Northern Arizona Air & Ground Tours with Westwind Air Service - Phoenix

Northern Arizona Air & Ground Tours with Westwind Air Service

Phoenixeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–8 hours

Fitness Level

Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most fitness levels

Overview

Take to the skies and rugged trails of Northern Arizona with Westwind Air Service. Their combined aerial and ground tours capture the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Lake Powell in ways few other operators can offer.

Details

Northern Arizona offers some of the most dramatic and varied terrain in the American Southwest, and Westwind Air Service makes it accessible through a variety of aerial and ground-based adventures. Operating primarily from Sedona, this company specializes in scenic flights and combined air-ground tours that cover iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, and Horseshoe Bend.

The Grand Canyon dominates the landscape here, carved over millions of years along the Colorado River and defined by layers of deep red sandstone and limestone cliffs. Westwind’s tours include aerial perspectives from the South Rim and West Rim, including the one-of-a-kind Skywalk—a glass bridge extending out over the canyon’s edge. Their Signature Tour pairs a narrated Hummer ground tour with a breathtaking flight, offering diverse vantage points and expert insights about the geology and history of the region.

Monument Valley, on the Arizona-Utah border, boasts iconic sandstone buttes that rise sharply from the desert floor. Westwind’s combined air and ground tour lets visitors see these formations from above and experience Navajo cultural history on the ground from knowledgeable guides.

Additional trips from Flagstaff, Sedona, or Page include flyovers of Lake Powell and Rainbow Bridge, one of the largest natural sandstone arches in the world. Flights also showcase Horseshoe Bend’s sweeping meander in the Colorado River, a photographer’s favorite.

Trustworthy pilots and attentive service shine through repeated guest praise for seamless logistics, smooth flights, and informative commentary. These day trips allow visitors to experience multiple regional highlights without long drives, making Westwind Air Service an unmatched gateway to Northern Arizona’s expansive desert wilderness and geological marvels.

With options customized for adventure seekers, families, and those with limited time, Westwind Air Service stands out as a premier provider of uniquely immersive experiences above and on the rugged ground of Northern Arizona’s most spectacular landscapes.

Adventure Tips

Book Early for Peak Seasons

Tours fill quickly, especially in spring and fall; early reservations ensure availability for your preferred dates.

Bring Sun Protection

Northern Arizona’s high desert sun can be intense; wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat even during flights.

Arrive on Time for Seamless Transfers

Many tours combine flights with ground transportation; punctuality keeps the itinerary running smoothly.

Pack Light

Weight limits are strict on small aircraft; bring only essentials and leave bulky items behind.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Whitmore Canyon near Monument Valley
  • Less-visited viewpoints on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon

Wildlife

  • California condor soaring over the Grand Canyon
  • Desert bighorn sheep in rugged canyons

History

The Grand Canyon area is inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years, with ongoing cultural significance.

Conservation

Westwind Air Service follows strict environmental guidelines to minimize noise and emissions impact over protected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour at sunrise and sunset
Late morning for clear aerial views
Overcast days for reduced shadows on rock formations

Best Viewpoints

  • Skywalk on the West Rim
  • Horseshoe Bend overlook
  • Monument Valley aerial flyover

What to Photograph

Layered canyon walls
River meanders
Distinctive sandstone buttes

Recommended Gear

Sunglasses

Essential

Protects eyes from glare during both flights and ground tours.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Helps adapt to changing temperatures from air to ground excursions.

fall|spring|winter specific

Compact Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Captures breathtaking aerial and landscape shots throughout the tour.

Light Backpack

Carries essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen without bulk.

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