15 Sunrise Balloon Flights in the USA Worth Flying For

1.Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,305 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $189Our pick

Rise before dawn for a one-hour Rainbow Ryders balloon flight over Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley. Your pilot, possibly Alfred, Anthony, Brad, Kris, or Troy, explains ballooning and local geography while the crew prepares the basket. Expect changing launch sites, shared seating, a smooth flight, and a sparkling-wine toast after landing.

“This is one experience you will not want to miss. It is exciting to view the mountains of New Mexico floating in the hot air balloon. The pilot of the balloon made me feel safe and comfortable the whole time.”

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2.Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 709 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $209

Meet Rainbow Ryders before dawn, help inflate the balloon if you wish, then float over the Sonoran Desert as the sun rises. Pilots such as Kyle, CJ, Jon T, Patrick, Jesse N, and JT provide commentary and keep the flight relaxed. The experience lasts about four hours and ends with snacks and a Champagne toast.

“CJ was our tour guide and he was fantastic. He had allot of energy and his enthusiasm made the ride interesting plus fun! I would definitely recommend this excursion and doing it at sunrise gave it a beautiful touch!”

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3.Skyward at Sunrise: A Premiere Temecula Balloon Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 452 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $258

Meet at Vindemia Winery before dawn for a roughly one-hour balloon flight over Temecula’s vineyards and citrus groves. An FAA-licensed pilot handles the flight, while the crew manages inflation and landing. Afterward, toast with champagne or cider, then use your two-for-one tasting offer at Vindemia.

“It was wonderful, a spectacular experience, and the tour managers were the best, everything was super safe and fun”

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4.Sunrise Sonoran Desert Hot Air Balloon Ride from Phoenix

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 288 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $220

Begin before dawn at a Phoenix meeting point, then rise over the Sonoran Desert as the sun comes up behind Camelback Mountain and McDowell Regional Park. Pilots and crew members including Shane, Matthew, and Michelle handle the flight and explain the desert, ballooning, and local sights. The roughly four-hour outing ends with champagne and fresh fruit.

“From the driving crew to the captain of our balloon ride. Everything was top knotch. We were given very specific instructions and overview of the event from start to finish. Everything that was explained was done exceptionally well. Would hihgly recommend using this company for your baloon ride experience. Top notch!”

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5.Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight over the Temecula Wine Country

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 256 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $179Best value

Fly above Temecula’s vineyards at sunrise with Grape Escape Balloon Adventures. Expect a shared 8 to 16 person basket, a 60 to 75 minute flight when conditions allow, pilot commentary from guides such as Bill, Rusty, Pete, or Will, and a champagne, juice, or cider toast at Bolero.

“It was better than I expected. All the fears and reservations about doing it were ungrounded. The pilot was entertaining and well trained and experienced.”

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6.Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Rides at Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 242 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $203

Meet Four Corners Balloon Rides at Paradise Hills Shopping Center for an early morning flight over Albuquerque. Your small group, capped at 12, watches the sun rise near the Sandia Mountains, then returns to the meeting point for champagne and light snacks. Pilots such as Daniel and Dennis have been praised for calm landings, local detail, and careful instruction.

“A great family owned business. We had a wonderful ride on a clear, crisp, sunny morning. Beautiful sunrise. Great way to see the area.”

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7.Colorado Springs Sunrise Balloon Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 138 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $275

Meet Rainbow Ryders at Hurts Donut Company before sunrise, then ride to the launch site for a small-group balloon flight over Colorado Springs. Expect views of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Rocky Mountains, plus an experienced pilot, a champagne toast, and roughly three hours from meeting point to return.

“We had a blast. Troy was amazing at guiding the balloon. He told us about the mechanics, science, engineering and history behind ballooning. My family loved that aspect of the event. Our family talked about doing this adventure for years. We are so happy we finally did took the leap. I would recommend it to anyone.”

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8.Teton Village: Grand Tetons Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 102 reviews · 4 hours · from $425

Take a one-hour sunrise balloon flight from Teton Village with a professional pilot such as Andy, Lisa, or Richard. With up to 16 passengers, you will see the Tetons, Jackson Hole Valley, Snake River, and Yellowstone Plateau from above, then finish with champagne or juice.

