Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Sonoran Desert

A hot-air balloon flight is one of the great Phoenix splurges, and the Valley's dry, stable winter air makes it one of the most reliable ballooning regions in the country. This guided sunrise ride with Rainbow Ryders, a long-established balloon operator, begins with a pre-dawn meeting at the company's base in Glendale on the west side of the Valley, then a coach ride out to the launch area on the open desert north and west of the city. You watch the crew inflate the envelopes in the half-light, climb into the basket, and lift off just after the sun clears the horizon, as federal aviation rules require. For the next 45 minutes to an hour you float over undeveloped Sonoran Desert — saguaros casting long shadows, coyotes and jackrabbits in the washes, the White Tank and other mountain ranges glowing on the horizon and the city spread out in the distance. Pilots ride the winds at different altitudes, sometimes skimming low over the cactus tops, sometimes rising for wide views. After landing, the crew packs up and the group shares a traditional celebratory toast, with light snacks before the coach returns you to the meeting point. The whole experience runs around four to four and a half hours. Sunrise flights operate year-round, and between November and March the company also offers afternoon flights that launch about an hour before sunset and land before dark. Children under five and pregnant passengers cannot fly, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead when booked through Tiqets. Expect a premium price, from around $250 per person.

Ballooning is weather-dependent, and that is the main thing to plan around. Pilots will not fly in strong or gusty winds or when storms are nearby, and the final decision is often made on the morning itself, so build flexibility into your trip by booking early in your stay; if the flight is cancelled for weather you can usually rebook. The cool season, roughly November through March, is the most comfortable time, with crisp mornings (dress in layers, because the desert is cold before sunrise even when the afternoon will be warm) and the option of sunset flights. In summer the flights depart very early to avoid the heat and turbulence.

What to expect in the basket: you stand for the duration of the flight, there are no seats, and you will be asked to help the crew a little at landing by following the pilot's instructions to bend your knees and hold on. Landings are generally gentle, but occasionally a basket tips onto its side in a breeze; it is part of the adventure and crews brief you thoroughly. Wear closed-toe shoes and a hat, as the burners are warm overhead. Cameras and phones are welcome, and a wrist strap is wise. Group baskets are shared with other passengers; private flights for two or more are available at a higher price for proposals and anniversaries.

Choosing sunrise or sunset is a matter of taste. Sunrise offers the calmest air, long shadows and the satisfaction of having seen the desert wake up, then leaves the rest of your day free for brunch and a pool. Sunset flights in winter suit late risers and end with the sky turning orange over the mountains. Either way, the balloon gives you something no hike can: a sense of the sheer scale of the Sonoran Desert that surrounds the city. Note that the Sedona red-rock balloon flights are a separate experience in a different region two hours north.