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
Cost of Sedona helicopter tours
The cheapest Sedona helicopter ride will cost approximately US$279 per person, which is also the most popular tour of its kind.
The most popular tour of the city is priced at US$389 per person.
And at the higher end is the Wild West Helicopter Tour, the tickets of which can go up to US$609 per person.
Helicopter rides can be a costly affair.
So, it is important to know the tour costs in advance to plan your trip and factor it in with other considerations.
Prices of Sedona helicopter rides depend on many factors. For instance:
- Airtime
- Off or peak season
- If the helicopter ride is part of a combo tour. For example, a helicopter tour with a cruise tour.
But there is no doubt that a Sedona helicopter tour is nothing short of a joyride.
Best helicopter tours in Sedona
Below, we have curated a list of some of the best helicopter tours in the city, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.
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.
Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm, daily
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (3+ years): US$279 per person
Infant ticket (2 years or younger): Free
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.
Timings: 9 am to 4.30 pm, daily
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (3+ years): US$389 per person
Infant ticket (2 years or younger): Free
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.
Timings: 9 am to 4 pm, every hour
Cost of the tour
Adult ticket (3+ years): US$609 per person
Infant ticket (2 years or younger): Free
What to expect
Departure point
All Sedona helicopter flights take off from 1200 Airport Rd.
Address: 1200 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA. Get Directions.
The location is near public transportation.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Sedona.
No passenger must exceed 300 lbs/ 136 kgs.
A minimum of two and a maximum of three passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
A valid photo ID is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Gratuities are not included in the ticket price.
Check in at least 15 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tour
Sedona heli tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Photos for souvenirs, gratuities, and refreshments are excluded from your ticket.
Accessibility to the tour
Heli tours in Sedona are completely accessible to guests with disabilities.
The aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible, preventing any inconvenience for the guests.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.