Take to the skies and experience the deep sandstone canyons and high plateaus of Zion from above. Choose from 35-mile, 55-mile, or 100-mile helicopter flights departing just minutes from the park entrance.
Free Cancellation See Zion National Park, Smith Mesa, and the Canaan Wilderness on a helicopter tour departing near the park entrance.
Free Cancellation Fly north from the Zion entrance to see Smith Mesa and Red Butte Mountain from above.
Free Cancellation A complete aerial circuit of Zion National Park and the remote, rugged terrain of the Canaan Mountain Wilderness.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Zion — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A helicopter flight around Zion National Park offers a thrilling, elevated perspective of the region's massive sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and sprawling plateaus. Because National Park Service regulations prohibit low-altitude flights directly over the park, these tours fly along the perimeter, providing vast, panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and the park's iconic geography from the outside looking in.
Fly along the boundary of Zion National Park to take in the sheer scale of the landscape. You will get an unmatched sense of how the canyons drop away from the high plateaus.
Head north from the heliport to soar over Smith Mesa. This expansive, elevated area offers incredible sightlines into the red rock formations that make Zion famous.
Trace the winding path of the Virgin River from thousands of feet in the air. See how this powerful waterway carved the deep Zion Canyon over millions of years.
Explore the adjacent Canaan Mountain Wilderness on longer flight routes. This area features its own spectacular cliffs, deep gorges, and rugged terrain untouched by heavy crowds.
Catch sight of the distinct peak of Red Butte Mountain rising dramatically from the desert floor. It is a striking landmark visible on the mid-length and full-circle tours.
Booking a helicopter flight around Zion requires some specific preparation, especially regarding weight limits and park airspace rules. Here is what you need to know before securing your seat.
Zion National Park does not permit low-altitude passenger aircraft to fly directly over the park. All helicopter tours fly around the perimeter, offering stunning views looking into the park rather than flying directly above the canyon floor.
Helicopters have strict weight and balance requirements. The maximum weight for any single passenger is 375 lbs. Additionally, anyone weighing over 250 lbs is required to purchase an additional seat directly from the operator on the day of the tour.
Most flights require a minimum of 4 to 5 passengers to operate. If your booked time slot does not meet this minimum, the operator will offer you an alternate date, a different time, or a full refund.
You can choose from three main flight lengths based on your budget and schedule. Options include a quick 20-minute (35-mile) intro, a 30-minute (55-mile) flight, or a comprehensive 50-minute (100-mile) perimeter circle.
The heliport facilities and the helicopters used for the 55-mile and 100-mile flights are fully wheelchair accessible. Staff are available to assist passengers with boarding and disembarking.
Lap children under the age of two fly for free, but you must provide proof of age at check-in. Children aged two and older must have their own purchased seat at the standard retail price.
Most operators offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can usually receive a full refund if you cancel your flight at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Panoramic Intro Flight | Extended Landscape Tour | Full Perimeter Flight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 minutes |
| Distance | 35 Miles | 55 Miles | 100 Miles |
| Highlights | Smith Mesa & park perimeter views | Smith Mesa, Red Butte & Canaan Mountain | Circles entire park, Virgin River path |
| Price from | $209 | $309 | $509 |
Zion National Park: The park itself is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, visitor facility hours vary by season. During the peak summer months, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center Information Desk is open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Helicopter Tours: Flight operations run during daylight hours and vary based on the season and weather conditions. You will select a specific departure time when booking. It is highly recommended to arrive at the heliport at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled flight for check-in and the safety briefing.
Driving to the Park: Zion is located in southwestern Utah. If you are flying in, Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) is 163 miles away (about a 2 hour and 45-minute drive via I-15 N and UT-9 E). Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is 307 miles away (about a 4.5-hour drive).
Finding the Heliport: The helicopter tour departure point is located just a few minutes from the park's south entrance in the town of Springdale. You do not need to enter the national park or pay the $35 vehicle entrance fee just to access the heliport.
Public Transit: If you are staying in St. George, you can take the SunTran Zion Route bus for $5 each way. It runs Monday through Saturday and drops off in Springdale.
Seasons: The best months to visit Zion and take a flight are during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, particularly October and November. The weather is mild, the autumn colors are vibrant, and the extreme summer heat has passed.
Weather Concerns: The peak summer months (July to September) bring extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit and unpredictable monsoon thunderstorms. These storms can cause dangerous flash floods in the park and may result in weather-related delays or cancellations for helicopter flights.
