Key Takeaways
- Helicopter tours offer unique aerial views of Utah's landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and landmarks, providing a different perspective compared to ground-level sightseeing.
- Tours cater to various interests and schedules, with options ranging from short introductory flights to longer, more comprehensive scenic routes, accommodating different comfort levels and time constraints.
- The tours are suitable for families and first-time flyers, with professional pilots, safety briefings, and shorter flight options available for a comfortable experience.
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We were based near Salt Lake City on this trip, and we wanted to do something that showed us the area beyond the windshield. A helicopter tour made sense.
Instead of squeezing in another hike or city walk, we decided to see Northern Utah from the air with Utah Tour and Transport Helicopters.
Our group was small, just our family, which made the experience feel personal right from the start. From above, places like the Wasatch Mountains, downtown Salt Lake City, and even the Great Salt Lake finally clicked in a way they never had from ground level.
If you’re staying in nearby towns like Bountiful, Layton, or Park City, this fits easily into a travel day without feeling rushed. It felt like a genuine travel moment, not a boxed attraction, and a memorable way to understand the layout and beauty of this part of Utah before moving on to our next stop.
Best Helicopter Tours in Utah for Sightseeing
Bountiful Mountains Helicopter Tour
This was a great first flight for easing into a helicopter experience. We flew over forested ridgelines, rocky canyons, and seasonal waterfalls that you can’t see from the road.
The views feel peaceful rather than intense, making it a solid option for families or first-time flyers staying north of Salt Lake City.
- Starting price: $139 per person
- Flight time: 15 minutes
Downtown Salt Lake City Helicopter Tour
Flying over downtown gives you a whole new appreciation for Salt Lake City’s layout. Seeing Temple Square, the Utah State Capitol, and the city grid from above helped everything make sense. The contrast between the urban core and the Wasatch backdrop was striking and made for great photos.
- Starting price: $189 per person
- Flight time: 20 minutes
Mountainside Salt Lake City Helicopter Tour
This tour blended city landmarks with mountain scenery, which makes it feel well-rounded. You will enjoy how quickly the landscape shifts from neighborhoods to rugged terrain.
It felt like the most balanced option if you want a little of everything without committing to a more extended flight.
- Starting price: $269 per person
- Flight time: 30 minutes
Antelope Island Helicopter Tour
Seeing Antelope Island from the air is completely different than visiting by car. The open shoreline, roaming bison, and surrounding lake views stood out more clearly from above.
Sunset flights, in particular, add depth to the colors, making this tour feel calm, scenic, and genuinely unique.
- Starting price: $379 per person
- Flight time: 50 minutes
Wasatch Mountains Helicopter Tour
This tour focused entirely on Utah’s alpine side. You fly over steep peaks, deep canyons, ski resorts, and hidden mountain lakes.
It is immersive and scenic throughout, with little of the city in view. If mountains are why you’re visiting Utah, this one makes sense.
- Starting price: $379 per person
- Flight time: 50 minutes
Red Rocks Helicopter Tour
You will be surprised to find red rock scenery so close to Northern Utah. From the helicopter, the color contrast really popped against the surrounding terrain.
It feels like a mini Southern Utah experience without the long drive, making it a good fit for travelers short on time.
- Starting price: $379 per person
- Flight time: 50 minutes
Park City and Wasatch Mountains Helicopter Tour
This flight combined historic town views with dramatic mountain scenery. Seeing Park City from above helped us understand how compact and scenic it really is.
The transition from rooftops to rugged peaks was quick, keeping the flight visually interesting from start to finish.
- Starting price: $459 per person
- Flight time: 60 minutes
Pink Great Salt Lake Helicopter Tour
The pink side of the Great Salt Lake looked surreal from the air. The color shift was noticeable and striking, especially in good light.
This tour feels more educational and visual than adventurous, and it’s a great option if you want something truly different from typical mountain flights.
- Starting price: $459 per person
- Flight time: 60 minutes
Mount Timpanogos Helicopter Tour
This was one of the most dramatic flight experiences the company offers. Mount Timpanogos dominates the landscape, and the surrounding lakes and valleys enhance the views. The longer duration gave us time to really take everything in without feeling rushed.
- Starting price: $649 per person
- Flight time: 90 minutes
Spiral Jetty Helicopter Tour
Seeing the Spiral Jetty from above helped us finally understand its scale and design. The spiral shape is much more precise in the air than from the ground.
Combined with views of Antelope Island and the lake’s color variations, this tour felt both artistic and scenic.
- Starting price: $649 per person
- Flight time: 90 minutes
Wasatch Mountains & Antelope Island Helicopter Tour
This was the most comprehensive experience. It moves from high mountain terrain to open lake views, keeping the scenery constantly changing.
It feels like a comprehensive regional overview and worked well for travelers who want one unforgettable flight rather than multiple shorter tours.
- Starting price: $999 per person
- Flight time: 120 minutes
Custom Helicopter Tours or Transportation
If you have a specific destination or timing in mind, the custom option offers flexibility. These flights are tailored to your stay and your interests.
This works well for special occasions, photography, or travelers coordinating with tight itineraries.
- Pricing: Varies by location and duration.
