A Phoenix hot air balloon ride lifts you a few thousand feet over the Sonoran Desert, with saguaro scrub and ridges below and, when the wind lines up, Camelback Mountain, the valley and distant Downtown Phoenix on the horizon. It is a float, not a sightseeing circuit: launch and landing sites move with the wind each day.
The Phoenix / Scottsdale hub has two shared flights, both about 45 to 60 minutes in the air inside an outing of roughly three to four hours from check-in at Deer Valley Airport.
Morning or afternoon Phoenix balloon
- Phoenix Morning Sonoran Desert Hot Air Balloon Tour, from US$239 per person. Sunrise light over the desert, then champagne or sparkling cider, breakfast, the Balloonists Ceremony and a flight certificate after landing. Runs year-round, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Phoenix Afternoon Sonoran Desert Hot Air Balloon Tour, from US$269 per person. Golden-hour light, with bubbly and a fruit-and-cheese plate after landing. Runs only from November 1 to March 15.
If your dates fall between November and mid-March and you would rather not get up before dawn, the afternoon flight is the one. Any other time of year, or if you want breakfast after landing, book the morning.
Before you go
- Where: Deer Valley Airport, balloon ride parking. An optional hotel transfer can be added when you book, which makes the outing longer.
- Who can fly: minimum age 5 and minimum height 48 inches (about 122 cm). Baskets are shared, and dates fill, so book early.
- Weight: there is no passenger weight limit, but you enter your weight in pounds at booking so the crew can balance the basket.
- Route: the wind decides it, so Camelback Mountain and the city views appear only when the drift allows. You land wherever the pilot can set down safely.
- Cancellation: full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before. If weather cancels the flight, you can move to another date or take a refund.
Questions about the ride? Email us at hello@flyovertheworld.com and we’ll help.