Tours/Phoenix/Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
4.8(239)Phoenix3h 30min
VIATOR4.7(94)TRIPADVISOR4.9(145)
+6 photos
At a glance
Duration
3h 30min
Price from
$250 / person
Location
Phoenix, United States
Rating
4.8 / 5 · 239 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 12
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Rainbow Ryders
Description
Enjoy a one-hour hot air balloon flight as the sun sets over the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, Arizona. You'll experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the famous Sonoran Desert landscape throughout your flight. Upon landing, enjoy a celebratory toast and light refreshments.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
2:30 PM and 2:45 PM
Season
Starts Nov 1
Next available
Tue, Nov 3
Adult (ages 13+)
$250
Child (ages 5–12)
$125
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Out at sunset: the 2:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:49 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
2025 Sunset Experience 1 hour
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Sonoran desert views
300lbs+ (Extra Space Policy) 1 hour
Extra Space Policy: Passengers 300+lbs must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight
Premier Ride Operator: Rainbow Ryders, Inc. is the premier and largest hot air balloon business serving the Southwest since 1983.
Duration: 1 hour: Your flight will be about 45 minutes - 1 hour (depending on Mother Nature), with the entire experience lasting about 3 hours.
Celebratory Toast included
Sonoran Desert views
Itinerary
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.
Admission included60 min
Upon meeting at the check-in office, your pilots and crew will transport you to the launch site location, where you will have the option to become hands-on and help the crew or take in the view as the gentle giant comes to life. Before loading into the basket, the pilot will conduct a safety briefing, so make sure to listen carefully! Then you are up, up and away into the beautiful Arizona sky.
What's included
Included
Post flight snacks
Champagne Toast
Live commentary on board
Local taxes
Not included
Gratuities
Souvenir Merchandise (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
239 reviews
5
220
4
6
3
4
2
4
1
5
How it compares in Phoenix
No. 25 by number of reviews among 325 tours in Phoenix
Starting price $250 is close to the typical $239 for tours of similar length in Phoenix
Excurgo comparison of 325 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All flights are weather permitting
Children must be 5 years of age or older
Must be able to stand for 60 minutes unassisted
Must be able to sustain the impact of jumping off a chair
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
Light layered clothing
Closed toe shoes
Unable to fly anyone who is pregnant
This is a shared basket flight, there will be anywhere from 10-16 total passengers in each basket
Passengers 300lbs+ must purchase an additional space to ensure safety, comfort, and proper weight distribution during flight
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix take?
Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix lasts about 3h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix cost?
Prices start at $250 per person for this Phoenix experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 2:30 PM and 2:45 PM.
How much does Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix cost for children?
Children aged 5–12 pay from $125, adults from $250.
Can I cancel Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
What languages is Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be 5 years of age or older
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 239 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Rainbow Ryders.
Reviews(239)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
C
C9711HLeileenf
April 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Nothing like seeing the Sunrise from 5500 feet!
Check prices with the vendor directly as sometimes have discounts. Even solo, you meet others and everybody gets a view - no fighting for best view. Bucket is much higher than expected so it's really not scary. 5500 feet. Even though we got up in the air later than other balloons, I think it was perfect for the sunrise. Our driver was great - been doing this since he was 12 years old! It's a serene experience - calm and everybody in basket talks (or you don't have to). Great pictures of sunrise, the desert, and of other ballons in the sky. It's great to see the ballon being prepped, feeling the heat of fire, and it being put away at end. Worth the early rise.
Operator response
Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed every part of the experience — from watching the balloon inflate and feeling the heat of the burners to taking in the sunrise views high above the desert. It’s wonderful to know you felt comfortable and relaxed during the flight, especially with how spacious the basket views can be for everyone onboard. We also love hearing that our pilot and crew helped make the morning memorable with their experience and hospitality. Thank you again for the recommendation, and we’re thrilled the early wake-up call was worth it!
D
Departure51990097662
April 25, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
Had a wonderful ride. Was sceptical at first because of the height, but was very rewarding and the pilot was fun. Would go again.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you decided to take the leap despite being skeptical about the height, and even happier to hear it turned into such a rewarding adventure. A fun and experienced pilot can make all the difference, and we’re thrilled you felt comfortable and enjoyed the ride. We’d love to have you fly with us again someday!
3
391sheilap
March 23, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Yes! A big check on the bucket list✔️
Perfect day for a ride. The staff was friendly, competent and well-informed. We received excellent instructions on how to enter and exit the basket and what to expect during landing. I wish we had gotten off a bit earlier as the sun was already up before we were aloft but once up the view was spectacular.
Operator response
Thank you for your review. We’re glad you had a perfect day for your flight and enjoyed the spectacular views. It’s great to hear that our staff provided clear instructions and made your experience safe and enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you on another flight in the future.
M
mbjcc2026
March 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Pure serene adrenaline rush
Phenomenal experience that cannot be put into words, has to be experienced...bucket list => check => just do it! Mike & Brandy C, China Twp Michigan US of A
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re thrilled to hear that your flight was both exhilarating and memorable.
We appreciate you choosing Rainbow Ryders and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure.
4
451deenaf
March 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
bucket item -- Check
We loved our sunset hot air balloon ride! It was one of my bucket list items and it did not disappoint. I would highly recommend Rainbow Ryders for the experience. Our trip was amazing. The pilots were excellent. We couldn't have asked for more.
Operator response
Thank you for your review. We’re thrilled to hear that your sunset flight was a bucket list experience and that our pilots made it so enjoyable.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another memorable flight.
K
Kent B
March 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Great experience! Tour was well organized with no problems. All members of Rainbow Ryders I interacted with were professional, considerate and respectful. The pilot was excellent. Very experienced, made sure safety procedures were followed, and provided useful and interesting information during flight and after.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that the tour was well organized and that our team made a positive impression. Our pilots take pride in providing a safe, informative, and enjoyable flight, so it’s wonderful to know you felt well taken care of. We truly appreciate you flying with us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
S
S5548ZSerinm
March 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Peaceful and beautiful!
We had to reschedule due to a rainy and cloudy week, but we were thrilled to take a subset ride on our last day in town. The ride was beautiful - our pilot was great with ages young to old in our multigenerational trip!
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you were able to enjoy a beautiful flight on your last day in town. It’s wonderful to hear that your pilot did a great job accommodating your multigenerational group and making the ride enjoyable for everyone. We truly appreciate you flying with us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
G
george g
March 5, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Unique and Beautiful Experience
It is very well organized and an amazing experience. Quiet and calm ride over stunning landscape and beautiful sunset. Would definitely do this again.
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the calm and beautiful ride over the stunning landscape and sunset. It’s fantastic to know the experience was well organized and memorable for you. We truly appreciate you flying with us and can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
E
Experience714561
March 1, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience! Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
We had such a great time on our first hot air balloon ride. I’m typically afraid of heights and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this experience! Pilot Andy was THE BEST!!!
Operator response
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so glad you were able to enjoy your first hot air balloon ride, even with a fear of heights. Andy will be thrilled to hear your kind words—he truly loves making every flight memorable and fun. We appreciate you flying with us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
D
David_J
February 28, 2026 · via Viator
Birthday balloon ride
Well organized, great group of support staff.
Very professional pilot Jon Thompson.
Great experience
Operator response
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Jon Thompson and our support staff helped make your flight well-organized and professional. We truly appreciate you flying with us and hope to welcome you back for another great experience soon!
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