- Flight time: Custom
Pros and Cons of Helicopter Tours in Utah
Pros
- Central Locations
Most tours depart near Salt Lake City, making them easy to reach from nearby towns like Bountiful, Layton, and Park City without a long drive. - Wide Range of Tour Options
From short introductory flights to extended scenic routes, there’s a tour length and focus that fits different schedules and comfort levels. - Professional Pilots and Staff
The pilots were calm, knowledgeable, and clear with instructions, which helped everyone feel comfortable before and during the flight. - Unique Views You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
Seeing the Wasatch Mountains, Great Salt Lake, and Antelope Island from the air adds perspective that ground-level sightseeing can’t match. - Good for First-Time Flyers
Shorter tours work well for anyone new to helicopter flights or traveling with family members who prefer a gentler introduction.
Cons
- Weather Can Affect Flights
As with any aerial experience, tours may be delayed or rescheduled due to wind or visibility, which can affect tight travel plans. - Higher Cost Than Ground Tours
Helicopter tours are a premium experience and may not fit every travel budget, especially for larger families. - Limited Capacity per Flight
Small group sizes are great for comfort, but popular time slots can book out quickly during peak travel seasons. - Shorter Tours Go by Fast
Introductory flights are scenic but brief, so travelers wanting more time in the air may prefer longer options.
Who These Helicopter Tours Are Best For
These helicopter tours in Northern Utah are an excellent fit for a few specific kinds of travelers:
Families Looking for a Memorable Activity:
If you’re RVing or staying locally with kids, shorter tours make an exciting break from hiking or museums without tiring anyone out.
First-Time Flyers:
The introductory and mid-length flights were smooth and manageable, which helped us feel confident despite it being our first helicopter experience.
Photography Enthusiasts:
If capturing dramatic landscape shots from above is on your list, tours such as the Wasatch Mountains, Antelope Island, or the Pink Great Salt Lake offer excellent perspectives.
Couples on Scenic Getaways:
A helicopter tour adds something special to a Utah trip, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or want a standout view together.
Outdoor Lovers with Limited Time:
If you’re trying to see as much of the region’s natural beauty as possible without long drives between parks and lookouts, an aerial tour delivers a lot of ground quickly.
Adventurous Travelers:
More extended tours, such as Mount Timpanogos, Spiral Jetty, or the combined Wasatch & Antelope Island flight, are best for people who enjoy being at altitude and seeing varied terrain in one go.
These flights aren’t ideal for travelers who have a tight budget or who prefer strictly ground-level exploration, but if you want a new way to see Utah’s landscape, they’re worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on our time in Northern Utah, a helicopter tour felt like one of those experiences that genuinely added context to the trip. Seeing the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City, and the Great Salt Lake from above helped us understand how everything fits together in a way driving never does.
Here are some more local fun activities:
Utah Tour and Transport Helicopters offers a range of options that suit different schedules, comfort levels, and travel styles, which is helpful when you’re juggling family plans or an RV itinerary. It’s not something you do every day, but it fits nicely as a once-per-trip experience.
If you’re already in the area and want a memorable, low-effort way to see more of Utah, this is an experience worth considering.
FAQs About Helicopter Tours in Utah
What Should We Expect on the Day of the Helicopter Tour?
Upon arrival, the process felt organized and low-stress. After check-in, the staff conducted a brief safety briefing and explained what to expect on the flight. Helmets and headsets were provided, and the pilot answered questions before takeoff. From start to finish, it felt calm, professional, and well-paced.
Are Helicopter Tours in Utah Safe for Families?
Yes, these tours are designed with safety as a priority. The pilots are experienced and clearly communicate expectations before flying. Shorter flights are especially suitable for families with older kids who can sit comfortably and follow instructions. We never felt rushed, and the overall environment was reassuring for first-time flyers.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Book a Helicopter Tour?
Late-afternoon and early-evening flights stood out most for lighting and visibility. Sunset tours over areas like the Great Salt Lake or Antelope Island add warmer colors and softer shadows. Morning flights are also a good option if you want smoother air and fewer weather-related delays.
How Far in Advance Should We Book a Helicopter Tour?
Booking ahead is a smart move, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons. Popular time slots can fill quickly, and weather windows matter. We recommend reserving at least a few days in advance to get your preferred tour length and departure time with Utah Tour and Transport Helicopters.
What Should We Wear for a Helicopter Tour?
Comfort matters more than style. We wore closed-toe shoes and layered clothing since temperatures can change slightly with altitude. Sunglasses help reduce glare, and avoid loose hats or accessories. Cameras and phones are usually allowed, but it’s best to follow the pilot’s guidance for secure storage.
Are Helicopter Tours Worth the Cost While Traveling in Utah?
While helicopter tours cost more than ground-based activities, the value comes from the perspective. In a short time, you see mountains, lakes, and landmarks that would otherwise take hours of driving. For us, it felt like a meaningful addition to a Utah trip rather than an extra expense.
Lauren Gamble is a wife, mother, and seasoned entrepreneur with a background in digital, affiliate marketing, and content creation. She and her husband run multiple remote businesses that give their family the freedom to live and travel full-time in their RV. As a homeschooling mom, Lauren is passionate about creating a life rich in experiences and connection. Through Time to RV, she shares her family’s journey, along with practical insights, travel tips, and resources to help others explore the road less traveled, without sacrificing stability or success. Lauren and her family have been full-time RVing since November 2024.
How We Review: At Time to RV, we only recommend products and places we have personally used or visited. Our reviews are based on real-life testing during our full-time travels. We never accept payment for a positive review; our goal is to give you the honest truth so you can hit the road with confidence.