“So enjoyable. Peaceful. All crew and pilots were amazing. Would do agsin”

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9.Breathtaking Colorado Springs Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $385

Meet Adventures Out West before sunrise for a roughly one-hour balloon flight over the Colorado Springs area. Your pilot guides the balloon by changing altitude and following the wind, with possible views from the Spanish Peaks to Longs Peak. The outing includes setup, van transport, breakfast, Champagne, and a flight certificate.

“Breathtaking views. Peaceful ride. Really enjoyed our time. Terry was wonderful. Made us feel comfortable and explained in detail what to expect from our experience. Would definitely go again.”

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10.Colorado Springs: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 32 reviews · 3 hours · from $275

Meet Rainbow Ryders at Hurts Donut before sunrise, then ride in a small group above Colorado Springs for about an hour. Your FAA-certified pilot points out Pike’s Peak and other mountains as the sun comes up. Transportation to the launch site, champagne, and a flight certificate are included.

“My family enjoyed this event, the employees were friendly and fun. We look forward to trying other things like this”

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11.Custer: Black Hills Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 3 hours · from $375

Meet near Old Pine Social in Custer for a sunrise balloon flight over the southern Black Hills and Custer State Park. Your certified pilot, possibly Mike or Damian, guides a small group of up to 12 people for about an hour, pointing out mountains, lakes, wildlife, and nearby landmarks. Transportation, snacks, champagne, and a flight certificate are included.

“Our balloon ride was simple from beginning to end. They told us every little detail and had endless jokes! 1000/10 experience!”

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12.Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 17 reviews · 3h 30m · from $249

Meet the Firebird Balloons crew near Dunkin, watch the balloon inflate, then rise over the Sonoran Desert in a basket limited to six people. The 210-minute outing includes preparation, flight, landing, and pack-up time. Expect English service, mountain and cactus views when the route allows, and no hotel transport.

“We have always wanted to do a hot air balloon ride, and now we have. We enjoyed the company of our guide and felt safe with the hot air balloon team. I wish the sights were a bit more scenic, but that is just the area. I also wished we would have been up for a few more minutes (I think we were in the air for only about 30 minutes), but maybe that is just standard? Regardless, we enjoyed this experience with this guide and would recommend.”

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13.Colorado Springs: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 3 hours · from $350

Meet at the Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport before sunrise, then watch the balloon inflate before a one-hour flight over Colorado’s high plains. Your English-speaking pilot guides the basket toward views of the Spanish Peaks, Longs Peak, rivers, and distant snow-capped mountains. After landing, enjoy champagne, orange juice, fruit, pastries, and a flight certificate.

“The experience of watching the balloon and basket being put together and inflated was enjoyable and the balloon trip itself was fabulous - serene and beautiful with views for miles. T-Dog our balloon captain was calm and informative and we had a greatnot to be forgotten trip. Landing is a bit bumpy but we all had a laugh about it. We were a bit unlucky with the landing site as the following team ( with the all important champagne and breakfast) couldn’t get into the field we landed in as they had changed the lock on the gate - so we had to wait an hour for it to find…”

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14.Seattle: Mt. Rainier Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 12 reviews · 2h 30m · from $355

Meet before sunrise at the casino rideshare area for a small-group balloon flight with Seattle Ballooning. Over 150 minutes, you may rise 3,000 to 5,000 feet above Washington scenery, with views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, lakes, rivers, farms, and Puget Sound. The flight ends with champagne and a ride back to your vehicle.

“I had the best time ever and the views were unreal! The staff was amazing and made the experience that much better!”

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15.Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 12 reviews · 3 hours · from $189

Meet at Bolero at Europa Village before dawn for a shared 60 to 75 minute hot air balloon flight over Temecula’s vineyards, citrus groves, lakes, wineries, and estate homes. You’ll watch the sun rise over the mountains, then return to Bolero for a VIP winery celebration with champagne, mimosas, juice, cider, or water.

“These guys were legit! They knew exactly what they were doing and I knew I was in good hands! If you are considering this adventure I highly recommend you do it! I love being in the air this way and will treasure this memory!”

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