Phoenix: Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride & Champagne Toast

Summary

Sunset balloon flight over Sonoran Desert with snacks & champagne

You’ll float above Phoenix as sunset colors sweep across the Sonoran Desert on this hot air balloon ride. Expect hands-on moments at launch, live stories from your pilot mid-flight, then land for champagne and snacks with your fellow travelers — all with pickup included if needed.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so calm standing in that dusty field outside Phoenix, watching the crew wrestle with this giant patchwork of fabric. The sun was already low, kind of gold and sleepy, and our pilot (I think his name was Dave?) cracked a joke about “not dropping your phone unless you really want to say goodbye.” There were maybe a dozen of us, all shuffling around, some helping tug ropes, others just staring up. I kept smelling sagebrush and this faint burnt-toast scent from the burners — not unpleasant, just sharp enough to remind me we were about to leave the ground.

When we finally climbed into the basket (it’s higher than it looks), Dave gave us a quick safety rundown. He had this way of making everyone relax — even the woman next to me who admitted she hated heights. Then suddenly we were floating. No dramatic whoosh or stomach drop; just this weirdly gentle lift-off. Phoenix shrank fast behind us and the Sonoran Desert spread out all pinks and shadows. You could hear coyotes somewhere far off — or maybe it was just my imagination running wild. Either way, it felt like time slowed down for a bit up there.

The flight itself lasted about an hour but honestly, I lost track. Dave pointed out saguaro cacti that looked like they were waving at us (he swore one had a face) and told stories about desert storms that made me wish I’d asked more questions. There was this one moment when everyone went quiet — not awkward, just kind of awed I guess — except for someone’s kid giggling every time the basket creaked. We drifted until the sun dipped behind some distant hills and everything turned that coppery color you only get in Arizona.

Landing was bumpier than I expected (they warn you!), but nobody seemed to mind once we were back on solid earth. The crew handed out glasses of champagne — real ones for adults, juice for kids — and some light snacks while people swapped photos and tried to act cool about their helmet hair. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long is the hot air balloon ride over Phoenix?

The flight lasts about one hour from takeoff to landing.

Are snacks or drinks included after the balloon ride?

Yes, post-flight snacks and a celebratory champagne toast are included after landing.

Is there a safety briefing before boarding?

Yes, the pilot provides a safety briefing before you board the basket.

How many people fit in each hot air balloon basket?

Baskets hold between 10-16 passengers per shared flight.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

The tour includes pickup options; check availability when booking.

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

Wear light layered clothing and closed-toe shoes as recommended by the operator.

Can children join the Phoenix hot air balloon ride?

Children must be at least 5 years old to participate in the flight.

What’s included

Your evening includes transport to the launch site from check-in, live commentary from your local pilot during flight, plus post-flight snacks and a celebratory champagne toast before heading back into town.