4.8 (2.2 k) · Phoenix · By Hot Air Expeditions Inc ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation Likely to sell out
Experience the stunning Sonoran Desert of Arizona from a unique perspective! Ascend 2,000 to 5,000 feet in a hot air balloon for breathtaking 360-degree views and a serene flight experience.
After your 45-60 minute balloon journey, enjoy chilled champagne and a delightful catered meal amidst the desert landscape, the perfect way to start your day.
Roundtrip hotel transportation is available as an optional add-on. Pick-up services cover Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Arcadia, and Cave Creek areas within a 30-minute radius of our check-in point.
✓ Following your flight, enjoy a champagne or sparkling cider toast and a pre-selected breakfast at the desert landing site.✓ A 45-60 minute Hot Air Balloon Flight.✓ Champagne toast.✓ Hotel pick-up and drop-off service (if the option is selected).✓ A commemorative flight certificate to take home.✕ Gratuities for the crew.✕ Hotel pick-up and drop-off service (if the option is not selected).1 Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve
All hot air balloon tours convene at the Deer Valley Airport Balloon Ride Parking Area, unless hotel transfers have been selected.
Drift above the magnificent Sonoran Desert, observing local landmarks, flora, and fauna from an elevated vantage point.
· Non-stop passage
2 Camelback Mountain
Savor spectacular views of the iconic Camelback Mountain, situated in the heart of the Phoenix Valley.
Your pilot will share insights into the city's history and point out native wildlife and plant species.
· Non-stop passage
3 Downtown Phoenix
Gaze upon Downtown Phoenix in the distance as you gracefully traverse the valley.
As you prepare for landing, you'll notice a beautifully set table in the desert, hinting at the delightful experience to come. You'll be welcomed with a traditional celebration featuring a delicious pre-selected breakfast and chilled champagne. First-time flyers will partake in the time-honored Balloonists Ceremony, shared by balloonists worldwide for over a century.
· Non-stop passage
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Upon entering at 7th Ave and Deer Valley Road, make an immediate left at the 'T' intersection. Follow the three white signs indicating 'Balloon Ride Parking' towards the Civil Air Patrol Building. Turn right at the CAP Building and park in the designated 'Balloon Ride Parking' spots.
Upon entering at 7th Ave and Deer Valley Road, make an immediate left at the 'T' intersection. Follow the three white signs indicating 'Balloon Ride Parking' towards the Civil Air Patrol Building. Turn right at the CAP Building and park in the designated 'Balloon Ride Parking' spots.
Please note: It is essential to reconfirm your booking with Hot Air Expeditions. Departure times may vary, and flights are contingent upon safe flying conditions, free from high winds or storms. In the event of unsuitable weather, you will have the option to reschedule for an alternative date or receive a full refund.
All flight durations are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight limitations.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers. This activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. This activity is not suitable for pregnant women. This activity is not recommended for participants with back injuries or problems. This activity is not recommended for participants with broken bones or who have recently undergone surgery. Passengers must be able to step off the second step of a ladder onto the ground. The minimum age for participation is 5 years, with a minimum height requirement of 48 inches. The actual flight time is approximately 1 hour. When making your booking, please select your weight in pounds (lb). Roundtrip hotel transportation is available if you select this option. Pick-up is offered from home and hotel locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Mesa, Arcadia, and Cave Creek (within a 30-minute drive of our check-in location). Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended for our ballooning excursions, as we will be enjoying the desert environment. The temperature inside the balloon is similar to the ground temperature, so dress appropriately for the day's expected weather. We suggest closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. To ensure a safe hot air ballooning experience, passengers must not be pregnant at the time of flight, should not have had recent surgery or broken bones, and must be able to stand for the duration of the flight (approximately 60 minutes). Participants should also be able to step off the second rung of a ladder and be in good general health. All passengers are required to sign a waiver of liability before the tour. The total duration of the tour is 3-4 hours if meeting at our check-in location, or 4-5 hours if utilizing our roundtrip hotel transportation services. This includes transfers to our desert launch site, observing the balloon inflation, the approximate 45-60 minute hot air balloon ride, post-flight refreshments, and the presentation of commemorative flight certificates. Our tours operate in the Sonoran Desert, which unfortunately does not have restroom facilities. Our launch and landing sites vary daily depending on wind conditions, typically in remote desert areas. While trees and bushes are usually present, there are no restrooms available during the trip, so please use facilities before your flight! Although we experience some of the most flyable days in the country annually, poor weather can occur. We highly recommend booking your balloon excursion early in your trip to allow for alternative dates should your scheduled flight be affected by weather. In the event of a weather cancellation, there is no charge, and you can reschedule at your convenience or cancel your reservation entirely. 6am Flight +Hotel Transfers 5am Flight +Hotel Transfers 5:30am Flight+ Hotel Transfers 6am Flight Meeting at DVT 4:30am Flight +Hotel Transfers 5:30am Meet at Airport 5:45am Flight+ Hotel Transfers 5:15am Flight +Hotel Transfers 4:45am Flight +Hotel Transfers 4:45am Flight Meet at Airport 5am Flight Meet at Airport 6:15am Flight Meet at Airport 5:45am Flight Meet at Airport 4:15am Flight +Hotel Transfers 5:15am Flight Meet at Airport 6:15am Flight +Hotel Transfers 4:15am Flight Meet at DVT 4:30am Flight Meet at Airport Book your flight early in your trip to allow for rescheduling due to weather. Dress in comfortable, casual layers suitable for desert temperatures. Wear closed-toe shoes for safety. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Ensure you use the restroom before the flight as facilities are not available in the desert. Confirm your booking with the operator in advance. For a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 5095HOT
Activity offered by Hot Air Expeditions Inc via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurous travelers Couples Families with children aged 5 and above Photography enthusiasts Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy a peaceful and serene hot air balloon flight. Celebrate your landing with champagne and a delicious breakfast. Learn about local history and landmarks from your pilot. Receive a commemorative flight certificate.
