Virgin, Utah, is a prime spot for exploring Zion National Park and its surrounding wilderness. With dramatic landscapes, rugged terrain, and historic sites, Virgin offers a variety of ways to experience Utah’s natural beauty.
Among the highlights are spectacular helicopter tours that reveal a perspective impossible from the ground, and off-road adventures that bring you into the heart of remote wilderness.
We especially like the Virgin: Canaan Mountains & Grafton Ghost Town Off Road Tour for its mix of adventure and history, and the Zion National Park: 10- or 20-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour for a quick, breathtaking view. Whether you’re after aerial vistas or rugged exploration, Virgin has something to satisfy.
Quick Overview
Our list features a mix of short scenic helicopter rides, extended aerial tours, and off-road adventures. For those who want a quick but stunning overview of Zion from above, the short helicopter rides are perfect. The Zion National Park: 10- or 20-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour offers a quick flight with memorable views.
If you prefer something more comprehensive, the Zion National Park and Canaan Cliffs: Helicopter Tour covers more ground with a 30-minute flight over Zion’s iconic landscapes.
For a deeper dive into the wilderness, the Virgin: Canaan Mountains & Grafton Ghost Town Off Road Tour presents a two-hour off-road journey combined with a historic ghost town visit.
Finally, a 55-minute extended helicopter tour offers a full-circle view of Zion, highlighting its most dramatic formations. Read on for detailed insights into each experience.
1. Zion National Park: 10- or 20-Minute Scenic Helicopter Tour
At number 1, this short helicopter ride provides a quick glimpse of Zion’s stunning landscapes from the air. For about $125 per person, you’ll soar over the Virgin River valley and see landmarks like the West Temple and Crater Hill Volcano. The flight lasts 10 or 20 minutes, depending on your choice, making it an excellent option if you’re pressed for time but want a memorable experience.
The highlight here is the chance to see Zion’s scenery that can’t be fully appreciated from the ground—like the sweeping views of the south-west side of Zion.
The narration from your pilot adds a layer of insight, helping you identify formations and learn quick facts. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an affordable, fast aerial overview of Zion.
Keep in mind, the short duration means you won’t get as comprehensive an experience as with longer flights, but it’s a great introduction.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-timers or those on a tight schedule wanting a taste of Zion’s grandeur from above.
2. Zion National Park and Canaan Cliffs: Helicopter Tour
For a more in-depth aerial adventure, the Zion National Park and Canaan Cliffs: Helicopter Tour takes about 30 minutes at $299 per person. This tour ventures north toward Smith Mesa and offers stunning views of the Kolob Canyon, a less-visited but equally spectacular part of Zion.
You’ll fly over Zion’s magnificent peaks and into the Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area, seeing these rugged landscapes from above.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to explore Zion’s surroundings and get a sense of the vastness and diversity of the area.
Passengers often comment on how the flight reveals features impossible to grasp from the ground, such as the impressive Kolob Canyons.
The 55-mile route provides a wealth of scenery, and the narration helps you connect those views to the landscape’s geology and history.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers eager for a fuller aerial experience and keen to explore Zion’s less accessible areas from above.
3. Virgin: Canaan Mountains & Grafton Ghost Town Off Road Tour
Number 3 on our list offers a two-hour, off-road adventure priced at $129 per person. This is perfect for those who want more than just a scenic view: it combines wilderness exploration with a historic twist.
Your guide will take you through the pristine Canaan Mountain Wilderness, showcasing panoramic observation points and explaining the topographical history of the Virgin River Valley.
A highlight is the visit to Grafton, a well-preserved Mormon ghost town. Walking through Grafton’s abandoned streets, you’ll get a tangible sense of history and pioneer life.
The off-road vehicle allows access to remote parts of Zion’s wilderness that are otherwise hard to reach, making this an ideal choice for adventurous travelers eager to combine nature with history.
Guests describe this tour as an “amazing mixture of scenery and history,” and the guide’s knowledge enhances the experience.
The tour is quite active and involves some rugged terrain, so good footwear and a spirit of adventure are recommended.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in both natural beauty and local history, with a manageable time commitment and excellent value.
4. Zion National Park, Canaan Cliffs: Extended Helicopter Tour
At number 4, this 55-minute helicopter flight offers a comprehensive aerial experience at $499 per person. This tour circles the entire Zion National Park, showcasing its most iconic rock formations and the expansive Canaan Mountain Wilderness.
It’s the longest and most immersive helicopter option, providing about 100 miles of stunning vistas.
What sets this experience apart is the ability to get a full-circle aerial tour of Zion’s diverse landscapes, from soaring cliffs to hidden valleys. The narration covers Zion’s geological and cultural stories, adding depth to the visual spectacle.
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime view, this extended flight is a fantastic choice.
Guests have commented on how this tour offers “breathtaking views that are simply unforgettable,” and the extended duration makes the price worthwhile for serious nature lovers.
It’s ideal for travelers who want maximum aerial coverage and are comfortable with higher costs.
Bottom line: A top-tier choice for those wanting the most comprehensive aerial perspective of Zion and Canaan Mountain Wilderness.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. The short scenic helicopter is perfect if you want a quick highlight reel, while the extended Zion tour suits those eager for a full-circle experience.
If you prefer a combination of adventure and history, the off-road Grafton Ghost Town tour delivers a unique mix.
For a thoroughly immersive experience, book the Zion National Park, Canaan Cliffs: Extended Helicopter Tour early, as spots fill quickly, especially in peak season.
Consider your physical comfort—off-road trips involve rugged terrain, but scenic helicopter rides require no physical effort.
If you’re short on time, the 10- or 20-minute flight offers a perfect quick taste.
For a full day or special occasion, the longer helicopter trips or off-road adventures provide an unforgettable experience.
Final Thoughts
Virgin Utah offers a fantastic range of tours for all types of travelers. From swift helicopter rides that deliver unforgettable views to in-depth explorations of Grafton Ghost Town and the Canaan Mountains, there’s something for all. For budget-conscious visitors, the 10- or 20-minute scenic helicopter provides a quick but stunning look at Zion.
If your goal is a comprehensive aerial survey, the 55-minute Zion Extended Helicopter Tour is worth the splurge. And adventure lovers should not miss the off-road Grafton Ghost Town Tour to combine wilderness with history.
No matter which tour you pick, Virgin Utah’s landscape will leave you with incredible memories—and maybe a new appreciation for the scale and beauty of Zion National Park. Be sure to reserve early, especially in peak seasons, so you don’t miss out on these spectacular experiences.