Phoenix: Sunset Hot Air Balloon Over Sonoran Desert

Views from 1,000 feet at sunset over Phoenix's skyline and desertscape

You arrive before sunrise, help launch a hot air balloon or watch it inflate, then float for an hour over the Sonoran Desert as the sun sets. The pilot provides live commentary on the landscape below. After landing, you get champagne and snacks with the other 10-16 passengers in your basket. Plan to be standing the whole flight and book only if weather permits on your chosen date.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset hot air balloon flight

• Meet at check-in office
• Travel to launch site
• Option to help crew or watch
• Attend pilot safety briefing
• Enjoy one-hour balloon flight
• Celebrate with toast and refreshments

The experience

"The basket gets quiet right around the time the light turns orange," our pilot said during the safety briefing, and he wasn't wrong. You meet at the check-in office in Phoenix before dawn, or closer to it, and get driven to the launch site where the real work starts. The crew lets you help inflate the balloon if you want, watching the fabric rise and fill with hot air, or you can just stand back and watch the thing come alive. Either way, there's a safety talk you need to listen to, because you're about to stand in a basket with 10 to 16 other people for the next hour, and the pilot needs to know you understand how to brace yourself when you land.

The flight itself is one hour straight up into the Arizona sky, and the Sonoran Desert spreads out in every direction: saguaro cacti, ridge lines, the whole landscape turning gold and then pink as the sun drops. There's live commentary happening the whole time, so you're not just floating there in silence. The pilot points out what you're seeing, talks about the desert, tells you things about Phoenix you didn't know. The basket sways a little, but it's gentle. You're standing the whole time, so wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you can move in: layers work best because it's cooler up there than you'd think.

When you touch down, there's a champagne toast waiting and some light snacks to eat while everyone's still buzzing from the flight. That's included, along with the local taxes. The whole thing is weather permitting, so if the wind picks up or clouds roll in, they'll reschedule you. You need to be able to stand for the full hour without help, and if you weigh over 300 pounds, you'll need to buy an extra space in the basket for safety and weight distribution. Kids have to be at least 5 years old, and if you're pregnant or have spinal or heart issues, this isn't the right flight for you.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel or office pickup and transport to the launch site, the option to help the crew prepare the balloon, a full safety briefing from the pilot, one hour of flight time with live commentary over the Sonoran Desert, champagne toast and light snacks after landing, and all local taxes. Weather permitting.

Options for this experience

2 options

2025 Sunset ExperienceGuide in English · 14:30 and 14:45The operator is Rainbow Ryders, Inc., the premier and largest hot air balloon company serving the Southwest since 1983. The flight lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather, and the whole experience takes about 3 hours. A celebratory toast is included, with Sonoran Desert views.

Passengers weighing over 300 lbsGuide in English · 14:30 and 14:45Extra space policy: passengers over 300 lbs must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during the flight. The operator is Rainbow Ryders, Inc., the premier and largest hot air balloon company serving the Southwest since 1983. The flight lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather, and the whole experience takes about 3 hours. A celebratory toast is included, with Sonoran Desert views.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h 30m, runs every day at 14:30 and 14:45, from US$ 250 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and Thursday: 14:30 and 14:45Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 14:30Last departure this season: 21 DecAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Rainbow Ryders

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in Phoenix who want a memorable sunset without arranging their own transport: pickup and the whole experience are handled. You'll be standing in the basket for a full hour with 10-16 other passengers, so book only if that pace and group size work for you.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 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. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the sunset hot air balloon ride start?

You meet at the check-in office early in the morning for transport to the launch site. The one-hour flight happens at sunset, so timing depends on the season and exact sunset time in Phoenix.

How many people are in the balloon basket?

It's a shared basket flight with 10 to 16 total passengers per balloon.

What's included in the price?

The one-hour flight, champagne toast, light snacks, live pilot commentary, and local taxes are all included.

Can I help with the balloon setup?

Yes, the crew offers the option to help inflate the balloon before flight, or you can watch from the side.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes and light layered clothing. It's cooler at altitude than on the ground, so layers let you adjust.

Is there a weight limit?

Passengers weighing 300 pounds or more must purchase an additional space in the basket for safety and proper weight distribution.

What if the weather is bad?

All flights are weather permitting. If conditions aren't safe, the operator will reschedule you for another date.

Is this flight safe for pregnant travelers?

No, this flight is not recommended for and cannot accommodate pregnant travelers.

Do I need to be in good physical shape?

You must be able to stand for 60 minutes unassisted and sustain the impact of jumping off a chair height. It's suitable for all fitness levels otherwise, but not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.