Everything Sedona (20+ Mile) – Sedona Helicopter Tour

Sedona’s red rocks make more sense from a helicopter. In one short flight, you can look down on Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, Broken Arrow Trail, and Boynton Canyon instead of spending a full day driving between trailheads. I especially like the eye-level pass by Cathedral Rock and the chance to see the Praying Hands, Chicken Point, and Submarine Rock from above.

I also like the small cabin, the noise-reducing headset, and the fact that every seat faces forward. Pilots such as Steve, Josh, Jeff, and Geoff have earned praise for smooth flying and clear local commentary. The main drawback is the short flight time. At 10 to 12 minutes, the ride can feel over just as you settle in, and the front seats offer the clearest views.

Key points to know before booking

• A fast survey of Sedona: The route covers more than 20 miles and many of the area’s best-known rock formations.
• Cathedral Rock at eye level: This is one of the most striking moments of the flight, especially if you want a close view without a long hike.
• Small aircraft, limited capacity: The helicopter carries no more than six people, with five passengers commonly onboard.
• Front seats matter: All seats face forward, but the two seats beside the pilot provide the best unobstructed view.
• Short but efficient: The 10 to 12 minute flight works well if your Sedona schedule is tight, though some people will want a longer trip.
• Weather and weight rules apply: Each passenger has a total weight limit of 269 pounds, and poor weather can lead to a rescheduled flight or full refund.

Taking off from Sedona Airport

You meet Apex Air Tours at 1225 Airport Road, at Sedona Airport. The same location handles both departure and return, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way back across town.

The airport setting gives you a useful opening view of the red-rock country. As the helicopter lifts away, the airport overlook helps you get your bearings before the route turns toward the major formations. The air-conditioned aircraft and noise-reducing headset with microphone make the short flight more comfortable, and the headset lets you hear the pilot’s comments over the engine.

The cabin is small, with a maximum of six people. That is a real advantage over a large sightseeing aircraft because you have a better chance of feeling connected to the pilot and following the commentary. Still, seating affects the view. The front seats beside the pilot provide the most open sight lines. Passengers behind may need to look between the people in front, particularly when the pilot points out a feature ahead.

If the operator offers a choice of front seating, ask about it when booking. One review specifically noted that front seating added to the price, so confirm the current arrangement rather than assuming it is included in the standard fare.

Red Rock State Park and Cathedral Rock

The route begins with a flyby of Red Rock State Park, then moves toward Cathedral Rock. This is one of the best parts of the flight because you see the formation at close range and from an unusual height. The aircraft passes eye-level with the top of Cathedral Rock, giving you a better sense of its height, ledges, and red sandstone shape than you get from a roadside viewpoint.

From the ground, Cathedral Rock can feel like a single giant wall. From the air, its separate shelves and contours become clearer. You also see the Chapel of the Holy Cross from above, a modern church set into the red rock. The aerial view shows how tightly the building fits into the surrounding cliffs.

Bell Rock follows. Its broad, rounded form is easy to recognize from the road, but the helicopter reveals the changing angles of the formation. This is a good example of why the flight is useful even if you have already driven through Sedona. You are not simply seeing the same postcard view from higher up. You are seeing the rock shapes from several sides in quick succession.

Broken Arrow Trail from above

The helicopter then passes over the Broken Arrow Trail. From the air, you can pick out the Praying Hands, Chicken Point, and Submarine Rock. These formations are popular on foot and by off-road vehicle, but the aerial view puts them into one connected scene.

This section is especially helpful if you have limited time or are deciding which Sedona sights deserve a later hike. You can see the way the trail moves through the rock country without committing several hours to the route. You will not get the close texture of sandstone that you would on foot, but you do gain a clear sense of scale.

Courthouse Butte comes next. Its broad mass contrasts with the more pointed and sculpted formations seen earlier. From the helicopter, the shifting shape of the butte is easy to notice as the aircraft changes direction.

The route also passes Snoopy Rock, the Tea Kettle, Eagle Rock, and the Cowpies. These names make more sense from the air because the formations are viewed as shapes rather than isolated walls. The pilot’s commentary matters here. Without help, some of these smaller formations could be hard to identify during a fast flight.

Oak Creek Canyon and Midgely Bridge

The aircraft then gives you an aerial look at Midgely Bridge. From above, the bridge provides a clear visual marker against the red rock and canyon scenery. It is a brief view, but it helps connect the town area with the canyon route.

The flight continues toward Steamboat Rock, Ship Rock, and Oak Creek Canyon. The canyon brings more variety to the ride. Instead of only seeing exposed red-rock towers, you look into a long cut in the earth with trees, cliffs, and changing rock colors. The helicopter’s height lets you understand the canyon’s shape in a way that is difficult from the road.

Grasshopper Point and the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon follow. These views are quick, so keep your headset on and your camera ready. The pilot’s narration can help you catch each feature before the helicopter moves on.

The route also includes Ship Rock, the Fin, and a canyon filled with rock pillars and seasonal waterfalls. The waterfalls depend on conditions, so you should not expect them to appear on every flight. Even without water, the pillars and narrow canyon walls add a different character to this portion of the ride.

Coffee Pot Rock, Soldiers Pass, and Natural Bridge

Coffee Pot Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable formations, and the aerial angle makes its name easier to understand. The route also includes Soldiers Pass, the Mitten, and Sphinx Rock. These features appear in quick succession, so this is a place where a pilot’s local knowledge improves the experience.

The helicopter also views a natural bridge from above. It is one of the area’s popular hikes, and seeing the full bridge from the air gives you an immediate sense of its structure. On the ground, vegetation and nearby rock can limit your view. From above, the arch is easier to read as a complete formation.

