Phoenix: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Champagne Breakfast

Summary

Sunrise flight over Sonoran Desert with breakfast & local pilot stories

You’ll float above the Sonoran Desert at sunrise on a Phoenix hot air balloon ride with a local pilot guiding you through every step. Watch as your balloon inflates in the morning quiet, then share a champagne breakfast after landing — picnic tables set right in the desert air. This tour includes pickup north of Phoenix and is shared with fellow travelers for a truly communal start to your day.

What’s the experience like?

"You know, the desert always surprises people at dawn," our pilot, Mark, said as he checked the ropes, his hands moving quick but calm. I was still half-asleep when we met north of Phoenix — it’s early, like before-the-birds early — but there’s this quiet excitement in the group. The air smelled faintly dusty and cool, and you could hear nothing except the fans roaring to life as the balloon started to swell. It’s weirdly hypnotic watching something that big fill up; I kept thinking it would just float away without us.

Climbing into that massive wicker basket felt clumsy (I nearly tripped on my own foot), but once we lifted off, everything got soft and slow. The city faded out behind us and suddenly it was just desert — saguaro shadows stretching forever, little bursts of gold light creeping over the mountains. Mark pointed out coyote tracks below and told us how balloonists have this tradition with champagne after every flight. I didn’t expect to feel so light up there. Someone laughed when I tried to take a selfie; honestly, I just wanted to stand still and look.

Landing was bumpier than I guessed (Mark called it a "champagne landing" — not sure if that means bumpy or celebratory), but everyone cheered anyway. We had breakfast right there in the open, linen tablecloths flapping in the breeze and real flutes of champagne clinking around. The eggs were warm, coffee strong enough to wake me up for real this time. There’s something about eating outside after floating over Phoenix that makes everything taste sharper — or maybe it was just relief that we were back on solid ground. Still think about that view sometimes when I see sunlight hit dry grass back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon ride and breakfast

• Meet crew north of Phoenix before sunrise
• Take van ride to launch area
• Watch balloon inflate with motorized fans
• Heat balloon air with propane burners
• Board wicker basket for 45-minute flight
• Enjoy scenic views and take photos
• Land and celebrate with champagne
• Have breakfast on picnic tables

Top questions

How long is the Phoenix hot air balloon ride?

The flight itself lasts about 45 minutes, but the full experience takes around 4 hours including setup and breakfast.

Is pickup included for this sunrise hot air balloon ride?

Pickup is included from a meeting point just north of Phoenix before sunrise.

What do you eat after landing from the hot air balloon?

A champagne breakfast is served at picnic tables with linens after you land.

How many people fit in each hot air balloon basket?

The ride is shared with up to 20 travelers per basket.

What should I wear for a hot air balloon ride near Phoenix?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven ground during boarding and landing.

Are children allowed on this Phoenix hot air balloon tour?

Yes, children aged 6 and older can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is alcohol served on this tour?

Yes, champagne is served after landing; minimum drinking age is 21 years.

What’s included

Your morning includes bottled water for the flight, all taxes and fees covered upfront, guidance from an experienced pilot throughout your journey above Phoenix, facility and landing charges taken care of, plus a full champagne breakfast served outdoors once you touch down again.