Fly Into Sedona’s Secret Airport For Stunning Views (2024)

For those who are visiting Sedona, Arizona for unique and fun things to do, many do so to see the historic small town, visit the energy vortexes for a spiritual Sedona reset, or hike through the beautiful red rock in the region to take in the views. However, there are views that many do not see because they are unaware they even exist. This is because these particular vantage points can only be seen from the air when flying into Sedona's secret airport, known for its stunning views.

Sedona Airport is often referred to as "America's most scenic airport." This is because not only are the views from the air something that any other airport cannot rival in the state, but those seen when descending are nothing short of breathtaking. Depending on the time of day, the sunlight bounces off of the mountains, creating what looks to be a painting with vibrant colors only seen in Sedona.

But for those hoping to take a commercial flight into or out of the airport, there is no such luck. Sedona Airport is a regional airport only, meaning that small planes can only take off and land there. But as a result of this, there are not any commercial aircraft to obstruct views that otherwise would distract from the beauty that is the scenery observed from the Sedona Airport.

Stunning Views Descending Into The Sedona Airport

Vistas, pinnacles, mesas, and valleys can be seen descending into Sedona Airport

Those who decide to either fly their own aircraft or take a tour in a Cessna or other small plane to and from Sedona Airport will not be disappointed. The views that visitors witness are something visually unparalleled anywhere else on Earth.

While the red rocks of Sedona can be appreciated via hikes and the views can be enjoyed when reaching the vistas, there is something about flying directly through the sandstone formations and seeing them up close that hits a bit differently.

Formations like Coffee Pot Rock, Snoopy Rock, Bell Rock, and more can be seen when up in the air and descending into the airport. In fact, some of the pinnacles need to be navigated around in order to make it to the landing strip. Because of this, pilots are encouraged to study the topography before coming into the Sedona Airport.

It is not only from the descent that there are amazing views from the airport. Once inside the terminal, visitors can go to the observation area to see not only views that go on as far as the eye can see but watch other planes, helicopters, and even hot air balloons take off from the airport as well.

What To Know About Sedona Airport

Sedona Airport opened in 1955 and has been operated by Sky West since 1993

The Sedona Airport was the brainchild of Ray Steele and Joe Moser. They knew that the pinnacles and the forest area would provide complications when it came to choosing the right location in Sedona to build a runway for an airport. The area on Tabletop Mountain proved to be the right choice for the airport.

Construction began in 1952. With the help of the Boy Scouts, boys from the Christian Indian School, and local Sedonians, a runway was completed just three years later.

Over the years, the airport was under the authority of different hands. It was not until 1993 that Sedona Airport was taken on by Sky West. As a result of this, tours were streamlined, but commuter service ended in 1995.

The airport became a place for smaller airplanes to travel in and out of. However, this ensured that the views would not be impacted by larger aircraft and those flying in and out of the airport could enjoy the Sedona Airport region with all the beauty it was intended to provide for both pilots and passengers alike.

More Than Flying Is Done From The Sedona Airport

Hiking, helicopter tours, and jeep tours are done from the Sedona Airport

Given the views from Sedona Airport, it should come as no surprise that the area is in demand for hikers as well. Not only is the Sedona Airport Loop one that gives close-up views of the sandstone pinnacles and mesas in the area, it is also one that is not a difficult hike. Hikers of any skill level can enjoy the out-and-back 1.4 mile trek.

With the hike being short and easy to do, it is one of the most popular in the area. As a result, parking can prove to be difficult to find during peak hours. This happens to be at sunset, when the sun hits the red rocks as it is going down for the evening, providing a rich landscape of colors for hikers to enjoy from the top of the mesa looking down on the canyon and areas below.

For those who want a longer hike, the Bandit and Brewer Trails can be added to the Airport Loop. The difficulty is not much greater, but there is more of an elevation gain when the trails are added together.

In addition to the small airplanes coming in and out of the airport, helicopter tours operate from Sedona Airport. This allows visitors to enjoy views of the area that hiking and flying in a plane overhead cannot provide.

For those who want to drive through the red rocks in the area, there are jeep tours that depart from the airport daily as well. The airport in Sedona is not only a place for small aircraft, as the founders of the site originally intended, but over the years, it has morphed into so much more — while allowing the beauty of nature to be unobstructed and enjoyed by both residents and visitors to the area alike.