Hitching a ride on a helicopter tour is one of the most unique and coolest ways to see Zion National Park. Soar through the air above Zion, gaining a perspective that most visitors can only have imagined, as you take in the park’s dramatic scenery from above. Instead of needing to climb up Observation Point, you can effortlessly fly up and get the perfect view of the canyon walls and green valley below.
So how do you get a helicopter adventure organized? It’s actually fairly simple. You just need to visit the tour company’s website you’re interested in, pick a date and time for your excursion, and show up at the right time! The vastness and astonishing beauty of Zion’s scenery can only be fully appreciated from above, with breathtaking views that will leave you marveling at the landscape.
Need more info about the ride? We’ll help you out with this Zion Helicopters guide. These tours create memories that last a lifetime.
Are helicopter tours safe?
There will always be risks associated with flying high in the sky, but helicopters are actually safer than people realize. Reputable helicopter tour companies operating in Zion National Park are FAA certified, ensuring high safety standards for all flights. While there is a higher risk in riding a helicopter than in a commercial plane, helicopters are considered safer than riding in a car or truck.
The dryer and more predictable climate of southern Utah makes storms less common and easier to plan around, which would be the main problem when you’re scheduling other outdoor adventures like mountain biking, hiking, and off-roading near Zion.
What should I bring?
Every tour lasts roughly an hour to two hours, so you shouldn’t need to bring much. However, if you’d like a packing list with suggestions, we can give you some!
- Jackets, Jeans, Closed-Toed Shoes, Long-Sleeve Shirts (remember it gets cold at high altitudes!)
- Binoculars
- Camera or Phone (why not take iconic pictures of your own?)
- Snacks or Lunch (if you’re staying on the butte for the allotted 30 minutes, especially if you’re pairing your flight with a Southern Utah sunset viewing spot)
How much are the tours?
Tours range in price from $99 to $650 per person, depending on the group, the time of year and day, and where you plan on flying. If you prefer to keep your budget focused on the flight itself, using convenient transportation like the Sun Tran Zion Bus to navigate Zion can help you save on other parts of your trip. We recommend you take a look at the specific tour websites below for specific pricing options.
What’s the best time of day to go?
While it ultimately depends on when you’d like to go, many guests like to get a helicopter tour done early in the morning. Planning around shuttle times, park traffic, and your RV setup is easier when you follow a complete RV trip planning guide for Zion. Alternatively, a sunset helicopter tour with the one that you love could set the stage for a romantic proposal or celebration during a special anniversary.
Zion Helicopters
Address: 3050 East, UT-9, Virgin, UT
Hours: 9AM – 6PM
Phone: 435-668-4185
As you drive to Springdale, you’ll see Zion Helicopters on your right. Its convenient location makes it a prime tour company to work with, as they are not only a hop, skip, and a jump from the gates of Zion, but they are fairly close to Bryce Canyon as well. Their helicopters feature forward facing panoramic seating and panoramic seating, ensuring visitors get the best possible views of Zion National Park from above. Visitors can choose from a variety of flights, each offering a unique Zion helicopter tour experience with different routes and durations. Taking a Zion helicopter flight over the park is an exhilarating way to see the vast landscape from a new perspective, especially when you’re based at a Southern Utah RV park like Gateway Luxury RV Resort. Prices may fluctuate with the times, so we ask everyone to look at their website for the most accurate info.
Zion Helicopters offers a few different adventure options—each highlighting a different section of Zion. Pairing these flights with a Southern Utah getaway based at Gateway Luxury RV Resort lets you explore even more between tour times. These are just a few of the tours they offer, so check out their site for other tour information.
15 Mile Zion Panoramic Flight
This basic 10-minute experience has stunning views of Zion National Park with pilot narration throughout the experience, and it’s an easy add-on to a stay at luxury RV sites near Zion National Park.
35 Mile Zion Panoramic Flight
This is a 20-minute experience that gives you a glimpse into Zion and Red Butte Mountain.
55 Mile Zion Canaan Cliffs Tour
The tour company offers a stunning aerial view over the cliff tops of Kolob Canyons, West Zion, and Smith Mesa for a half-hour, areas that are also famous as top spots for watching sunsets in Southern Utah.
100-Mile Tour
This package is the real deal! Experience the pure thrill of soaring over Zion National Park, the Canaan Mountain Wilderness, and taking in breathtaking views of Smithsonian Butte. The tour includes a private butte landing for an exclusive, personalized experience at a scenic butte hangout for a half-hour with a picnic table (perfect for engagements). This full-fledged tour lasts 1 ½ hours and will make your trip all the more special.
Where should I stay?
For an elegant stay after an elegant experience, we highly recommend you visit Gateway Luxury RV Resort, the best RV park near Zion National Park! We are one of the best resorts near Zion National Park, offering spacious RV sites at our Southern Utah RV park with full amenities and on-site luxury casitas for extra comfort, and we have tons of excellent activities and amenities onsite for you to enjoy.
