Overview of This Sedona Helicopter Tour Experience
This video captures a 12-minute scenic helicopter flight over Sedona, Arizona, showcasing the region's iconic red rock formations from the air. The tour departs from Sedona Airport via Apex Air Tours and sweeps across Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Mammoth Rock, Capitol Butte, and several other landmark formations. It's an ideal experience for travelers who want to see Sedona's most famous sites in minimal time without hiking, or for those seeking a bird's-eye perspective on a landscape they've already explored on foot.
The video follows a first-time helicopter rider (Greyhound, a dog) and demonstrates what to expect from arrival through takeoff to landing. This tour suits adventure travelers with moderate budgets, visitors short on time, photography enthusiasts eager for aerial perspectives, and anyone who wants to cover maximum scenic ground without physical exertion. If you're planning a Sedona trip, booking your helicopter flight early is essential—spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Key Moments
Main Highlights from This Sedona Aerial Tour
- Cathedral Rock, described as Sedona's most iconic landmark and most powerful vortex site, seen from directly above
- Devil's Bridge, the most popular hiking destination in Sedona, viewed from the air rather than from the ground queue
- Chapel of the Holy Cross, another major vortex and tourist attraction, visible from above in a way ground visitors cannot experience
- Mammoth Rock, Snoopy Rock, Capitol Butte, and Chimney Rock—distinctive formations that frame Sedona's red rock landscape
- Residential Sedona and the surrounding terrain as the flight loops back to the airport, giving geographic context to the town's location
- The complete 12-minute route structure, showing how much ground the tour covers in a short time
What to Know Before Booking Your Sedona Helicopter Tour
- Duration and Cost: The tour lasts approximately 12 minutes and costs around $500 per person for front-row seating (prices may vary)
- Arrival Instructions: Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to complete safety waivers and check-in
- Booking Location: Tours depart from Sedona Airport via Apex Air Tours; you'll be transported to the helicopter on the runway
- Safety Briefing: All passengers receive a safety orientation and wear headsets to hear pilot instructions; front-seat passengers are specifically instructed not to block the pilot's view or extend cameras toward the cockpit
- Timing Consideration: Avoid tours scheduled near sunset if possible—the video shows significant sun glare can obstruct views during late-day flights
- Photography: Bring cameras or phones for photos, but follow pilot guidelines about positioning and never obstruct the cockpit area
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedona Helicopter Tours
How long does the entire helicopter tour take from start to finish?
The actual flight time is roughly 12 minutes, but you should plan for about 45 minutes total when including arrival, check-in, waivers, photo opportunities before boarding, and the flight itself. Arriving 30 minutes early is required.
What are the best rock formations to see on this tour?
Cathedral Rock (the most iconic), Devil's Bridge (the most photographed), Chapel of the Holy Cross, Mammoth Rock, Capitol Butte, and Chimney Rock are the main landmarks highlighted. Each offers distinct geological interest and spiritual significance to the region.
Is the helicopter tour safe for first-time flyers?
Yes—the video shows a first-time helicopter rider (a dog) completing the tour without issue. Professional pilots provide clear safety instructions, all passengers wear headsets, and the flight is only 12 minutes, which is short enough for nervous flyers to manage.
Should I do the helicopter tour before or after hiking the same locations on the ground?
The video's creators hiked Cathedral Rock and later toured Devil's Bridge on foot after their helicopter ride, suggesting the aerial tour works well as either a standalone experience or a complement to ground-based exploring. Doing it early in your trip gives you aerial context for what you'll see later on trails.
Can I bring a camera or phone to take photos during the flight?
Yes, cameras and phones are permitted, but the pilot will instruct front-seat passengers not to block the pilot's face or extend equipment into the cockpit area. The video shows the crew taking multiple photos both before boarding and during the flight.
