We Took a Helicopter Tour at Zion National Park

TheGrantHC · 5 years ago

At a glance

Length
10 min
Channel
TheGrantHC
Video from
May 2021
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Families and couples seeking a scenic aerial tour of Zion without extensive hiking.

Overview of This Zion National Park Helicopter Tour

TheGrantHC's video documents a spring trip to helicopter tour experience at one of America's most dramatic national parks. The creator and their father spent two days exploring Zion National Park in Utah, combining a comfortable off-park stay with an aerial perspective of the park's towering red cliffs and canyon landscapes. The footage captures both the planning side of the trip—where to stay and how to book the flight—and the actual flight itself, giving viewers a realistic sense of what to expect.

This experience suits travelers who want to see Zion from a completely different vantage point than hiking or driving alone. If you're interested in aerial views without committing to a multi-day backcountry trek, or if you're traveling with family and want a shorter, high-impact activity, a helicopter tour offers a concentrated way to absorb the park's scale and beauty. The video also touches on the glamping option, which appeals to visitors wanting comfort and convenience near the park without staying in traditional hotels.

What the Helicopter Tour and Trip Highlights Include

  • Aerial views of Zion's iconic red-rock cliffs and canyon formations from a perspective impossible to get from the ground
  • A glamping stay in elevated canvas tents with plumbing and modern amenities, positioned just outside the park boundary
  • Scenic driving through Zion National Park's main roads to experience the landscape from multiple angles
  • Spring conditions in mid-April, when weather is mild and visibility is typically excellent for aerial photography
  • A full two-day itinerary showing how to structure a Zion trip that includes both air and ground-based exploration
Featured image for the guide to We Took a Helicopter Tour at Zion National Park by TheGrantHC

Planning Your Zion Helicopter Tour: What to Know

  • Spring is a practical season for this activity; the video was filmed April 14–15, suggesting mild weather and good flight conditions
  • Glamping accommodation near the park offers a comfortable middle ground between camping and hotel stays, with amenities like plumbing and shelter
  • The trip combines the helicopter experience with traditional park driving, so plan for a multi-day visit rather than a same-day flight-and-leave approach
  • Booking both the aerial tour and accommodation ahead of time is advisable during peak season
  • Bring a camera or ensure your device is charged if you want to capture the aerial views; the video shows footage that demonstrates the visual quality available

Frequently Asked Questions About Zion Helicopter Tours

How long does a typical helicopter tour at Zion last?

The video does not specify the exact duration of the flight itself, but it shows the experience as part of a full two-day trip, suggesting the tour is a significant but not all-day activity. Check with local tour operators for precise flight times when booking.

What is glamping, and is it worth booking near Zion?

Glamping combines "glamorous" and "camping"—it means staying in a tent that has modern conveniences like plumbing and elevation off the ground. The video shows this as a comfortable option for visitors who want to stay near the park without sacrificing basic comforts, making it ideal for those who find traditional camping inconvenient.

What is the best time of day for a helicopter tour?

The video was filmed in mid-April and does not specify an optimal flight time. Generally, early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for viewing red-rock formations, but you'll want to confirm availability and conditions with your tour operator when you book.

Do I need special gear or clothing for the flight?

The video does not detail specific clothing requirements, but typical advice for aerial tours is to wear layers (cabin temperature can vary) and secure any loose items. Ask your operator for a pre-flight checklist when you confirm your booking.

Can you combine a helicopter tour with regular park activities?

Yes—the video shows the creators enjoying both the aerial tour and driving through Zion's main scenic routes. This demonstrates that a helicopter tour works well as one component of a broader multi-day park visit rather than as a standalone activity.

A still from the video We Took a Helicopter Tour at Zion National Park by TheGrantHC
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Key Terms

Glamping
A style of camping that combines outdoor shelter with modern conveniences like plumbing and elevated beds instead of sleeping on the ground.
Helicopter tour
A guided aerial flight that takes passengers over scenic landscapes to view terrain and formations from the air.
Canyon formations
Large natural structures and cliff faces carved by erosion, which are a primary feature of Zion's landscape.
Aerial views
Photographs or perspectives taken from above the ground, typically from aircraft or high vantage points.

Sources: Glamping · Helicopter tour · Canyon formations · Aerial views — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video is genuinely helpful because it shows two distinct ways to experience Zion—from the air and from the road—and illustrates how to build a practical itinerary combining both. Many tour videos focus only on the flight, but this one gives the fuller context of planning and accommodation that real travelers need.

What stands out most is how the footage captures the scale of Zion's formations from above; you really get a sense of why the aerial perspective is worth the investment. If you're on the fence about whether a helicopter tour fits your budget and schedule, this video makes a strong, honest case that it does, and I'd recommend watching it before you book.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

I started Helicopterstour.com because I genuinely believe there’s no better way to see the world than from the sky. I used to work on the Pride of America cruise ship in Hawaii, helping guests book shore excursions all over the islands. Two Vacation Hero Awards 2,000+ Guests/Week Pride of America · NCL Hawaii Shore Excursions 1000+ Tours Reviewed

Video by TheGrantHC on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

Hello everyone, I went on a trip to Zion National Park in Utah with my dad. We stayed at a beautiful campsite just outside the park that consisted of beautiful canvas tents. This was called "glamping" (glamorous camping) because the tents were elevated and had plumbing. The helicopter tour was spectacular and we also had a great time driving through the park. Thanks for watching! This video takes place from April 14th to the 15th of 2021.

Track: Summer Vibes
Music composed and recorded by Oak Studios
Creative Commons - Attribution ND 4.0
https://youtu.be/ixCCak6cX0Y

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