There are few journey experiences that handle to be each exhilarating and meditative, however a scorching air balloon trip accomplishes simply that—a mild ascent into the sky that appears like slipping between dimensions. I’ve been lucky to float above a variety of landscapes in not less than half a dozen balloon flights, from the sun-drenched vineyards of California to the misty valleys of the Pacific Northwest—and every has provided a quiet form of magic.
However the Sedona scorching air balloon trip I lately took with Crimson Rock Balloons was one thing altogether completely different. Suspended excessive above Arizona’s iconic pink rock formations, with the primary mild of day igniting the rugged desert beneath, the expertise felt otherworldly.
Although it took a number of makes an attempt (over a yr’s interval) to make it into the air resulting from climate delays, the reward was a flight that exceeded expectations. From the second we gently lifted off till our flawless touchdown simply west of Sedona, it was clear: this wasn’t simply one other merchandise to examine off a journey checklist. This was some of the breathtakingly stunning and soul-stirring issues to do in Sedona, an expertise that elevates the spirit as a lot because the senses.
☁️ Why a Sedona Sizzling Air Balloon Journey Is So Particular
Sizzling air ballooning is in contrast to some other type of flight. There’s no rush of air, no vibration, no noise besides the occasional burst of the burner. It’s an expertise that defies trendy aviation—a throwback to the earliest days of human flight when elevate got here from hearth and braveness.
Even individuals afraid of heights usually say ballooning feels oddly safe. There’s a grace and gentleness to it that’s arduous to place into phrases. It’s much less like flying and extra like levitating, as if you’ve stepped onto a magic carpet and are merely floating above the world.
And above Sedona’s pink rock spires, it’s nothing in need of magical.
🎈 The Origins of Flight… and the Champagne Toast Custom
Sizzling air ballooning holds a particular place in aviation historical past. The primary profitable manned flight passed off in 1783 in France, when the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon into the sky. However earlier than daring to ship people into the air, they first examined the idea with a curious cargo: a sheep, a duck, and a rooster. After that profitable flight, they quickly despatched up a few pigs within the basket to simulate passengers.
When that early flight descended, it landed in a farmer’s area. The sight of this floating contraption—in contrast to something the locals had ever seen—understandably induced confusion, and maybe even worry. Legend has it that the frightened farmers attacked the balloon with pitchforks, killing one of many pigs within the course of, believing it to be some form of supernatural risk.
Realizing that this response may not be unusual, the Montgolfier brothers took precautions on future flights. To ease tensions and ingratiate themselves with any locals their balloons would possibly land close to, they started bringing bottles of Champagne to supply as a gesture of goodwill and peace.
That observe advanced into the modern-day custom we nonetheless rejoice after a profitable balloon flight. Immediately, the Champagne toast is greater than only a drink; it’s a tribute to ballooning’s whimsical historical past and a festivity of a secure return to Earth.
🌤️ Crimson Rock Balloons: Skilled, Passionate, and Security-First
My balloon trip in Sedona didn’t go off with no hitch—however in a great way. In reality, I needed to reschedule 4 occasions resulting from climate. Whereas which will sound irritating (and sure, it got here on the expense of additional resort stays), it truly gave me a deeper appreciation for the professionalism of Crimson Rock Balloons.
This isn’t an organization that takes probabilities. If circumstances aren’t excellent, they don’t fly. It’s that straightforward.
I’ve skilled comparable cancellations in different components of the nation. In Walla Walla, Washington, for instance, one flight was referred to as off as a result of the temperature was one diploma too heat. That’s how exact, and cautious, this business is.
Crimson Rock Balloons exemplifies that very same dedication to security, and I’d belief them once more in a heartbeat.
👨✈️ Meet Mark, the Balloon Whisperer
Our pilot for the morning was Mark Stewart, one of many firm’s house owners. With over 30 years of ballooning expertise, Mark was not solely educated and calm, but in addition genuinely humorous, the form of pilot who makes each passenger really feel relaxed.
We have been the primary of 4 balloons to take off that morning. As we floated over Sedona’s beautiful panorama, Mark was consistently in communication with the opposite balloon pilots, offering updates on wind speeds, elevation, and circumstances. It was clear that he wasn’t simply flying—he was studying the sky.
Watching him work, I couldn’t assist however consider him as a form of balloon whisperer.
🌄 The Sedona Sizzling Air Balloon Journey Expertise from Above
Floating above Sedona in a scorching air balloon is a type of surreal experiences that etches itself into your reminiscence. Because the solar rises, it casts golden mild throughout the pink rock formations, revealing shadows and textures you merely can’t recognize from the bottom.
We hovered close to cliff edges, skimmed the tops of buttes, and gazed down at infinite desert brush and winding trails. It was quiet, spacious, and fantastically nonetheless—a perspective of Sedona that few get to witness.
If you happen to’re constructing your itinerary and questioning about the very best issues to do in Sedona, this must be on the very prime of the checklist.
🥂 A Toast to the Sky
After a easy and nearly imperceptible touchdown, the sort that makes you surprise should you’ve truly touched down, the crew pack up the balloon earlier than taking us on a brief drive to satisfy up with the opposite teams.
There, surrounded by morning solar and smiling strangers-now-friends, we raised our glasses for the normal champagne toast (in our case it was mimosas). It was a becoming near an unforgettable journey and a small celebration of every part ballooning represents: surprise, exploration, and just a little bit of caprice.
✨ Remaining Ideas on Ballooning in Sedona
There are numerous methods to expertise the great thing about Sedona, climbing, jeep excursions, scenic drives and extra, however none of them evaluate to silently drifting above all of it because the solar climbs over the horizon.
The Sedona scorching air balloon trip with Crimson Rock Balloons was simply some of the extraordinary issues I’ve executed in Sedona.
So should you’re planning a visit and searching for essentially the most memorable issues to do in Sedona—I can’t advocate this expertise sufficient. Make sure to click on the previous hyperlink to learn an article and watch a video on another implausible issues to do in Sedona. I’ve additionally create a complete Sedona Itinerary that embrace every part it is advisable to learn about visiting.
Be affected person with the climate, it’s well worth the wait. When you have any questions on a Sedona scorching air balloon trip, depart a remark beneath. So, till subsequent time, we’ll see ya on the highway…