Coachella Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride: Desert Views

Watch the valley unfold beneath you as the balloon drifts silently through the morning sky.

A hot air balloon tour over Coachella Valley floats you above the desert floor, palm groves, date farms and resort communities, with the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains as a backdrop. An English-speaking pilot shares insight into the region's geography and history during the peaceful flight. The experience lasts 3 to 4 hours and includes bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hot air balloon flight over Coachella Valley

• Lift off and float above valley
• Enjoy panoramic desert and mountain views
• Relax and take photos during flight
• Listen to pilot's insights and commentary

The experience

What makes this different from a ground-level tour is the vantage itself: once airborne, you drift above the Coachella Valley with unobstructed views in every direction. As the sun rises, golden light spreads across the palm groves and winding waterways below, and the dramatic mountain range frames the entire landscape. The balloon moves with the wind rather than against it, creating a quiet, almost weightless sensation that lets you absorb the scale of the valley without engine noise or vibration.

Your pilot navigates the flight and shares details about the region's geography, history and ballooning techniques while pointing out landmarks and wildlife as you pass over them. The journey gives you time to relax, take photos and simply watch the desert unfold. Bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea are provided throughout the flight.

What’s included

• Bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea during the flight.
• an English-speaking pilot who shares insight into the region's geography and history.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Wicked Balloons

Is this one for you?The 3 to 4 hour commitment means you can fit this into a morning or early afternoon and still have the rest of your day free for other activities in the valley.

Traveler reviews

4.38★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How long does the whole experience take from start to finish?

The flight itself lasts 3 to 4 hours, which includes the time spent airborne drifting over the valley.

What can I actually see from the balloon during the flight?

You'll see the desert floor, palm groves, date farms, winding waterways, and resort communities spread below, with the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains visible as a backdrop throughout the flight.

Is there a guide with us during the balloon ride?

Yes, an experienced pilot flies the balloon and shares insight into the region's geography, history and landmarks as you drift over the valley.

What's included in the price?

Bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea are included during the flight.