There are many ways to explore the incredible desert beauty of Sedona, Arizona.
Tourists can take a hike, drive a car around, or book a bus tour, but a helicopter is the best way to see the red rock landscape.
Visitors can choose from three different helicopter rides depending on their budget and the air time they prefer.
This article shares everything you must know before you book your helicopter tour in Sedona, Arizona.
Table of contents
Flight Departure and Return
Sedona helicopter tours take off from the heliport at Guidance Air, 1200 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA. Get Directions
The heli tours start taking off at 9 am and continue till 5 pm.
You are sure to get your preferred timing if you book early.
It is better to arrive at the Sedona Airport at least 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled tour.
Where does the helicopter return?
After your sightseeing trip is over, you will land at the same place from where the helicopter took off.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel your booked helicopter tour of Sedona up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.
Helicopter tours over Sedona, Arizona, require good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather (heavy rain, low cloud ceilings, lightning, or extreme winds), you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Failure to show up for your appointment without notice will result in the cancellation of your tour without a refund.
Dust Devil Helicopter Tour
This helicopter tour in Sedona is the cheapest and most popular aerial experience in the region.
This 20-minute aerial tour takes you over the 700-year-old structure, home to the Anasazi peoples.
You will soar toward Devil’s Bridge, a natural rock formation connecting two high cliffs, during this heli tour over Sedona desert.
Continue to Secret Canyon and look down on the well-known hiking trails.
As you ascend onto the Mogollon Rim, look down for the region’s wildlife.
After experiencing Sedona’s magical red rock landscape from the air, you will get back to base.
Duration of Tour: 20 to 25 minutes
Cost of Tour: $227 per person
Desert Thunder Helicopter Tour
This 35-minute flight is a fantastic way to witness Arizona’s incredible desert beauty from above.
You will get an eagle’s eye view of some of Sedona’s most famous red rock formations, including the ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings.
During the trip, your pilot will also share the rich history of the area and point out fantastic photo opportunities.
During this aerial tour, some of the attractions you will see are Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Snoopy Rock, Cross Oak Creek Canyon, Devil’s Bridge, Secret Canyon, and Mogollon Rim, etc.
Duration of Tour: 30 to 35 minutes
Cost of Tour: $289 per person
Wild West Helicopter Tour
This aerial adventure lasts 55 minutes and is an escape into the red rock landscape of the greater Sedona area.
During this heli tour in Sedona, your chopper takes you close to the nearly 2440 meters (8000 feet) high Mt. Mingus.
First, you will catch a glimpse of Sycamore Canyon with the Verde River lazily winding its way through.
At Robber’s Roost, you will discover the old hideout of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
After your share of the Wild West, you will see some of the most amazing panoramic views of Sedona.
Even as you listen to your pilot narrate the region’s history, you will reach the mighty Mingus Mountain with the old mining town of Jerome perched on her side.
Duration of Tour: 50 to 55 minutes
Cost of Tour: $445 per person
Essential information about Sedona air tours
Here are some crucial pointers you must be aware of before booking your helicopter tour in Sedona, Arizona.
- A minimum of two people per booking is required. The helicopter fits three passengers at a time, so if you have a group of four people or more, you will be split into two or more rides.
- The maximum weight limit for any single passenger is 136 Kg (300 Pounds), and visitors over this weight won’t be allowed to board the flight.
- Infant children are considered lap child if they are under the age of two and have proof of age, such as a passport or a copy of their birth certificate. They fly for free.
- As per FAA regulations, all passengers 18 years and older will be required to show a photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport at the time of check-in.
- Most travelers can participate. However, helicopter tours aren’t recommended for pregnant women, travelers with back problems, heart problems, or other severe medical conditions.