Bryce Canyon Helicopters Returns to Continue Its 47th Year of National Park Aerial Tours

In the 1960s Paul Cox spent his early career working for Grand Canyon Airlines and in his off season worked in aerial firefighting. He started Bryce Canyon Helicopters in 1977 after spending so much time in the area and fell in love with the iconic scenery.

Paul has operated Bryce Canyon Helicopters for over 47 years. Flying over 1,200 flights per year, Paul has shared his love of Bryce Canyon with over 115,000 guests throughout his time operating the company. Paul’s son, Alex Cox, has been by his side, helping operate the business for the last 16 years.

Alex took his first solo flight on his 16th Birthday at Bryce Canyon in a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter, one of the first pilots ever to do so. He has been actively flying as a commercial pilot since the age of 18. He’s flown routes from Alaska, to The Northern Mariana Island, to the mountains of Utah and a myriad of locations throughout.

Alex is not only an experienced commercial pilot, but also a certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, a rare combination that speaks to his deep understanding of aircraft from the inside out. His spotless flight record and extensive mechanical expertise make him a standout in the field. Combine that with his genuine connection to the region, and you’re flying with someone who truly knows the skies and the landscape below.

Alex is a third-generation aviator, carrying on a proud family legacy of flight from both sides of his family. He and his family are thrilled to be part of this new chapter in Bryce Canyon aviation, offering guests the rare opportunity to experience one of the most dramatic natural wonders in the world from an unforgettable bird’s-eye view.

For the Cox family, aviation is more than a career; it’s a way of life. In 1977, Paul flew his newborn daughter home from the hospital at just 36 hours old. Decades later, Alex continued the tradition by flying his own newborn home in 2022, only 32 hours after birth.

After decades of successful operation, Alex is elevating the business once again starting April 17, 2025. With a new partnership and the introduction of an Airbus AS350B3 (fancy way of saying “cool new aircraft”), guests can expect an upgraded level of comfort and performance on every Bryce Canyon tour. Backed by his entire family, Alex will lead both Flight and Ground Operations, delivering breathtaking, unforgettable views of one of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest.

What makes a helicopter tour with Bryce Canyon Helicopters so special? We are the FAA Part 135 Certified Helicopter Sightseeing Operator approved to fly tours over Bryce Canyon National Park from Bryce Canyon Airport. That means our guests get exclusive access to views most people will never experience. Our aircraft, the Airbus AS350B3, is built for exactly this kind of flying. With forward-facing, stadium-style seating and wide panoramic windows, every seat gives you a front-row look at the landscape. And with a 100 percent safety record, you can feel confident knowing you’re flying with a team that puts your experience and well-being first.

For those short on time, the North Bryce Canyon Panoramic Tour offers an unforgettable 15-minute flight that covers all the greatest hits. It’s a fast, thrilling way to see iconic formations like Boat Mesa and Sinking Ship without spending your whole day hiking or driving. Quick, scenic, and perfect for first-time visitors who want to make the most of their time.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive, the Highlights Tour stretches the experience to 30 minutes and takes you even further into the landscape. You’ll fly over the park’s highest elevations, including Rainbow Point and the ancient Bristlecone Pines, as well as hidden gems like Natural Bridge. It’s a more immersive look at Bryce Canyon with plenty of time to take it all in.

And then there’s the full experience, the Bryce Canyon & Grand Staircase Tour. This 55-minute adventure combines the intricate beauty of Bryce Canyon with the vast, rugged wilds of Grand Staircase-Escalante. You’ll cover over 100 miles of Southern Utah’s most dramatic terrain, from towering hoodoos to remote slot canyons and ancient fault lines. For those who want to see it all, this is the one.

Created On 07 Apr 2025