See It From Above
Royal Gorge Helicopter Tours
Soar over America's highest suspension bridge, through the Royal Gorge Canyon, and across Colorado's most dramatic landscapes in a Rolls Royce-powered helicopter.
5
Tour Options
8-30
Minutes Flight Time
60+
Years Pilot Experience
5.0
Guest Rating
The Only Way to Truly See the Royal Gorge
Since 1989, Royal Gorge Helicopter Tours has been offering breathtaking aerial adventures over one of North America's most spectacular canyons. Nothing else gets you 2,500 feet above the Arkansas River with 360-degree views of towering granite walls, America's highest bridge, and the Rocky Mountain skyline.
Fly in the safety and comfort of a million-dollar Robinson R66 helicopter: powered by a Rolls Royce turbine engine with leather seats, climate control, and headsets for narrated tour commentary. Every seat delivers an incredible view.
Robinson R66
Rolls Royce Turbine
Choose Your Flight
Five tour options from quick canyon flyovers to extended Rocky Mountain aerial journeys. Every flight includes narrated commentary from experienced mountain-trained pilots.
Bridge Run Adventure
A thrilling introductory ride directly over the Royal Gorge Bridge: America's highest suspension bridge at 956 feet. Perfect for birthdays, first-time flyers, kids, and anyone wanting an affordable aerial adventure.
Canyon Run Adventure
An affordable, scenic, and thrilling ride to see the highest suspension bridge in America and the west side of the Royal Gorge Canyon. An upgrade from the Bridge Run that keeps you in budget while delivering incredible canyon views.
Royal Gorge Run
Our best value tour: packed with epic Royal Gorge scenery and plenty of thrills. View the Royal Gorge Canyon in its entirety, including America's highest bridge, the roaring Arkansas River, towering granite walls, and surrounding canyon country. The perfect balance between flight time and value.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon Tour
Fly over both the Royal Gorge and the incredible Bighorn Sheep Canyon with sweeping views stretching to the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak. See where bighorn sheep graze along red-rock canyon walls, the Arkansas River winding through valleys, and alpine landscapes beyond.
America the Beautiful
Our longest and most spectacular tour. Experience the full scope of the Arkansas River Valley from above: the Royal Gorge, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, alpine landscapes, aspen groves, mountain lakes, and panoramic Rocky Mountain views. An unforgettable 30-minute aerial journey through Colorado's most dramatic scenery.
What's Included
Good to Know
Departure Location
45045 US Hwy 50, Cañon City, CO 81212
Next to Royal Gorge Rafting base
Hours
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended
Your Pilots
Fly with pilots who know these mountains like the back of their hand. Over 60 years of combined flight experience with thousands of hours in Colorado's unique terrain.
Safety First
FAA-certified with rigorous safety protocols. Passenger well-being is always the #1 priority.
Mountain Trained
Thousands of hours flying Colorado's canyons and peaks. Expert at mountain wind and weather patterns.
Narrated Tours
Knowledgeable commentary throughout your flight via headset. Learn about the gorge, bridge, and geology.
See What You'll See
Aerial views from our helicopter tours over the Royal Gorge, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains.
Pro Tips
Best Time for Photos
Morning flights have the calmest air and clearest visibility. Sunset tours offer the most dramatic lighting.
Best Seat for Views
Sit on the right side of the aircraft for the best views of the bridge on approach. Every seat has great visibility.
Combine Activities
The helipad is right next to our rafting base: pair a morning raft trip with an afternoon flight for the ultimate day.
Romance Package
Helicopter tours are our most popular proposal experience. Pilots can coordinate timing for the perfect moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the helicopter tours?
Tours range from approximately 8 minutes (Bridge Run) to 30 minutes (America the Beautiful). The most popular Royal Gorge Run tour is about 12 minutes of flight time covering 24 miles.
How many people can fly at once?
The Robinson R66 helicopter seats up to 4 passengers plus the pilot. Every seat has a fantastic view. A minimum of 2 passengers is required per flight.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety is our top priority. If a tour is canceled due to weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund. Morning flights typically have the calmest conditions.
Can I take photos and video during the flight?
Absolutely! Photography and video are encouraged. GoPro 360 cameras are available to rent. The only restriction is no flash photography to protect the pilot's vision.
Where do the tours depart from?
Tours depart from 45045 US Hwy 50, Canon City, CO 81212, directly next to the Royal Gorge Rafting base. Easy to combine with other activities.
Are walk-in flights available?
Yes! Walk-in flights are available from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, weather permitting. However, we recommend booking in advance to guarantee your preferred time, especially during summer weekends.
Ready to Fly?
Book your Royal Gorge helicopter tour and see Colorado's grandest canyon from a perspective few ever experience.