Hot Air Balloon Tour Phoenix: A Review

While the city offers countless attractions on the ground, nothing compares to the serene and spectacular experience of a hot air balloon tour. Imagine floating effortlessly above the Sonoran Desert as the sun paints the sky with vibrant hues, revealing a landscape of saguaros, mountains, and wildlife in a way you’ve never seen before. A hot air balloon tour in Phoenix isn’t just an activity; it’s a memory-making adventure that offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Southwest, whether you’re visiting or you’re from thte area. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable way to see the desert, read on to discover why this should be at the top of your list.

My Hot Air Balloon Tour Experience

OK, let’s get started talking about my experience on a hot air balloon in Phoenix. I’ll note, there are multiple tour companies which I will go over at the end, but I went with Hot Air Expeditions. This was my second hot air balloon experience after doing a tour in Sedona a few years ago!

Early Wake Up Call

Most likely, your tour will start EARLY. There are some afternoon flights during the winter, but it’s normal for hot air balloons to run once a day and starting at sunrise. I had to wake up at 3:30 to get to my tour at 5:00am. If you do your hot air balloon tour Phoenix with Hot Air Expeditions, you will meet at the Deer Valley Airport. This is in the northernmost part of the Phoenix Valley, about 25 minutes north of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Drive to Launch Site

After you check in at the meeting point for Hot Air Expeditions, you’ll get in a van with your group, and your driver will take you to the launch site. The pilot and crew are up there earlier to get things set up for you! This was probably my least favorite part of the tour- I wasn’t expecting to be in a car for 40+ minutes. But I get it! You have to be out in the boonies to launch a fleet of hot air balloons!

Hot Air Balloon Launch Experience

The launch of my hot air balloon tour in Phoenix was probably the best part of the day. It’s so cool watching the team get this GIANT balloon in the air. You’ll get to watch them pump air (and fire) into the balloon, which is a great photo opportunity. There are multiple balloons taking off at the same time and I loved watching them all take off. When your balloon is upright, you all jump in the basket pretty quickly, while the balloon is still tied down. Once everyone is set, the team lets the balloon go and you are off!

Please keep in mind, to launch they need to be below a certain threshold of wind speed. I’m so glad they care about our safety so much. Balloon launches can be cancelled for a number of reasons, but lucky for you the weather in Phoenix is usually so mild and clear that it doesn’t cause many issues.

In the Air

If I didn’t mention, of my group of 11 people, I was the only one that had been on a hot air balloon tour. So if it’s your first time too, you won’t be alone in it! One of the questions I kept getting from people was “does it feel stable?” Yes, I was so surprised how stable a hot air balloon feels. You don’t feel any drops in your stomach like you’re on a roller coaster or going over a big hill. It’s just calm and steady. 

Hot Air Balloon Tour Phoenix: Landing

Once you land, you get to enjoy a cute little breakfast with champagne. They set up tables for you to enjoy mimoas, scones, fruit, and a yummy breakfast burrito. It’s so nice of them to package everything up and treat us like VIPs. If you’re celebrating something special, make sure to write it down when you book! The team is very professional and kind and still casual in the best way. I highly recommend!

Tips for Your Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Tour

To make the most of your hot air balloon tour in Phoenix, a little preparation goes a long way. Since flights typically occur at sunrise for the calmest conditions, be prepared for an early start and ensure you’ve used the restroom before departing for the launch site, as facilities are scarce in the desert. Dress in layered clothing—mornings can be cool, but the balloon’s burner emits heat during the flight. Closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating uneven desert terrain during launch and landing. Don’t forget a hat or cap to protect from the burner’s warmth and the sun, along with sunglasses. Bring your camera or phone to capture the incredible views, but consider a strap to keep it secure. Lastly, maintain a flexible attitude, as hot air ballooning is highly weather-dependent, and flights can be rescheduled for safety.