SEDONA AIR ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Ancient Sedona: A Helicopter Passage into Boyton and Long Canyons
A 30-mile, 18–20 minute helicopter tour that brings you close to virtually inaccessible ancient ruins for a rare aerial encounter with the region’s human past.
Ancient Sedona: A Helicopter Passage into Boyton and Long Canyons.
Adventure brief
Ancient Sedona: A Helicopter Passage into Boyton and Long Canyons
Experience history from above on a compact helicopter route that soars over Boyton and Long Canyons, slowing to give passengers an intimate look at ancient ruins otherwise unreachable by foot.
Take to the skies with Apex Air Tours on the Ancient Sedona helicopter adventure, a breathtaking 30-mile journey over some of Arizona's most stunning and historic landscapes. This unique air tour provides breathtaking aerial views of Boynton and Long Canyons, showcasing sights most visitors never get to see from the ground. Soaring above ancient ruins, you’ll get an exclusive look at remnants of a long-past civilization, where stories of the past whisper through the rocks. It's an immersive experience that connects you with history in a powerful, personal way. Along the way, natural wonders like vibrant red rock formations and winding canyons come alive, framed perfectly by the Arizona desert's vibrant palette. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking an extraordinary outdoor experience, this flight combines adventure and education into one unforgettable outing. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers, the Ancient Sedona tour reveals hidden chapters of the region's heritage while providing a stunning perspective of Sedona's iconic scenery.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic
Key stops and moments along the helicopter route.
Sedona Airport (Launch)
Takeoff from the Sedona airport begins the short circuit over the canyonlands.
Boyton Canyon Overflight
The helicopter slows to allow close observation of canyon walls and slope-top ruins in Boyton Canyon.
Long Canyon Overflight
A focused pass over Long Canyon brings passengers near additional ancient structures that are effectively unreachable by foot.
Return to Sedona
A short return leg completes the roughly 30-mile loop back to the airfield.
Aircraft seating and flight logistics are fixed: the operator requires a minimum of two seats sold for each flight and offers comfort seating options for passengers exceeding 229 lbs (Comfort Plus for those 270 lbs and up); expect forward-facing seats and air conditioning, and be aware that operator route or timing adjustments may occur.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A focused 30-mile flight over red-rock canyons
The tour covers roughly 30 miles in a roughly 18–20 minute flight, tracing a course through Boyton and Long Canyons to place you directly above archaeological sites that are virtually inaccessible on foot.
Close-up views of ancient structures
Flying into the heart of the canyons gives passengers an up-close vantage on ruins, allowing visitors to better envision the lives of the people who built them.
An immersive, short-duration encounter with the past
The tour slows at key points to create a more intimate and immersive experience than a high-speed flyover, maximizing the opportunity to study ruins from the air in a single, tight circuit.
What the day feels like
What the flight feels like
In a brief 18–20 minute circuit you lift from Sedona’s airfield and trace a compact 30-mile route above the red-rock amphitheaters of Boyton and Long Canyons; the pilot reduces speed at key points so passengers can take concentrated views of cliffside ruins that are otherwise nearly impossible to reach on foot.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a camera, cell phone, and water. Do not bring carry-on bags or purses—limited space on the helicopter precludes any-size carry-on items.
Dress in layers; it is usually warmer inside the helicopter than outside, so adjustable clothing is recommended.
Check in 30 minutes prior to your flight at the Sedona airport facility; follow the airport road through the stop signs to the red building at the far left corner for customer check-in and waiting areas with seating and restrooms.
Each flight requires at least two seats sold to operate; comfort seating (229+ lbs) and Comfort Plus (270+ lbs) are available—contact the operator if you have seating or accessibility questions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time should I check-in for my flight?
Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to your flight
Where do I go to check-in?
To check in, please go straight through the stop signs at the top of the airport road and head towards the red building at the far left corner.
Can I be late to my flight?
Late arrivals will not be able to join the flight as we run on a very tight schedule and have many others scheduled for flights after yours and cannot delay take-off times.
Is there a rest area or bathrooms prior to my flight?
We have several comfortable couches and two bathrooms for our customers to use while waiting on their flight.
How should I dress?
Please dress in layers so that you can comfortably adjust to differing conditions. It is usually warmer in the helicopter than outside.
What can I bring on the helicopter?
Camera, cell phone and water are welcome on board. Due to the limited space on the helicopter, any-size carry-on bags or purses are NOT allowed.
Do you offer any discounts?
Apex Air Helicopter Tours gladly offers a 10% discount to all veterans and currently serving military and first responders. Repeat-customer and group discounts are also available; call (928) 852-4848 to book.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours rebooked will be subject to a rescheduling fee per seat and may be rescheduled up to 24 hours prior to the flight. Passengers who fail to show up or are more than 15 minutes late for check-in will be billed the full price. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that preclude a flight, staff will work to establish a rebooking at no charge. Cancellations 24 hours prior or more may be issued flight credit. All ticket/gift card sales are final.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-18T12:03:16.413Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.