PHOENIX CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Forty-Five Minutes Over the Valley of the Sun: A Scenic Flight From Deer Valley
A 45-minute sightseeing flight from Deer Valley Airport that arcs over Lake Pleasant, Tonto National Forest, Horseshoe Reservoir and Fountain Hills — this guide explains the route, sights and booking details.
Forty-Five Minutes Over the Valley of the Sun: A Scenic Flight From Deer Valley.
From Deer Valley Airport in north Phoenix, Westwind Air Service operates the Valley of the Sun Tour (VAL), a 45-minute scenic flight that traces turquoise desert lakes, rugged national forest and the full sweep of the Valley of the Sun.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lake Pleasant to Bartlett Lake — desert waterbodies from above
The flight takes in the turquoise waters of Lake Pleasant and the surprising oasis of Bartlett Lake and Horseshoe Reservoir, contrasting bright water against Sonoran Desert tones.
Tonto National Forest and the Bradshaw Mountains
You pass over the unique vegetation of the Tonto National Forest and the Bradshaw Mountains, viewing desert forest textures and the Four Peaks area from the air.
Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and Pinnacle Peak
The route continues over Fountain Hills and the city of Scottsdale, then north over Pinnacle Peak before returning to north Phoenix, giving a broad panorama of the valley and suburban edges.
What the day feels like
What the Flight Feels Like
This 45-minute tour departs from Deer Valley in north Phoenix and moves from desert lowlands to reservoirs and forested mountain foothills, passing Carefree and Cave Creek, tracking the Bradshaw Mountains to Horseshoe Reservoir and Bartlett Lake, then over Four Peaks, Fountain Hills and Scottsdale before returning to north Phoenix.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight works best for
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour is offered as a 45-minute flight and can also be scheduled as a sunrise or sunset tour.
Operator-provided materials do not list specific gear requirements; passengers should plan standard personal items for a short sightseeing flight.
Rates vary by party size: $349 per person for three or more travelers (ages 3+), $487 per person for two travelers (ages 2+); infants under 2 carried by an adult are not charged. Single-passenger bookings require calling the operator for pricing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Valley of the Sun Tour?
The tour duration is 45 minutes.
Where does the tour depart from?
The flight departs from Deer Valley Airport in north Phoenix and returns there.
What are the rates?
For three or more passengers the adult rate (ages 3+) is $349 per person; for two passengers the adult rate (ages 2+) is $487 per person. Infants under age 2 carried by an adult are not charged. Single passenger bookings require calling the operator for pricing and reservations.
Can infants fly?
Infants under age 2 who are carried by an adult are not charged.
Can the tour be scheduled at sunrise or sunset?
Yes — the tour can also be done as either a sunset or sunrise tour.
Will the flight make additional stops?
Flights may make additional stops.