Check prices with the vendor directly as sometimes have discounts. Even solo, you meet others and everybody gets a view - no fighting for best view. Bucket is much higher than expected so it's really not scary. 5500 feet. Even though we got up in the air later than other balloons, I think it was perfect for the sunrise. Our driver was great - been doing this since he was 12 years old! It's a serene experience - calm and everybody in basket talks (or you don't have to). Great pictures of sunrise, the desert, and of other ballons in the sky. It's great to see the ballon being prepped, feeling the heat of fire, and it being put away at end. Worth the early rise.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Post flight snacks
- Champagne Toast
- Live commentary on board
- Local taxes
Excludes
- Gratuities
- Souvenir Merchandise (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
Upon meeting at the check-in office, your pilots and crew will transport you to the launch site location, where you will have the option to become hands-on and help the crew or take in the view as the gentle giant comes to life. Before loading into the basket, the pilot will conduct a safety briefing, so make sure to listen carefully! Then you are up, up and away into the beautiful Arizona sky.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Had a wonderful ride. Was sceptical at first because of the height, but was very rewarding and the pilot was fun. Would go again.
Perfect day for a ride. The staff was friendly, competent and well-informed. We received excellent instructions on how to enter and exit the basket and what to expect during landing. I wish we had gotten off a bit earlier as the sun was already up before we were aloft but once up the view was spectacular.
Phenomenal experience that cannot be put into words, has to be experienced...bucket list => check => just do it! Mike & Brandy C, China Twp Michigan US of A
We loved our sunset hot air balloon ride! It was one of my bucket list items and it did not disappoint. I would highly recommend Rainbow Ryders for the experience. Our trip was amazing. The pilots were excellent. We couldn't have asked for more.
Great experience! Tour was well organized with no problems. All members of Rainbow Ryders I interacted with were professional, considerate and respectful. The pilot was excellent. Very experienced, made sure safety procedures were followed, and provided useful and interesting information during flight and after.
We had to reschedule due to a rainy and cloudy week, but we were thrilled to take a subset ride on our last day in town. The ride was beautiful - our pilot was great with ages young to old in our multigenerational trip!
It is very well organized and an amazing experience. Quiet and calm ride over stunning landscape and beautiful sunset. Would definitely do this again.
We had such a great time on our first hot air balloon ride. I’m typically afraid of heights and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this experience! Pilot Andy was THE BEST!!!
Well organized, great group of support staff. Very professional pilot Jon Thompson. Great experience
Never flew in a balloon before and we both loved it. The pilot. Jon and his crew were exceptionally helpful and informative. If you have never gone up in a balloon, you do not know what you are missing......I have a fear of heights and I had no fear getting into that basket. It was a totally a thrill I will never forget.
This was a totally awesome experience! Our pilot Kyle was so personable and explained the whole process with humor and interesting stories. We lucked out with perfect evening weather and fantastic views. Heights usually make me nervous, but I felt calm and loved every moment. It was worth every penny to do this bucket list trip.
This was a personal bucket list of mine since moving to AZ 6 years ago. Watching those balloons floating gracefully above me made me want to experience it. Rainbow Ryders did not disappoint at all, and our pilot Jesse R was so great at explaining what was going to take place, along with instructions on landing. He was so entertaining while up in the air and full of a information about hot air ballooning. The ride was so peaceful, beautiful, and exciting to see so much from high up. I highly recommend taking a ride- trust me it’s not scary at all!!!
Outstanding from start to finish. Check-in was fast and friendly. We only waited a few minutes for the rest of the group to be checked in, and then we all boarded a van for the trip to the launch site. We're from Phoenix, so we know the area well. We took the fastest route to the launch, and it was a smooth ride. Once at the launch site our pilot explained what the crew would be doing to prepare the balloon, and gave a safety briefing, i.e. what we could and shouldn't do while they were working. I was impressed with how quickly the balloon was inflated and made ready for flight. My thoughts on two things: 1) If your loved ones (especially older people) have trouble walking and moving, and lifting their legs to waist height without assistance, I'd hesitate to bring them on this trip - you have to be a bit nimble to get over the edge of the balloon basket and inside. Even younger people were a bit challenged. 2) When standing inside the balloon basket, the top edge came up to my chest height (I'm 5'10"). Little kids would probably have a hard time seeing out of the basket, and I personally wouldn't want to be lifting them up (from a safety perspective) to see out. Something to think about..... Once everyone was on board, our pilot put more hot air into the balloon, and we were off the ground. Incredibly smooth and gentle. I personally don't like heights, but the height of the basket in front of me, the silence of flight, and literally no breeze gave me a feeling of confidence - I had no problem looking out and down at the views. Your perspective while in the balloon is wonderful and unique. We were 5000 feet up at the highest point, and it felt much lower than that. We had very gentle breezes on the day of our flight, so our "travel distance" was very small. We went up, and then in a small circle, and landed perhaps 100 feet from where we took off. Not what I expected, but it was still a great flight, and the views were excellent. Landing was as soft as a kiss - slow and controlled with no bumps. Cheers to Jacob our pilot, who did a fantastic job. Getting out of the basket took a bit of effort, but was OK. We had our champagne ceremony, which was very nice, and then the crew loaded things back up and we were on the road, back to the Rainbow Ryders headquarters. Overall, a fantastic experience. This was my wife's bucket list event, and she absolutely loved it. She'd love to do it again in the future, perhaps with other members of the family. This won't be the only time we go on a flight. The crew members assisting Jacob were all helpful and professional, more than happy to take pictures and help people into and out of the balloon basket. I was extremely impressed with how quickly they got the balloon inflated and ready to go, and how quickly they were able to deflate the balloon and get it packed away again. I strongly recommend that you go on this flight. It is beautiful and serene and lots of fun, even for people like me who are afraid of heights. Have fun!
