Sedona From Above: A 30-Mile Helicopter Tour Over Red Rocks and Ancient Ruins
Difficulty
easy
Duration
20–22 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers; brief boarding step. Wheelchair-accessible options available—coordinate in advance.
Overview
Lift off from Sedona’s mesa for a 20-minute, 30-mile flight that threads past Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and hidden Sinagua cliff dwellings. It’s a fast, vivid primer on the red rock country—equal parts geology lesson and time travel—delivered with smooth narration and big views.
Sedona From Above: A 30-Mile Helicopter Tour Over Red Rocks and Ancient Ruins
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Rotors spin against the morning sky and the mesa hums to life. From Sedona Airport, the helicopter lifts, light as a hawk, and the red rock country widens beneath you. Cathedral Rock rises to eye level, its rust-colored fins catching the sun like hot iron. Oak Creek threads the valley, flashing silver as it winds past cottonwoods that hold tight to their shade. The pilot banks toward Boynton and Long canyons, where sandstone walls hide cliff dwellings tucked into pale alcoves—stonework older than the flagstaff pines that ring them.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Smooth Check-In
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your flight; helicopters run on precise schedules and late arrivals can’t be accommodated.
Wear Dark, Non-Reflective Layers
Dark clothing reduces window glare in photos, and a light layer keeps you comfortable with cabin A/C and changing temps.
Mind Motion Sensitivity
If you get queasy, take preventive meds in advance and ask about the most stable seating; crews balance requests with weight distribution.
Streamline Your Carry-Ons
Bags aren’t allowed; use a wrist strap or lanyard for your camera/phone and bring only a small, capped water bottle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red-tailed hawk riding thermals along the cliffs
- Common raven drafting your rotors at a curious distance
History
The Sinagua inhabited this region between roughly 1100–1400 CE, building cliff dwellings and granaries aligned to terrain and season. Later, Yavapai and Apache communities moved through the area before Euro-American ranching and tourism reshaped the valley.
Conservation
Ruins are protected archaeological sites—exact locations are intentionally undisclosed to prevent damage. Scenic flights follow noise-abatement routes; on the ground, stick to established trails and observe raptor nesting closures.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sedona, Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Non-Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized lenses can create rainbow banding through helicopter plexiglass; non-polarized lenses provide clearer views.
Light, Dark-Colored Layer
A long-sleeve in a dark tone reduces glare and keeps you comfortable if the cabin runs cool on colder days.
winter specific
Camera or Phone with Wrist Lanyard
A secure strap prevents drops during turns and keeps your hands free while boarding.
Small, Capped Water Bottle
The desert is dry; a small bottle helps you stay comfortable without adding bulk in the cabin.
summer specific