Bryce Canyon Air Tours: What to Expect
You’ve seen Bryce Canyon from the rim. Now picture it from the sky.
Thousands of hoodoos glowing orange below you. Pine forests running right up to the cliff edge. The colorful steps of the Grand Staircase rolling south toward Arizona. A scenic flight shows you the whole story at once, and it’s an experience most visitors never get.
We’ve been the gateway to Bryce Canyon since 1916, so we’ve heard every question first-time flyers ask. Here’s everything you need to know about Bryce Canyon air tours, in one easy read.
Pick Your View: 3 Ways to See Bryce From Above
Every flight starts over the wild north end of the park. From there, it’s simple: the longer you fly, the more you see.
-
The North End Panorama: Great for first-timers. Soar over Fairyland, Boat Mesa, and the ship-shaped Sinking Ship, plus cliff faces you can’t see from any road.
-
The Park Highlights: Follow the rim south to Rainbow Point, the park’s highest overlook, and Natural Bridge. This is the flight that shows how big Bryce really is.
-
Bryce + the Grand Staircase: The full experience. Fly over Sunrise, Sunset, and Bryce Points, then drop off the plateau toward remote slot canyons and desert backcountry with no roads in sight.
Compare routes and prices on our Scenic Flights page.
Ruby’s Local Tip: Hike first, fly second. Spotting Navajo Loop or Inspiration Point from the air is twice as fun once you’ve stood there. Start with our 10 hidden gem views and overlooks.
Flight Day in 4 Easy Steps
Never been in a helicopter? No problem. Here’s how it goes:
-
Gather your crew. Flights hold up to six people and need at least four, which makes them perfect for families and friend groups. Flying as a pair? Ask our Activities Desk about joining other guests.
-
Dress for the altitude. Bryce sits above 8,000 feet, so bring layers, even in summer. Leave loose hats at home, and wear dark colors to cut window glare in your photos.
-
Check in with your ID. A government-issued photo ID is required. Arrive a little early for a quick safety briefing.
-
Meet your pilot and lift off. Flights are operated by HighRoll Air, an FAA-certified Part 135 carrier. Your pilot, Alex Cox, is a third-generation aviator who knows these skies and this landscape by heart.
Ruby’s Local Tip: Schedule your flight early in your trip. If mountain weather moves in, you’ll still have time to fly before you head home.
Wildlife Spotter’s Checklist
How many can you spot? Sightings are never guaranteed, which makes every one feel like a win.
-
Pronghorn grazing in the open meadows. Their tan-and-white coats pop against the green.
-
Mule deer and elk along the forest edges, especially on morning flights.
-
Hawks, eagles, and falcons riding the air currents along the cliffs. Yes, you’ll be looking down at them.
-
California condors, the rare giants of southern Utah’s skies. Spot one and you’ve hit the jackpot.
Want to keep the search going on foot? Grab our Ultimate Wildlife Watching Guide to Bryce Canyon.
Ruby’s Local Tip: Tell your pilot you’re on wildlife watch before takeoff, then keep your eyes on the meadows, not just the hoodoos.
Booking Is Easy
No third-party sites, no guesswork. Every flight books right here at Ruby’s Inn.
-
Pick your route on our Scenic Flights page. Prices start at $165 per person, and our 30-minute Ruby’s Inn Special Tour is a guest favorite.
-
Call the Adventure Center at 435-834-8032, or stop by the Activities Desk on property.
-
Lock it in early. Flights seat just six, and the National Park Service limits air tours over Bryce each year, so summer and fall weekends go fast.
Make a day of it. Fly in the morning, then saddle up for a horseback ride or hit the trails on a guided ATV tour. Sky, saddle, and trail, all before dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a flight?
Our Ruby’s Inn Special Tour runs 30 minutes. Longer routes vary, so call for current times.
Do the tours actually fly over the park?
Yes. Air tours follow set routes approved by the National Park Service and FAA, designed to protect the park’s wildlife and natural quiet.
What if the weather turns?
Safety comes first in the mountains. Call the Adventure Center about rescheduling, and book early in your trip for wiggle room.
Can kids fly?
It’s a family adventure they won’t forget. Call 435-834-8032 to ask about age or weight requirements.
How close is Ruby’s Inn to the park?
Just 6 minutes from the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. Grab our free hot breakfast, catch your flight, and still have the whole day to explore.
Your Basecamp for Bryce, From the Ground Up
Rim, trail, saddle, sky: the best way to see Bryce Canyon is every way. And the easiest way to do it all is to stay close.
At Ruby’s Inn, you get three hotels and an RV park and campground to fit every budget, a free hot breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, and an Activities Desk just steps from your room. Check our Hot Deals, choose your scenic flight, and get ready to see Bryce like never before.