Take to the Skies
Looking for an uplifting experience? Take to the skies for Sonoran Desert views that will to take your breath away. From the serenity of hot air balloon flights to the seat-of-your-pants excitement of powerchute and helicopter rides, Scottsdale’s aerial adventures will give you a whole new perspective on our amazing Sonoran Desert landscape. Just be sure to bring your camera – these adventures are full of great photo ops!
Hot Air Ballooning
You’ll have to get up early for this one (most flights depart at sunrise), but the spectacular views will make it all worthwhile. As your balloon lifts off, you’ll fly low enough to see desert critters scurrying about below. Then, as you gain altitude you’ll get amazing 360-degree views of Valley of the Sun and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Web: www.hotairexpeditions.com
Seaplane Tours
Hop aboard a nine-passenger Cessna Caravan seaplane and cruise over some of the Scottsdale area’s most amazing sights, including the McDowell Mountains, Salt River Canyons, Native American cliff dwellings, Apache Trail and Weaver’s Needle. You’ll also fly over several area lakes and make a water landing on Roosevelt Lake! For a real treat, add an elegant Sunday brunch on the shores of Roosevelt Lake catered by Scottsdale’s award-winning FnB Restaurant.
Helicopter Tours
Swoop below the Grand Canyon’s South Rim for a bird’s eye view of the colorful cliffs, striking rock formations and mighty Colorado River. Or try a combo tour that stops in Sedona’ Red Rock Country for lunch and shopping on your way to the see the wonders of the Grand Canyon. And if you’d like to explore the wild blue yonder closer to Scottsdale, regional tours feature fly-bys of desert lakes, the McDowell and Superstition mountains, volcanic cones, Goldfield Ghost Town and more.
Tel: 928-638-2622
Web: www.maverickhelicopter.com
Grand Canyon and Sedona tours depart
from Scottsdale area.
Tel: 928-638-2419
Web: www.papillon.com
Helicopter tours depart from Grand Canyon
Airport; combination ground and helicopter tours depart from Scottsdale area.
Air Tours
Want to see some of Arizona’s most picturesque destinations and still be back in Scottsdale for happy hour? This is the adventure for you! Awe-inspiring flights will take you to such well-known landmarks as Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Lake Powell, then whisk you back to Scottsdale in time to talk about the day’s adventure over cocktails.
