Scottsdale’s 4 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours

Scottsdale is a fantastic place to see Arizona from above. With its sweeping desert landscapes, towering red rock formations, and close proximity to iconic sites like the Grand Canyon and Sedona, it’s no wonder helicopter flights are popular here.

Whether you want a quick jaunt over Scottsdale’s best sights or an all-day adventure to the Grand Canyon, this area offers something for every type of flyer. We especially like how some tours combine aerial views with land-based explorations, giving a well-rounded experience.

For example, the Antelope Canyon Private Helicopter Adventure offers a cinematic journey through Northern Arizona’s stunning landscapes, landing you in Page for up to four hours of ground exploration.

If you’re planning a helicopter tour in Scottsdale, you’ll find options that range from quick city flights to luxurious, multi-hour excursions into the wilderness. Our list highlights the most interesting and diverse experiences available, helping you pick the perfect match for your interests, schedule, and budget.

Quick Overview

In this guide, we cover four standout helicopter tours. From a 1-hour private adventure around Scottsdale’s local sights to a 4-hour private trip to the Grand Canyon, and even a full-day journey to the North Arizona’s most dramatic landscapes, each offers a unique way to experience Arizona from the air. For more information on each tour, check out their full descriptions, Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Sedona tours.

1. Phoenix Private 1 Hour Helicopter Adventure Flight

This one-hour private helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of some of Arizona’s most striking landscapes, departing from Scottsdale’s private hangar (just 20 minutes from Phoenix). The flight includes a low-altitude cruise over the Four Peaks Mountain Range, the Salt River canyons, and the Verde River Valley.

One of the highlights is passing over the Fountain Hills Fountain, which reaches up to 560 feet—an impressive sight from above.

This tour is all about quick but immersive sightseeing. You’ll get to see the Old Town Scottsdale from the sky, fly over the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and enjoy views of Pinnacle Peak and Camelback Mountain. The flight is designed for small groups, making for a personalized experience.

The tour’s main appeal is its ability to cover a lot of ground in a short time, providing a great introduction to Arizona’s varied terrain.

While the price ($1,449.50 per person) isn’t cheap, it’s a private experience that delivers a tailored adventure. It suits travelers who want a quick, high-quality overview of the local landscape, especially if time or budget is less flexible. Keep in mind, there are no reviews yet, but the itinerary suggests a memorable, photo-worthy flight.

Bottom Line: A fast, private tour perfect for those wanting an exclusive, aerial taste of Scottsdale’s surroundings.

2. Grand Canyon Private 4-Hour Helicopter Adventure from Phoenix

For those seeking a true bucket-list experience, the Grand Canyon Private 4-Hour Helicopter Adventure is hard to beat. Departing from Scottsdale, this tour takes you on a private roundtrip flight to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. It’s the only high-end helicopter experience from Phoenix offering this level of exclusivity and comfort.

The journey begins with breathtaking views of the Red Rock Canyons of Sedona, with the helicopter flying deep into narrow canyons and along towering cliffs. Then, you’ll soar over the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for 25 minutes, taking in panoramic vistas of the canyon’s vast, layered formations and the winding Colorado River below.

From there, the flight continues over the Painted Desert, with its surreal orange and purple spires, then through Marble Canyon and past the Meteor Crater—a well-preserved impact site used by NASA for astronaut training.

This tour isn’t cheap at $6,000 per person, but the experience justifies the price with its cinematic views and personalized service. It’s ideal for travelers who want an upscale, comprehensive experience with plenty of time for photography and exploration on the ground in Page, AZ.

Bottom Line: An exceptional, luxury day trip for adventure-seekers with a serious interest in Arizona’s landscapes—worth every penny if you want the best.

3. Antelope Canyon Private Helicopter Adventure from Phoenix

The Antelope Canyon Private Helicopter Adventure is a truly cinematic journey that combines aerial sightseeing with a land-based exploration of Northern Arizona’s most famous slot canyon.

Starting from Scottsdale, it’s a long day—about 6 to 8 hours—but the experience packs in incredible scenery, from the Red Rock Canyons of Sedona to the Painted Desert, Marble Canyon, the Meteor Crater, and Horseshoe Bend.

What sets this tour apart is its combination of helicopter flight and time on the ground. After flying over stunning landscapes, you land in Page, AZ, where you’ll have up to four hours to walk into Antelope Canyon and visit Horseshoe Bend—two of the most photographed spots in the American Southwest.

The helicopter itself is a luxurious, cinematic-style craft, offering an up-close look at the landscape from above before you descend into the canyon’s otherworldly corridors.

Priced at $8,000 per person, this tour is for serious explorers who want a full day of adventure, photography, and unique perspectives. While the price is steep, the combination of aerial and ground experiences makes it a highly memorable trip.

Bottom Line: An elite adventure for those who want to combine top-notch helicopter views with deep canyon exploration in a single day.

4. Sedona 2 Hour Private Helicopter Adventure from Phoenix

Last on our list, the Sedona 2 Hour Private Helicopter Adventure offers a more moderate but still impressive way to see the iconic red rock formations. Departing from Scottsdale, this tour delivers a two-hour private flight over Sedona’s famous canyons and cliffs, including the chance to fly low and cinematic-style through the terrain, revealing the textures and layers of the red rocks in detail.

A key highlight is flying over the Mogollon Rim and Tonto National Forest, giving you a sense of the vastness of Arizona’s wilderness. You’ll also pass over the Famous TPC Scottsdale golf course, home of the Waste Management Open, offering a unique perspective on this well-known venue. The private nature of the trip makes it ideal for couples or small groups seeking a tailored experience.

At $3,125 per person, it’s a significant expense, but it offers high-quality sightseeing with a focus on Sedona’s stunning scenery. The limited duration makes it suitable for travelers with tighter schedules who want a taste of red rock grandeur.

Bottom Line: A great option for those wanting a private, scenic aerial tour of Sedona’s iconic red rocks without committing to a full-day adventure.

How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour

Choosing between these options depends on your budget, available time, and what scenery excites you most. If you’re short on time but want a quick overview, the Phoenix Private 1 Hour Helicopter Adventure Flight offers a fine introduction. For a full-day, deep dive into the Grand Canyon, the 4-hour Grand Canyon tour provides a luxurious, comprehensive experience.

If your goal is to see the most iconic landmarks like Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, then the Antelope Canyon Helicopter Adventure is ideal, especially if you’re willing to spend more. For a more focused, red rock experience, the Sedona helicopter tour provides a beautiful, private flight over Sedona’s famous formations.

Booking early is wise, particularly for the luxury and full-day tours, as they fill up quickly. Consider the season—spring and fall often offer the best weather and views.

Final Thoughts

Scottsdale and its surroundings offer a spectacular range of helicopter tours, from quick city views to multi-hour excursions into the Grand Canyon and beyond.

For a quick taste, the private Scottsdale tour is perfect, while adventurers with more time should consider the comprehensive Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon trips. If your budget is flexible, splurging on the full-day experience promises unforgettable memories.

Whatever your choice, booking early and clarifying what’s included will ensure a smooth and memorable flight. Arizona’s skies are waiting—time to take off and see the desert from a whole new perspective.