Discover Remote Zion Locations with Scenic Flights

By Zion Helicopters

There’s something truly humbling about standing at the base of Zion National Park’s towering cliffs. But as stunning as the ground-level views are, they’re only one part of the story. If you want the full picture, the wild canyons, the remote ridgelines, the secret spots that never show up on the visitor maps, you’ll want to get off the ground. And we mean literally. Zion helicopter tours open the door to an entirely different version of the park, one filled with sights most visitors will never see. From sweeping plateaus to hidden valleys carved by time, this is your chance to unlock the best aerial views Zion has to offer.

The Magic of Zion from the Air

You might think you’ve seen Zion, especially if you’ve tackled Angel’s Landing or waded through The Narrows. But once you’re in the air, the entire landscape shifts. Suddenly, it’s not just a series of impressive cliffs, it’s a massive canvas of color, texture, and history. Our Zion helicopter adventures are designed to show you the kind of beauty that can’t be reached by hiking boots alone. These scenic flights give you a bird’s-eye view of the region’s most dramatic features: colossal mesas, intricate canyons, and geological formations that are only visible from above. One of the most rewarding things about Zion scenic flights is the way they bring the park’s massive scale into perspective. From the ground, Zion is jaw-dropping. From the sky, it’s mind-blowing. You’ll realize how the Virgin River has carved a path through the canyons, how entire mountain ranges connect, and how remote the untouched areas really are. It’s like watching the park reveal its secrets one layer at a time.


Canaan Mountain: The Crown Jewel of the Skies

Tucked away in the lesser-traveled part of Southern Utah, the Canaan Mountain Wilderness is a true highlight of our helicopter tours. This area lies just beyond the reach of most visitors, protected not by fences, but by its sheer inaccessibility. There are no roads into its heart, no convenient overlooks. Just wilderness, and the only way to experience it fully is from the air. From your seat on the helicopter, Canaan Mountain unfolds like a living sculpture garden. Towering rock spires rise from deep chasms. Slot canyons wind their way through glowing sandstone walls. And the contrast of reds, oranges, and purples is unlike anything you’ll find on a postcard. This is where nature doesn’t just perform, it shows off.


Kolob Canyons: The Underrated Showstopper

Located in the northwest corner of Zion, Kolob Canyons might be one of the most overlooked areas in the entire park. But from a helicopter? It’s front and center. With its deep crimson walls and razor-thin slot canyons, Kolob is where geology gets theatrical. And from above, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Our Kolob Canyons views from our aerial tours give you a rare look into a part of the park that even seasoned hikers often miss. You’ll fly through corridors of rock shaped over millions of years, past massive cliffs and over hidden valleys. These aren’t the views you’ll get from the shuttle bus. These are the moments you’ll remember long after the trip is over.


Smith Mesa: Where Solitude Meets Scale

Smith Mesa is one of those places that just feels big. It stretches out beneath the helicopter like a high desert sea, rimmed by jagged cliffs and painted in shades of sand and sage. From this vantage point, you get a sense of the vastness of Zion that no ground-level overlook can offer. As part of our 35-mile or 55-mile Zion helicopter rides, Smith Mesa plays a key role in connecting the different parts of the park’s story. It offers panoramic views that stretch into forever, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the Kaibab Plateau and even the edge of the Grand Staircase. It’s the kind of view that silences a cabin full of excited passengers, not because they’re not impressed, but because they’re too stunned to speak.


The Virgin River: A Ribbon of Life from Above

You’ve seen the Virgin River winding its way through Zion Canyon, but from the air, it tells a completely different story. Like a silver thread, the river loops and curves, carving out gorges and feeding the lush oases scattered through the desert terrain. A Virgin River aerial tour isn’t just beautiful, it’s essential to understanding how Zion came to be. From this view, you can see the power of water at work, how it shaped canyons, how it sustains plant and animal life, and how it continues to define the landscape with every season. It’s one of the most photogenic parts of the flight, especially during spring runoff when the river is moving fast and sparkling under the sun.


Why These Views Matter

Most people visit Zion and walk away impressed. But if you’re the type of traveler who wants more, more adventure, more perspective, more access to the things that make a place truly special, then getting into the air is a must. These helicopter tours aren’t just about sightseeing. They’re about changing how you see the park altogether. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a parent looking to blow your kid’s mind, or a return visitor who wants to dig deeper into Zion’s quieter corners, there’s something here for you. Every route we offer is designed with a sense of discovery in mind. And because we fly year-round, every season brings something new, snow-capped peaks in winter, wildflowers in spring, or golden canyon walls in the late summer light.


Booking Your Zion Helicopter Experience

Ready to trade the crowds for the clouds? Booking one of our Zion helicopter tours is the easiest way to unlock a whole new version of the park. Tours range in length, from quick scenic flights to extended routes that take you deeper into the wilderness. All of them offer a curated experience led by expert pilots who know this region inside and out. You’ll get real-time narration, incredible photo opportunities, and a new appreciation for just how diverse and grand Zion really is. So next time you think about exploring Zion, don’t just look out, look up. Because the best views in Zion aren’t always the ones in front of you. Sometimes, they’re waiting above.

Created On 14 Apr 2025

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Zion National Park Helicopter Tours

Flights operated by Zion Helicopters, LLC - FAA Certified Part 135 - Air Carrier No. 2ZHA905N. Location: Rivers Edge Facility: 3050 East UT-9, Virgin UT 84779