Although we’ve had one of our warmer summers in Scottsdale and the Phoenix Valley this year, it has proven to be a great time for visitors to partake of a sunrise air balloon ride. There are a number of companies that offer early morning rides throughout the year, and sunset rides from November through March. Most, if not all, of the companies start the ride from the Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix and typically land further north in Cave Creek near the Carefree Highway.
The air balloon ride typically lasts from one to two hours based on the weather conditions. Unlike an airplane, the pilots of the balloons are dependent on the winds to carry the balloon as high and as far as possible to make the trip enjoyable.
Every company is different, but most of them will invite you to participate in unfurling the nylon envelope and attaching it to the baskets. The envelope (balloon) is then filled with air propelled by a huge fan until it billows out with color. When the burner is turned on to provide the ongoing air into the envelope, the fully inflated balloon begins to tug on the tie-down lines, eager to soar. Passengers join the Captain in the basket and you are turned loose to begin your journey.
The flight will typically take you north over the magnificent Sonoran Desert. The more height you gain, the more panoramic view you will enjoy, including the numerous housing areas tucked into the desert. You’ll also see a great deal of desert wildlife that you normally would not see when walking desert trails. The experience has been described as floating weightlessly in an eerily quiet environment. Think “more elevator than plane ride” is what I was told.
While you are enjoying the trip, the ground crew has cleared up the launch site and headed north to the area around Cave Creek and Carefree Highway to prepare for your arrival. I’ve spent a lot of time watching the balloons descend and land in this area, and am always amazed at the pilot control of these huge balloons. All of the crews are highly experienced and are waiting below to grab the tie-down lines and get the basket landed softly and safely.
When you embark from your glorious flight, each company tries to outdo the other with welcoming champagne and/or treats and perhaps the presentation of your very own flight certificate.
Rides start around $125 per person and often you can find discounted children’s tickets. (Generally, children must be at least 5 to 6 years old and all passengers must be at least 4’6” tall.) You will want to check with the provider directly on their pricing and policies.
There are many companies who provide these rides locally, but to get you started I have attached links to a few of them. If you would like to know more, simply visit their websites or search online:
The Hot Air Balloon Company – https://www.arizonaballooning.com/
Apex Balloons – https://www.phoenixballoonrides.com/contact/
Hot Air Expeditions – https://www.hotairexpeditions.com/
Disclaimer: We have not personally worked with or gone on any of these companies’ hot air balloon rides, so we cannot endorse any of them. We cannot guarantee pricing, policies or safety. Please be sure to do your own due diligence with any company you are considering taking a hot air balloon ride with. No warranties expressed or implied.
