The 7 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours in West Yellowstone
Flying over West Yellowstone offers a perspective few get to experience firsthand. With its rugged mountains, expansive lakes, and the famous Yellowstone landscapes, this area is tailor-made for aerial adventures. The thrill of floating above jagged peaks or shimmering waters provides a new appreciation for this wild corner of Montana. Whether you’re after a quick peek or a comprehensive tour, West Yellowstone’s helicopter flights deliver stunning views with a side of adrenaline.
What sets these tours apart is their ability to showcase specific landmarks like Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake, and the Continental Divide, while some offer private flights in small planes like the Cessna 182. Choosing the right tour depends on your time, budget, and how much of the landscape you want to see at once. This guide walks you through seven of the best helicopter and small plane tours available, helping you find the perfect aerial experience.
Quick Overview
This list includes a mix of helicopter and small plane tours, ranging from 30-minute scenic flights to comprehensive hour-long adventures. For those seeking a bird’s-eye view of Yellowstone’s highlights, the 1 Hour Aerial Tour All Included Trifecta Tour is a top choice, combining multiple routes into one epic journey. For a more intimate experience, private flights like the West Yellowstone: 45 Minute Aerial Tour Rugged Mountains and West Yellowstone: 45 Minute Aerial Tour Continental Divide Highlights offer personalized, close-up views of Montana’s iconic peaks.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, highlighting what makes them special and how they fit different traveler preferences.
1. 1 Hour Aerial Tour All Included Trifecta Tour
The Trifecta Tour is the crown jewel for those wanting to see everything in a single flight. Spanning about an hour, this tour combines elements of the Skyline Tour, the Continental Divide Tour, and The Rugged Mountain Tour. Your pilot will take you over West Yellowstone, Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake, and the mountains along the Continental Divide. It’s the perfect option if you can’t decide between multiple routes or want the most rundown of the region.
What makes this tour stand out is its all-in-one approach, giving you a broad yet detailed look at the area’s most iconic sights. The reviews are glowing — a perfect 5.0/5 based on three reviews — underscoring its popularity among travelers seeking a complete aerial experience. The price of around $386.81 per person reflects its all-encompassing scope, making it a solid investment for anyone eager to maximize their sightseeing.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a full, panoramic view of Yellowstone’s highlights in a single flight, with high praise from previous flyers.
2. 45 Minute Aerial Tour Over West Yellowstone’s Rugged Mountains
If the spectacle of the Rocky Mountains excites you, this is the tour to pick. In about 45 minutes, your pilot will take you over the rugged peaks surrounding West Yellowstone, with a focus on the towering, jagged mountains that define the valley. This tour offers a close-up experience of the terrain that almost mile-high summits and steep cliffs provide.
Though it currently has no reviews, the price point of $322.13 offers solid value for a comprehensive mountain flight. This tour is perfect for adventure-minded travelers eager to see the raw, natural beauty of Montana’s mountain terrain—without the distraction of lakes or other landmarks. The flight emphasizes terrain and mountain formations, making it a great choice for those interested in geology or simply wanting to stare in awe at nature’s grandeur.
Bottom Line: Best suited for mountain lovers who want an immersive, less crowded experience with magnificent views of the rugged peaks.
3. 30 Minute Aerial Tour Yellowstone Skyline
The Yellowstone Skyline tour is a shorter, 30-minute flight that still packs a punch. It offers a bird’s-eye view of the mountains forming the Yellowstone Valley, with an emphasis on their towering presence and dramatic cliffs. If you’re short on time but still want a taste of Yellowstone’s rugged landscape, this tour hits the mark.
The route promises an up-close look at steep mountain faces and jagged cliffs, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting a quick but impactful aerial overview. While reviews are currently unavailable, the price of $257.44 makes it an accessible way to get a birds-eye view of the region. It’s best suited for travelers who want an introductory flight or are combining it with other Yellowstone activities.
Bottom Line: A quick yet scenic option, this tour appeals to those looking to capture stunning landscape photos and experience the majesty of Yellowstone’s mountains in half an hour.
