Red Rock Royale: Why Fall and Winter Are the Best Times to Experience Sedona’s Ultimate Helicopter + Jeep Adventure

Sedona is spectacular in every season, but fall and winter bring something truly special to the red rocks. The crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, and the sunlight softens into warm golden tones that make the desert glow. For travelers who want to experience Sedona at its best, the Red Rock Royale: Helicopter + Jeep Combo Adventure offers the perfect way to explore from both sky and soil.

This 2.5- to 3-hour adventure combines a 20-minute helicopter flight with Apex Air Tours and a 2-hour Colorado Plateau Jeep Tour with Sedona Jeep Tours. Together, they reveal every side of Sedona’s beauty—from soaring cliffs and hidden canyons to ancient dwellings and rugged trails—all guided by experienced locals who know this land by heart.

Start at the Top: Check-In at Apex Air Tours

Your adventure begins high above Sedona at 1225 Airport Road, home to Apex Air Tours at Sedona Airport. Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled departure to complete check-in, meet the support staff, and enjoy the comfortable lounge area.

During this time, you will receive a quick safety briefing and an introduction to your pilots and ground crew. The Apex Air team is known for their friendly professionalism, ensuring every guest feels at ease before take-off. The facility offers comfortable seating and restrooms, so you can relax and prepare for the experience ahead.

Take Flight: The Helicopter Tour (20 Minutes)

Your journey begins in the air aboard a state-of-the-art Apex Air helicopter featuring forward-facing seats, air conditioning, and expansive windows for panoramic views.

As you lift off, Sedona unfolds beneath you like a living painting. The Ancient Sedona Helicopter Tour route showcases some of the region’s most iconic landmarks:

• Cathedral Rock – Sedona’s most famous formation, glowing red in the soft light.

• Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte – towering sandstone sentinels marking the southern gateway to Sedona.

• Boynton Canyon – a landscape steeped in beauty and legend, home to ancient cliff dwellings carved into the rock.

From your seat in the sky, you can see the vast expanse of the Verde Valley, the winding trails of Oak Creek Canyon, and layers of stone shaped by time and wind. Every moment is a photo opportunity, and the fall and winter light make the colors even richer.

After roughly twenty minutes of breathtaking scenery, your pilot gently returns to the Apex Air Tours base to complete the first leg of your journey.

Continue the Adventure: Jeep Pickup at Apex Air

When your helicopter lands, your adventure continues without pause. The Sedona Jeep Tours team will meet you right at the Apex Air location for your next experience—a 2-hour Colorado Plateau Jeep Tour led by knowledgeable local guides.

This seamless transition between sky and ground is one of the reasons the Red Rock Royale is Sedona’s most popular combo tour. Guests can go directly from their scenic flight into the rugged beauty of the high desert without worrying about transportation or coordination.

The Colorado Plateau Jeep Tour (2 Hours)

Your Jeep guide begins by sharing insights about Sedona’s geology, history, and culture as you head off the paved roads and into the high desert. The Colorado Plateau is where ancient seas once covered the land, leaving behind the colorful layers of sandstone and limestone that define Sedona’s landscape today.

The route winds through stunning vistas, hidden canyons, and dramatic rock formations that are inaccessible to most vehicles. Along the way, you will stop at scenic overlooks to take photos, stretch your legs, and listen to stories about Sedona’s legends and natural wonders.

These guides are true locals who know the terrain intimately. They bring Sedona to life with storytelling that connects the scenery to its geological and cultural roots. From ancient ruins to plant life that thrives in the desert, every detail adds depth to the journey.

After approximately two hours of exploring, your Jeep returns to the Apex Air Tours pickup point, where your adventure concludes.

Why Fall and Winter Are the Best Seasons for the Red Rock Royale

While Sedona is beautiful year-round, fall and winter are ideal for combining air and ground adventures.

1. Perfect Weather for Flying and Off-Roading
Daytime temperatures in fall and early winter range between the mid-60s and low 70s, offering comfortable conditions for both helicopter flights and open-air Jeep rides. The cooler air also creates smoother flying conditions and sharper visibility, allowing you to see distant peaks and canyons with incredible clarity.

2. Vibrant Colors and Soft Light
Autumn in Sedona paints the landscape with golden leaves and deep red tones. Even into December, the sunlight stays low in the sky, casting long shadows that highlight the contours of the cliffs. This lighting is ideal for photography and gives the red rocks a warm, glowing appearance.

3. Fewer Crowds, More Peace
By November, Sedona’s busiest tourist season has passed, creating a calmer, more personal experience. Whether you are flying over Cathedral Rock or stopping for photos along the trail, you will have more space and time to enjoy the moment without the summer rush.

4. Comfortable Temperatures for Layered Dressing
Guests are encouraged to dress in layers for comfort, as the temperature can vary between the helicopter cabin and the open-air Jeep. It is usually warmer in the helicopter than outside, so bringing a light jacket ensures you stay cozy throughout the tour.

Practical Details Before You Go

• Check-In Location: 1225 Airport Road, Sedona, AZ 86336

• Check-In Time: 30 minutes before your scheduled flight

• Total Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

• Minimum Passengers: Each flight requires at least two seats booked to depart

• What to Bring: Camera, cell phone, and water

• What Not to Bring: Any-size carry-on bags or purses, due to limited cabin space

• Discounts: Apex Air offers 10 percent off for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders, along with repeat and group discounts

Apex Air’s helicopters feature all forward-facing seats for the best possible view, and Comfort Seating is available for guests over 229 pounds. Comfort Plus seating accommodates guests 270 pounds and up, ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant experience.

A Day You’ll Never Forget

The Red Rock Royale offers something rare: the chance to experience Sedona’s grandeur from both the air and the ground in a single adventure. The contrast between soaring over the cliffs and driving through their shadow creates a sense of wonder that stays with you long after the tour ends.

Fall and winter make that experience even more magical. The light is softer, the colors are deeper, and the air feels crisp and calm. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to see Sedona in a new way, the Red Rock Royale Helicopter + Jeep Combo Adventure delivers an unforgettable perspective on one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Book Your Fall or Winter Red Rock Royale Today

The Red Rock Royale departs from Apex Air Tours at 1225 Airport Road in Sedona. Check-in is required 30 minutes before your scheduled flight, and space is limited during peak weekends.

To reserve your adventure or learn about seasonal specials, call (928) 852-4848 or visit flyapexair.com. Whether you are chasing the colors of autumn or the calm of a Sedona winter morning, there has never been a better time to take flight.