Hot Air Balloon Ride in Sedona: My Experience

There’s no better way to take in Sedona’s stunning red rock scenery than from the sky. A hot air balloon ride in Sedona offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of its vibrant desert landscape at sunrise. I’ve been asked so many times about the details of hot air balloon rides, so I wanted to compile my experiences!

My Hot Air Balloon Ride in Sedona Experience

OK, let’s get started talking about my experience on a hot air balloon in Sedona. I’ll note, there are two main companies in Sedona that fly, Red Rock Balloons and Northern Lights Expeditions. I have flown with both of them!

Early Wake Up Call

Most likely, your tour will start EARLY. I was up at 5am for both of my tours. At the time, Northern Lights Balloons picked all of us up from our hotels and took us to their launch site. For Red Rock Balloons, everyone met at their physical location to check in (near Sedonuts). Both of them fly most days out of the year, except for weather cancellations. Launch time varies based on the time of the year of course.

Comparison

RED ROCK BALLOONS: Meet at 2360 W. State Route 89A, Suite B, Sedona, AZ 86336, then you’re driven to the primary launch site off Dry Creek Rd

NORTHERN LIGHT BALLOON EXPEDITIONS: Complimentary pick up at most Sedona hotels, driven to launch site off Highway 89A

Hot Air Balloon Launch Experience

The launch of my hot air balloon tours in Sedona were so fun. 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. From October-May it can be chilly in the mornings so definitely bring a coat & gloves if need be, you can always take them off in the balloon.

Comparison

RED ROCK BALLOONS: I believe they have 6 balloons, each that can carry 16. So the group size is much larger! Balloons are red, yellow, and blue.

NORTHERN LIGHT BALLOON EXPEDITIONS: Has 5 balloons, 3 that fit 7 people and 2 that fit up to 14. Green & yellow design.

In the Air

Of course the best part of the Hot Air Balloon Ride in Sedona is being in the air- it’s so beautiful. If it’s your first time, 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. I’ll be honest I did feel a bit cramped in the Northern Light Balloons, but not as much for Red Rock Balloons. Also, they do fly a little different! Red Rock Balloons flies closer to the rocks and at multiple elevations to give you a good multi-view perspective. I liked that they also have photographers/ drones out and you get those photos for free. Northern Lights, at least when I flew, does fly a bit higher- which is OK too!

Comparison

RED ROCK BALLOONS: Flies at multiple elevations, close to the rocks, has photographers

NORTHERN LIGHT BALLOON EXPEDITIONS: Tends to fly higher and stay there, no photographers.

Hot Air Balloon Tour Phoenix: Landing

Once you land, you get a champagne toast. 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 teams are very professional and kind and still casual in the best way. I highly recommend!

Tips for Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Sedona

To make the most of your hot air balloon ride in Sedona, 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.