Imagine floating over Sedona as the sun peeks out over the crimson towers that line the eastern horizon. As the sun breaks from behind the rocks, your morning hot air balloon ride gives a bright perspective on what the day might bring. End your ride with a gourmet champagne brunch amidst the famous Sedona red rocks.
Things to Know Before Hot Air Ballooning in Sedona:
Afraid of heights? Not to worry. People who normally fear heights tend to feel very comfortable in a hot air balloon because there is no sensation of motion. Balloon flight is smooth; in fact, if you close your eyes, you can’t sense the balloon's motion at all.
Hot air ballooning is safe. Better than a parachute, the balloon is inflated on the ground and checked thoroughly before going up. Within minutes, passengers feel secure and comfortable and are able to relax and enjoy the spectacular view in every direction.
While it’s true that you’ll generally drift along with the wind, which is part of the reason ballooning is such an adventure, balloon operators have precise vertical control. The wind direction varies at different heights; we can change our altitude to achieve some variation of our direction.
The balloon company’s chase crew will follow on the ground and take you back to the launch site.
A traditional champagne toast follows your flight once upon return to the launch site.
A balloon flight is typically three-to-four hours from the time you arrive until you’re ready to go home. Flight time is 1 to 1 1/2 hours depending on weather conditions.
Balloons launch before sunrise, so plan this activity for your second or third morning of your Sedona vacation. You'll need to rise and be ready for the balloon company to pick you up at your hotel as early as 4:00 am to reach the launch site 30 minutes before sunrise. Be sure to get a good night's sleep before your balloon excursion so you can be well-rested for the pre-dawn wake-up call.
Hot air balloon companies plan to operate tours every day of the year, depending on the weather. Occasionally, flights are grounded due to extreme weather conditions. Be sure to ask your selected flight company about their inclement weather policy.
What should I wear for my hot air balloon ride?
It's actually warmer in the balloon than on the ground because w’re moving with the wind instead of against it so there’s no “wind chill”. We don’t go to altitudes where it’s cold and we get some radiant heat from the burners above us. Dress for your comfort on the ground, keeping in mind that a sunrise takeoff may be chilly on the ground. Wear casual clothing in light layers. When considering footwear, you’ll usually land in a pleasant spot but, on rare occasions, we may have to hike out so wear appropriate hiking boots or athletic, closed-toed shoes.
What should I bring with me?
Hot air ballooning is a colorful experience so you’ll want to bring a camera or video gear. Just bring a soft bag for your equipment to protect it and other passengers on landing.
There are several hot air balloon companies in Sedona, Arizona. Please visit our Tours page to find and book reservations with Red Rock Balloons, one of our favorite tour providers.
It's true! There are fewer places on this beautiful, blue planet that can offer better views and experiences than riding a hot air balloon in Sedona. The peace and quiet, the eagle eye view of red rocks, and the sunrises or sunsets from the sky are unlike any other experience. It is well worth it to go on a hot air balloon ride in Sedona because it truly is one of the best places for a hot air balloon ride!
Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available
Family-Friendly
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the … More
Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the spectacular Grand Canyon South Rim. Optional "Colors & Canyons" 45-minute helicopter upgrade available.
Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel | Custom Options Available | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument … More
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.
Professionally Guided | Custom Options Available | Private Tours Available | Pickup from Hotel
Western Experience | Family-Friendly | Activities | Native Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided
Family-Friendly | Native Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided
Explore the western canyons of Sedona, Arizona on this guided, 3-hour, 4x4 tour. See this desert town's red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests — a scenic drive full of fun for the entire family. Along the way, learn about the history of the area, the rock formations, and … More
Explore the western canyons of Sedona, Arizona on this guided, 3-hour, 4x4 tour. See this desert town's red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests — a scenic drive full of fun for the entire family. Along the way, learn about the history of the area, the rock formations, and the local traditions. Choose from one of several departure times throughout the day. Get off the beaten track in a 4x4 Jeep vehicle Choose from several departure times throughout the day Get inside tips and information from a local guide Ideal choice for the entire family.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Village of Oak Creek
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel
Professionally Guided | Vortex Experience
Professionally Guided
Travel by Jeep through Sedona's rugged countryside toward Soldiers Pass for expansive landscape views. This tour also brings you to two interesting natural sites: Devils Kitchen sinkhole and Apache's Seven Pools. Let someone else navigate the rough terrain while you sit back and enjoy t … More
Travel by Jeep through Sedona's rugged countryside toward Soldiers Pass for expansive landscape views. This tour also brings you to two interesting natural sites: Devils Kitchen sinkhole and Apache's Seven Pools. Let someone else navigate the rough terrain while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Guided Adventure