Sedona Sunset Helicopter Tour: 30+ Miles Over Red Rocks & Ancient Sinagua Ruins
Difficulty
easy
Duration
25 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—participants must be able to sit for the flight and follow safety briefings; comfort with heights recommended.
Overview
A 25-minute sunset flight that threads over Sedona’s red-rock icons and into Boynton and Long canyons to reveal Sinagua cliff ruins accessible only by extensive hiking. Perfect for travelers who want a concentrated, photographic view of geology and history without the multi-day trek.
Sedona Sunset Helicopter Tour: 30+ Miles Over Red Rocks & Ancient Sinagua Ruins
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The helicopter lifts and the valley exhales beneath you—an orange band of sun sliding behind serrated red-rock ridgelines, while your headset picks up the pilot’s quiet narration and the wind’s steady pulse. For 25 minutes this tour stitches together Sedona’s most iconic landmarks—Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte—and then pushes deeper, following Boynton and Long canyons until the canyon walls narrow and the rotor’s thrum becomes a private soundtrack to cliff-side ruins you can rarely reach on foot.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book the sunset slot early
Sunset flights sell out fast; reserve at least several days in advance and allow a flexible evening in case of weather cancellations.
Arrive early for weight and safety checks
The operator requires a pre-flight check and weight confirmation—arriving 30 minutes early prevents delays and secures preferred seating.
Bring layered clothing
Temperatures drop quickly after sundown on the plateau—pack a light jacket even on warm days to stay comfortable when the helicopter doors open.
Prepare for photography and motion
Use a wrist or neck strap for cameras, shoot with a fast shutter at sunset, and take anti-nausea precautions if you’re sensitive to motion.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer grazing in canyon bottoms
- Red-tailed hawks thermalling above ridgelines
History
The Sinagua people occupied the Verde Valley from roughly AD 600–1400; many of their cliff dwellings and masonry sites are located in the canyon systems now flown over by this tour.
Conservation
Sedona’s backcountry is sensitive; aerial tours concentrate visitors in the air rather than on fragile trails, but operators and flyers should avoid low-level downwash over archeological sites and respect land-management rules.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sedona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunglasses
Red rock glare and low-angle sun make good sunglasses essential for eye comfort and clearer photos.
summer specific
Light insulated jacket
Evening temperatures fall quickly on the mesa; a warm layer keeps you comfortable during pre- and post-flight time outdoors.
fall specific
Camera with strap
A camera with a fast lens and secure strap will capture sharp sunset light through the headset windows.
Closed-toe shoes
Comfortable footwear is recommended for the walk from the meeting point to the helipad and for uneven surfaces around the airstrip.