Time of Day: Morning flights generally offer smoother air and excellent lighting for photography, while late afternoon flights provide beautiful golden-hour shadows across the red rock canyons.
Helicopter Tours: The 55-mile and 100-mile flight options are listed as fully wheelchair accessible. The heliport surfaces accommodate wheelchairs, and staff can assist passengers with boarding the aircraft. Infants and small children can be brought in a pram or stroller to the waiting area.
Inside the Park: If you plan to explore the park before or after your flight, Zion offers fully accessible facilities at the Visitor Center. The free Zion Canyon Shuttle is equipped with a lift that can handle up to two wheelchairs. Accessible trails include the paved Pa'rus Trail (3.5 miles) and the Riverside Walk (2.2 miles).
At the Heliport: The departure facility offers parking for customers, a comfortable waiting area, and restrooms. Landing and facility fees are already included in your ticket price.
Park Parking: If you head into Zion after your flight, note that the Zion Canyon Visitor Center has over 350 parking spaces but usually fills up by 9:00 a.m. Alternatively, you can park in Springdale for $15-$25 per day and ride the free Springdale shuttle to the park entrance. Downloading the Flowbird app makes paying for town parking much easier.
Airspace Regulations: The National Park Service strictly prohibits drones and remote-controlled aircraft anywhere in the park. Furthermore, commercial helicopter tours are banned from flying at low altitudes directly over the park, which is why all scenic flights operate on a perimeter route.
Weight Policies: For helicopter safety, maximum weight limits are strictly enforced. No single passenger can weigh over 375 lbs. Passengers weighing over 250 lbs must purchase an additional seat directly from the operator.
Park Rules: Inside the park, pets are only allowed on the paved Pa'rus Trail and must be on a leash. Personal vehicles are banned on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive during the shuttle season (March-November).
No, they do not. Zion National Park regulations prohibit low-altitude passenger tour aircraft from flying directly over the park. Instead, the helicopters fly around the perimeter, giving you stunning elevated views looking into the park from the outside.
Yes, strict weight limits apply for aircraft balance. The absolute maximum weight for any single passenger is 375 lbs. Additionally, any passenger weighing over 250 lbs is required to purchase an extra seat on the day of the tour.
Yes, infants under the age of two can ride on an adult's lap for free, but you must bring proof of age to check-in. Children aged two and older must have their own purchased seat.
These helicopter tours typically require a minimum of 4 to 5 passengers to operate. If your time slot doesn't meet this requirement, the operator will contact you to offer an alternate date, a different time, or a full refund.
Yes, the heliport and the aircraft used for the 55-mile and 100-mile tours are fully wheelchair accessible. Staff are prepared to assist passengers with mobility needs during the boarding process.
Flight durations depend on the route you book. The 35-mile intro flight lasts about 20 minutes, the 55-mile flight takes 30 minutes, and the 100-mile full perimeter flight lasts approximately 50 minutes.
The tours depart from a private heliport located in Springdale, just a few minutes away from the south entrance of Zion National Park. You will receive the exact address and operator contact info upon booking.
Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are generally non-refundable.
Yes, especially on the longer 100-mile flight that circles the entire park. You will get a great aerial perspective of the winding path of the Virgin River and how it carved the deep canyons below.
No, you do not need to pay the $35 park entrance fee just to take the helicopter tour. The heliport is located outside the park boundaries in Springdale, and the flight does not land inside the park.
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This flight departs from our heliport located just a few minutes from the entrance to Zion National Park. Once in the air, the helicopter travels north over Smith Mesa, offering views of the Zion landscape and the distinct peak of Red Butte Mountain. The tour continues into the Canaan Mountain Wilderness. This section of the flight focuses on the area's sheer sandstone cliffs and rugged terrain before heading back to the heliport.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Our heliport is located just a few minutes from the Zion National Park entrance, making it easy to reach before your flight. Once you take off, the helicopter heads north, quickly providing an elevated view of the park's famous geography. During the flight, you will see Smith Mesa and the red rock formations of Zion from the air. The tour also passes Red Butte Mountain, giving you a chance to see the scale and textures of the desert landscape from a unique perspective.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This helicopter flight circles the entire perimeter of Zion National Park, providing a clear view of its deep sandstone canyons and high plateaus from every angle. By flying the full circumference, you can see the geological scale of the park and the winding path of the Virgin River far below. The route continues over the Canaan Mountain Wilderness, an area south of the park known for its remote and unusual rock formations. This section of the tour explores high-altitude desert landscapes and wind-sculpted peaks that are difficult to reach by foot, offering a broader look at the backcountry of Southern Utah.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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