We had a wonderful sunset ride with Rainbow Ryders. The entire experience was very professional, and our pilot was very experienced! We rose to 5,200 feet, and enjoyed beautiful views of the Phoenix desert. I would highly recommend this company and the experience - it was definitely a buck list trip!
Absolutely amazing!! Easy check in experience and our pilot Jesse R. Was awesome!! This was magical!!
This company is very professional, great attitude from staff, knowledgable…Equipment in great shape!! I have had dealing with other companies and I would recommend rainbow riders all the way!!!
We had a great time with Jesse on the sunset hot air balloon ride! Jesse was very knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining! We would do this again when we come back to Phoenix!
We had a great balloon ride with Jon. He was a great 'seasoned' pilot. He did a great job explaining how he controls the balloon and he pointed out a lot of interesting sites on the ground. The takeoff and landing went perfectly. The ground crew did a great job and we didn't have to lift a finger except for the glass of champaign at the end of the ride. We would highly recommend Rainbow Ryder and pilot Jon.
I wasn't sure which company to choose for my hot air balloon flight, and this one didn't disappoint. Friendly staff, accessible offices, and a very professional, attentive, and beautiful balloon operator. It was my first time in a balloon, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Being up there brings an indescribable sense of stillness and peace, especially with the stunning views. I wish I could have stayed longer and done some more sightseeing. I'll be back!
The group of workers were top notch from the time we checked in to the time we left. Our pilot was the best and very talkative.
Unbelievable experience !!!! My adult daughter and hubby were in town visiting for Thanksgiving Day weekend. We purchased this Sunset Balloon ride for them, and they were TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY by the fun they had !!!! Check-in was 2:30 p.m. and was flawless, ride in the van to get out to the starting point, and then OFF they were with a total of 9 people in the basket !!! The views are PHENOMENAL and pilot Jesse gave a wonderful tour !!! The sunset was beyond beautiful and my daughter/hubby couldn't express how appreciative they were that we purchased this balloon ride for them !! Lifetime memories and a definite "bucket list" item to check off !!! This is our 2nd trip with Rainbow Ryders and they are professionals from start to finish. After the landing, champagne was provided (such a nice added touch), and they were provided with a charcuterie board for all passengers after the ride in the van on the way back to HQ. The van arrived back at 6:45 p.m. BEST TIME EVER !!!!!! And truly the best gift you could give anyone !!!! Thanks Rainbow Ryders,,,,, we WILL be back !!!
Everything from booking to the soft landing was perfect! Jon our pilot felt like a trusted uncle taking us on a grand family adventure!
Loved it! So serene...staff is incredibly efficient. My pilot was excellent. Process was well executed. Return trip is desired.
We were crammed into the basket and had no room at all. I thought we would float over the city and travel some and not stay in the same spot. We literally just floated over a mound of dirt.
Very professional team , amazing customer service and the experience is unic . I loved and enjoyed the stunning view . I truly recommend them .
The Duration of this was too long for us, by the time you hang out at the HQ wait for all to arrive and get organized then load in the vans stop for a wind/weather check, proceed to where ever your taking off from, put the ballon together, fly for 50 to 60 min find somewhere to land, take the ballon apart load up and drive back to HQ, was close to 5 hours for a 60 min flight, the flight was great the staff is great just too much messing around for our liking, next time be a drive to ballon in my own vehicle fly and leave.
AMAZING So much fun. Our pilot was incredible , funny and informative as to where we were and what was going on all around us!
It was such a wonderful experience with breathtaking views! And Jon was an entertaining pilot. He made the experience 10x more memorable!
Awesome trip, pilot was excellent!! Sunrise was so colorful.. process from beginning to end of trip was well done!!
