Introduction to the Ultimate Scenic Flight If you’ve ever wanted to see Zion National Park from the sky, the 35-mile Zion helicopter tour is the one to book. It’s not just a flight, it’s an experience. This popular tour offers unbeatable views of the park’s towering cliffs, colorful canyons, and hidden corners you can’t see from the ground. From the moment the blades start spinning to the second your feet touch the ground again, you're in for something unforgettable.
Why Choose the 35-Mile Tour This flight strikes the perfect balance: long enough to give you a full experience, but short enough to fit into any travel plan. It’s a Zion helicopter adventure that covers all the highlights. You'll soar over dramatic landscapes like Smith Mesa and Kolob Canyons, glide past rugged cliffs, and catch aerial views of remote desert terrain, all without the time commitment of a longer flight.
Smith Mesa: A Hidden Zion Favorite As soon as you lift off, you’ll head toward Smith Mesa. This area might not be the most famous part of the park, but it’s one of the most visually stunning. With its flat-topped ridgelines, steep drop-offs, and panoramic views of the greater Zion area, Smith Mesa gives you a true sense of the park’s scale. Seeing it from the air reveals textures and colors that hikers on the ground simply miss.
Kolob Canyons: The Red Rock Spectacle Next up is the Kolob Canyons aerial tour. These canyons are part of Zion’s northwest section and are often skipped by visitors who stick to the main canyon. That’s a mistake. From above, Kolob is an absolute showstopper. Red rock walls rise up in bold contrast to the deep green forests and winding dry washes below. The canyons stretch out like fingers from the cliffs, and from a helicopter, you can see just how vast and dramatic they really are.
The Beauty of Zion Scenic Flights Every Zion scenic flight has its standout moment. For many, it’s when you’re flying between cliffs with the Virgin River carving its way far below. In spring, you might even catch the river during its seasonal runoff, glinting like a silver ribbon beneath you. The soft morning or evening light only adds to the magic, casting golden hues over the red rocks and creating picture-perfect photo ops at every turn.
What Makes This Tour Unique Unlike shorter flights that stick to just one area, the 35-mile tour gives you a little bit of everything. You’ll see multiple regions of the park, fly over rugged high desert, and even catch glimpses of cliffs that most people don’t even know exist. And since the helicopter flies lower and slower than commercial aircraft, you’ll have plenty of time to take it all in. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the views, this is an experience that hits every high note.
Aerial Zion Scenic Flights vs. Ground-Based Tours Let’s be honest, Zion is incredible no matter how you see it. But there’s something about being above it all that puts things in perspective. Hiking and driving tours are great for exploring up close, but they don’t give you that bird’s-eye view. Helicopter tours let you see the whole park at once, its scale, its shapes, and the way everything connects. You’ll understand Zion in a new way after seeing it from above.
Perfect for All Types of Travelers Whether you're visiting with friends, planning a surprise for your partner, or traveling with family, this tour fits the bill. It’s exciting, easy, and doesn’t require any special gear or fitness level. Everyone from kids to grandparents can enjoy it. And for photographers, it’s a dream. Bring a wide-angle lens if you want to capture those sweeping views, and a zoom lens for the finer details like layered cliff faces and narrow canyons.
Tips for the Best Experience Book early, especially in spring when Zion is at its most vibrant. Morning and evening flights offer the best lighting for photos and the smoothest flying conditions. Dress in layers since temperatures can shift quickly. And don’t worry about altitude sickness, the flight stays low enough to keep everyone comfortable.
What You’ll Walk Away With More than just photos, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the park’s vastness and natural beauty. This tour isn’t about checking a box or crossing something off a list. It’s about stepping back, literally, and seeing the big picture. It’s about the thrill of flight and the peace that comes from soaring above one of America’s most iconic landscapes.
Ready for Takeoff? If you're thinking about exploring Zion this year, put the 35-mile Zion helicopter tour at the top of your list. It’s fast, fun, and packed with views you’ll never forget. From Smith Mesa to Kolob Canyons, every second in the air is a reminder of why Zion is one of the most breathtaking places on earth. So go ahead, take to the sky and experience the park like never before.
Created On 24 Mar 2025
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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