No matter how much time you spend exploring the Arizona desert, it would take a lifetime to see every inch of the landscape. The solution? Fly over it instead! When you take a Sonoran Desert hot air balloon ride in Arizona with Rainbow Ryders, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the rugged, mountainous terrain of Phoenix, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

If you think the Sonoran Desert is beautiful at eye level, just wait until you see it from above.
Rainbow Ryders website
Rainbow Ryders takes you soaring over the rugged landscape, making for an epic adventure that deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
Rainbow Ryders operates in three cities: Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, and Phoenix.
Rainbow Ryders website
The Phoenix location is on the north side of town, between Deer Valley and Desert Ridge.
Both sunrise and sunset flights are available; however, the sunset ride is only offered from November through March.
Rainbow Ryders website
The average flight time is about 45 minutes to an hour.
If you book a Rainbow Ryders sunrise balloon ride like my family and I did, it's an early morning start. You'll want to get plenty of sleep the night before. However, I was too excited to sleep as this was my first time on this bucket list adventure!
Photo courtesy of Melissa Mahoney
You can expect the entire experience to last between three and 3.5 hours from the moment you arrive at the meeting point to the moment you are shuttled back to the meeting point.
Rainbow Ryders website
After the ride, you'll celebrate with Rainbow Ryders' signature Prickly Pear Mimosas and local Arizona treats!

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Upon arrival at the field, we were able to witness the hot air balloon pilots (aeronauts, as they are called), inflate the balloons. Seeing them aglow in the pre-dawn light was a great start to this adventure. Once the balloons were inflated, we were able to climb into the basket.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Mahoney
As someone who's afraid of heights, I felt comfortable the entire time. It was amazing how calm, quiet, and peaceful it was hundreds of feet over the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. My son (pictured here) was utterly mesmerized the entire time! Hot air balloon rides in Arizona are certainly worthy of your bucket list.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Mahoney
After we landed and were treated to mimosas, each of us received a commemorative flight certificate.
Rainbow Ryders website
Not only will you make memories sure to last a lifetime, but you'll forever have a souvenir from the trip. And, believe me, you will want to do this again. I was hooked after my first time on a hot air balloon.
So whether you're in search of a fun girl's day idea, a family outing, or looking to switch up your next date night, flying with Rainbow Ryders is the perfect activity for any occasion.
Rainbow Ryders website
Please note: Rainbow Ryders can't fly anyone who is pregnant or younger than five years old.
The pre-balloon ride meeting location is 715 East Covey Lane #100, Phoenix, AZ 85024. From here, you will be shuttled to the field where the hot air balloons launch.
Rainbow Ryders website
You can call (800) 725-2477 or (480) 299-0154 with any questions.

Visit the Rainbow Ryders website or the Rainbow Ryders Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever taken a Sonoran Desert hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Check out this helicopter tour for another epic adventure that showcases the Arizona desert from above.

How would you like to take a hot air balloon ride in Arizona? Check out the selection of both sunrise and sunset hot air balloon tours on TripAdvisor.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hot Air Balloon Ride In Arizona

Melissa M. | September 12, 2023

Aside from Phoenix, where else can I take a hot air balloon ride in Arizona?

You can also take a hot air balloon ride in Arizona in the following places:

  • Sedona: Take a tour over the red rocks with Red Rock Balloons.
  • Tucson: Take a tour above Tucson with Hot Air Expeditions.
  • Grand Canyon: Take a private hot air balloon over the Grand Canyon with Apex Balloons for an experience of a lifetime. (However, this is an incredibly pricey option.)

 

Hot air ballooning is an experience everyone should have at least once. In Arizona, we are lucky to have such gorgeous landscapes to enjoy while gently flying overhead in a hot air balloon.

 

Are there any hot air balloon festivals in Arizona?

Yes, Arizona hosts several hot air balloon festivals which include the following:

  • The Arizona Balloon Classic is held annually in Gilbert at the end of January.
  • The Havasu Balloon Festival is held in Lake Havasu City in mid-January.
  • The Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival is held at Salt River Fields the weekend before Halloween and is a favorite event of mine in Arizona. The event starts at 5:30 and tethered hot air balloons are aglow. Kids can go trick-or-treating and the balloons and enter the festival's costume contest.

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Featured Addresses
715 E Covey Ln #100, Phoenix, AZ 85024, USA