4 Balloon Flights in the USA to Build a Day Around

1.Phoenix Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride with Bubbly + Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,049 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $260Our pick

Start before sunrise at Deer Valley Airport, where an FAA-licensed pilot and crew prepare the balloon for a 45 to 60 minute flight over the Sonoran Desert. Look for Camelback Mountain and Downtown Phoenix, then land for Champagne, a pre-selected breakfast, and the traditional Balloonists Ceremony. Hotel transfers are optional.

“Flight was driven by Jonathan who was absolutely amazing! He made the balloon flight enjoyable and light! Definitely recommend! Lifetime experience!”

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2.Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,305 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189Best value

Rise early for a one-hour Rainbow Ryders balloon flight above Albuquerque’s Rio Grande Valley. Your pilot may be Alfred, Anthony, Brad Rice, Kris, or Troy, and will explain ballooning and local geography while the crew handles launch and landing. Help inflate the balloon, watch the Sandia Mountains brighten, then enjoy sparkling wine and light snacks after touchdown.

“We did a sunrise balloon tour and loved it!! The air was smoother than we expected and the landing was perfect. Alfred was an all around excellent pilot! He was knowledgeable about his craft, and not only that, but also the history of ballooning. His passion was evident throughout the entire morning. We were so grateful for this opportunity and would do it again!!”

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3.Hot Air Balloon Rides in Napa Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 592 reviews · from $315

Meet before sunrise for coffee, tea, pastries, and a safety briefing, then ride in a shared basket over Napa or Sonoma, usually from tree level to about 2,000 feet. Pilots such as Bob, Jake, Chad, and Jimmy have guided past flights, sharing ballooning stories and local sights. Allow 3 to 4 hours, and dress in layers.

“Staff were friendly and helpful. The experience was amazing! I would recommend to anyone interested in hot air ballon rides.”

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4.Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Black Hills

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 471 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $375

Meet Black Hills Balloons in Custer before sunrise, then ride about an hour over the Black Hills National Forest. Pilots such as Damien, Mike, Sam, Don, and Kay handle the flight, while the ground crew prepares and packs the balloon. Expect calm views, a safety briefing, light snacks, and a champagne toast after landing.

“Get a sight of all of Blackhills aswell as catching the Crane that sits on top of the unfinished Crazyhorse monument”

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