the hidden wilderness areas and ancient ruins that are otherwise difficult to access.

While not specifically marketed as for families with young children, older kids and teenagers with a love for adventure and scenery might also enjoy it. If you’re after a romantic experience, a special occasion, or simply want to add a wow factor to your visit, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts

The Secret Wilderness helicopter tour offers a rare opportunity to see Sedona from above in a small, intimate setting. The breathtaking views, combined with a knowledgeable pilot and an itinerary packed with highlights, make it a memorable addition to any trip. It’s perfect for those who value quality over quantity and want a personalized, scenic experience that captures the essence of Sedona’s dramatic landscape.

While it’s a bit of an investment, many past travelers agree the views and the unique perspective justify the price. Just remember to check the weather forecast and be flexible with scheduling to get the best experience.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime view, this helicopter tour could turn out to be one of your most cherished Sedona memories.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? While not specifically marketed for families, older kids and teens interested in scenery and adventure might enjoy it. Check with the provider if you have concerns about younger children.

How long is the helicopter ride? The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes, covering about 45 miles of the Sedona wilderness.

What’s included in the price? The tour includes all forward-facing seats, noise-reducing headsets with microphones, and a scenic flight over various landmarks. The helicopter is air-conditioned and designed for comfort.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is six, with most tours capping at five, ensuring a more personal experience.

What should I wear or bring? Dress comfortably for the weather. Since it’s a short flight, there’s no need for special gear, but a camera or phone for photos is definitely encouraged.

What’s the price point justified by? The price reflects the exclusive, small-group experience, expert guides, and access to remote wilderness areas that are otherwise hard to see.

In the end, this helicopter tour is a fantastic way to elevate your Sedona visit—literally. If you’re after epic views and a sense of adventure, it’s an investment that can give you lifelong memories.