Up, Up, and Away in the Verde Valley Way

Few experiences in the Verde Valley match the quiet thrill of rising gently above the landscape in a hot air balloon. As the sun crests over Sedona’s red rocks, the desert floor glows in shades of rust, gold, and deep green – offering a perspective that feels both expansive and unexpectedly intimate.

Flights typically take place in the early morning hours, when cooler temperatures and calmer winds provide ideal conditions. As balloons lift off just after sunrise, passengers are treated to some of the most striking light of the day. Shadows stretch across canyons, and shifting sunlight brings out the depth and contours of the rock formations in ways that are impossible to see from the ground.

Ballooning: Quick Facts

• Ballooning dates back to the late 1700s
• Balloons move with the wind, not against it
• No engine = minimal noise and turbulence
• Fear of heights is rarely an issue once airborne
• Motion sickness is extremely uncommon
• Every flight path is different

What to Expect on a Balloon Flight

• Total Time: About 3–4 hours
• Time in Air: Approximately 1 hour
• Best Time: Early morning

(sunrise conditions)

• Takeoff: From varying locations

• Landing: Changes each flight

• Post-Flight: Equipment breakdown
• traditional champagne toast