Nothing beats a desert view from thousands of feet up during a hot air balloon ride in Arizona. We had our first magical hot air balloon flight at sunrise in February. Check out this sunrise tour!
How to book a hot air balloon ride in Arizona
There are a handful of companies that offer hot air balloon tours in Arizona, we chose Rainbow Ryders. Rainbow Ryders’ reviews were great. Furthermore, they were recommended from various hotels such as Castle Hot Springs and the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale.
Depending on departure locations, Rainbow Ryders’ balloons pass over our neighborhood, nestled in the Sonoran Mountian desert. I’ve always wanted to catch a sunrise view from their route which played a large role in choosing them. Our morning flight had a 6am check-in and it was pretty chilly at the end of February.
Firstly, we helped the pilots and crew by holding the balloon’s opening, filling it with air using strong fans. After that, the pilot then starts to fill the balloon with hot air using the large roaring propane burners.
Lastly, everyone loads into the basket and prepares for a quick take off! Within seconds you’re floating up amongst the other balloons.
When and where can you take a hot air balloon ride in Arizona
Hot air balloon rides are offered through Rainbow Ryders year-round for sunrise rides and November through March for sunset rides. Our flight left from north Phoenix, a short 25 minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale.
This location is great for people visiting Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Carefree, and other surrounding cities.
Cost of a hot air balloon ride in Arizona
Our sunrise group tour with Rainbow Ryders typically goes for $225 per person. Private tours are currently $425 per person. This experience has been on our bucket list for quite some time and it was something we will truly treasure forever.
Floating above the vast open desert, watching the sun come up over the mountains is an unforgettable experience.
-ASHLEY SCOTT, OWNER LOVELY AND LIMITLESS
How long is a hot air balloon ride in Arizona
The sunrise flight we took lasted close to an hour. Flight times vary from 45 minutes to an hour due to wind speeds and other factors. it was the perfect amount of time to watch the sun come up and be back in time for a full day of activities.
Many of the balloons stayed within view and all took off and landed around the same time.
As the flight draws to an end, the chase vehicles come into view, parking nearby as the pilot drops a rope down. Following the unloading, the group enjoyed a celebratory toast and the shuttles took us back to our vehicles.
I would 100% take another tour with Rainbow Ryders in the future. Our pilot made us feel very safe and was knowledgable about the balloon and the area. I’d highly recommend their hot air balloon rides if you are visiting Arizona.
Check out this amazing recap video of our trip from videographer David Flores below!
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Arizona
Flight Time: 45 min – 1 hour
Location: North Phoenix ( Nearby Scottsdale, Peoria & more )
- Our group sunrise flight with Rainbow Ryders was $225 per person. Current pricing can be found on the Rainbow Ryders website.
- February was cold in the morning and even colder the higher we got – dress appropriately.
- This hot air balloon ride is great for bucket list adventures, things to do for a bachelorette trip in Scottsdale, group and private flights.
