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.

We generally fly close to the ground, usually under 400 feet. At this altitude you are able to see the sights and sounds of desert life. We commonly see jack-rabbit, quail, roadrunner and coyote. From time to time, we encounter deer, javalina and other desert animals. Your pilot will point out exotic desert plant life below and descend to within inches of trees and cacti, much to everyone’s delight.

The pilots often decide to rise higher in order to give you a marvelous overview of the valley. By changing altitude the pilots may also be able to change direction by finding a shift in wind currents at another level. You will be amazed at the excitement and curiosity generated by the passage of our balloons. Occasionally, cars will follow us over the narrow dirt roads in the desert to rendezvous with us after landing.

A Hot Air Balloon Flight

Ballooning is an exhilarating experience for everyone – from the 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 to six miles per hour, there is virtually no sensation of motion because you are flying with the wind. Should you light a candle aloft, the flame would remain motionless – there is no breeze since you match its speed exactly.

In the Beginning

Your adventure begins upon arrival at our Sonoran desert launch site. You will receive a “pre-flight briefing” where you’ll learn more about the hot-air balloon and how it flies, plus other facts you should know to make

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 will join your pilot in the beautiful hand-created wicker basket. The luxurious, over-sized basket has plenty of room to allow everyone to enjoy the ride to the fullest.

Back to Earth Again

Throughout your flight our ground crews follow over desert lanes and roads so that they can be ready and waiting for you upon your landing, always a gala occasion. You are greeted in the traditional manner with flutes of champagne and scrumptiously prepared gourmet food. First-time riders will be treated to the legendary ceremony that balloonists all over the world have been sharing for more than a century. Then, almost magically, carpeting appears on the desert floor beneath your feet along with a lovely table complete with linens and china, a clue to what you are about to enjoy!

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 Aerostatique. There is nothing finer.