There are few travel experiences that manage to be both exhilarating and meditative, but a hot air balloon ride accomplishes just that—a gentle ascent into the sky that feels like slipping between dimensions. I’ve been fortunate to drift above a range of landscapes in at least half a dozen balloon flights, from the sun-drenched vineyards of California to the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest—and each has offered a quiet kind of magic.
But the Sedona hot air balloon ride I recently took with Red Rock Balloons was something altogether different. Suspended high above Arizona’s iconic red rock formations, with the first light of day igniting the rugged desert below, the experience felt otherworldly.
Though it took several attempts (over a year’s period) to make it into the air due to weather delays, the reward was a flight that exceeded expectations. From the moment we gently lifted off until our flawless landing just west of Sedona, it was clear: this wasn’t just another item to check off a travel list. This was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and soul-stirring things to do in Sedona, an experience that elevates the spirit as much as the senses.
☁️ Why a Sedona Hot Air Balloon Ride Is So Special
Hot air ballooning is unlike any other form of flight. There’s no rush of air, no vibration, no noise except the occasional burst of the burner. It’s an experience that defies modern aviation—a throwback to the earliest days of human flight when lift came from fire and courage.
Even people afraid of heights often say ballooning feels oddly secure. There’s a grace and gentleness to it that’s hard to put into words. It’s less like flying and more like levitating, as though you’ve stepped onto a magic carpet and are simply floating above the world.
And above Sedona’s red rock spires, it’s nothing short of magical.
🎈 The Origins of Flight… and the Champagne Toast Tradition
Hot air ballooning holds a special place in aviation history. The first successful manned flight took place in 1783 in France, when the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon into the sky. But before daring to send humans into the air, they first tested the concept with a curious cargo: a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. After that successful flight, they soon sent up a couple of pigs in the basket to simulate passengers.
When that early flight descended, it landed in a farmer’s field. The sight of this floating contraption—unlike anything the locals had ever seen—understandably caused confusion, and perhaps even fear. Legend has it that the frightened farmers attacked the balloon with pitchforks, killing one of the pigs in the process, believing it to be some kind of supernatural threat.
Realizing that this reaction might not be uncommon, the Montgolfier brothers took precautions on future flights. To ease tensions and ingratiate themselves with any locals their balloons might land near, they began bringing bottles of Champagne to offer as a gesture of goodwill and peace.
That practice evolved into the modern-day tradition we still celebrate after a successful balloon flight. Today, the Champagne toast is more than just a drink; it is a tribute to ballooning’s whimsical history and a joyful celebration of a safe return to Earth.
🌤️ Red Rock Balloons: Professional, Passionate, and Safety-First
My balloon ride in Sedona didn’t go off without a hitch—but in a good way. In fact, I had to reschedule four times due to weather. While that may sound frustrating (and yes, it came at the expense of extra hotel stays), it actually gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionalism of Red Rock Balloons.
This isn’t a company that takes chances. If conditions aren’t perfect, they don’t fly. It’s that simple.
I’ve experienced similar cancellations in other parts of the country. In Walla Walla, Washington, for example, one flight was called off because the temperature was one degree too warm. That’s how precise, and cautious, this industry is.
Red Rock Balloons exemplifies that same commitment to safety, and I’d trust them again in a heartbeat.
👨✈️ Meet Mark, the Balloon Whisperer
Our pilot for the morning was Mark Stewart, one of the company’s owners. With over 30 years of ballooning experience, Mark was not only knowledgeable and calm, but also genuinely funny, the kind of pilot who makes every passenger feel at ease.
We were the first of four balloons to take off that morning. As we floated over Sedona’s stunning landscape, Mark was constantly in communication with the other balloon pilots, providing updates on wind speeds, elevation, and conditions. It was clear that he wasn’t just flying—he was reading the sky.
Watching him work, I couldn’t help but think of him as a sort of balloon whisperer.
🌄 The Sedona Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience from Above
Floating above Sedona in a hot air balloon is one of those surreal experiences that etches itself into your memory. As the sun rises, it casts golden light across the red rock formations, revealing shadows and textures you simply can’t appreciate from the ground.
We hovered near cliff edges, skimmed the tops of buttes, and gazed down at endless desert brush and winding trails. It was quiet, spacious, and beautifully still—a perspective of Sedona that few get to witness.
If you’re building your itinerary and wondering about the best things to do in Sedona, this needs to be at the very top of the list.
🥂 A Toast to the Sky
After a smooth and almost imperceptible landing, the kind that makes you wonder if you’ve actually touched down, the crew pack up the balloon before taking us on a short drive to meet up with the other groups.
There, surrounded by morning sun and smiling strangers-now-friends, we raised our glasses for the traditional champagne toast (in our case it was mimosas). It was a fitting close to an unforgettable adventure and a small celebration of everything ballooning represents: wonder, exploration, and a little bit of whimsy.
✨ Final Thoughts on Ballooning in Sedona
There are many ways to experience the beauty of Sedona, hiking, jeep tours, scenic drives and more, but none of them compare to silently drifting above it all as the sun climbs over the horizon.
The Sedona hot air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons was easily one of the most extraordinary things I’ve done in Sedona.
So if you’re planning a trip and looking for the most memorable things to do in Sedona—I can’t recommend this experience enough. Be sure to click the preceding link to read an article and watch a video on some other fantastic things to do in Sedona. I have also create a comprehensive Sedona Itinerary that include everything you need to know about visiting.
Be patient with the weather, it’s worth the wait. If you have any questions about a Sedona hot air balloon ride, leave a comment below. So, until next time, we’ll see ya on the road…
