Phoenix: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Sunset Champagne Desert Landing

Summary

Drift over Camelback Mountain at sunset then land for champagne in the Arizona desert

You’ll float high above Phoenix in a hot air balloon, catch sunset views over Camelback Mountain, and share a toast with champagne or cider right on the desert floor. Includes hotel pickup if you want it, plus gourmet fruit and cheese after landing—a few moments you might keep replaying long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you hear that?" someone whispered as we hovered over the Sonoran Desert, and honestly, it was so quiet up there I could almost hear my own heartbeat. The wind barely nudged us—just enough to remind me we were actually moving, floating somewhere between 2,000 and 5,000 feet above Phoenix. Our pilot, Dave (who’s apparently been ballooning since the '90s), pointed out Camelback Mountain just as the sun started throwing those weirdly pink shadows across the rocks. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared—my hands were a little shaky from excitement or maybe just the altitude.

We’d met at Deer Valley Airport earlier (not my usual morning hangout) and piled into the van with a couple from Flagstaff who’d never done this either. There was this low-key nervous energy as we watched them inflate the balloon—huge and noisy up close but somehow gentle once we climbed in. I kept catching whiffs of desert sage mixed with propane. Dave told us about local wildlife—javelinas, coyotes, things I couldn’t spot from above but liked imagining down there in the brush.

By the time we drifted past downtown Phoenix in the distance, everything below looked soft and washed out by gold light. The landing felt smoother than I expected; one bump and then we were down. Out in the open desert, someone had set up this table with real linens (which cracked me up for some reason) and poured us champagne—I went for sparkling cider because I’m a lightweight at altitude. There was fruit and cheese from Vincent’s on Camelback; honestly, I didn’t expect to care about food after all that adrenaline but it tasted like something earned. We did this little balloonist’s ceremony—apparently it’s tradition—and everyone laughed when Dave recited his part with dramatic flair. Still think about that view sometimes when I see a clear sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset hot air balloon flight and celebration

• Check in at Deer Valley Airport
• Float above Sonoran Desert
• Soar past Camelback Mountain
• View Downtown Phoenix at sunset
• Land in desert for gourmet meal
• Enjoy Balloonists Ceremony

Top questions

How long does the Phoenix hot air balloon ride last?

The actual flight time is approximately 45-60 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this hot air balloon tour?

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

What do you see during the balloon ride near Phoenix?

You’ll float above the Sonoran Desert with views of landmarks like Camelback Mountain and downtown Phoenix in the distance.

What food is served after landing?

A gourmet fruit and cheese plate from Vincent’s on Camelback is served along with champagne or sparkling cider.

Are children allowed on this hot air balloon tour?

The minimum age for passengers is 5 years old.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or recent surgery; passengers must be able to jump off a second step onto the ground.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Deer Valley Airport Balloon Ride Parking Area unless you choose hotel pickup.

What happens if I’m afraid of heights?

The ride feels surprisingly peaceful due to slow movement; many people find it less scary than expected, but only you know your comfort level.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel transfers if selected, an hour-long hot air balloon flight over Phoenix and Camelback Mountain guided by an experienced pilot, plus a post-flight celebration in the desert with champagne or sparkling cider and a gourmet fruit & cheese plate before heading back—with a commemorative flight certificate as a keepsake too.