Palm Springs Helicopter Tours
  1. Palm Springs Helicopter Tours
  2. Experiences
  3. Desert Rider Grand

All flights depart from Atlantic Aviation at PSP, our operational hub

A wide basin of granite boulders in soft light, ranges fading behind
Desert Rider

Desert Rider Grand

The full high desert

$999 per guest

Two-guest minimum. The third seat is open to other guests unless you make it private.

Your party
2

$1,998 for 2 guests

Each helicopter seats three guests.

Make it private

The whole helicopter for your group, third seat 25% off. From $2,747

Book now
  • 60 minutes in the air
  • Check in 30 minutes early at Atlantic Aviation FBO

Route

  • Joshua Tree
  • Pioneertown rocks
  • San Gorgonio
  • Morongo Valley
  • San Jacinto Mountains
  • Aerial Tram

Duration

Flight
60 minutes
Check in
30 minutes early, Atlantic Aviation FBO
Minimum
2 guests
Landing
None. A continuous flight from PSP and back.

Departure point

Atlantic Aviation at PSP
145 N Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262

Our operational hub is the Atlantic Aviation terminal at Palm Springs International Airport, minutes from downtown Palm Springs and easy to reach from anywhere in the valley.

Open in Google Maps

Desert Rider Grand

The full high desert: Joshua Tree, Pioneertown, San Gorgonio, Morongo Valley, the San Jacinto Mountains and the Aerial Tram.

View flight route

the route

Flight route

The planned route. Press play to fly the route, or pick any waypoint to see what is below.

Palm SpringsPalm DesertIndioLa QuintaDesert Hot SpringsYucca ValleyJoshua TreeLandersCoachellaJoshua Tree National ParkMt. San JacintoCoachella ValleyMorongo BasinSan Bernardino MtnsSanta Rosa MountainsN HAtlantic Aviation at PSPDepart & returnJoshua TreePioneertown rocksMorongo ValleyWindmillsAerial TramSan Jacinto Mountains © OpenStreetMap

Select a waypoint

The valley spread out far below from the high desert rim

Stop 1 of 6

Keys View

Joshua Tree National Park

The park's signature overlook, on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, with the whole Coachella Valley spread out below and the San Jacinto range standing across from you. This is where the route crosses into the national park.

About 5,200 feet above sea level, roughly a mile above the valley floor.

For your safety, flight routes may change with weather, air traffic and other conditions on the day.

Experience the Desert Rider Grand

Joshua Tree · Pioneertown rocks · San Gorgonio · Morongo Valley · San Jacinto Mountains · Aerial Tram.

Towers of sunlit orange granite

On this flight

What you'll fly over

The desert this flight covers, from the ground.

  • A sandy track through a forest of Joshua trees toward a rocky ridge
  • A rainbow arcing over an open plain of desert scrub
  • Boulders and a bare tree under an open sky

Frequently asked questions

01Where does the Desert Rider Grand depart from?

From Atlantic Aviation FBO at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), 145 N Gene Autry Trail, minutes from downtown Palm Springs. Please check in 30 minutes early.

02How long is it?

60 minutes in the air. Please check in 30 minutes before your flight at Atlantic Aviation FBO, Palm Springs International.

03What does it cost?

$999 per guest, with a two-guest minimum, so the smallest booking is $1,998. The third seat is open to other guests unless you make it private: the whole helicopter for your group, with the third seat 25% off, from $2,747.

04Does it land anywhere?

No. It is a continuous flight from Palm Springs and back.

05What should I bring?

Sunglasses and a phone or camera. In the cooler months, a light layer. Leave large bags behind; there is very little room in the cabin.

06Will the route always be the same?

Routes are planned around these sights, but your pilot may adjust for weather, air traffic or other conditions on the day.

See all FAQs

Before you book

Cancellations
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your flight. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.
Weather
We fly in good visibility only. If we cancel for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.
Children
No minimum age. Guests two and older need a ticket; under twos fly free on a lap.
Weight
299 lb per passenger, including everything you bring aboard. We ask each passenger's weight when you book.

Book your flight

Book online

Pick a date and time

Choose your flight time and pay securely in our booking system. You'll get a confirmation email as soon as you check out.

Check dates & book

Prefer to talk it through? Call (760) 528-8676.

  • Two to three guests per helicopter
  • Children under two fly free on a lap
  • We'll ask each passenger's weight (299 lb limit)

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