Flying High with Rainbow Ryders

When I was in Arizona last week, I had the opportunity to cross an item off of my bucket list. I took a ride in a hot air balloon with Rainbow Ryders!  It was something that I thought I’d never actually do, but hey, sometimes I surprise myself.

I’ll admit that I was incredibly nervous about taking a hot air balloon ride.  It’s not really comforting to know that you are 5,500 feet above the ground in a woven basket being held up just by a sheet of fabric.  It’s a big sheet of fabric, but fabric nonetheless.

Depending on how involved you want to be, you have the opportunity to help get the balloon ready for flight which takes about fifteen minutes or so.

I was surprised at how big the balloon actually is.  I’ve never seen one up close, only in the air, and it’s much bigger than I anticipated.

The balloon we rode in fit 10-12 people plus the pilot.  I wasn’t expecting the basket to be that big but we had 11 in our basket and although it was a bit crowded, it was a comfortable ride.

Our pilot, Taylor, was super funny and gave us a nice, gentle ride. Seeing the desert from that high up was exhilarating and gives you a view you wouldn’t normally see otherwise. Taylor made sure that the landing was perfect.

After we landed there was champagne and light snacks. If you are a non-drinker like I am, there is also orange juice!  Upon completion of the flight you will receive a pin and a certificate.

Rainbow Ryders offers year round flights in Albuquerque, Phoenix & Scottsdale every morning at sunrise, weather permitting. Sunset balloon flights are offered during winter.  They have been in business under the same ownership for 30 years and hire only experienced balloon pilots to make sure you enjoy safe, fun and memorable hot air ballooning adventures.

If you are visiting the Albuquerque, Phoenix & Scottsdale areas, I’d highly recommend a hot air balloon adventure with Rainbow Ryders.

My flight, lodgings, and expenses were covered by Phoenix CVB. All opinions are 100% mine.