Arizona Balloon Classic
Choose Your Flight Experience
Make a classic, unforgettable memory by booking a flight with Rainbow Ryders, the official hot air balloon ride operator of the Arizona Balloon Classic.
Arizona Balloon Classic Morning Ascension Ride
All ballooning activities are weather permitting. Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
The 2026 Arizona Balloon Classic fills the desert sky with colorful hot air balloons from January 16-18, 2026. Meet Rainbow Ryders at Wild Horse Pass for your aeronautical adventure, launching directly from the festival grounds.
Book a morning ascension launch from Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds with 20 other balloons. The roughly one-hour flight will offer views of the local farm fields and wildlife as you explore the Sonoran Desert from above.
After landing, enjoy a celebratory toast to mark the end of your safe and memorable adventure, before you are shuttled back to Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds.
Arizona Balloon Classic Sunset Rides
Sunset flights this time of year are extremely weather-dependent. Please plan accordingly. Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under 5 years old.
The 2026 Arizona Balloon Classic fills the desert sky with colorful hot air balloons from January 16-18, 2026. The sunset flight adventure begins late afternoon as you meet Rainbow Ryders at the Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds for check-in.Â
At lift off, you’ll embark on a breathtaking journey filled with stunning panoramic views. As you float, you can witness the Sonoran Desert transform under the sun’s golden hour, fully immersing yourself in the tranquility of hot air ballooning and landing just in time for the completion of the sunset.
After landing, enjoy a celebratory toast to mark the end of your safe and memorable adventure, before you are shuttled back to Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds, where you can enjoy the evening’s Desert Glow event.
About the Festival
Every January, the Arizona Balloon Classic launches dozens of hot air balloons above the desert landscape of Chandler, Arizona. This three-day festival features enchanting sights and family-friendly entertainment, including:
- Mass ascensions with 20+ balloons
- Desert Glows
- Food vendors
- BMX stunt shows
During the winter, Arizona offers clear skies and moderately warm weather, perfect for hot air ballooning, making the Arizona Balloon Classic a great opportunity to see the iconic Sonoran Desert and local wildlife throughout your flight.
What Our Ryders Have to Say
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Learn More About Our Locations
Albuquerque
- Get an aerial view of New Mexico's scenic Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains.
Phoenix
- Drift above saguaro cacti and see the rugged mountain ranges of Arizona's Sonoran Desert.
Colorado Springs
- See Colorado's dramatic Rocky Mountains and the iconic Garden of the Gods from the sky.
Park City
- Get sweeping views of Utah's Wasatch Mountains while gliding in a hot air balloon.