Bucket List in a Day
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Phoenix & Scottsdale Hot Air Balloon Rides
Flight Experiences
Fulfill your bucket list with a one-of-a-kind experience. Our team launches spectacular sunrise flights every day of the year, launching just after the sun comes up.
Experience the gorgeous scenery of the Sonoran Desert vistas from up above. Bring your family and friends, and don't forget your camera. You'll want to share your pictures with everyone.
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Please note: We cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old due to the insurance we carry.
From up above, enjoy Arizona's vibrant Sonoran desert as the backdrop for a must-see bucket list experience. We offer afternoon rides daily (weather permitting) from November through March, launching about one hour before the sun goes down.
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
The 2025 Arizona Balloon Classic fills the desert sky with colorful hot air balloons from January 24 - 26, 2025. Meet Rainbow Ryders at the Goodyear Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians, for your aeronautical adventure.
Book a morning ascension launch from Goodyear Ballpark with 20 other balloons. The roughly one hour flight will have views of the Estrella Mountains to the South and the iconic downtown Phoenix skyline in the distance. Enjoy vistas of the Gila River running through local farm fields and wildlife exploring the Sonoran Desert.
Your flight will include a celebratory toast to commemorate your aeronautical adventure as well as admission for the evening's Desert Glow event!
*all ballooning activities are weather permitting
Sunset flights this time of year are extremely weather dependent. Please plan accordingly.
The sunset flight adventure begins late-afternoon as you meet Rainbow Ryders at Goodyear Ballpark for check-in.
At liftoff, you'll embark upon a journey across with stunning panoramic views for about an hour. Watch as the Sonoran Desert transforms from daylight to the golden hour just before sunset. The ride typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, allowing riders to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of hot air ballooning.
After landing, enjoy a celebratory toast to end your safe and memorable adventure. Once finished with your adventure, we will return to Goodyear Ballpark where you can enjoy the evening's Desert Glow event.
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Then a private balloon ride is the way to go. Soar above the Sonoran Desert with only your party and one of our renowned pilots. See for yourself why Rainbow Ryder's balloon rides were voted one of the top places to propose in the world. We also have private balloon rides available for parties larger than two and any celebration!
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Then a private balloon ride is the way to go. Soar above the Sonoran Desert with only your party and one of our renowned pilots. See for yourself why Rainbow Ryder's balloon rides were voted one of the top places to propose in the world. We also have private balloon rides available for parties larger than two and any celebration!
Conclude your bucket list adventure with a traditional celebratory toast!
Please note: Due to insurance requirements, we cannot fly anyone who is pregnant or under the age of 5 years old.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Phoenix, Arizona, or a local seeking a fresh experience, we’ve got the perfect solution for the best Phoenix view!
Take a hot air balloon ride and soar above the serene Sonoran Desert in Arizona. Capture stunning moments with your camera as you witness native wildlife, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, majestic mountain ranges, and the iconic saguaro cactus on this unforgettable adventure.
Check an item off of your bucket list with Rainbow Ryders any time of the year in this sun state as we offer sunrise flights year round and sunset flight seasonally!
Founded in 1983, Rainbow Ryders holds a proud legacy of over 40 years, including a remarkable sixteen-year span dedicated to offering hot air balloon rides in Phoenix! Having flown over 750,000 passengers and with our pilots accumulating 100,000+ combined flight hours, we take pride in offering one of the best bucket list experiences in Phoenix.
With every flight and passenger, safety remains our number one priority. All of our pilots are extremely qualified with an FAA commercial pilot’s license, a second class medical certificate, and a required minimum of 500 flight hours. Each pilot is required to undergo random drug and alcohol testing, annual flight reviews, and annual safety seminars.
Our ground crew attends safety seminars as well as equipment meetings to ensure the safety of all passengers from the point of check in. Our impeccable safety record remains intact due to our commitment to safety standards.
Maintaining a fleet of more than 40 hot air balloons, Rainbow Ryders prioritizes the highest standard of equipment quality. Our top-tier equipment undergoes regular inspections through an FAA certified repair station, as well as thorough inspections both before and after each flight resulting in the best hot air balloon flight experience!
There is no shortage of things to do and see in Phoenix though the ultimate Arizona bucket list experience awaits with Rainbow Ryders! Join us as we take flight over the valley of the sun!
