Float over the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon!
:-Large baskets beneath the balloon hold up to 20 people comfortably See desert wildlife and the unique Sonoran plant life from above Enjoy a lavish champagne breakfast in the desert Celebrate the first timers’ ride with a 200-year old ceremony
On a helicopter ride, it’s best to wear dark-colored clothing along with a light jacket, jeans, and closed-toe shoes.
- Riders shouldn’t wear white or light-colored clothing, open-toed shoes, loose-fitting clothes, loose accessories, or open-bottomed clothing like skirts and dresses
WHAT TO BRING
- identification (passport, driving license etc)
- Once airborne you will absolutely need to bring your phone to take pictures, better still a digital DSLR camera will be ideal for taking professional shots.
- Bring sunglasses as the sunshine might be unavoidable, even if you don’t intend to wear shades.
- Heels should also be avoided
Begin your adventure by meeting your crew just north of Phoenix about 30 minutes before sunrise for this 4-hour experience. Take a short van ride to the launch area for this scenic flight. After you arrive, experience the inflation of the balloon by motorized fans as it grows to an enormous 11 stories tall. Once the envelope is filled with air, the propane burners are ignited to heat the air inside. It takes about thirty minutes before you are ready for flight. Join your pilot in the hand-crafted, oversized wicker basket with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy an approximate 45-minute ride. As you takeoff, admire how light the balloon feels. During the flight, you have an unobstructed view to take excellent photographs. Upon landing you are greeted with flutes of champagne and breakfast. First-time riders will be treated to the legendary ceremony that balloonists all over the world have been sharing for more than two centuries.
First Flight: The first successful hot air balloon flight took place in 1783, created by the Montgolfier brothers in France. It carried a sheep, a duck, and a rooster!
Simple Physics: Hot air balloons operate on the principle that warm air rises. When the air inside the balloon is heated, it becomes lighter than the cooler air outside, allowing the balloon to lift off.
Temperature Control: The temperature inside a hot air balloon can reach around 200°F (93°C), while the outside air temperature can be much cooler, depending on the altitude.
Material Matters: Modern hot air balloons are made from nylon or polyester fabric, which is lightweight, durable, and often coated with a heat-resistant material.
World Record Flight: The record for the longest hot air balloon flight is over 20 days! In 1999, pilots Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones circumnavigated the globe in a balloon.
No Steering Wheel: Pilots cannot steer a hot air balloon like a traditional aircraft. Instead, they ascend and descend to catch different wind currents that guide their path.
Colorful Designs: Hot air balloons come in a variety of shapes and colors. Some are even designed to look like animals or famous characters, making them a favorite at festivals.
Balloon Festivals: Hot air balloon festivals are popular around the world. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico is one of the largest, attracting hundreds of balloons and thousands of spectators each year.
Gentle Landing: Hot air balloons usually land softly and can often be guided to a landing site by adjusting the altitude and using the wind.
Safety First: Hot air ballooning is considered a safe activity, with modern equipment and trained pilots ensuring that flights are conducted responsibly. Regular inspections and maintenance keep balloons in top shape.
FAQ Phoenix Hot Air Ballooning
Ballooning landmarks/location?
Enjoy a picturesque hot-air balloon flight over the mammoth Sonoran Desert in North Phoenix on sunrise,sunset or afternoon flight. Experience stunning 360-degree views of the hottest desert in North America and its surrounding landscape.