
easy
55 minutes
No special fitness required; suitable for most travelers able to board a small helicopter.
A 55-minute sunset helicopter that threads three wilderness areas and reveals ancient cliff ruins and the dramatic edge of the Mogollon Rim. Ideal for photographers and anyone who wants an expansive, low-effort view of Sedona’s most dramatic geology.
The helicopter lifts off from Sedona Airport and the world rearranges itself: highways shrink to silver threads, juniper crowns flatten into a patterned quilt, and the red rocks take on an almost molten glow as the sun slides low. Within minutes the pilot banks toward Cathedral Rock — a familiar silhouette — then points the nose deeper into country that few see except from the air. Below, the Mogollon Rim pulls a clean, dramatic edge across the horizon, its cliffs throwing long shadows over plateaus and canyon mouths.

This flight holds six forward-facing seats and fills fast for sunset; reserve at least a day in advance to secure an optimal viewing position.
Temperatures drop quickly after sundown at elevation; pack a light jacket even if it’s warm on the ground.
If you’re prone to airsickness, take preventative medication or choose a center seat facing forward for a steadier view.
Windows create reflections—use a fast lens, polarizer if removable, and press your lens close to the glass for crisper shots.
The Mogollon Rim marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau; Ancestral Puebloan and Sinagua peoples left cliff-side dwellings and agricultural sites in these canyons centuries ago.
Operators coordinate with land managers to avoid low passes over sensitive archaeological sites and nesting raptor territories; pack-in, pack-out and Leave No Trace ethics apply at all access points.
Fast shutter speeds and good low-light performance capture sunset color and distant ruins.
Evening flights cool off quickly over the rim—layers keep you comfortable after landing.
fall specific
Glare is strong during approach and on bright afternoons; a strap prevents them from shifting mid-flight.
summer specific
Ginger chews or OTC meds can make the ride more comfortable for sensitive passengers.