Scottsdale Hot Air Balloon Rides: Best Tips & Tours
Looking for an unforgettable way to create memories during your trip to Scottsdale that also comes with some pretty spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert? If so, book a hot air balloon ride to soak up one of the stunning sunrises or sunsets over the Valley of the Sun from a unique point of view!
Hot air balloon rides are the perfect bucket list experience to check off during a trip to Scottsdale and are ideal for celebrating special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries. If you’re thinking about embarking on a hot air balloon ride in Scottsdale, here are all the details to know for a successful flight.
When’s the Best Time to Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Scottsdale?
If you’re planning to embark on a hot air balloon ride during your trip to Scottsdale, timing is everything to ensure a successful flight!
Flights between October and May offer better weather and more favorable flight conditions. Even though hot air balloon flights launch during sunrise or sunset, when the weather is cooler, the extreme heat and monsoon storms in Scottsdale from June through September can lead to potential weather delays and uncomfortable flight conditions.
What Should You Expect on the Day of Your Ride?
Before we share about the top hot air balloon tour operators in Scottsdale, here’s a general idea of what you can expect on the day of your ride:
Takeoff
- Most sunrise hot air balloon flights meet before dawn, which is usually between 4:30 and 5:30 AM, depending on the season. The sun rises earlier in the summer and later in the winter, so prepare for an earlier wake-up call for summer flights.
- If you’re not an early riser, some tour operators in Scottsdale offer sunset flights that depart in the afternoon (usually at 3 PM), but these flights are only available from November to March, when the weather is cool enough for an afternoon departure.
- After your entire group (usually 12–14 passengers) has arrived at the designated meeting point, the crew will drive everyone to the launch site in the Sonoran Desert.
- Once you arrive at the launch site, the ground crew will inflate the balloon and help you and the other passengers board. Then, you’ll begin your flight over Scottsdale!
Flight
- Most hot air balloons slowly rise to an altitude of up to 3,000 feet (weather permitting).
- During the flight, you’ll have the chance to soak up panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, and Greater Phoenix from the desert sky.
- The entire hot air balloon experience lasts 3 to 4.5 hours, though the flight itself generally lasts between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on the wind speed and direction.
Landing
- Most landings are smooth, although it is possible to experience some minor bumps. After a safe landing, you might need to walk a couple of minutes to get back to the original launch site.
- After the flight, most tour operators will provide a celebratory champagne toast and light refreshments, and others also offer a ballooning ceremony for first-time fliers.
- Once the balloon and equipment are packed up, you and the group will ride back to the initial meeting point with tons of memories (and photos!) of an amazing experience.
Top Hot Air Balloon Tours & Tour Companies in Scottsdale
Rainbow Ryders
Rainbow Ryders is one of the premier hot air balloon ride operators in the Southwest, with flights taking off from Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Colorado Springs, and Park City. They offer sunrise and sunset hot air balloon flights for small groups of 12 to 14 passengers, as well as private sunrise flights.
Passengers must be at least five years old and in good physical condition to ride with Rainbow Ryders, and all passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or have parental permission. Pregnant women are not permitted to fly for insurance purposes.
Hot Air Expeditions
Hot Air Expeditions is a family-owned and locally operated company that has been offering hot air balloon rides in Scottsdale and Tucson for more than 30 years.
This company offers pickup and drop-off from your hotel or vacation rental for an extra fee. They also provide a catered meal (either breakfast or a charcuterie board with champagne, depending on your flight time) from a local restaurant after each flight, included in the cost of the hot air balloon ride.
Hot Air Expeditions offers sunrise rides year-round and sunset rides from November to March. Riders must be in good physical condition and at least 48″ tall to ride (pregnant women are not permitted to fly).
Tips for Your Hot Air Balloon Flight in Scottsdale
Before you take off on your hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert, here are a couple of things to note:
- Wear comfortable, casual clothing on the day of your flight, including closed-toed shoes, a light jacket, and sun protection, like sunglasses and sunscreen. The temperature in the basket is about the same as on the ground, so dress accordingly.
- Remember to bring your camera or phone to capture pictures of your flight! Bags are not allowed on the flight, so only bring what you can carry or keep in your pockets.
- If you need to cancel your flight, each of the tour companies has a 48-hour cancellation policy.
- Restrooms are not available during your hot air balloon ride, so use the bathroom before leaving for the launch site.
Find a Picturesque Stay That Rivals the Views from Your Hot Air Balloon Flight from Stay With Style Scottsdale
A hot air balloon ride over the stunning desert landscapes in Greater Phoenix is the perfect once-in-a-lifetime adventure to add to your Scottsdale itinerary!
If you’re still searching for somewhere spectacular to stay during your upcoming trip, we invite you to take a look at our collection of luxury vacation homes in Scottsdale. Our high-end houses come with spacious layouts, comfortable furniture, designer finishes, and resort-style backyards for a five-star stay in Scottsdale. Contact us with questions!
