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Skydiving · Arizona

Skydiving in Arizona

Jump 6 drop zones across Arizona. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Red-rock canyons, Sonoran desert, and pine-covered high country.

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About Arizona

Arizona jumps sit under some of the most reliable skies in the country. The Sonoran Desert spreads out below, the red rock near Sedona breaks the horizon, and mountain ranges stack up in the distance. Clear air and an arid climate keep the drop zones running most of the year, which is exactly why first-time tandem students and veteran fun-jumpers both point their travel here. The operations concentrate in the central and southern parts of the state, an easy reach from the major cities.

For a first jump, an Arizona tandem is hard to beat. Harnessed to an experienced instructor, you get to actually look: the desert floor, the saguaro forests, the far silhouettes of the Superstition Mountains or the Santa Catalinas. The stable air the state is known for tends to make for a smooth freefall and a calm canopy ride that shows off the ground in a way you rarely get elsewhere. Plenty of facilities build their whole operation around these intro jumps.

Arizona is also a serious center for Accelerated Freefall and licensed fun-jumping. The consistent flying weather lets students knock out their training without the constant weather holds that stall progress elsewhere. Experienced jumpers get a deep community, big aircraft, and the specialized events the state's well-known drop zones tend to host. Its place in the Southwest pulls jumpers from all over the country and feeds an active, year-round skydiving culture.

Look far enough north and the desert gives way to high plateaus and pine forest, adding another layer to what you see from altitude. Low desert, high desert, and alpine zones can all sit on the same horizon, so the visual mix shifts from one jump to the next. That geographic range, plus strong facilities and experienced staff, is what keeps Arizona near the top of the list for skydivers at every level.

Best time to go

When to jump in Arizona

Full seasonality
Best Sep–May
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October through April for the desert; May through October for the high country.

  • Year-round operations with the most consistent winter weather
  • Summer: jump early to beat heat and afternoon storms
  • A great winter destination for jumpers from colder regions

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Quick facts

Drop zones listed
6
Best season
October through April

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6 drop zones

across Arizona

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Jumping Season and Weather Windows

Arizona drop zones operate year-round. While summers are very hot, jumps are scheduled in the early morning to capitalize on cooler temperatures and calmer winds. Fall, winter, and spring generally offer comfortable daytime jumping conditions with excellent visibility.

Tandem, AFF, and Licensed Jumper Options

Most Arizona drop zones offer tandem skydiving for first-timers, Accelerated Freefall (AFF) programs for those seeking a license, and facilities for licensed fun-jumpers. Verify specific offerings with your chosen drop zone, as some specialize more than others.

Age and Weight Requirements

All skydivers, including tandem students, must be at least 18 years old. Weight limits typically range from 220 to 250 pounds, with some drop zones having lower limits or requiring an additional fee for jumpers over a certain weight. Specific requirements vary by operator.

What a First Tandem Jump Involves

A first tandem jump typically includes ground instruction, a jump from around 10,000-14,000 feet harnessed to an instructor, approximately 45-60 seconds of freefall, and a 5-7 minute parachute ride. The entire process, from arrival to departure, can take several hours.

Accelerated Freefall (AFF) Progression

The AFF program is designed to teach students to skydive solo. It involves approximately 7-10 levels, starting with two instructors and progressing to one, then solo jumps. Students learn freefall body control, parachute deployment, and landing techniques, eventually leading to a USPA A-license.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Minimum Age Requirement

    All individuals participating in skydiving activities in Arizona, including tandem students, AFF students, and licensed jumpers, must be at least 18 years of age. This is a universal requirement across all USPA-affiliated drop zones in the United States.

  • USPA Membership for Training and Licensed Jumping

    For participation in the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program or for licensed fun-jumping, a valid membership with the United States Parachute Association (USPA) is required. This ensures adherence to safety standards and provides insurance coverage. Tandem students are not typically required to hold a USPA membership.

  • FAA Regulations Adherence

    All skydiving operations and licensed jumpers in Arizona must comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, specifically Part 105. These regulations cover everything from equipment standards and jump altitudes to air traffic control coordination and operational procedures at drop zones.

  • Equipment Compliance

    All parachute equipment used for skydiving, whether for tandem operations, student training, or licensed jumps, must meet FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) requirements. This ensures that parachutes, harnesses, and other components are manufactured and maintained to strict safety specifications.

  1. 01

    Research Drop Zones

    Start by comparing Arizona drop zones on location, facilities, and the jumps they run: tandem, AFF, licensed. Read the reviews and weigh your options against your goals.

  2. 02

    Choose Your Jump Type

    Decide whether you want a first-time tandem or you're enrolling in an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program toward a license. That call shapes which drop zone you pick.

  3. 03

    Book Your Skydive

    Once you've settled on a drop zone and jump type, book ahead, especially in the busy spring and fall. Confirm the date, the time, and anything they want you to know before you arrive.

  4. 04

    Prepare for Your Jump

    Clear the age and weight requirements, wear comfortable athletic clothes and closed-toe shoes, and skip alcohol and drugs for at least 8 hours beforehand. Stay hydrated, Arizona's dry air will get you.

  5. 05

    Arrive Early and Complete Paperwork

    Get to the drop zone well before your jump time to handle the waivers and sit through the safety briefing. The buffer gives you room to prepare and takes the edge off the nerves.

01Can I skydive in Arizona all year round?
Yes. Arizona drop zones run year-round. Summer gets hot enough that jumps move to the early morning for cooler air, but fall, winter, and spring generally serve up comfortable, easy conditions for skydiving.
02What are the typical age and weight restrictions for skydiving in Arizona?
You must be at least 18, per USPA guidelines. Weight limits vary by drop zone but usually run 220 to 250 pounds, with some facilities charging a surcharge over a certain weight. Confirm the exact limits with your chosen drop zone.
03What should I wear for my skydive?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that lets you move freely and suits the weather, with layers in the cooler months. Closed-toe shoes like sneakers are required. Skip sandals, boots with hooks, or anything that could snag.
04Do I need any prior experience to do a tandem skydive?
No. Tandem jumps are made for first-timers, you're harnessed to an experienced instructor who handles every part of the jump, so you can relax and take it in.
05How long does it take to get a skydiving license through the AFF program?
It depends on your learning pace, the weather, and how often you can get to the drop zone. Some students knock out the required jumps over several consecutive days, while others spread them across a few weeks or months.
06Are there any specific medical restrictions for skydiving?
You should be in good health and reasonable physical condition. Some conditions (heart problems, severe back issues, uncontrolled epilepsy), may keep you from jumping. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor and tell the drop zone staff before you book.

Watch & learn

Watch & learn, Arizona

  • YouTube

    What It's Like to Tandem Skydive at Skydive Arizona

    Skydive Arizona

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  • YouTube

    Skydiving at Skydive Arizona

    Wayne J Anderson

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  • YouTube

    Skydive Buckeye Tandem Skydive

    Skydive Buckeye

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