Get an aerial orientation of Moab in 45 minutes: redrock arches, river meanders and potash ponds unfold beneath small-plane wings. This family-friendly flight pairs pilot narration with headset commentary — a compact, scenic way to see Arches and Canyonlands in one sweep.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
On the tarmac at Canyonlands Airport the plane is both small and authoritative: a single prop that promises intimate lines through an enormous landscape. As the aircraft lifts, the scale of the redrock country snaps into view — ridgelines peel away like pages, river meanders glitter, and arches that look like punctuation marks carve holes in the desert. In forty-five minutes the tour converts a map of names into a sequence of moments: Corona and Tibbets Arches pass below like stage sets; the Colorado and Green Rivers trade glints and sediment bands; the Potash evaporation ponds announce themselves with impossible swaths of teal.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most people though not recommended for those with serious heart conditions
Wildlife
History
The Moab area has long been inhabited by ancestral Puebloan and Ute peoples; later settlers developed mining and potash industries that shaped modern access roads and viewpoints.
Conservation
Low-level flights are regulated to minimize noise impacts on wildlife; operators are encouraged to follow set corridors and avoid repeated low passes near nesting areas.
Reserve your spot on the 45-minute Family Special Tour of Moab Backcountry by Plane today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for weight checks
Operators perform weight-and-balance calculations before departure; arriving 30 minutes early keeps check-in smooth.
Choose morning or late afternoon
Soft light at these times enhances contrast on the redrock and improves photos; midday can be harsh and flat.
Secure loose gear
Use wrist straps for cameras and phones; there’s no room to chase dropped items mid-flight.
Bring motion-sickness prevention
If you’re prone to air or car sickness, take preventative medication and hydrate beforehand.
Sunglasses
Cuts glare over canyon walls and ponds during flight windows.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Early-morning flights can be cool on the tarmac and in the aircraft.
spring
Binoculars
A compact pair brings distant arches, river bends and wildlife into detail from the air.
Sunscreen and hat
UV reflects off sandstone and water; protection at the gate and after you land is important.
summer