Why Red Rock Balloons Offers the Best Views of Sedona
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Sedona’s stunning landscapes, there’s no better way than by soaring above it all in a hot air balloon with Red Rock Balloons. My son and I described this as an ariel nature walk and also at the same time checked something off of our bucket list.
Offering one of the most breathtaking perspectives of the red rock formations, the vibrant colors, and the expansive desert, Red Rock Balloons provides an unforgettable adventure that you won’t want to miss. Below is our story and why a balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons is the best way to see Sedona.
Our Red Rock Balloon Experience
Imagine drifting gently above the mesmerizing landscapes of Sedona, Arizona. The early morning sun casting a golden glow over the red rock formations below. You float high above the iconic spires and canyons with Red Rock Balloons. Panoramic views surround you. While Sedona’s diverse terrain unfolds, showcasing vibrant red cliffs and lush valleys. The landscape forms an intricate tapestry.
This was the coolest experience! Scheduled for a sunrise take off, required a very early morning, but it was totally worth it.
We went in June and it is a bit chilly in the morning. We wore pants and a sweater that can be removed if needed. One thing you definitely do not want to forget is a hat. The heat from the hot air balloon is HOT. The top of your head will thank you for that hat.
The morning of our ride, we met our guide at a strip mall. Red Rock Balloons provides pick up and drop off services to those staying within the town limits. Our resort was located just outside of the limits. We were given a meeting spot where we could safely leave our car and our guide would pick us up. Once we were picked up, we visited a few more resorts to gather the other passengers for our excursion.
It is a magical feeling soaring through the air, watching the sun rise. Observing the light touching the beautiful red rocks bringing them to life showing off their splendor. It is truly majestic.
Now, I push my son to conquer a lot of his fears. If I tell him he will be ok, he believes me and is calm. This ride though took him a bit to warm up to once we lifted off. Something about standing in a basket with no safety belt, hundreds of feet in the air. With no secondary device to save us if we start falling from the sky. Did not settle well with him.
Slowly but surely as we continued gliding over the beautiful red rock country, Carson started to warm up and enjoy himself. Before I knew it, he was right at the edge of the basket taking in all the views.
Now this next part of the story is not to alarm or deter you from ever trying this adventure. But what would a hot air balloon ride be without a crash landing. Yes, this can happen. Though I’m told they are rare, we were the chosen ones here to endure that experience.
I appreciate our guide because he gave us a good 8 second warning. Which was enough time for me to communicate some very important details to my son. Bend your knees, keep your spine straight, hold onto this rope and whatever you do, don’t let go. I put my arm around Carson and we hit. We hit a few times. Bouncing back up until our basket turned over on its side, dragging us on the ground. Absolutely no one got hurt, and believe it or not, my son loved this part the most. Everyone was laughing afterwards.
The crash was quite the ending but made it very memorable. Now please know that this was just a strange mishap due to a weird gust of wind in an inopportune moment. Our experienced guide handled the situation well and kept us all safe.
–You will have a chance to tip at the end of your hot air balloon ride on the credit card you had on file already when you reserved your reservation. This will occur after the toast is given.
We all celebrated with a glass of champagne after and learned The Balloonist’s Prayer:
“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 gently set you back into the loving arms of Mother Earth”.
Why Red Rock Balloons is the best way to see Sedona
1. Unparalleled Views of Sedona’s Iconic Red Rocks
Sedona is famous for its incredible red rock formations, and seeing them from the sky is a completely different experience. Red Rock Balloons offers an unbeatable vantage point, allowing you to take in panoramic views of landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte. From the comfort of the balloon, you’ll get to see these iconic geological wonders in their full grandeur, with sweeping views stretching as far as the eye can see.
2. A Peaceful and Scenic Ride
Unlike other Sedona tours, a hot air balloon ride offers an incredible sense of tranquility. As you float effortlessly through the sky, the world below becomes a peaceful blur. There’s something magical about the quiet ascent into the air, punctuated only by the occasional whoosh of the burners or a weird gust of wind at landing. The serenity of this experience makes it the perfect way to connect with nature, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Sedona’s stunning beauty.
