A Dream Come True...

Ballooning is an exhilarating experience for everyone - from neophyte adventurer to the seasoned veteran, from the young to the more mature. "A magic carpet ride" and "riding on a cloud" are two phrases that have been used to describe the beauty, exhilaration and gentleness of ballooning. Even though you travel at speeds of five or six miles per hour, there is virtually no sensation of motion because you are flying with the wind.

In The Beginning...

Your adventure begins upon arrival at our Sonoran desert launch site. You'll receive a "preflight briefing" where you'll learn more about the hot-air balloon and how it flies, plus other facts you should know to make your flight as enjoyable as possible.

The Inflation...

All flights begin with the inflation of the balloon by motorized fans. Once the envelope is filled with air, the propane burners are ignited to heat the air inside. In about thirty minutes we are ready for flight. Once your balloon is inflated, you'll join your pilot in the beautiful, hand-crafted oversized wicker basket, that has plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the ride to the fullest.

Up, Up and Away...

As you gently leave the Earth, you'll be amazed at how light the balloon feels. During the flight you have an unobstructed 360-degree view to take excellent photographs.

Flying close to the ground, you'll be able to hear and see the sights and sounds of desert life. We commonly see jackrabbits, quail, roadrunners and coyotes. Often we encounter deer, javalina and other desert animals. Your pilot will point out the exotic desert plant life below and descend tot within inches of trees and cacti, much to everyone's delight.

The pilots often decide to rise higher affording a marvelous view of the valley. By changing altitude, the pilot may be able tot change direction by finding a shift in wind currents at another level.

You'll be amazed at the excitement and curiosity generated by the passage of our balloon. 

Back To Earth Again...

Throughout your flight, our ground crew follows over desert lanes and roads so that they can be ready and waiting for you upon landing. You are greeted in the traditional manner with flutes of champagne. First-time riders will be treated to the legendary ceremony that balloonists all over the world have been sharing for more than two centuries. And finally, to prove your difference from ordinary mortals, you will be inducted into the ballooning society and awarded the Certificate d'Ascension en Machine Aereostatique. There is nothing finer!

No Sensation of Height...

Even if you have a fear of heights, you won't have a fear of ballooning...there is no sensation of height in a hot air balloon! When you stand on a tall building and look over the side, you get that tearful feeling because of perspective. You can see the building all the way to the ground giving yourself something to judge the height against. When you're flying in an airliner at 35,000 feet and look out the window, it's just scenery going by... this is the same feeling you will get in a hot air balloon. So what are you waiting for, make your reservation today!

Attire...

Comfortable, casual clothing is always recommended on all our tours, since we are enjoying nature in a desert environment. Temperature in the balloon is about the same as on the ground. Please dress appropriately for the day's anticipated temperatures. During the winter months, a jacket may be necessary. Closed toe shoes should be worn. A hat and sunglasses are recommended but not required. Don't forget your camera and plenty of film!