Wake up early to experience a Sonoran Desert sunrise, and transform it into a story by seeing it from a birds-eye view. This hot air balloon ride from Phoenix takes you into the air with a professional guide who will narrate your trip. You’ll learn about the wildlife and history of this unique desert, then celebrate with Champagne and breakfast hors d’oeuvres.

Perfect for solo travelers, couples or families
Champagne and gourmet hors d’oeuvres are ready to enjoy post-ride
Informative guide will tell you about the plants, animals and history of the Sonoran Desert
Photo opportunities: views of the landscape and sunrise will make excellent souvenirs

What's Included

Champagne and fresh fruit
Bottled water

Gratuities
Souvenir Champagne flute (available for purchase)

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Starbucks
2501 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85085, USA
Starbucks is located directly across the parking lot from Lowes home improvement. IF you are late to pick up, we can't wait, you will be left behind! We have a tight timeline to fly. Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you’re not left behind. Customers who are late, will not receive a refund.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No open toed shoes or high heels
Dress comfortable for the outside weather
Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 220 lbs. will be required to pay additional fees. This is payable directly to the tour operator on the day of the tour

Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
No recent surgeries
No hip, leg, feet injury or issues
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

lisagallo63

Bucket list experience for sure. The scenery is worth the early wake up needed to do this. Professional staff and always felt safe. A must do!

Reviews

4.0

113 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 113 reviews

The day started cool but...

LINDA_K, Mar 2023

The day started cool but the sun was out and we had a great view of the reserve beneath us. Would recommend this flight and crew!

Fantastic morning adventure

John_M, Mar 2023

We had a fantastic sunrise balloon ride, which could not have been more beautiful. The views of Lake Pleasant and the surrounding area were stunning, and the trip was everything we hoped it would be. The crew were capable anmd knowledgeable, although the pilot would have benefited a bit from some improved bedside manner, particularly in response to our questions. All 5 of our group would give the balloon 2 thumbs up, and would definitely recommend this amazing adventure!

We thought we would be...

Debra_D, Mar 2023

We thought we would be flying over the desert, but it was a neighborhood!! When they ask us to change to Gilbert, we agreed not knowing the area. Also the pilot kept talking about his crew not being paid so they need tips. So pay them. So very disappointing!!!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Sorry you feel that way, although for other readers to understand you would have been cancelled all together, or move to the other location. Which is normally an up charge. Also the pilot only advises ONE time the crew work for gratuity so if you loved your Experience please let them know. i know this 100% because i am the pilot who flew you.

Must do experience

Danielle_J, Mar 2023

Guides are fun and views are incredible! There was a mimosa toast at the end which was so enjoyable!

Pretty views crappy otherwise

Sarah_G, Feb 2023

The trip was beautiful, the ground crew very professional and kind. The fellow passengers were great to meet. The captain was probably the reason I wouldn’t recommend this trip. He knows what he’s doing, no doubt, and I DID feel safe but he was fairly rude and made some offhand comments that were fairly inappropriate and unnecessary. He told one passenger if they don’t like the space they’re in to book elsewhere with more space for her. We were crammed in unable to move barely so it was really uncomfortable. He then made comments about people over 70 and how they start to physically and mentally break down….mind you I brought my mom in this ride for her 68th birthday…then continued to complain about his crew and their incompetence. He also randomly talked about how on the west side of Phoenix you never see kids outside playing as you do in Scottsdale because they’re not treated well and all on iPads. What the heck?! There’s plenty of balloon rides around town that probably cost the same and you aren’t stuck mid-air having to listen to this man. Wasn’t too impressed either with the brown and week old fruit they laid on the table afterwards per the package deal. He gave us some juice mix as an alternative to alcohol and said “Yuck why would you drink that? It’s too sugary.” Well my question is…why even serve it? Then finished it off telling us the grounds crew make no money and our tips pay their bills. Come on. He seemed over it and soured it for several of us. I can’t believe this guy has a job still, surely others have complained

Sonoran Dessert Balloon festival

Sheela_G, Feb 2023

Being on the top & looking down on Sonoran desert & all the developments Beauty in seeing about dozen of hot air balloons loaded with exciting people.

