From scenic hikes, thrilling mountain biking trails, and horseback rides through the high desert, there are endless ways to soak up the spectacular views in Red Rock Country. However, if you ask us, one of the best ways to admire Sedona’s incredible natural beauty is to soar above the red rock formations and one-of-a-kind natural wonders on a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Sedona!
Riding a hot air balloon in Sedona, Arizona, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and in this post, we’ve rounded up all the details you need to know to plan an unforgettable ride over the red rocks!
When’s the Best Time to Go on a Sedona Hot Air Balloon Ride?
Good news — regardless of when you choose to visit Sedona, sunrise hot air balloon rides launch into the beautiful skies of Sedona during all months of the year!
However, for the best weather, we recommend planning your ride during the spring months of March, April, and May or the fall months of October and November for clear skies and crisp, cool morning temperatures. The months of July, August, and September are the peak of monsoon season in Sedona (and the hottest months to visit), so hot air balloon rides during these months are the most likely to be cancelled due to unpredictable storms.
What Should You Expect on the Day of Your Ride?
Before booking your hot air balloon ride in Sedona, here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
Take Off
- Most sunrise hot air balloon flights meet before dawn… so prepare for an early wake-up call! Remember, the sun rises earlier in the summer (around 5:15 AM) and later in the winter (closer to 7:30 AM), so your flight time will vary depending on the time of year.
- After the whole group arrives at the meeting point designated by the tour company, the team’s professional crew will drive everyone to the launch site.
- After the balloon is inflated, the crew will help you and 7–16 other passengers board the balloon, and you’ll begin your smooth, peaceful ascent above the red rocks in Sedona!
Flight
- Most hot air balloon rides in Sedona ascend to altitudes of up to 3,000 feet.
- You can enjoy panoramic views of the natural wonders, hidden gems, and wildlife in Sedona and the Coconino National Forest, including Cathedral Rock and the Mogollon Rim.
- Although the entire experience typically lasts 3–4 hours from start to finish, hot air balloon rides generally last between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on the wind and weather.
Landing
- Most landings are smooth, though landings can sometimes be a little bumpy on windy days. You might need to hike a little bit (5–10 minutes) to return to the original launch site.
- After reaching the launch site, both tour companies in Sedona allow you to celebrate with a champagne toast, and some crews will share about the history of ballooning.
- After the crew packs up the balloon and equipment, you’ll ride back to the initial meeting point with plenty of memories from this amazing experience in tow!
Top Hot Air Balloon Tours & Tour Companies in Sedona
There are only two hot air balloon companies permitted by the U.S. Forest Service to take off and land in the Coconino National Forest. Both have perfect safety records, with pilots commercially licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), top-quality hot air balloons, and flights that are fully insured to prioritize your safety. Learn more about each company to determine which is best for you:
Red Rock Balloon Adventures
Red Rock Balloon Adventures is one of the most popular and trusted companies offering hot air balloon tours in Sedona, AZ. Their flights, called “Aerial Nature Walks,” cost $375 per passenger and depart once daily at sunrise (weather permitting). All flights end with a champagne toast!
Red Rock Balloon Adventures flies balloons with oversized “Safety-T” baskets that can hold up to 16 passengers. Passengers must be at least 48″ tall and in good physical condition to ride.
Northern Light Balloon Expeditions
Northern Light Balloon Expeditions is a small family business that boasts the longest flying record of any hot air balloon company in the state of Arizona — they’ve been offering hot air balloon rides since 1974! They fly both 7-passenger and 14-passenger balloons to accommodate all group sizes.
Like Red Rock Balloon Adventures, sunrise flights with Northern Light Balloon Expeditions cost $375 per person and include a champagne toast. This tour company, however, includes complimentary pickup and drop-off at select hotels and vacation rentals in Sedona, AZ.
Tips for Hot Air Balloon Rides in Red Rock Country
Before you take off on your hot air balloon ride to enjoy breathtaking views of Sedona, here are a couple of important things to note:
- What to Wear — Sunrise flights can be a little chilly (especially in the winter), so be sure to dress in layers and bring a jacket. Closed-toed shoes and “outdoorsy” attire are recommended. You may also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s rays.
- What to Bring — Bags are not allowed on the flight, so only bring what you can keep in your pockets during your hot air balloon ride. Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture some stunning pictures of Sedona’s magical landscapes and famous landmarks from above!
- How to Prepare — Restrooms are usually not available at the launch site, so be sure to use the bathroom before your flight! And, if you’re afraid of heights, don’t rule out a hot air balloon ride so quickly… hot air balloon rides are much calmer and more peaceful than plane rides.
Keep Soaking Up the Red Rock Views from The Sanctuary at Sacred Mesa — Sedona’s Premier Luxury Getaway
If you can’t get enough of the red rock views during your hot air balloon ride in Sedona, you’ll love staying at The Sanctuary at Sacred Mesa, one of the most picturesque properties in Red Rock Country.
Our luxurious vacation rental is equipped with high-end amenities to maximize your enjoyment of the property and, best of all, offers incredible red rock views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Book your stay at The Sanctuary at Sacred Mesa today, and prepare for an unforgettable trip to Sedona!
