Sedona Helicopter & Airplane Tours

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 13, 2026

Scenic air tours offer a dramatic way to see Sedona’s red rock formations, deep canyons and surrounding high-desert landscape from above. Current options include helicopter flights over Sedona, fixed-wing sightseeing tours and longer airplane excursions to destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. Tour routes, aircraft, departure locations and schedules vary by operator, so compare current offerings before making a reservation.

• Helicopter Tours
• Airplane Tours
• Air Tour Companies
• Choosing A Tour
• Air Tour Tips
• FAQ

Sedona Helicopter Tours

Helicopter tours departing from Sedona Airport provide aerial views of many of the area’s best-known red rock formations, canyons and wilderness areas. Current Sedona-based helicopter operators include Apex Air Tours and Guidance Air, with routes that can include landmarks such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Secret Canyon and the Mogollon Rim. Flight duration, route and seating arrangements vary by tour.

Sedona Airplane Tours

Fixed-wing sightseeing tours provide another way to view Sedona and Northern Arizona from the air. Current flights can range from short scenic loops over Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon to longer trips that include the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell and other Southwest landmarks. Some flights depart from Sedona Airport, while Sedona Air Tours currently operates from nearby Cottonwood Airport.

Travelers interested in other aerial experiences can also see Sedona hot air balloon rides.

Sedona Air Tour Companies

The following companies currently offer helicopter or airplane sightseeing experiences serving the Sedona area. Tour availability, routes, prices and departure locations can change, so verify current details directly with the operator.

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Apex Air Tours

Apex Air Tours operates helicopter sightseeing tours from 1225 Airport Road at Sedona Airport. Current tours range from shorter flights over Sedona landmarks to extended routes through remote canyon and wilderness areas. The company also offers selected helicopter and ground-tour combinations.

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Guidance Air

Guidance Air operates helicopter tours from 1200 Airport Road at Sedona Airport. Its sightseeing routes cover different combinations of Sedona landmarks and canyon areas, with private-flight options also available.

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Sedona Air Tours

Sedona Air Tours currently operates from Cottonwood Airport at 1001 West Mingus Avenue in Cottonwood. Its current offerings include scenic airplane tours over Sedona and Northern Arizona as well as selected helicopter experiences. The company offers transportation from many Sedona-area hotels for qualifying tours.

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Westwind Air Service

Westwind Air Service offers fixed-wing sightseeing tours departing from Sedona, including aerial and combination trips to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and other Northern Arizona destinations. Options range from aerial-only sightseeing to longer flight-and-ground-tour packages.

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Choosing A Helicopter Or Airplane Tour

Helicopter and airplane tours provide different types of sightseeing experiences. Helicopters are especially well suited to relatively compact tours focused on Sedona’s formations, canyons and wilderness scenery, while fixed-wing aircraft can efficiently cover longer distances to destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Lake Powell.

• Choose a helicopter tour for a concentrated aerial experience over Sedona and nearby canyon country.
• Choose an airplane tour when you want to cover more of Northern Arizona in a single trip.
• Compare actual flight time rather than total tour duration when evaluating tours.
• Check whether the listed tour includes ground transportation, ground touring or other activities.
• Confirm the departure airport before booking because not every Sedona-area tour departs from Sedona Airport.

Tips For Planning A Sedona Air Tour

Weather, aircraft availability and operational conditions can affect scenic flights, so build some flexibility into your itinerary. Operators may also have specific check-in times, passenger-weight procedures and restrictions on bags or personal items.

• Reserve early during busy spring and fall travel periods.
• Confirm the exact airport and check-in location before leaving your hotel.
• Arrive by the operator’s required check-in time.
• Ask about passenger and baggage restrictions before booking.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the season and aircraft.
• Keep your schedule flexible in case weather affects flight operations.
• Confirm cancellation and rescheduling policies before payment.

For ground-based sightseeing, Jeep tours, guided excursions and additional ways to explore the region, see our complete guide to Sedona tours.

Sedona Air Tours FAQ

Are helicopter tours available in Sedona?

Yes. Current helicopter operators based at Sedona Airport offer sightseeing flights over Sedona’s red rocks, canyons and surrounding wilderness areas.

Are airplane tours available from Sedona?

Yes. Fixed-wing tours are available from Sedona Airport and nearby Cottonwood Airport, depending on the operator and itinerary.

What can you see on a Sedona helicopter tour?

Routes vary, but flights may include aerial views of landmarks and areas such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Secret Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon and portions of the surrounding wilderness.

Can I fly from Sedona to the Grand Canyon?

Yes. Some fixed-wing operators offer tours departing from Sedona that include Grand Canyon overflights or combination trips with ground touring.

How long are Sedona air tours?

Tour length varies considerably. Short sightseeing flights may last less than an hour, while Grand Canyon and other regional excursions can take several hours or most of a day.

Do all Sedona air tours leave from Sedona Airport?

No. Several operators depart from Sedona Airport, but some Sedona-area sightseeing flights currently depart from Cottonwood Airport. Always confirm the check-in location before your tour.

Should I reserve a Sedona air tour in advance?

Advance reservations are recommended, particularly during busy travel periods and when you need a specific date or flight time.

Can weather cancel a helicopter or airplane tour?

Yes. Weather and other operational conditions can affect scenic flights. Operators may reschedule or modify flights when conditions are unsuitable.

Are there passenger restrictions on air tours?

Operators may have aircraft-specific passenger, weight, seating and baggage requirements. Check the current rules with the tour company before booking.

What is the difference between a helicopter tour and an airplane tour?

Helicopter tours are commonly used for concentrated sightseeing around Sedona and its canyon country, while airplanes can efficiently cover longer routes to destinations throughout Northern Arizona and the Southwest.

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