Loved it! Highly Recommend!

Eddie_B, Feb 2023

Had a great time! I would definitely recommend this for anyone. It was so peaceful and beautiful up there.

Great experience

Joseph_M, Feb 2023

The lift from earth to space and the tranquility and quietness of floating through space was majestic and relaxing. I would recommend the ride to anyone that wants to see things with a different perspective.

Gorgeous flight!

HeATHER_P, Feb 2023

Shane was a fantastic pilot.. and Michelle and Matt did a great job as crew! We had a fantastic flight! Gorgeous views with perfect weather for February! We felt safe and the drinks and fruit at the end was a great way to celebrate!

Valentines Day flight

Shabraundaj, Feb 2023

We had an amazing time! This is how my husband and I started off our valentines day. Although we didn't get to fly our entire time we still had a great flight! My favorite part was the landing.lol

Air up there

Avis_L, Feb 2023

Great experience and it's was truly something different than what I expected. Would differently have to do this again.

One of the best experiences!!!

Aulyvia_L, Dec 2022

The hot air balloon ride was such a great and fun experience! Everyone enjoyed themselves and our guides were very knowledgeable and informative! Very nice!

One hell of an experience!

Malky_O, Dec 2022

My husband and I were visiting Arizona for the weekend and wanted to take a hot air balloon ride. A friend told us that we came in the perfect season. The instructions were very clear about meeting point and time. A day before our flight we were told to reschedule if we could because of the weather which made us feel safe. We rescheduled for the day after in the afternoon. Shane, our pilot was awesome. He is very knowledgeable and has a great personality. His team was also very professional. We had an amazing flight with amazing views. I was totally speechless. After we landed, we shared some champagne and Shane had prepped a nice little spread for us. It was truly an experience like no other and we would definitely do it again.

Amazing!!

John_K, Nov 2022

To finally ride a balloon and see the sunrise over Phoenix was truly a amazing experience i won't forget.

Great experience planning...

Charlene_N, Nov 2022

Great experience planning on doing it again. The host was very gracious we flew long than expected the champagne and fruits where a great way to finish off the morning 🙏🙏🙏😊

Adventurous

Carmen_F, Nov 2022

Exciting adventure surrounded with my hubby and made good friends there too!! This is something everyone needs to try in their life!!

Floating away

Mark_P, Oct 2022

Was not much wind which made it a challenge but the pilot found some at a lower elevation so it turned out to be an excellent experience. Very smooth landing too

Sonoran sunrise flight.

Michelle_W, Oct 2022

Pilot and crew were very experienced and even more friendly and entertaining. We had a blast, and threatened them with coming back.

Absolutely beautiful

Diana_M, Oct 2022

Absolutely beautiful, i was a bit nervous with hights but the pilot shane got me laughing and my fears went away. Shane and his crew are very informative and friendly. The sunrise and views were breathtaking. Landing was alot smoother than i expected. What a wonderful experience

Sonora Dessert Hot Air Ballon Ride

Patricia_C, Oct 2022

Shane and the crew were great! I appreciated Shane's expertise in piloting the craft as all other pilots landed their balloons due to avoiding wind gusts. Shane knew how to pilot with confidence, control, experience, and knowledge. We got the full ride, where others were probably disappointed in that. We did start a little after sunrise. There wasn't a ton a great scenery or wildlife to see, but being in the air was still thrilling. I am greatful to have gotten to enjoy this with my friend who had her first hot air ballooning experience. A bucket list kind of deal for her on our last day in AZ.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

We are very glad you loved your experience, and the crew quality knowledge. We know exactly which flight you are speaking of. Because your opinion is that the Sonoran desert is not scenic and beautiful to you, we wish you wouldn’t make that reflect on us with a 4 star review. As it sounds like we provided 5 star service…?

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