What you'll do:

You'll lift off over the Sonoran Desert on a guided morning hot air balloon ride, climbing from just above the desert floor to around 3,000 feet while taking in sweeping views of Phoenix and the surrounding landscape. After landing, you'll celebrate with champagne, catered breakfast, and a keepsake certificate.

• Check in at Deer Valley Airport!: Complete your waiver, meet your driver, and take the shuttle to the desert launch site while your pilot prepares for the flight.

• Watch the balloon inflate!: Your pilot starts with a pre-flight safety briefing, then you'll watch the enormous balloon come to life before stepping into the basket.

• Spend an hour above the desert!: The balloon moves between different elevations throughout the flight, giving you changing perspectives of the Sonoran Desert, native plants, wildlife, and landmarks below.

• Celebrate after landing!: Once you touch down, your group gathers for a champagne toast and catered breakfast bites right at the landing site.

• Join the Balloonists' Society!: Every guest receives induction into the Balloonists' Society along with a commemorative flight certificate to take home.

• Relax on the ride back!: Your driver returns you to Deer Valley Airport, with the complete experience taking approximately three and a half hours.

There's something about floating silently above the desert at sunrise that makes the whole experience feel completely different from a typical Phoenix activity. It's scenic, peaceful, and memorable from the first lift-off to the final toast.

Why we love it for your group:

• Incredible desert views!: Changing elevations give your group multiple perspectives of the Sonoran Desert, with 360-degree scenery stretching in every direction.

• Champagne and breakfast included!: The post-flight celebration is already part of the experience, giving your group a natural moment to toast together after landing.

• A keepsake for everyone!: Each guest receives a frameable certificate, making this especially fitting for birthdays, bachelorettes, anniversaries, or other milestone trips.

• Available year-round!: Morning flights operate daily throughout the year in Phoenix and Scottsdale, making it easier to fit the experience into a packed group itinerary.

• 30-plus years of Arizona experience!: Hot Air Expeditions is a family-owned, women-led company with decades of experience operating balloon flights throughout the region.

About this experience partner:

Hot Air Expeditions has operated hot air balloon experiences throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson for more than 30 years. The Arizona-based company is family-owned and women-led, offering morning flights year-round along with seasonal afternoon flights in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas from November through mid-March.

Additional information:

• Guests should be in good general health and able to step off the second rung of a ladder to board the basket.

• The experience is not suitable for guests who are pregnant or have recently undergone surgery or experienced significant injuries or broken bones.

• Wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the day's outdoor conditions, especially during cooler early-morning departures.

• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera, and consider wearing layers since temperatures in the basket are similar to those on the ground.