(Article) The Only Way to Fly: Helicopter Tours Offer A “Bird’s-Eye” Perspective of the Red Rock Country

The Only Way to Fly: Helicopter Tours Offer A “Bird’s-Eye” Perspective of the Red Rock Country

          In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” Likewise, once you have viewed Sedona from the air you will be forever changed. There is no comparison. With tens of thousands of passengers each year taking to the air by helicopter, it is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to take it all in. With over 4 million visitors each year competing with 10,000 locals for sparse roadway corridors through the Sedona area, many are looking skyward to soar above the fray.

          There are many ways you can explore the Red Rock Country around Sedona. Minimalists prefer to explore the region afoot, choosing from over 80 trails interspersed throughout the area. Cyclists refer to the 200 miles of trails available to them as a “mountain bike Mecca.” You can take a Jeep tour where a thrilling off-road excursion is complimented by the insights of a well-informed guide. While these are all good options, Sedona’s unique vertical topography lends itself to a view from the air. For a true, “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” consider a helicopter tour of the area in order to fully appreciate the 80 percent natural wonders that is often missed when viewing from the ground.

          For over 300 million years, geologic processes have carved out this southern edge of the Colorado Plateau revealing awe-inspiring red sandstone formations that tower 2,000 feet above the city of Sedona. Airport Mesa is perfectly situated in the middle between the most popular of these natural wonders. In one short aerial circuit, visitors can see them all: Capital Butte Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.  Over ten-thousand times each year a helicopter lifts off from the airport carrying wide-eyed visitors seeking out the unparalleled views they can never see from the ground.

          Many of the landmarks that make Sedona truly remarkable aren’t readily accessible by land. Take for example the Indian cliff dwellings that many of the tours include. Over a thousand years ago, the Sinagua peoples, for unknown reasons, sought refuge high above the ground on the towering cliffs. Your appreciation of these ancient archeological sites is enhanced by an air tour without an arduous hike along precarious trails. Without this option many visitors with mobility issues might never be able to see them.

          Most helicopter tours originating from Sedona’s Airport Mesa generally run from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the tour you select. Whatever length you choose, I’m sure you’ll feel as I did after landing from one tour last year. I wanted more.

There’s a whole other level added to your Sedona visit when touring the region by air. “There is nothing like flying, it is a dimension few get to celebrate and the lucky ones are called pilots” added Sedona Airport Manager Amanda Shankland. “What an experience, to soar over the Red Rocks and take in the view…it will change your ‘attitude’ and altitude!”

          Want that perfect photo or video unobstructed or just an added thrill? Try the popular “doors off” option offered by many of the operators. By doing so, you can feel the rush of open air while viewing the amazing scenery unencumbered by doors or windows. This is not for everyone, but for those who are more adventurous at heart; the experience can be described with one word… Exhilarating!

          “I was a bit nervous having never ridden in anything other than a plane,” said one recent passenger visiting from Las Vegas. “Within minutes the pilot’s professionalism and the majesty of the view had soothed me. I just settled in and enjoyed the flight. I would recommend it to anyone!” All passengers wear headphones equipped with microphones. They can communicate directly with their pilot/guide and ask questions along the way. These aren’t just competent pilots; they are knowledgeable tour guides eager to share that knowledge with their passengers.

          The iconic formations like Bell Rock are revealed in all three dimensions as you circle around them. The light and shadows dance among the spires that make up Cathedral Rock. The stark contrast of brilliant greens of the valley floor and rusty reds of the ascending rocks take on new brilliance from above. It would take a full day of driving between attractions, finding (and paying) for parking, and considerable hiking to experience what you can accomplish in a few glorious moments from the comfort and convenience of a helicopter seat.

Many people who have traveled great distances by car to Sedona don’t want to spend their time fighting the ever-increasing traffic once they arrive. Sit back and enjoy the magnificence of the red rock country in comfort.

Our thanks to Guidance Air for help with this article. Guidance Air tours is one of the premier operators at the Sedona Airport.  With Bose headsets, music and Air conditioning the helicopters couldn’t be any more comfortable.  They have brand new aircraft with huge windows so everyone gets a view. 

After landing enjoy a complimentary local beer or wine and sit and chat with their wonderful staff about all the other wonderful things to do in the area.  They live by the motto, “At Guidance everyone is family!”