Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Desert Champagne Breakfast

Summary

Sunrise flight over Sonoran Desert with champagne breakfast and city views

You’ll float above Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert as dawn breaks, spotting Camelback Mountain and maybe even wildlife below. After drifting nearly an hour, you’ll land for a champagne toast and gourmet breakfast set right out on the desert floor—with stories from your local pilot adding to the memory.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Phoenix looks like from way up there, before the sun really wakes up? I didn’t think I’d be nervous, but standing in that parking lot at Deer Valley Airport, watching our balloon inflate—well, my hands were colder than the morning air. Our pilot, Mike, had this calm way of explaining things (he’s been flying these for decades), and somehow that helped more than coffee would have. When we finally lifted off, it was so quiet—except for the occasional whoosh of the burner and someone behind me whispering “wow” under their breath.

The Sonoran Desert is different from above. You see all these little washes and saguaro shadows stretching forever. Mike pointed out Camelback Mountain off to the side (it really does look like a camel if you squint), and some wild javelinas down below—never thought I’d spot wildlife from a hot air balloon. The light changed every minute; one second everything was gold, then suddenly you could see downtown Phoenix waking up in the distance. There’s this smell up there too—sort of crisp and dusty, like desert after rain even though it hasn’t rained in weeks.

I didn’t expect the landing to feel so gentle (I’d braced myself for something dramatic). We touched down right in the middle of nowhere—or it felt like nowhere until I saw a table set with real linens and actual china just sitting out there in the sand. Someone handed me a glass of champagne (or cider if you want), and we all kind of laughed at how surreal it felt eating breakfast with cactus all around us. There’s this old balloonist’s ceremony they do for first-timers—Mike recited it with a grin—and honestly, it made me feel part of something bigger than just a ride. Still thinking about that sunrise view days later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon ride over Phoenix

• Check in at Deer Valley Airport
• Float above Sonoran Desert
• View Camelback Mountain
• See Downtown Phoenix from above
• Land and enjoy gourmet cuisine
• Participate in Balloonists Ceremony

Top questions

How long does the Phoenix hot air balloon ride last?

The flight itself lasts approximately 45-60 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included in this Phoenix balloon tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option when booking.

What do you see during the hot air balloon ride near Phoenix?

You’ll see Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix in the distance, local plant life, and possibly wildlife like javelinas.

Is breakfast included after the balloon ride?

Yes, after landing you’re served a gourmet breakfast with champagne or sparkling cider at a table set up in the desert.

Where does the Phoenix hot air balloon tour start?

Tours check in at Deer Valley Airport Balloon Ride Parking Area unless hotel transfer is chosen.

Can children join this hot air balloon ride?

Children must be at least 5 years old and 48 inches tall to participate.

Is this hot air balloon tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain injuries or recent surgeries.

What’s included

Your morning includes roundtrip hotel pickup if selected, a roughly one-hour hot air balloon flight over Phoenix’s Sonoran Desert with views of Camelback Mountain, followed by a champagne or sparkling cider toast and gourmet breakfast served on real china at your landing site—and you’ll also get a commemorative flight certificate before heading back into town.