Population 1,608,139 (2020)
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 11° Jan 13° Feb 17° Mar 21° Apr 26° May 32° Jun 34° Jul 33° Aug 30° Sept 23° Oct 17° Nov 11° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the hot air balloon ride? + The actual flight time is approximately 1 hour. The total tour time, including transfers and post-flight activities, is 3-4 hours if meeting at the check-in location, or 4-5 hours with hotel transportation.
What are the age and height requirements? + The minimum age is 5 years, and participants must have a minimum height of 48 inches. Passengers must also be able to step off the second step of a ladder onto the ground.
What should I wear for the balloon ride? + Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Dress appropriately for the day's temperatures, similar to ground conditions. Closed-toe shoes are required. Consider bringing a light jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
What happens if the weather is bad? + Flights are subject to safe flying conditions. In case of unsuitable weather, you will be offered the option to reschedule for another date or receive a full refund.
Is hotel pick-up available? + Yes, roundtrip hotel transportation is available if you select this option during booking. Pick-up covers various locations in Phoenix and surrounding areas within a 30-minute drive of our check-in location.
Are there restrooms available during the tour? + No, there are no restroom facilities available at the launch or landing sites in the desert. Please ensure you use the restroom before the flight.
★★★★★ Viator review
Amazing!
Geanette_K, October 2026
It was a great experience. I loved the fact that they pick you up from the hotel. This was a solo trip, so I didn’t have to worry about trying to locate the meeting spot. Jim was great and assured me that I didn’t have anything to be afraid of. The Captain McKenna was great. The ride was nice and smooth. After we landed they had a nice breakfast and champagne. I will definitely will be back to Phoenix and will do the ballon ride again. My only complaint, is that I wish it was a little longer. Overall, it was an awesome experience. I have already referred this company to my friends that saw the beautiful pictures.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Excursion cancelled due to wind forecast
Pioneer679916, October 2026
Hot Air Balloon was cancelled for both the days i was there. They did communicate this from the evening before. They said forecast of high wind, but i cant say I felt any wind all the days i was there. Trusting they made the right call for safety. But sorely disappointed as this was the primary thing I traveled to Phoenix to do. Feels like a wasted trip after taking time off and travelling from Canada. Struggled to get into other excursions last minute. Not my favourite trip.
★★★★★ Viator review
This was one of the best...
Monique_W, September 2026
This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! The fire is pretty hot from balloon. Wear a hat.
Response from the operator · HotAirExpeditions Thank you for joining us among the clouds Monique and thank you for sharing about your experience with others! We’re happy to hear that you had a wonderful morning soaring the skies and seeing the breathtaking views! We appreciate your tip to future passengers about wearing a hat, and we agree that having something on your head will block out a lot of the heat from the burners. Thank you for your kind words, we hope to see you up, up, and away again soon!
★★★★★ Viator review
What an AMAZING experience! 🎈🌵✨
shellycameronrealty, September 2026
A huge thank you to Captain Jonathan and his incredible team for making our hot air balloon adventure so beautiful and unforgettable. From beginning to end, everyone was welcoming, professional, and made us feel completely comfortable and safe.
The views over the Arizona desert were absolutely breathtaking, and the entire experience was truly magical. Captain Jonathan made the flight even more special with his great energy and knowledge.
We also purchased the drone footage, and WOW — it was 100% worth it! 😍🎥 The footage came out absolutely amazing and captured the experience so beautifully. It’s the perfect keepsake to remember such an incredible morning.
Thank you, Captain Jonathan and team, for giving us memories we’ll cherish forever. If you’re visiting Phoenix and thinking about doing a hot air balloon ride, this is an experience you do NOT want to miss! 🎈🌅🌵❤️
Response from the operator · HotAirExpeditions Thank you so much for flying with us Shelly and thank you for sharing your kind words with others! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful morning with Captain Jonathan, the crew, and the droning team! We’re happy that everyone’s hard work, positive attitudes, and love for ballooning made you feel comfortable and in good hands. We’re glad that you enjoyed the breathtaking views from high in the sky and it’s great to hear that the drone footage was the perfect way to capture the magical memories! Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, we hope to see you up, up, and away again soon!
★★★★★ Viator review
This experience was...
msgayesha, September 2026
This experience was amazing! 10/10 would recommend, I was nervous before the experience but from the moment I stepped into the van I felt comfortable and welcomed by all staff. The driver, guides, and pilot were all amazing. Thank you Jonathan and Jim for a great experience.
Response from the operator · HotAirExpeditions Thank you so much for joining us among the clouds Gayesha and thank you for sharing your kind words with others! We’re so happy to hear that you had an amazing morning thanks to the hard work of Captain Jonathan, Jim, and the crew! We’re glad that you enjoyed soaring the skies with Captain Jonathan and that the van ride with Jim calmed any nerves you had before the flight. Thank you again for flying with us, we hope to see you up, up, and away again soon!
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