Fly the Secret Wilderness: 45-Mile Sedona Helicopter Tour Over Canyons and Cliff Dwellings
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30–35 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all travelers; you should be comfortable sitting and wearing a seatbelt for the duration.
Overview
Lift above Sedona’s red rock country for a 45+ mile helicopter circuit that stitches together icons and hidden canyons in just over half an hour. From Cathedral Rock eye level to Sinagua cliff dwellings guarded by shadow and stone, this flight pairs thrilling views with sharp, useful guidance for planning your ride.
Fly the Secret Wilderness: 45-Mile Sedona Helicopter Tour Over Canyons and Cliff Dwellings
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The rotors spin up and the red rocks answer, sending a low hum across the mesa. From the Sedona Airport perch, the helicopter lifts and the landscape rises to meet you—Cathedral Rock winks at eye level, Bell Rock leans in, and the buttes stack in layers like a geology lesson written in rust and gold. In minutes, you’re skimming the high country, the wind shouldering the aircraft onward as canyons open like pages being turned.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive 30 minutes early
Check in at the red building atop Airport Road a full half hour before your slot—flights depart on a tight schedule and late arrivals can’t be accommodated.
Dress in layers, avoid loose items
Cabins are comfortable but the ramp can be hot or breezy; tie back long hair and leave hats and bags in the car to keep the helipad clear.
Wear dark clothing for better photos
Dark, matte tops reduce window reflections so your shots of Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge stay crisp.
Share accurate weights at booking
Operators use weights to balance seating for safety; expect staff to confirm at check-in.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red-tailed hawk riding thermals
- Javelina moving through juniper flats at dawn
History
The Sinagua people built cliff dwellings in these canyons between about 1100–1400 CE, taking advantage of natural alcoves and reliable seeps along the canyon walls.
Conservation
Sedona’s red rock country is a designated conservation area with noise-abatement flight routes. Support Leave No Trace on the ground and respect seasonal raptor closures on popular cliff faces.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sedona, Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Polarized sunglasses
Cuts glare off the windows and bright sandstone for more comfortable viewing.
Camera or phone with neck strap
A strap keeps gear secure during turns and makes quick composition easier.
Light layer or windbreaker
Spring breezes on the tarmac can be cool even when the cabin is warm.
spring specific
Microfiber lens cloth
Wipes dust and fingerprints that can soften aerial images through the window.