10 Bucket List Moab Helicopter Tours to Fly Above Arches and Canyons

Looking for amazing Moab helicopter tours?

Oh Moab! It’s a US outdoor paradise you must add to your US bucket list with its red rock vistas and delicate arches. I’ve explored Moab every which way, by foot, off-road trails, and even on the back of a trusty mountain bike that’s seen better days. But nothing beats the bird’s eye view you get from a helicopter.

With terrain as epic as this, a regular old hike just doesn’t do it justice. Up in the air is where you really realize how Martian of a landscape it is in this part of Utah. And when it comes to choosing the best Moab helicopter tours, I’ve done the homework so you can skip straight to the fun part.

Just want to pick the best? This is my top choice. Reserve this Canyonlands Helicopter trip with a perfect 5-star rating for a 45 minute flight!

From the quick buzz over Corona Arch to an extensive flight covering Canyonlands’ grandness, prepare for takeoff because below are some of the most stellar Moab air tours handpicked and reviewed by yours truly.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Moab Helicopter Tours

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Island in the Sky of Canyonlands Helicopter Tour

✔️ 45 minute flight

✔️ Canyonlands & Backcountry Arches

Check Price

#2 Pick

Corona Arch Canyon Run Helicopter Tour

✔️ 20-minute flight

✔️ Arches National Park backcountry

✔️ Multiple departure times

Check Price

#3 Pick

Canyonlands & Arches National Parks Airplane Tour

✔️ 80-minute flight

✔️ Combo national park attractions

Check Price

Top Moab Utah Helicopter Tours

Since there are limited helicopter trips, I also wanted to include other air travel options, like Moab airplane tours or hot air balloon rides. These tend to be more affordable than a helicopter, too, if you’re traveling on a budget.

1. Island in the Sky of Canyonlands Helicopter Tour

Our #1 Top Pick for those who want to see Canyonlands from an aerial view

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  45 Minutes| 😍 Book it!

So, you’re keen on seeing Moab from a bird’s eye view? This 45-minute chopper ride shows off Canyonlands in all its glory.

You’ll cruise by the gooseneck curves of Deadhorse Point, zip over the legendary Thelma and Louise Point (without the dramatic leap, of course), and snake along the Colorado River. The peeks at Corona Arch, the windswept Funnel Arch, and the broad views from Halls Bridge are other landmarks you can look forward to.

Don’t worry about getting a good spot; everyone gets a window seat, while live narration through headsets will fill you in on all the secrets of the terrain.

Heading up solo or dragging a couple of friends along? This flight’s made for small squads, maxing out at three people.

2. Corona Arch Canyon Run Helicopter Tour

Our #2 Top Pick for those who want to see Arches from an aerial view

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  20 Minutes | 😍 Book it!

Lift off into the skyline over Arches National Park with this helicopter tour to Determination Towers, the Monitor and Merrimac Butte, the Gemini Bridges, and the Behind the Rocks area—all within an exhilarating 20-minute flight.

This journey through the skies is narrated by a knowledgeable pilot who brings the Arches landscape to life through engaging commentary you can comfortably listen to via provided headsets.

With multiple tour times available to match any schedule, you and a small group of up to 3 will get window seats guaranteed for all.

3. Canyon Country Sunset Helicopter Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

Try this Canyon Country Sunset Helicopter Tour for a solid hour of chill vibes and killer views, where you get to hover over Moab’s top spots as the sun dips out for the day.

Swoop over the grandeur of Canyonlands National Park, the cliffs of Dead Horse Point, the Potash Ponds, Castle Valley, and the white water rapids of Fisher Towers.

Capped at three folks, everyone scores a window seat. With live commentary piped through your headsets, you’ll get the scoop on what you’re seeing without having to ask.

As the sun calls it quits, you’ll catch the desert lighting up in reds and oranges. Seriously, your Instagram won’t know what hit it.

Other Moab Airplane Tours and more in the Air

If you can’t grab a spot on one of the helicopter tours, you don’t have to miss out on an aerial view. Here are some other options for taking a flight in Moab.

4. Canyonlands & Arches National Parks Airplane Tour

Our #3 Top Pick for those who want to see both national parks from the air

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  1.3 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Fly above the beauty of Utah’s famed wilderness with this scenic air tour of both Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Glide over formations like the dramatic Upheaval Dome, the Green River Goose Neck, and the Island in the Sky. The White Rim contrasts with The Maze’s intricate twists and turns—all from a vantage point that few have the chance to experience.

Heading towards Arches, the confluence of the mighty Colorado and Green Rivers comes into view before you gaze down at the Landscape Arch, the longest natural arch in North America. You’ll also see Fisher Towers, Devils Garden, and the Klondike Bluffs.

From my own trips to these national parks, I can say that these remote backcountry sights are best explored bouncing along in an offroad jeep tour getting the bigger picture from above.

This tour is just for your crew, so you’ll need at least two people ready to go.

5. Arches National Park Airplane Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  30 Minutes | 😍 Book it!

This 30-minute aerial tour glides over the world’s largest collection of natural arches, over 2,000 geological masterpieces from the comfort of a fixed-wing aircraft. Get a bird’s eye view of Delicate Arch, Elephant Butte, and the impressive Courthouse Towers, all while learning from your professional pilot.

The panoramic views are absolutely stunning! Take, for example, the Landscape Arch and the Devils Garden, sights so far-flung exploring them on foot would take days. It’s really perfect for those who are short on time.