4. 45 Minute Aerial Tour Continental Divide Highlights
This tour offers a focused look at the Continental Divide, the mighty water-splitting line that runs through the Rockies. In around 45 minutes, you’ll fly over West Yellowstone and the surrounding area, with a special emphasis on the watersheds that give rise to major rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific. It’s perfect for those interested in geography, hydrology, or just seeing the watershed boundaries from above.
While no reviews are listed, the price of about $322 per person reflects the specialized nature of this flight. Flying along the Divide also provides sweeping views of mountains, lakes, and rivers, making it an educational as well as an awe-inspiring experience. This tour is well-suited for travelers curious about nature’s water systems or wanting a unique perspective on Yellowstone’s landscape.
Bottom Line: Ideal for geography buffs or anyone eager to see the watershed boundaries that shape the region’s ecology.
5. West Yellowstone: 30 Minute Aerial Tour Yellowstone Seismic
For a personalized experience, this private 30-minute tour in a Cessna 182 is a standout. It offers an intimate view of Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake, and other landmarks shaped by the 1959 earthquake, making it especially interesting for those intrigued by geological events. The tour’s focus on the history and landscape affected by seismic activity makes it both educational and visually stunning.
With a 4.8/5 rating from reviews emphasizing its breath-taking views and personalized approach, this tour is well-suited for small groups or couples looking for an exclusive experience. The price of $265 per person offers good value for a private flight in a small aircraft, with the added bonus of learning about the earthquake’s impact on the landscape.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history and geology enthusiasts seeking a private, in-depth view of Yellowstone’s seismic past.
6. West Yellowstone: 45 Minute Aerial Tour Rugged Mountains
This private 45-minute flight in a Cessna 182 is tailored for up to three people eager to get remarkable views of the rugged mountains surrounding West Yellowstone. It is the only small plane tour operating from this airport that focuses exclusively on the natural landmarks of the area.
What distinguishes this tour is its personalized nature: private flights tend to provide more flexibility, better views, and a more relaxed experience. The price of $332 reflects the exclusivity and the unparalleled scenery of the mountain cliffs and peaks. Travelers who appreciate quiet, intimate settings and want close-up vistas of Montana’s rugged terrain** will find this tour highly satisfying.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups wanting a private, immersive mountain experience with stunning vistas.
7. West Yellowstone: 1 Hour Aerial Tour The Trifecta
At the top of the list is the 1-hour Trifecta Tour, which combines the best of all worlds—mountains, lakes, and rivers—into a single comprehensive flight. This private tour in a Cessna 182 offers an aerial sweep of Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake, and the Continental Divide, giving you a full perspective on Yellowstone’s diverse landscapes.
Rated 4.8/5 from reviews, this tour is praised for its extensive coverage and the skill of the pilots. The $397 price tag might seem steep, but considering it hits multiple major sights in one go, it offers excellent value for a full, detailed tour. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time and prefer a private, personalized flight.
Bottom Line: A luxury choice for those wanting a complete, all-encompassing aerial overview of Yellowstone’s most stunning features.
How to Choose the Right Helicopter or Small Plane Tour
When selecting a helicopter or small plane tour in West Yellowstone, consider your budget, time constraints, and what specific sights excite you most. For a comprehensive experience, the 1 Hour Aerial Tour All Included Trifecta Tour is hard to beat, especially with its glowing reviews. If you want personalized attention and focus on geology or seismic history, the private West Yellowstone: 30 Minute Aerial Tour Yellowstone Seismic might suit you better.
For those with limited time but an interest in mountain vistas, the 30-minute Skyline offers high-impact scenery, while the 45-minute Rugged Mountain provides a more immersive mountain experience. Budget-conscious travelers will find the shorter tours appealing, but don’t forget that private small plane tours tend to offer more personal space and flexibility.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to ensure availability and the best flight times. Most tours operate year-round, but check for seasonal weather impacts that can affect flying conditions.
Final Thoughts
West Yellowstone’s helicopter and small plane tours open a window into the landscape’s grandeur that few get to see on foot. For those wanting a full, panoramic experience, the Trifecta Tour is a standout. If you prefer a more private, intimate trip, the private mountain or seismic tours provide a personalized touch.
Whether you’re after adrenaline, educational insights, or just incredible views, there’s a flying experience waiting for you in West Yellowstone. Booking early and choosing the right tour based on your interests will ensure you get the most out of your aerial adventure.