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Tucson Balloon Rides
Tammy Rosen Wilbur

There are several hot air balloon companies that offer balloon rides above the Sonoran desert landscape. My favorite company is Tucson Balloon Rides.

They were fun and informative and the flight was great. According to the local experts, the best time to go on a hot air balloon ride is October through April.

The Ride

Your balloon ride will begin 45 minutes before the sun rises. When you arrive at the launch site, the crew will lay the balloon out for cold inflation. Once the pilot has stood the balloon up, you will be invited onboard for your pre-flight briefing and the adventure of a lifetime! You’ll ascend into the air and find the thrill of take-off replaced by the peacefulness of floating at the speed of the wind.

Many people are surprised to find that there is no sense of motion or swaying in a balloon since you are moving with the wind. Even people who profess a fear of heights find ballooning to be a peaceful experience. Your pilot will point out any interesting landmarks and wildlife such as rabbits, deer, foxes, and coyotes that you may have the pleasure of spying from above. The crew will capture your flight on camera and provide you with your own picture files before you leave.

Once you have landed, you’ll be regaled with the history of the post-flight champagne toast as you enjoy a delicious brunch with mimosas. No surprise this is one of Tony Ray’s favorite things to do in Tucson.

I took the hot air balloon photos (seen below) in the 80’s, back when we had a hot air balloon festival here in Tucson. They were all shot with 35mm film and the photos have lost a lot of color. Still cool to look at, I love the balloon shaped like a sagauro cactus. Only in Tucson, Arizona.