There are few experiences in life that capture the sheer wonder of floating above the world as the sun rises. My recent hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders over the Valley was nothing short of breathtaking.
From the moment I arrived at the launch site to the celebratory toast upon landing, every part of the journey was filled with excitement, beauty and a deep sense of appreciation for the desert landscape.
Whether you have visitors in town and want a fun tourist experience or you’re looking for a new way to experience the city, a hot air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders offers the ultimate view of the Valley of the Sun.
For over 40 years, Rainbow Ryders has flown over 750,000 passengers. With year-round sunrise flights and seasonal sunset flights, they provide an unparalleled, bucket list experience.
The adventure began well before the sun made its grand entrance. Arriving at the designated meeting spot in Glendale at 7934 N. Glen Harbor Blvd., we checked in then hopped in their van and headed to our departure spot.
After checking the wind, the team started preparing our massive, colorful balloon for takeoff. I watched in awe as the envelope filled with hot air, slowly taking shape and rising from the ground.
Lifting off into the morning sky
With safety as the number one priority, each pilot has an FAA commercial pilot’s license and a second class medical certificate.
After a final check from our pilot, we climbed into the sturdy wicker basket, and before I knew it, we were gently lifting off the ground. I was nervous, but the take off was completely smooth. Unlike an airplane, there was no jolt or abrupt movement, just an effortless ascent as we drifted up into the Arizona sky.
As we rose above the desert floor, the world below began to transform. The Phoenix metropolitan area stretched out in one direction, while the vast, untamed Sonoran Desert sprawled in the other. It was a mesmerizing contrast of urban development and natural beauty. I could see distant mountain ranges painted in soft hues of blue and purple, and winding desert trails that seemed to disappear into the horizon.
The beauty of a desert sunrise
The true magic happened as the sun began its ascent. Slowly, the first golden rays peeked over the distant peaks, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the landscape. The sky exploded with color—shades of orange, pink, and lavender blending seamlessly into one another.
It was a sight that no photograph could truly capture. At that moment, time seemed to stand still. The hush of the morning air, interrupted only by the occasional burst of the balloon’s burner, created an atmosphere of absolute tranquility.
I took in the sweeping views with a newfound appreciation for the desert’s beauty. Below, the saguaro cacti stood like silent sentinels, their long shadows stretching across the sand.
The city, so often associated with its bustling streets and sprawling suburbs, appeared peaceful and picturesque from above. Downtown skyscrapers shimmered in the early morning light, and the Salt River wove its way through the Valley like a ribbon of silver.
Our pilot shared fascinating insights about the history, geography, and wildlife of the region. It was clear that he not only had a deep knowledge of ballooning but also a genuine passion for sharing the experience with others.
A gentle landing and a celebration
When the time came to descend, our pilot guided the balloon over to an open field where their crew was waiting for us.
Once safely back on solid ground, the Rainbow Ryders team set out a table of champagne and orange juice for a celebratory toast, a long-standing ballooning tradition. With a glass of champagne in hand, I listened as our pilot recited the Balloonist’s Blessing…
“The winds have welcomed you with softness,
The sun has blessed you with its warm hands,
You have flown so high and so well,
That God has joined you in your laughter,
And set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Nature.”
It was the perfect way to conclude an unforgettable journey.
For anyone visiting Phoenix or simply looking for a unique and awe-inspiring experience to check off their bucket list, I highly recommend booking a flight with Rainbow Ryders.
Total time ranges from 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, with a flight time of 45 minutes to an hour. Sunrise hot air balloon rides can be booked year-round. Sunset hot air balloon rides are available November through March.
For more information, rainbowryders.com.
