The seemingly endless expanse of the Sonoran Desert is the perfect playground for hot air balloons. Soar high above the skies of Phoenix and creep over Camelback Mountain in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Phoenix is one of the few places where hot air balloon rides take place every day of the year, with vivid sunset and sunrise scenes no matter the season. Get a hands-on ballooning experience and celebrate your remarkable voyage with a glass of bubbly upon your return. A hot air balloon ride in Phoenix is a bucket-list item you will want to tick off as soon as you can!

You will find below our comprehensive guide on hot air balloon rides, one of the most fascinating outdoor activities in Phoenix.

What are the most popular hot air balloon rides in Phoenix?

Sunrise hot air balloon ride over Phoenix

Soak in unstoppable views of the Sonoran Desert in North Phoenix from a hot air balloon at dawn. When the first light breaks over the horizon, you will start climbing high into the air until you are floating effortlessly among the clouds. The earth below becomes a dreamscape as the rising sun spills its golden yellow rays over the valley.

You will soar more than 1,000 meters in the air and enjoy 360-degree views for almost an hour. Once you touch down, you will be spoiled with a gourmet breakfast and celebratory champagne.

Sunset hot air balloon ride over Phoenix

A sunset hot air balloon tour in Phoenix offers an alternative for people who don’t enjoy adventures at the crack of dawn. Soar over Camelback Mountain in the Phoenix Valley as the sun starts to dip below the horizon. See Phoenix start to light up in the distance, and the desert welcomes the darkness.

A champagne reception waits for you on the ground, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. First-time ballooners will also take part in a commemoration ceremony that dates back more than two centuries.

What are the prices of hot air balloon rides in Phoenix cost?

A sunrise hot air balloon ride over Phoenix costs between US$180 and US$215 per person. More expensive tours include some snacks or breakfast, while less expensive tours only offer champagne.

Hot air balloon rides at sunset range between US$200 and US$250 per person, with a difference in the level of catering offered.

Both adventures can be upgraded to include hotel pick-up and drop-off at an extra cost, and private balloon rides are also available at US$600 per person.

What is included in the price?

Hot air balloon ride packages have a range of inclusions, depending on your tour operator. An FAA-certified pilot operates each tour and will give insight into all the natural landmarks below.

After the flight, you will be welcomed with a celebratory glass of champagne and either breakfast or dinner snacks, depending on the time of day you fly. You will also get a commemorative flight certificate, and some tours allow you to purchase the champagne flutes as a unique keepsake.

Most tours do not include hotel pick-up and drop-off and can be arranged at an extra cost.

Where do hot air balloon rides in Phoenix start?

You are required to meet at the tour operator’s offices if you did not arrange hotel pick-up and leaving times are different throughout the year. The launch is done from nearby launch sites, and you will return to the operator’s office once the adventure is over.

How much flight time do I get on a hot air balloon rides in Phoenix last?

Hot air balloon rides in Phoenix last for around an hour, but you need to plan buffer time before and after the ride. You need to arrive 30 minutes before sunrise and 2.5 hours before sunset, depending on the tour you booked. After the ride, you will also enjoy some snacks and champagne. In total, a tour should last around two to three hours.

When is the best time to go on a hot air balloon ride in Phoenix?

Both sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides in Phoenix are show-stopping, but sunrises over the desert tend to be more vivid in color. Sunset is generally a better time for photography as the light is less harsh than in the morning.

Try to book a hot air balloon ride for the start of your trip. This adventure is weather dependent, so if you need to reschedule, you will still have time to do so.

Are hot air balloon rides in Phoenix safe?

Hot air balloon rides are a safe and fun activity for most travelers. It is not recommended that pregnant women, people with heart problems, back injuries or broken bones embark on a ride. The landing can be a bit bumpy, and you must be able to jump off the second step of a ladder onto the ground. It is also not ideal for people who suffer from vertigo.

Are children allowed on a hot air balloon ride in Phoenix?

Children above the age of five are allowed to go on a hot air balloon ride. It is advised that they are taller than 48 inches to be able to see over the edge of the basket.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Hot air balloon rides are weather dependent and the flight cannot go ahead if there is rain or wind. You will be given the option to reschedule or get a full refund if the time is not suitable.

Travel tips

Wear warm clothes as it gets very cold high up in the air.
You will be standing for the duration of the flight, so wear comfortable close-toed shoes.
Bring your camera but tie it to your body with a strap.
You might want to take motion sickness pills for this journey.

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Phoenix