Your package includes comfortable headsets for crystal-clear narration during your flight, and a personalized adventure with 5 maximum travelers.

6. Canyonlands National Park Airplane Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  1 Hour | 😍 Book it!

Trade in those hiking boots for a window seat with a view that’ll knock your socks off. Zoom across the vast landscapes of Canyonlands on this hour-long flight that lets you cover some serious ground without breaking a sweat.

Snag a spot with clear views all around and let your savvy pilot be your guide, dishing out all the deets on the history and geology of the place through headsets.

Your personal sky-high tour over the Island in the Sky gets you a front-row seat over Cataract Canyon and the Corona Arch.

The trips is capped at 15 people a flight, and this all-encompassing package includes it all.

7. Monument Valley and Canyonlands National Park Combo Airplane Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  2.5 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Hop on this 2-hour fixed wing aerial flight to see some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth, like Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, and Natural Bridges like the birds do.

You get up in that plane, and suddenly you’re cruising over those big rock stars of the wild west, like Totem Pole the Mittens, and other vast mesas. Other places like Grand Gulch and Upheaval Dome are sights that have been captured in films like ‘Stagecoach.’

And because nobody likes to fly elbow-to-elbow, everyone gets your own personal window to gawk out of.

There are only six seats on this sky bus, which is great because you won’t have to share armrests and it’s pretty much like having a VIP pass to the clouds where you get to see all the hits in one go.

8. Lake Powell & Canyonlands National Park Airplane Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  3 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Ready to see Moab from a new angle? This airplane tour goes to one of my favorite places in the world, Lake Powell and Page. Fly high above Lake Powell, getting an eyeful of Rainbow Bridge National Monument, and Canyonlands’ northern reaches.

Your flight kicks off in Moab, cruising past rock formations like Angel Arch, Druid Arch, and Castle Arch. As you loop over Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky, with its vast cliffs and the mingling Colorado and Green Rivers, you’ll get why folks say, “You gotta see it to believe it.”

And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s the interesting terrain of the Needles District, the white-knuckle rapids of Cataract Canyon, and the impressive span of Glen Canyon Dam.

You get the inside scoop from your pilot, crystal-clear audio via headsets, and no sneaky extra costs. Plus, it’s a small crowd scene, with just 9 spots up for grabs.

9. Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef National Park Airplane Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

Ever thought about checking out the American Southwest from a plane window like on this trip? Well, it’s pretty sweet. Getting up in the air and cruising past some of the coolest rock formations around, like Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, wou’ll be looking at some seriously nice views.

Your journey includes an up-close look at the world-famous hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, including the famous “Thor’s Hammer,” and the sprawling vistas of Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold.

Like the other trips on this list, snag a comfy seat by the window, zip through the sky, and gaze down at the hoodoo-dotted landscape, your ears listening to commentary about the rocks and history below.

With small groups of up to 9, you’ve got space to stretch out and not elbow anyone when you point out something cool. And everything is baked into the price of the excursion.

10. Guided Hot Air Balloon Rides in Moab

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

This is now veering pretty far from a helicopter, but I’ve done a hot air balloon ride and a helicopter tour, and in my opinion, the hot air balloon wins.

On this balloon flight over Moab, you’ll cruise over a sea of natural stone arches that pack Arches National Park, float by the vast landscapes of Canyonlands National Park, and hover above Dead Horse Point State Park.

These balloon rides are never one-size-fits-all; they scout out the best starting point, riding the wind for a different route daily. They even toss in a free edited video of your flight, so you can revisit those incredible moments any time.

Moab Travel Guide and FAQ

Why is Moab Utah famous?

Moab, Utah is renowned for its beautiful desert and an crazy range of outdoor activities. It’s celebrated for Arches National Park, a landscape dotted with natural stone arches. The area is also recognized as a premier mountain biking and ATV destination, with hundreds of miles of slickrock trails.

Is Moab part of the Grand Canyon?

Moab is not a part of the Grand Canyon. While both are known for their remarkable canyons, they are distinct and separate natural wonders located in different areas of the American Southwest.

Why is it called Moab?

The name “Moab” may have biblical origins or could derive from an ancient Paiute word. Over time, it has come to be associated with the area’s distinctive red rock formations and adventure sports reputation rather than its historical name origins.

Are helicopter tours worth the money?

Helicopter tours in Moab give you a unique aerial perspective of the landscape’s extraordinary features, which can provide a memorable experience that many find to be worth the investment. However, they are definitely not the cheapest excursion.

What airport do you fly into for Moab?

When traveling to Moab by air, visitors typically fly into Canyonlands Field Airport, which is the closest airport serving the Moab area and provides convenient access to the region’s attractions.

Final Thoughts: Helicopter Rides in Moab Utah

There’s no doubt that you will get unparalleled aerial perspective of the stunning red rock landscapes with Moab air tours, but is it worth it? You’ll feel like you’re riding front seat in an epic nature documentary, but you may also want to consider a cheaper airplane flight as well.

In case you’re still not sure which to pick:

• See the backcountry areas of Canyonlands; join this long 45 minute helicopter trip!
• Focus on Arches National Park; sign up for this 20 minute helicopter excursion.
• Settle for a plane trip; book this national park combo air tour.

However, if you’ve chosen to explore Moab’s beauty on your own, check out my Arches day trip guide and Canyonlands itinerary for a comprehensive self-guided experience. Or if you’re looking for other excursions like a Jeep excursion or a white water rafting trip, I have more deets here.