Adventure travel just took to the skies—and not in the way your average fly-by-night travel deal might suggest. No, this one’s altogether more elevated. In a dazzling partnership that’s more Top Gun than tent-and-billycan, Bindlestiff Tours—America’s award-winning maestro of national park adventures—has teamed up with Papillon Helicopters to offer an eye-popping suite of Aerial Adventure Safaris. And yes, they’re as jaw-dropping as they sound.

For those who find long road trips a tad too pedestrian (or, dare we say, ground-level), this new series of three-day, high-altitude, high-comfort tours brings a fresh twist to wilderness wandering. Forget squeezing into the back seat of a minivan with yesterday’s granola bar. These safaris whisk you from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion and beyond, by private aircraft. And on the ground? That’s where the real magic happens: Navajo-guided 4WD journeys, mystic hikes, and boutique hotel stays with hot breakfasts. Let’s say, glamping this is not.

The Sky’s the Limit

“This partnership allows us to deliver something truly extraordinary,” said Rachel Urban, Bindlestiff’s ever-energetic owner and unapologetic fan of bold horizons. “By pairing our expert-led, small-group adventures with Papillon’s aerial reach, we’re creating next-level safaris for guests who want to go deeper, see more, and experience the Southwest like never before.”

Urban isn’t wrong. For years, Bindlestiff has been a favourite among travellers looking to escape the beaten track without sacrificing comfort, storytelling, or that all-important scenic selfie. But with the addition of Papillon’s fleet—already famed for its Grand Canyon flyovers and Hoover Dam swoops—these new itineraries cover more ground (and sky) in three days than some folks manage in a fortnight.

And it’s not just sightseeing. These safaris are tightly choreographed affairs that combine sky-high thrills with immersive land-based encounters. Whether a hummer tour with a Navajo guide through Monument Valley’s cinematic sandstone buttes or a twilight Jeep ride through Sedona’s mystical vortexes, the action is equal parts Indiana Jones and David Attenborough.

Let’s break them down.

1. Three-Day National Park Aerial Adventure Safari

The original—and arguably the best for classic landscape lovers—this whirlwind tour kicks off with a scenic flight over Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, before guests touch down for a rollicking Buck Wild Hummer tour through the canyon’s South Rim. Then it’s off to meet the red rock gods of Monument Valley, followed by a trip through Antelope Canyon’s photogenic slot canyons and a final hike amongst Bryce Canyon’s whimsical hoodoos. The trip concludes with a serene flight over Zion on the return leg to Vegas.

Cost: From USD $3,935 per person (minimum eight guests).

2. Three-Day Mighty Five Aerial Adventure Safari

Utah’s famed “Mighty Five” are the stars here. The journey kicks off with a flight over Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon before descending into a sun-soaked safari through Antelope Canyon and the surreal curves of Horseshoe Bend. Then, it’s on to Arches and Canyonlands, before a whirlwind finale through Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon. Zion again gets the aerial treatment as guests fly home, which is undoubtedly full of camera roll and carbonara from the included dinners.

Cost: From USD $4,415 per person (minimum eight guests).

3. Three-Day Spiritual Aerial Adventure Safari

Now this one’s for the soul searchers. Think less Grand Theft Auto, more Eat Pray Hike. This itinerary pairs sweeping aerial vistas with moments of deep reflection—sunset Hummer safaris, vortex tours through Sedona’s sandstone cathedrals, and stargazing sessions under Utah’s famously dark skies. Perfect for those who travel not just to see, but to feel.

Cost: From USD $4,175 per person (again, with a group of eight or more).

What’s Included?

Quite a lot. Beyond the birds-eye brilliance and expert guides, each safari includes two nights in comfortable accommodation, all park admission fees, gourmet-level picnics, breakfasts, and hearty dinners. And yes, all guide and pilot gratuities are taken care of—so you won’t need to fumble for cash with cold hands after a canyon-top hike.

Guests are chauffeured from their Las Vegas hotels and flown across the western wilderness in Papillon’s sleek aircraft, with private vehicles ready and waiting on the ground. Groups are capped at nine per aircraft, though larger parties can be split over multiple helicopters if necessary. Children over two years are welcome—provided they can keep up with mum and dad.

Final Boarding Call

In an age where tourism often means tick-the-box sightseeing, Bindlestiff and Papillon offer a gloriously old-school antidote—an adventure not just of movement, but of meaning. And they’ve done it without skimping on comfort or connection. It’s part aviation romance, part cultural immersion, and entirely unforgettable.

One might say it’s a safari that truly lifts the spirit, both literally and metaphorically.

So, whether you’ve got a bucket list the size of Bryce Canyon or want to swap Zoom fatigue for Zion grandeur, Bindlestiff’s new Aerial Adventure Safaris might be your ticket to the extraordinary.

Book your seat or learn more here: www.bindlestifftours.com.

By Jason Smith

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