Palm Springs Helicopter Tours
  1. Palm Springs Helicopter Tours
  2. Experiences
  3. First Light

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

A boulder-strewn basin in morning mist
Sunrise & Sunset

First Light

See the desert wake up

Couples' choice

$499 per guest

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

Your party
2

$998 for 2 guests

Each helicopter seats three guests.

Make it private

The whole helicopter for your group, third seat 25% off. From $1,372

Book now
  • 30 minutes in the air
  • Check in 30 minutes early at Atlantic Aviation FBO
  • Upgrade at checkout: the 60 minute First Light Grand, +$500 per guest

Route

  • Santa Rosa Mountains ridgeline at sunrise
  • San Jacinto Mountains ridgeline at sunrise
  • San Gorgonio Pass windmills in morning light
  • Coachella Valley overview

Duration

Flight
30 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

First Light

See the desert wake up. Sunrise lights the ridgelines of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains while the valley floor is still in shadow, then continue to the windmills in the morning light as the Coachella Valley comes to life below you.

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 & returnSanta Rosa MountainsCoachella ValleySan Jacinto MountainsWindmills © OpenStreetMap

Select a waypoint

Boulders and ridgeline under a broad sky

Stop 1 of 4

Santa Rosa Mountains

Above La Quinta

The Santa Rosa Mountains come straight up off the valley floor behind La Quinta, bare rock cut with deep shaded canyons. The route runs along the front of the range where the golf greens stop and the mountains start.

Part of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

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

Experience the First Light

Santa Rosa Mountains ridgeline at sunrise · San Jacinto Mountains ridgeline at sunrise · San Gorgonio Pass windmills in morning light · Coachella Valley overview.

Mist drifting over a rocky ridge

On this flight

What you'll fly over

The desert in low light.

  • A walker in a golden desert valley, lit by low sun
  • A figure stretching on the rocks in a glowing golden field
  • A figure standing on a sunlit ledge below a tall boulder

Frequently asked questions

01Where does the First Light 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?

30 minutes in the air. Please check in 30 minutes before your flight at Atlantic Aviation FBO, Palm Springs International. You can upgrade to the First Light Grand at checkout for +$500 per guest.

03What does it cost?

$499 per guest, with a two-guest minimum, so the smallest booking is $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 $1,372.

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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