This is one of the tour’s practical strengths. In only a few minutes, you can preview sights that would otherwise require separate drives, walks, and trail planning. The trade-off is depth. You get a useful overview rather than time to examine each place at leisure.

Seven Canyons, Mescal Mesa, and Boynton Canyon

The route passes Seven Canyons golf course before turning toward Mescal Mesa. The golf course is less dramatic than the surrounding rock, but it helps show how developed areas fit among Sedona’s rugged formations.

Mescal Mesa offers broad views and a change from the narrow rock shapes seen earlier. The aircraft then flies by with views into Boynton Canyon. This is a valuable part of the route for anyone who wants to see more of Sedona beyond the central red-rock icons.

Boynton Canyon is known for its long canyon setting, and from the helicopter you can see into the canyon rather than simply viewing its entrance from the road. Again, the flight does not replace a hike. It does show you the larger layout quickly, which is useful if you have only one day in Sedona.

Doe Mountain comes next. The flat-topped form looks different from Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, adding another shape to the flight’s visual sequence. Sedona’s appeal comes partly from this variety: domes, fins, buttes, bridges, canyon walls, and isolated spires appear within a relatively compact area.

Chimney Rock and the return over Schuerman Mountain

Near the end of the route, Chimney Rock changes into the Three Fingers as the helicopter shifts perspective. This is a small but memorable detail. It shows how much the shape of a formation depends on your viewing angle. A rock that seems familiar from the road can look entirely different from the air.

The return route passes over Schuerman Mountain before landing back at the airport. The final views give you one last broad look across Sedona before the helicopter settles in. If you have a late afternoon flight, the changing light can add strong color to the rocks. One flight around sunset was praised for especially rich color, but good weather remains essential, and exact conditions cannot be promised.

Is $185.65 a fair price for 10 to 12 minutes?

At $185.65 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing ride. The flight is short, and you should not book it expecting a long aerial excursion. One person found the duration too brief, while another considered the timing just right because the route showed nearly all of Sedona’s major sights.

I think the value depends on how you use your time. If you have only one day, the helicopter can show you an impressive amount of country without hours in a car. If you plan to hike several areas and already have plenty of time, the price may feel harder to justify.

The small group helps support the cost. You are not in a large aircraft with rows of seats and distant commentary. The headset, air conditioning, forward-facing seats, and pilot interaction also add comfort. The best value goes to people who care about seeing Sedona from above, not simply checking off another activity.

Front seating can make a real difference. Since the rear passengers may have to look around the people in front, ask about seat placement before paying. If front seats cost extra, decide if an open view is worth the added price for you.

The pilots and the feel of the flight

The pilot is central to this experience because the flight moves quickly. Steve has been praised for smooth flying, fun music, and clear explanations of the red rocks and local vortexes. Josh has been noted for an easygoing manner and good commentary. Jeff and Geoff have also received strong praise for helping people feel comfortable and explaining what they were seeing.

That matters if you are nervous about helicopters. Several people described the ride as smoother and less frightening than expected. You still should not fly if you are sick, but the reported style of the flight is calm, careful, and friendly.

The office staff also play a part before takeoff. Connor has been praised for making check-in simple and helping with pre-flight nerves. Details such as these matter more on a short tour because there is little time to recover from a confusing start.

Who should book this Sedona helicopter ride?

I would choose this tour for a first visit, a special occasion, or a tight schedule. It suits couples who want a memorable shared view, families who may not manage several long hikes, and solo visitors who want to cover a lot of ground quickly.

It is also a strong choice if you are unsure which formations to visit on foot. The route can help you decide where to spend the rest of your day. You will see major sights such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, and Boynton Canyon without needing separate transport.

I would think twice if you dislike short paid activities or want time for detailed photography. The helicopter moves from formation to formation, and the rear seats may limit forward views. A longer flight may suit you better if you want more time in the air. The operator has suggested longer trips that go farther into the canyons and include ancient ruins, but that is a different experience.

Book ahead if this flight is important to your schedule. It is commonly reserved about 10 days in advance. You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is offered in English with a mobile ticket.

Weather, weight, and cancellation details

Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the flight, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same option applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff follows local Sedona time.

Each passenger has a total weight limit of 269 pounds. Most people can participate, but anyone who is unwell should not fly. The operator does not provide a separate accessibility description in the supplied information, so contact Apex Air Tours if you need a specific accommodation.

Should you book Apex Air Tours?

Book it if you want a fast, close-up look at Sedona’s major rock formations and accept that 10 to 12 minutes goes quickly. The route is efficient, the small aircraft keeps the setting personal, and the pilots add useful commentary rather than leaving you to guess what you are seeing.

For the best experience, ask about front seating, keep your camera ready, and choose a time when the weather is clear. At $185.65, it is a special-occasion price, but it can be worthwhile when your time is short or you want a view that hiking and driving cannot provide.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour begin?

It begins at 1225 Airport Road, Sedona, Arizona 86336. The flight also ends at this same meeting point.

How long is the helicopter ride?

The flight lasts approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

How far does the tour fly?

The experience covers more than 20 miles over the Sedona area.

How many people can ride in the helicopter?

The activity has a maximum of six people, including the pilot. The tour is commonly described as having five people onboard.

Are the seats forward-facing?

Yes. All seats face forward, though passengers in the rear may have less open visibility than those in front.

What landmarks can I see?

The route includes Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Broken Arrow Trail, Courthouse Butte, Oak Creek Canyon, Coffee Pot Rock, Boynton Canyon, Doe Mountain, and many other formations.

Is a headset included?

Yes. The tour includes a noise-reducing headset with a microphone.

What is the weight limit?

The total weight limit is 269 pounds per passenger.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded.