Arches Airplane Tour: 30-Min Scenic Flight Over Moab's Arches
Aerial views condense Arches National Park into 30 breathtaking minutes — see Delicate Arch, sandstone fins, and sweeping desert canyons from a small aircraft with live commentary. Ideal for photographers and visitors short on time.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book a window seat early
Request a window seat and the sun side when booking — photographic opportunities are brief and dependent on light angle.
Bring motion-sickness prevention
Small planes can be bumpy; take anti-nausea medication beforehand if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Charge spare batteries and storage
Rapid-fire photo opportunities demand charged batteries and free memory cards rather than swapping mid-flight.
Arrive 30 minutes early
Operators perform weight/height checks and safety briefings; early arrival avoids rushed boarding and potential delays.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •View of the Fiery Furnace’s narrow fins from above — patterns not visible on the ground
- •Dry wash patterns and abandoned road cuts that reveal sediment layers along the park’s western edge
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Ravens and red-tailed hawks
Conservation Note
Flights concentrate above sensitive habitats; stick to operator guidance to minimize noise and disturbance, and consider offsetting your impact by supporting park fees and local conservation groups.
The park’s arches formed from Jurassic-age sandstone beds uplifted by regional tectonics; Indigenous peoples and early ranchers traveled and camped in the surrounding canyonlands for centuries.
What to Bring
Camera or smartphone with fast shutterEssential
Captures fleeting aerial compositions and high-contrast desert lighting.
SunglassesEssential
Reduces glare through the window and improves visibility for photography.
Light wind jacket or layersEssential
Temperatures can be cooler at flight altitude and while waiting outdoors.
Motion-sickness medication
Helps ensure comfort on bumpy or windy days in a small aircraft.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The scheduled flight time is 30 minutes from takeoff to landing, including live headset commentary.
What are the booking and cancellation policies?
Full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure; flights may be canceled for bad weather with refund or rescheduling options.
Are there weight or age restrictions?
Operators collect height, weight, and age during booking to maintain aircraft weight-and-balance limits; disclose accurate information when requested.
Will we get good photos of Delicate Arch?
Yes — Delicate Arch and major formations are visible from the air, but light angle and aircraft position affect framing, so bring a fast camera and choose the optimal seat if possible.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
30 minutes
Location
Moab, Utah
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; must be able to climb into a small aircraft and follow safety instructions.
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