Our ride was awesome! Jon, our pilot was the best! He was very informative & his funny jokes! I highly recommend Rainbow Riders! Was such a great experience! Thank you so much for my bucket list item!
Rainbow Ryders was awesome! We had a beautiful sunset ride. They were fantastic with our kids and were very easy to work with. We would book again!
Our pilot, Kyle, was very knowledgeable and made the ride fun and educational! Definitely a once in a lifetime experience that you should put on your bucket list!
This experience was beautiful and scenic. If you’re on the fence, just go. The staff made sure everything was seamless.
Best trip ever. Amazing pilot. Got engaged while a mile up in the sky. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an amazing flight!
Sunday Gupta was an amazing pilot. We felt comfortable for our first hot air balloon experience! All team members were awesome and pleasant!
Super worth it! We had Patrick who was really good at what he did. We went as high as 9000 feet and it was fun waving at the residents down below. The view of Phoenix during sunset was absolutely gorgeous! Be sure to wear a cap though cause the occasional times they put on some heat can be a little hard on your scalp. Overall I totally recommend!
Must do once, bucket list item! Company was very professional. Had a fun time. Pilot was great. It isn’t inexpensive but recommend doing it at least once.
Had a great experience. Everything was great from start to finish. Well organized and lots of fun. I recommend.
We had a really great experience! Jon was an excellent pilot and kept us laughing. I felt safe and comfortable the whole time, despite being afraid of heights.
Our family of four, consisting of two adults and two young kids, had an absolutely amazing experience with Balloon Ryder. From start to finish, the customer service exceeded our expectations. The ground crew was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about their work. They took the time to share the history of the company and answered all of our children's curious questions with enthusiasm and patience. Our pilot, Jacob Little, was exceptionally skilled and ensured that our sunset ride was smooth and free of turbulence. Throughout the flight, he prioritized our safety, making us feel secure and well taken care of. The experience concluded with a delightful champagne toast, where we learned about the history of champagne in relation to hot air ballooning. It was the perfect way to celebrate our adventure! I can't recommend Balloon Ryder enough! This experience was truly unforgettable for our family, and we can't wait to do it again. I recommend sunset ride so you can have more energy to soak in the adventures! It’s mildly hot due to the fire so don’t wear thick jackets, thin layers are recommended!
Our pilot Kyle, driver David, and the entire crew truly made this hot air balloon ride an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience! Thank you so much for turning this into an adventure we will cherish forever. From start to finish, your excellent communication and clear instructions put our entire group at ease. The champagne at the end was the perfect touch to conclude an incredible journey. We sincerely hope others will request your amazing team and wish you all the best in your future adventures!
We had a great time! Rainbow Ryders' team is so well organized and experienced. Love the short story and toast at the end. And they had small snacks waiting when we returned.
Such a fun, bucket list experience. The guys working the hot air balloon, setup, ride and takedown were all friendly. My daughter and I had a great time. 5/5 would recommend.
What a great adventure!! Terrific pilot and fun the entire time. Looking forward to doing it again next year. Thanks for a great time!
Our very first Hot Air Balloon ride and it was fabulous! We had such a great time and the views were breathtaking. Our captain, Patrick, was awesome! Very professional, knowledgeable, and funny! I would highly recommend this sunset trip. A+++
What a wonderful experience! Rainbow Riders are definitely the best at what they do. I highly recommend them and this trip. Sunset basically means the end of the day. I thought we would view the sunset from the air but logistically it’s not possible. It’s definitely romantic and absolutely gorgeous. I am afraid of heights yet felt so relaxed in the basket. We really enjoyed the experience.
Had a fantastic time. Patrick was our pilot and very knowledgeable and funny which made the flight that more enjoyable. Just booked a sunrise flight for January 4th 2025 and hope to have Patrick again.
I gifted my husband a trip on a hot air balloon for Christmas. I should start by saying I am very afraid of heights but I knew my husband would want me to go so I did. I was so impressed with this company. We boarded a van for a 30 minute ride to the site. Once on location, we watched them setup which was one of the highlights of the trip- just incredible. Then we boarded the basket and we were on our way. I was shaking I was so scared. The noise from the flame/fire was loud but other than that, it was absolutely smooth and quiet. The pilot (Brooke) walked us through the local sites, mountains, etc. He also explained the process of getting the balloon in the air and gave me a better feeling of safety. We were in the air about 45 mins which doesn’t sound like much but it was perfect. He walked us through what to expect with landing “we’re going to bounce, shake, and the basket will tilt…as we touch ground but this is all completely normal and expected”. He was confident and kind and eased my nerves. I am shocked at how much I enjoyed this experience. Highly recommend Rainbow Ryders!
Exceptional experience and loved sanjay gupta..he is a gem. I loved it all and ti fly like a bird was a lifetime experience.
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