Rainbow Ryders Phoenix Review - Girlfriend Getaway Guide

Rainbow Ryders Phoenix

On a recent girlfriend getaway to Scottsdale, Arizona we did a major bucket list experience – a sunrise hot air ballon ride over Deer Valley and the Sonoran Desert! In this post I’ll provide a detailed Rainbow Ryders Phoenix Review, including what to wear, what to bring, the cost, and of course, if it’s really worth it.

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride

Flight Times

The Rainbow Ryders experience begins 30 minutes before sunrise (we had a 5am arrival during our visit in April), so flight times will vary throughout the year. We stayed at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa which was a short 15 minute Uber to the Rainbow Ryders Phoenix Scottsdale location (Phoenix 715 east covey lane suite 100 phoenix AZ 85024).

For afternoon/evening flights you’ll arrive 2.5 hours before sunset.

You should allow 3 to 4 hours for the entire experience, which includes driving to the launch site, the flight, driving back to the launch site and the post flight celebration.

When You Arrive

Once everyone arrives, a Rainbow Ryders van will drive you to the balloon location. The balloons accommodate between two and four people up to 12 to 14 people. If you do prefer a smaller basket, make sure to mention at time of reservation.

Once you arrive at the hot air balloon, the ride operator will go over safety instructions, including how to get in and out of the balloon (don’t worry they have staff and step stools to assist you).

A few things to note:

They are unable to fly anyone who is pregnant or who may be pregnant.
The minimum age requirement to fly is 5 years old.
Passengers must be able to stand for the entire flight (about an hour) unassisted.
Check with your doctor before booking your flight if you have any concerns with physical limitations

The Balloon Flight Experience

Once the balloon is inflated you will fly from ground level to a couple thousand feet above ground level, depending on wind direction and speed. Because of the burners, the temperature will be a few degrees warmer than the surrounding air. The sensation will be like you’re floating, and it is very quiet other than the sound of the burner. Your experienced pilot steers the balloon by moving it to different altitudes to get different wind patterns, so the height of the balloon will vary throughout the flight.

What To Wear

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Sunglasses
Light jacket
Sunscreen

If you dress to the ground temperature, you should be comfortable in the air as well! Due to the balloon traveling with the wind, you won’t feel much of a wind chill. Also, if you are standing near our burners it is similar to standing near a fireplace. So ultimately, the coldest thing is going to be your toes!

What To Bring

Camera
Selfie-Stick
Cash for tipping the balloon pilot and chase crew (10-20% of total price)
Excitement!

Post Flight Celebration

The post-flight celebration includes a Sonoran Sunrise Gourmet Breakfast with their signature Prickly Pear Mimosas and local Arizona treats. You’ll also receive a commemorative flight certificate.

Cost

Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Rides start at $179 for adults and $99 for kids. Definitely an amazing experience worth every penny. I can understand why they are the #1 Rated Balloon Rides in Phoenix!

If you’d like to read more about our experience make sure to visit the blog posts by Jaime (Charleston Blonde) & Ashley (Ashley Beary). We’ve had the opportunity of traveling together a few times and it’s fun to read a different perspective!

For more Arizona travel tips and suggestions, check out these popular posts:

Cheers!

XoXo Portia

*Photos by Aneliia Miller

Disclosure: This Rainbow Ryders Phoenix Review was written in collaboration with Visit Phoenix and Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Ride Co.

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