3. A Truly Unique Perspective of Sedona
Sedona is renowned for its natural beauty, but a balloon ride offers a perspective that few others can enjoy. You’ll glide over the desert landscape, rolling hills, canyons, and lush forests while experiencing the intricate details of the area that are often overlooked from the ground. The light at sunrise or sunset adds another layer of magic, as Sedona’s red rocks glow in rich hues, giving you photos you’ll treasure forever.
4. A Perfect Blend of Adventure and Relaxation
Red Rock Balloons offers an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation. While you’ll feel the thrill of flying high above the earth, the gentle ride offers an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. It’s an ideal experience for both adrenaline-seekers and those looking to unwind in a peaceful, natural environment.
5. Expert Pilots with Local Knowledge
One of the biggest benefits of flying with Red Rock Balloons is the knowledgeable, friendly pilots who take you on your adventure. These experts are passionate about Sedona and provide fascinating insights into the history, geology, and wildlife of the region. They share stories that help you appreciate the land even more and ensure your ride is safe, smooth, and full of fun. Even in emergency situations they are calm, collected and know how to handle unforeseen circumstances. I am very thankful for the knowledge, experience and ability our pilot had.
6. Small Group Experience for a More Intimate Tour
Unlike other large-scale balloon rides, Red Rock Balloons often offers smaller, more intimate groups. This allows for a more personal experience, where you can interact with the pilot and other guests while enjoying an up-close view of the landscape. It’s an experience that feels tailor-made for you, making it all the more special.
7. Ideal for Special Occasions
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to make a regular day extraordinary, a hot air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons is the perfect way to mark a special occasion. The beauty of the setting, combined with the romance of the ride, makes it a memorable experience for couples, families, or friends. Some even choose to propose while floating in the sky – making the occasion truly unforgettable.
8. Year-Round Availability
Sedona’s weather is generally favorable for hot air ballooning year-round, so you can enjoy the experience no matter when you visit. However, the early morning hours, just after sunrise, tend to be the best time for flying, offering calm winds and optimal conditions to view Sedona’s landscape in all its glory.
9. A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Adventure
Hot air ballooning with Red Rock Balloons is also an eco-friendly adventure. With no carbon emissions during the flight and minimal impact on the natural environment, it’s a great way to enjoy Sedona while respecting its delicate ecosystem. The company is committed to providing an experience that both conserves and celebrates the region’s natural beauty.
The Best Views of Sedona Await You
For anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the true essence of Sedona, Red Rock Balloons provides the best possible way to view the breathtaking beauty of this Arizona gem. Whether it’s the unmatched views, peaceful ride, knowledgeable pilots, or intimate atmosphere, there are countless reasons why Red Rock Balloons is the top choice for those wanting to experience Sedona from above.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to soar above one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Book your hot air balloon ride with Red Rock Balloons today and see why it’s the best way to take in the magnificent sights of Sedona.
What to Bring
- Fanny Pack
- Hat
- Fleece Jacket
- Phone
- camera
Below is a list of posts to continue reading about our adventures in Arizona and an overall summary of our trip.
Carson and I got to experience the beauty of Arizona. The hills, mountains, red rocks and desert terrain captivated us throughout its change in scenery. We took up our wings in a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, did some hiking, went glamping, saw the red rocks from the sky, and experienced the outback off-road. Overall, this was a great, very memorable vacation.
If you have more time than we did, I have a few recommendations below:
One
I recommend staying a couple more days in Sedona to do a few more different hiking trails. I would also have added one more day at the Grand Canyon too for another day of hiking.
Two
If you have even a few more days you can push on top of that, then I would recommend going to Page Arizona to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and then into Utah to Lake Powell (rent a jet ski for the day).
Three
If you need a good car break between Sedona and the Grand Canyon, I recommend Bearizona in Williams, AZ.
Bearizona is a great place to stop. This attraction provided the perfect leg break from the car after we finished the drive-through attraction. If you have never seen a live bear in the wild, this would provide a great safe opportunity because bears are free to roam the drive-through exhibit.
